In the span of just a few years, semaglutide medications like Ozempic and Wegovy have burst onto the scene, promising dramatic weight loss for those struggling with obesity. But as these drugs surge in popularity, their effects are rippling out in unexpected ways, from the fashion world to the aviation industry. The implications are just beginning to emerge, hinting at a profound shift in how we live, look, and even fuel our economy.
The Return of the Waif
One of the most visible impacts has been in the fashion industry, where ultra-thin models are once again stalking the runways. At Berlin Fashion Week, one label even sent a model down the catwalk in an “I Heart Ozempic” T-shirt, thrusting the once-whispered conversation about models’ semaglutide use into the spotlight. As fashion commentator Caryn Franklin notes:
We seem to be going back to thin models. It feels like representation of average women was just a trend.
Hollywood Follows Suit
The pressure to be slim extends to Hollywood as well, where both rising starlets and established celebrities face immense pressure to fit into sample sizes. While a few, like Rebel Wilson and Amy Schumer, have openly discussed their semaglutide use, many keep their “skinny jab” habits under wraps. The speculation has sparked a new guessing game for fans on social media.
Savings and Secrecy
For average semaglutide users, the experience can be isolating. Many feel compelled to hide their use of the medications, even from close friends and family. As one user, Ellen, explains, “People are secretive because they’re ashamed of using this tool.” The drugs can also dramatically change one’s relationship with food, as Ellen discovered on a trip to New York:
We went to New York for a week and realized when we got there we’d made no dinner reservations. We’d get a pizza delivered and two pizzas would last us three days.
An Industry in Flux
These shifting appetites are sending shockwaves through the weight-loss industry. Semaglutide’s effectiveness is making traditional diet programs and retreats a tougher sell. Even WW (formerly Weight Watchers) has seen its shares plummet, despite offering its own “GLP-1 program” now. The food industry is also bracing for impact, with companies like Nestle already launching special product lines aimed at semaglutide users.
Economic Ripples
Perhaps most surprising are the projected economic effects of widespread semaglutide use. Analysts predict that slimmed-down passengers could save airlines millions in fuel costs. Denmark, home to Novo Nordisk (maker of Wegovy), has seen its economic fate tied to the company’s skyrocketing value. Even book sales in the diet and fitness category are plunging.
The Next Frontier
As semaglutide’s star rises, researchers are racing to understand its full potential. Early studies hint the medications could help treat addictions, protect against dementia, and even boost fertility. But concerns are also emerging about possible risks, from vision problems to mental health impacts for those who become reliant on the drugs.
With obesity costing the UK an estimated £100 billion per year, the promise of an effective medical solution is tantalizing. But as semaglutide rewrites the rules in field after field, from aviation to publishing to Hollywood, it’s clear we’re in uncharted territory. The triumph over obesity may be just the beginning of this drug’s epochal impact.
