About this episode
This week on Fat Science , Dr. Emily Cooper, Mark Wright, and Andrea Taylor unpack the biggest GLP-1 headlines from around the world—from the World Health Organization’s first-ever GLP-1 obesity guidelines to access battles, brain research, and the coming wave of generics and new meds. Dr. Cooper explains what the WHO’s move really means for patients, why long-term treatment matters, and how policy decisions in places like California and India could reshape who actually benefits from these breakthroughs. This isn’t hype—it’s metabolic medicine, health-system reality, and grounded hope. Key Questions Answered Why is the WHO’s new guidance on GLP-1s for obesity such a historic turning point? What does it mean to treat obesity as a chronic, relapsing disease—not a willpower problem? Why do GLP-1s usually need to be taken long term, and how is that similar to blood pressure or cholesterol meds? How should GLP-1s be paired with metabolic care—fueling, sleep, movement, and real clinical oversight? What did the “stone cold negative” Alzheimer’s trials show—and why are addiction trials still promising? How could India’s launch of Ozempic and future generics impact global pricing and access? What new GLP-1 and metabolic drugs are on the horizon (like orforglipron, higher-dose oral semaglutide, and GLP-1/amylin combos)? Key Takeaways WHO is catching up to the science. Obesity is affirmed as a chronic, relapsing disease that deserves pharmacologic treatment—not “eat less, move more” lectures or moral judgment. Long-term meds are the rule, not the exception. Stopping GLP-1s usually leads to weight and risk factors returning, just like stopping blood-pressure meds. That’s physiology, not failure. Behavior ≠ blame. WHO calls for pairing GLP-1s with “behavioral” care—but Dr. Cooper reframes this around fueling , sleep, and supported habits, not deprivation or diet culture. Access is the battleground. Even as WHO elevates GLP-1s, programs like California’s Medi-Cal are cutting coverage for obesity, a move Dr. Cooper calls penny-wise and pound-foolish given the downstream costs of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Brain outcomes are nuanced. Large oral semaglutide trials failed to slow Alzheimer’s, but GLP-1s (and other obesity meds) still show promise for addiction by modulating reward pathways and the “internal drug factory” (POMC). Global markets are shifting. India’s huge population, looming Ozempic patent expirations, and emerging generics could eventually drive prices down—especially as more manufacturers compete. New meds may expand options. Orforglipron (a small-molecule oral GLP-1), higher-dose oral semaglutide, and a weekly GLP-1/amylin combo could bring more flexible, powerful, and potentially more affordable tools. Dr. Cooper’s Actionable Tips Think of obesity treatment like any chronic disease: long-term, medical, and individualized—not a short-term “diet.” If you’re using a GLP-1, pair it with real metabolic care: consistent fueling (not under-eating), good sleep, and appropriately fueled exercise. Be cautious with “cheap” or unsanctioned online GLP-1 options—especially if you’re being squeezed out of coverage. Safety and oversight matter. Remember there are other evidence-based obesity meds beyond GLP-1s; if you can’t tolerate or access one class, ask your clinician about alternatives. Notable Quote “Your metabolism is a lifelong issue. It’s not a headache.” — Andrea Taylor Links & Resources Podcast Home: Fat Science Podcast Website – https://fatsciencepodcast.com/ Cooper Center for Metabolism & Fat Science Episodes: https://coopermetabolic.com/podcast/ Resources and education from Dr. Cooper: https://coopermetabolic.com/resources/ Submit a Show Question: questions@fatsciencepodcast.com Dr. Cooper direct show email: dr.c@fatsciencepodcast.com *Fat Science is your source for breaking diet myths and advancing the science of true metabolic health. No diets, no agendas—just science that makes you feel better.