A new study from The Lancet revealed that three-quarters of U.S. adults and almost half of teens are now overweight or obese. Weight loss drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro, known as GLP-1 drugs, have been making headlines as effective treatments that are in high demand. But should they be available to anyone who wants them or only when medically indicated?   

Those who believe they should be broadly available say they can increase self-esteem and are an important tool for those unable to lose weight through lifestyle changes alone. They also say they may reduce the risks of diabetes, heart disease, and joint issues and point to new research that suggests the drugs might help with improving cardiovascular and brain health and reduce the risk of conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease.

Others argue that weight loss drugs are not right for everyone and caution against liberal access, citing both known side effects and unknown long-term effects. They also worry about what could happen if people take them without medical supervision and raise equity issues, given the high cost of the drugs. 

With this background, we debate whether prescription weight loss drugs should be available for all.