In recent years, cardiologists and diabetes specialists have been noticing a shift among their colleagues – many are now significantly thinner. The use of new obesity drugs like Wegovy and Zepbound has become increasingly common, with some doctors reporting weight loss of up to 30% or more. Dr. C. Michael Gibson, a cardiologist at Harvard Medical School, says he can no longer recognize his colleagues due to their rapid weight loss.
While there are no official statistics on the percentage of doctors taking these medications, Dr. Robert Califf notes that physicians who have seen promising results in clinical trials are often eager to try new treatments. The use of obesity drugs has been likened to the early adoption of statins, which lowered cholesterol levels and became widely used.
Dr. Darren McGuire, a cardiologist at the University of Texas Southwestern, credits Ozempic with helping him lose 30% of his weight and control his Type 2 diabetes. Dr. John Buse, another prominent diabetes specialist, has also seen significant weight loss and improved health on Wegovy, which eliminated his desire to drink alcohol.
However, some doctors are still hesitant to admit their use of these medications due to concerns about privacy and the stigma associated with using weight-loss drugs. Despite this, many have found that these medications have changed their lives for the better, allowing them to maintain a healthy weight without sacrificing their appetite or overall quality of life.
The increasing availability and affordability of obesity drugs have also played a role in their popularity among doctors. With prices reduced through manufacturer assistance, more physicians are now able to access these medications and experience the benefits for themselves.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/10/health/doctors-ozempic-weight-loss.html