The controversy surrounding Hims & Hers' upcoming Super Bowl advertisement for compounded weight-loss drugs highlights the complexities of weight management in the United States, according to obesity experts from Northwestern University. Drs. Justin Ryder and Veronica Johnson have weighed in on the issue, emphasizing both the risks involved and the broader context of insurance coverage challenges.
Dr. Justin Ryder, an associate professor at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, commented on the situation: “Yes, these drugs provide some level of risk, but I think this speaks to the desperation and larger insurance-coverage issues.” He further noted that "these companies are preying on you, but we live in a capitalistic society."
Ryder explained that compounded versions of GLP-1-based medications like semaglutide or tirzepetide attract individuals who want to lose weight but cannot afford FDA-approved versions due to lack of insurance coverage. “They’re offering them to people at rates that are high but still less than the full price of the FDA-approved versions,” he said.
Dr. Veronica Johnson added that this debate might soon be irrelevant as compounded medications are typically recommended only during supply shortages. “Neither of these may be available options as compounded medications are only recommended in these situations upon a supply shortage,” she stated. She pointed out that tirzepetide is no longer listed as being in short supply by the FDA, with semaglutide expected to follow suit.
Both experts expressed concerns about impurities and bacteria in compounded GLP-1-based medications. Ryder remarked: “These drugs are not coming from a regulated manufacturer, so you don’t know who the manufacturer is, and the level of scrutiny in terms of practices compared to places that produce the FDA-approved medications is markedly different.”
Johnson highlighted additional risks: “We don’t have any idea of potency and efficacy of these drugs,” she said. “We also don’t have any safety data. There are some reports that these may be marketed and not even been the advertised products."
For further insights into GLP-1-based medications or interviews with Drs. Ryder and Johnson, contact Kristin Samuelson at ksamuelson@northwestern.edu.