The Super Bowl is about to get even more interesting, as Hims & Hers is set to run a thought-provoking ad on the obesity pandemic, weight loss drugs, and the pricey pharma industry. The ad is also facing criticism as it focuses on the brand’s GLP-1 solution but fails to address the concerns that come with this type of medication, such as muscle loss and bone loss. DEXA scans have shown that individuals on this type of medication lose muscle and bone in an accelerated way if they do not incorporate exercise, leading them to suffer long-term consequences.
Hims & Hers’ Super Bowl Ad
Super Bowl ads are attention-grabbing and an excellent way for a business to drive awareness. The Hims & Hers ad in question will run during the third quarter of the game and is likely to get a lot of attention from fans and viewers.
The ad itself is direct and to the point, talking about a pain point the entire world is facing. Recent statistics show that obesity is especially a concern in the United States. Obesity affects about 41.9% of adults in the country, and the statistics are even more alarming when you take overweight into the equation as well.
The ad stresses the fact that obesity has become a public health crisis in the United States. It then moves on to explain that medications used to address this problem are expensive. The ad goes on to criticize the U.S. healthcare system, explaining that it is developed for profits and not the patient.
During the closing moments of the one-minute ad, Hims & Hers promotes the alternative they’ve developed. Early in 2024, the company started distributing compounded GLP-1 drugs at a lower price than branded versions like Wegovy and Ozempic. They’ve since become well-known for their alternative, which promises the same benefits as the existing medication.
The Use of GLP-1 Medication for Weight Loss
Understanding how GLP-1 medication works is important when we take a closer look at the ad that Hims & Hers will air during the Super Bowl.
The GLP-1 agonists in the injection work in a similar way as the natural GLP-1 hormone found in your body. It binds to the GLP receptors, which can help cause the pancreas to produce a higher concentration of insulin once you’ve had some food.
The initial effect of this increased insulin release is to help reduce how much glucose remains circulating in your bloodstream. Furthermore, it’s effective in reducing the rate at which your stomach empties, which means you’ll feel full for longer.
GLP-1 also has an impact on the brain regions that are involved in satiety and hunger. It’s known to improve satiety.
The combined effects of GLP-1 help reduce caloric intake while improving blood glucose control. These are the main pathways by which the medication may help to provide faster weight loss compared to other solutions.
The Role of DEXA Scans In GLP-1 Treatment
While GLP-1 medications have shown potential in improving weight loss outcomes, there are some concerns. In particular, people who use this medication risk experiencing a loss of not only fat but also bone and muscle mass.
A reduction in muscle or lean mass in the body can be concerning. It causes physical weakness. Lean mass plays a significant role in several bodily processes and helps to provide support. When bone mass declines, it makes your bones and cartilage more fragile. This can increase the risk of fractures and other injuries. Evidence suggests that losing bone mass during a weight loss journey may increase the risk of certain chronic conditions.
DEXA scans can be a great addition to a weight loss program when GLP-1 medication is used. This type of full-body scan gives a comprehensive overview of the body’s composition. In addition to providing an overview of fat mass, a DEXA scan also offers a detailed look at the lean and bone mass.
Using a DEXA scan while on GLP-1 injections can help you better understand how your body composition is changing. This ensures you can monitor for a reduction in bone and lean mass and take the necessary measures to prevent complications.
Conclusion
With Hims & Hers getting ready to showcase their alternative to medications like Ozempic and Wegovy, the company is about to get significant coverage and exposure. While GLP-1 injections could be helpful, it’s important that patients understand the risks and adverse effects. Using DEXA scans can help monitor the potential for bone and muscle loss while using this medication.
References
https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/adult-obesity-facts/index.html
Author
Laila Zemrani
Bio
Laila is the Co-founder and CEO of Fitnescity.
She is an early adopter and advocate of personal health tracking. Her work on the topic has appeared in numerous media outlets and venues such as Stanford Medicine X, MIT, NYU, Harvard, Forbes, the United Nations, Future Healthcare Week and HyperWellbeing. She was named one of the top 18 female leaders in the NYC Tech Scene, a Legatum fellow in Entrepreneurial Leadership and a MasterCard Foundation fellow at MIT. Prior to Fitnescity, she was a founding employee at Dataxis, a global data analysis firm. Laila has an MBA from MIT Sloan. As an undergraduate, she studied engineering and management at Télécom ParisTech.
