Beyond the Scale: What the New Obesity Drugs Mean for Public Health

Lisette Marie

The Role in Treating Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Minimalist graphic illustration of the female reproductive system in shades of pink on a white background. Photo Credit: Pexels @Nadezhda Moryak

Beyond their primary use for obesity and diabetes, GLP-1 agonists show significant promise in treating Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). This common hormonal disorder is closely linked to insulin resistance and weight gain. These drugs, by improving insulin sensitivity, can help regulate menstrual cycles, reduce testosterone levels, and aid in weight loss for women with PCOS. This can lead to improved fertility and a reduction in other challenging symptoms. This off-label use is already being explored by endocrinologists and may provide a new, effective treatment pathway for millions of women worldwide.

Potential for Addiction and Behavioral Health

Person working from home in a modern dining room setup with laptop and snacks on the table. Photo Credit: Pexels @Pavel Danilyuk

The ability of these drugs to curb appetite and reduce cravings has led to an interesting side effect: a reduction in addictive behaviors. Anecdotal evidence and some early studies suggest that these medications may help individuals with substance abuse issues or addictive behaviors like compulsive gambling or shopping. By targeting the same reward pathways in the brain that are activated by food, these drugs may also reduce the drive for other addictive substances and behaviors. This is a fascinating area of research that could broaden the therapeutic applications of these medications far beyond obesity.

BACK

(8 of 11)

<div class="ads ads-1 collapse-container group-display-adsense unit-2024-desktop-rail-336x600-long zone-slideshow-desktop-rail-bottom">
<script async src="https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-6736552601239305"
     crossorigin="anonymous"></script>

<ins class="adsbygoogle"
     style="display:inline-block;width:300px;height:600px"
     data-ad-client="ca-pub-6736552601239305"
     data-ad-slot="7087745678"></ins>
<script>
     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
</script>
<script>
  addBlurHandler('sdr-bottom', function (el, zone) {
    if (cf_utm_source === 'bing') {
        uetqApi('outbound_click', {
            'event_category': 'PPC',
            'event_label': 'Adsense',
            'event_value': '1'
        });
        console.log('Fired bing.');
    }
	
	if (cf_utm_source === 'google') {
		gtag('event', 'conversion', {
			'send_to': 'AW-17008664059/yUYKCMCtl7kaEPu7rq4_',
			'value': 0.0,
			'currency': 'USD'
		});
    	console.log('Fired Google Conversion.');
	}
	
    console.log('Fired pixel.');
});
</script>
</div>

OpenAI Playground 2025-05-13 at 10.55.45.png

<div class="ads ads-1 collapse-container group-display-adsense unit-2024-desktop-rail-336x280-sticky zone-slideshow-desktop-rail-sticky">
<script async src="https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-6736552601239305"
     crossorigin="anonymous"></script>

<ins class="adsbygoogle"
     style="display:inline-block;width:300px;height:280px"
     data-ad-client="ca-pub-6736552601239305"
     data-ad-slot="9869999824"></ins>
<script>
     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
</script>
<script>
  addBlurHandler('sdr-sticky', function (el, zone) {
    if (cf_utm_source === 'bing') {
        uetqApi('outbound_click', {
            'event_category': 'PPC',
            'event_label': 'Adsense',
            'event_value': '1'
        });
        console.log('Fired bing.');
    }
	
	if (cf_utm_source === 'google') {
	  gtag('event', 'conversion', {
		'send_to': 'AW-17008664059/yUYKCMCtl7kaEPu7rq4_',
		'value': 0.0,
		'currency': 'USD'
	  });
	  console.log('Fired Google Conversion.');
  	}

console.log('Fired pixel.');
});
</script>
</div>

The Role in Treating Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Potential for Addiction and Behavioral Health

MORE FROM HealthPrep