Should you take Ozempic? The 5 things you need to know before starting GLP-1 drugs | Dr Ania Jastreboff

In this episode of ZOE Science & Nutrition, host Tim Spector sits down with Dr. Ania Jastreboff, director of the Yale Obesity Research Center and a leading researcher in GLP-1 therapies, to explore the science, safety, and real-world implications of GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro. The conversation unpacks how these medications work by targeting the body's 'set point' for fat storage—resetting it through effects on the brain and multiple organs—rather than simply suppressing appetite. Dr. Jastreboff emphasizes that these are not weight-loss gimmicks but powerful treatments for a chronic disease, with benefits extending far beyond weight reduction, including dramatic improvements in heart health, diabetes prevention, liver function, and sleep apnea. She warns that stopping the drugs leads to weight regain and reversal of health gains, underscoring the need for long-term use. The episode also addresses misconceptions, such as the idea that GLP-1 drugs are 'natural' hormones, clarifying they are synthetic analogs. Crucially, she stresses that these drugs must be used under medical supervision, paired with healthy eating and exercise, and are not suitable for 'microdosing' by people without obesity. The discussion concludes with a strong call to prioritize science over social media hype and to treat these medications with the same seriousness as any other chronic disease therapy.