The Rising Trend of GLP-1 Medications Among College Students

Increase in GLP-1 Medication Use Among Young Adults

GLP-1 medications, typically used for diabetes and weight loss, are gaining popularity among younger adults. Reports suggest these drugs are increasingly found on college campuses, particularly among students under 40, and most notably, young women.

A 2024 JAMA analysis highlights that 162,439 young adults aged 18 to 25 received at least one GLP-1 prescription in 2023, with women comprising 76.4% of patients. The Monitoring the Future survey of 2025 identified 2% of 8th, 10th, and 12th graders using these medications, either prescribed or otherwise.

GLP-1 Use in Sorority Recruitment

Elite university sororities are reportedly embracing GLP-1 weight-loss drugs. These drugs are becoming integral to competitive rush processes, according to a feature in The Cut titled “The Secret ‘Ozempidemic’ on Sorority Row.” Interviewed students share a pressure to achieve extreme thinness, driven by social media and peer competition.

Concerns Over GLP-1 Medications

Jay Campbell, known for his expertise in longevity and peptides, comments on how these drugs serve as a “cosmetic shortcut” despite their intended medical purpose. He stresses: “Young women see them as an aesthetic hack rather than a medical intervention.” He cautions against the superficial use, highlighting risks like muscle and lean mass loss.

“For many young women, thinness feels like the ticket to the best possible college experience.”

Potential Risks and Recommendations

Campbell warns of significant risks for healthy young adults using GLP-1 medications without properly considering the impact on body composition. Issues like “Ozempic face” or “Ozempic body” can arise, linked to rapid weight changes.

He provides five key steps for college students contemplating GLP-1:

1. Assess Medical Appropriateness: Determine if the medication is truly necessary. Avoid using it for conditions you don’t have.
2. Protect Muscular Health: Maintain muscle through adequate protein intake and resistance training. Neglecting this can lead to irreversible muscle tissue loss.
3. Understand Fertility Considerations: Be aware of potential reproductive effects. Avoid GLP-1 medications during pregnancy.
4. Mental Health Awareness: Discuss any mood changes with your prescriber, especially if facing mental health issues.
5. Recognize Long-Term Data Limits: Long-term effects in young adults are still unknown. Avoid treating these medications as lifestyle accessories.

Campbell emphasizes thorough evaluation by qualified healthcare providers to ensure safe and effective use of GLP-1 medications.

Fox News Digital contacted the National Panhellenic Conference and GLP-1 manufacturers for comments. Melissa Rudy, a senior health editor at Fox News Digital, contributed to this report.