Understanding Sexual Orientation

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The uptick in GLP-1 use among gay and bisexual men can increase pressures about idealized body types.

GLP-1 use can create belonging among those who use it, but it can also exclude non-users in harmful ways.

Therapy can be a good option for navigating the social and emotional dynamics of queer body image standards.

by Treena Orchard & Anthony Colonello

Few medications spark as much public attention as GLP-1s. Originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes, these medications are reshaping conversations about obesity, health, and body image standards. An estimated 30 million Americans are expected to be on a GLP-1 by 2030, while a recent Canadian survey suggests that approximately 3 million Canadians are currently taking a GLP-1 like Ozempic or Mounjaro. The Canadian findings may also indicate a broader lifestyle shift among consumers – people taking GLP-1s are spending less on “going out” and are investing more in groceries and personal leisure.

The ripple effects of this medicalized weight loss phenomenon are becoming difficult to ignore. With celebrities such as Meghan Trainor, Rebel Wilson, and Sharon Osbourne publicly sharing their GLP-1 experiences, these drugs have become part of our current zeitgeist regarding health and beauty standards. The rise of........

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