GLP-1 Medications: Science, Safety, and Why MLMs and Influencers Are Dangerous
Over the past few years, GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro have become a hot topic. Originally developed to help people with type 2 diabetes, they are now also prescribed for obesity and weight management. These medications are powerful tools when used correctly under medical supervision.
At the same time, a wave of MLM reps and influencers have flooded social media, spreading misinformation, pushing fake “alternatives,” and even admitting that the results they once credited to their supplement lines or diet programs were actually from being on a GLP-1 drug all along.
As a fitness and nutrition coach who works alongside medical professionals, my goal here is to give you clear, straightforward knowledge about what GLP-1 medications are, what they are meant for, and how to spot misleading marketing that exists only to profit off people’s health struggles.
What GLP-1 Is in the Body
GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) is a hormone naturally produced in the gut in response to food. It plays a key role in metabolic regulation and energy balance.
Regulating appetite and satiety by signaling fullness to the brain
Managing blood sugar by stimulating insulin release and suppressing glucagon
Slowing gastric emptying to help control post-meal glucose and appetite
Supporting cardiovascular health by improving heart function and regulating blood pressure
Influencing fat metabolism by affecting how the body stores and uses fat
Possible neuroprotective effects based on emerging research suggesting brain and cognitive benefits
In people with type 2 diabetes, obesity, or metabolic conditions, the natural GLP-1 response may be impaired. That’s where medications can help.
What GLP-1 Medications Actually Do
GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, Victoza, Byetta, Mounjaro, and Rybelsus are synthetic versions of the hormone. They mimic or amplify GLP-1’s effects in the body:
Reduce hunger and increase fullness
Improve insulin response and prevent blood sugar spikes
Slow digestion to regulate appetite and glucose
Support weight management when paired with lifestyle changes
Reduce cardiovascular risks in some patients
These medications stay active longer than natural GLP-1, giving consistent support for glucose and appetite control. But they must be prescribed and monitored by a medical professional, since dosing and side effects vary. They are tools to manage a medical condition, not lifestyle hacks or quick fixes.
Doctor discussing GLP-1 medication and lifestyle changes with patient during consultation.
GLP-1s Are Prescribed For
Type 2 diabetes – regulate blood sugar and insulin
Obesity or overweight with comorbidities – under medical supervision
Cardiovascular risk reduction – reduce risk of heart attack or stroke in some patients
Prediabetes or metabolic syndrome – prevent progression to type 2 diabetes
Other endocrine-related conditions – sometimes for disorders affecting appetite or glucose metabolism
These medications work best as part of a comprehensive plan including nutrition, movement, sleep, and stress management. They are tools for managing chronic conditions, not lifestyle shortcuts.
What GLP-1s Are Not
Not a supplement you can order online
Not a “detox” or “fat-burning” powder sold by MLM reps
Not something to microdose at home
Not a magic bullet for weight loss
Possible Side Effects
Like any medication, GLP-1s can cause side effects. Not everyone experiences side effects, and many improve with time. This is why medical supervision is critical.
Common:
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation
Reduced appetite (sometimes too much)
Mild low blood sugar (especially with other diabetes medications)
Injection site reactions
Less common but serious:
Pancreatitis
Gallbladder issues
Kidney complications from dehydration
Thyroid tumors (observed in rodent studies and still under investigation in humans)
This is a non-exhaustive list. If you want learn more about the potential risks and side effects, read more HERE.
Diagram of the social determinants of health, highlighting how education, income, environment, genetics, and social support networks influence overall wellbeing.
Accessibility and Cost
In the U.S., list prices for GLP-1 drugs can range from $936 to $1,349 per month before insurance coverage, rebates, or coupons. Most insured adults who have taken GLP-1s say their insurance covered at least part of the cost, but affordability remains a barrier:
57% of insured adults who have taken GLP-1s say their insurance covered part of the cost and they paid the rest
24% say their insurance covered the full cost
19% say they had to pay the full cost out of pocket
Even with insurance, about half of adults who have taken GLP-1s say it was somewhat or very difficult to afford them.
This gap is exactly what MLM reps and influencers exploit. They prey on people who feel shut out of the healthcare system by offering “hacks” or selling unregulated powders and pills as if they are cheaper, safer alternatives. They position themselves as the solution when, in reality, they are adding financial strain and spreading dangerous misinformation.
Source: KFF Health Tracking Poll May 2024: The Public’s Use and Views of GLP-1 Drugs
The Problem with MLMs and Influencers
MLM companies and social media influencers are turning serious prescription medications into profit schemes, and their tactics are predatory.
They:
Sell unregulated “GLP-1 alternatives” – for example, Make Wellness promotes "bio-precision peptides” as an alternative to GLP-1s, and Innosups markets “Inno Shred GLP-1”, which contains 2083% of the daily value of vitamin B12 and 250mg of caffeine. These products are not regulated, lack scientific evidence, and do not replicate the effects of prescription GLP-1s.
The people promoting these products have even been caught using old before-and-after photos from previous MLMs, falsely claiming the results came from their current supplements. If you really want to spend money on that, similar products can already be found at GNC, but with grocery and living costs rising, it’s hard to justify investing in supplements that have no evidence and are marketed through deception.
Encourage unsafe use or microdosing – some affiliates and influencers openly share their personal GLP-1 micro-dosing routines, often while promoting affiliate codes for profit. Followers are encouraged to experiment without medical supervision, which is dangerous.
Exploit vulnerability and desperation – people seeking GLP-1s are often navigating chronic conditions, weight issues, or metabolic challenges. MLM reps, affiliates, and influencers capitalize on this frustration by offering “solutions” that prey on emotions rather than evidence-based medicine.
Mislead followers about results – some influencers have admitted that the dramatic transformations they once credited to their supplements, workouts, or diet plans were actually due to being on a GLP-1 medication. Conveniently, they now monetize this by sharing promo codes for the same prescription they used, profiting off their own prior misrepresentation.
Profit twice from misinformation – first by selling ineffective or unnecessary products, then by promoting prescription medications for affiliate commissions. Followers end up spending both money and trust on ineffective or risky options.
Position themselves as authorities – they present themselves as knowledgeable in medical and wellness topics, even though they have no formal qualifications. This can lead followers to trust them over healthcare professionals.
Blur the line between entertainment and medical advice – social media platforms reward engagement, not accuracy. Influencers package medical content as lifestyle entertainment, making it appear safe, casual, or aspirational.
With rising grocery and living costs, many people are already stretched thin financially. MLMs and influencers exploit this reality, presenting expensive, ineffective supplements or code-based promotions as a quick fix, while real access to medically necessary GLP-1s remains limited and costly.
Why All This Matters
GLP-1 medications are medical tools, not products for MLM profit or influencer schemes. Do not fall for discount codes, shady links, MLM powders, or influencer microdosing advice.
As a fitness and nutrition coach, my role is not to sell shortcuts or gimmicks. It is to support real behavior change and help people build sustainable habits around nutrition, movement, sleep, and stress management. Medications like GLP-1s can be a valuable tool when prescribed and monitored by a doctor, but they are only one piece of the puzzle.
If you take away one thing, let it be this: your health should never be treated as a sales opportunity. Science, safety, and long-term well-being come first.
