Beyond the Scale: The Ozempic Effect

Drugwatch.com
  • 5.0 (4)
  • MEDICINE
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

First identified in the 1970s, GLP-1 medications have shaped diabetes treatments. But in recent years, the use of these drugs to help with weight loss has been revolutionary while also raising questions on safety. In Beyond the Scale: The Ozempic Effect, hosts Terry Turner and Christian Simmons share in-depth research and insight from experts to reveal how GLP-1 drugs are shaping health, economics, policy and beyond.

Episodes

  1. SEP 4

    Bonus Episode: Health Concerns Emerge for Saxenda, Victoza

    In this special bonus episode, hosts Terry Turner and Christian Simmons revisit the topic of GLP-1 drugs to dive into emerging health concerns for Saxenda and Victoza. New research has uncovered a potential link between liraglutide, the active ingredient in those drugs, and permanent vision loss. To better understand the impact of this issue, Terry and Christian once again speak with attorney Danielle Gold from Weitz & Luxenberg, who is working on vision loss cases involving GLP-1s.Learn more at ⁠Drugwatch.com⁠.

    6 min

  2. JUL 24

    Episode 6: The Future of GLP-1 Drugs

    GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy have reshaped how we treat obesity and diabetes — but what’s on the horizon? In this final episode of Beyond the Scale: The Ozempic Effect, hosts Terry Turner and Christian Simmons explore the future of these groundbreaking medications through insights from top experts.  Dr. William Hsu discusses the possibility of diabetes remission without lifelong medications. Dr. Elizabeth Van Dril sees GLP-1s becoming standard care, while Dr. Ashley Dwyer warns about disordered eating habits.  Dr. Lauren Cunningham emphasizes the importance of metabolic health over numbers on a scale. Rob Andrews explains how Medicare must adopt value-based pricing to ensure cost-effective access. And Dr. Steve Boyd warns that, unless we fix the healthcare system, the GLP-1 surge may not be sustainable.  Whether you’re taking these drugs, considering them, or just following the conversation, this episode offers essential insights into what lies ahead. Learn more at Drugwatch.com.

    14 min

  3. JUL 17

    Episode 5: Side Effects and Lawsuits of GLP-1 Drugs

    In this revealing episode, hosts Terry Turner and Christian Simmons dive into the side effects and emerging lawsuits surrounding popular GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro. Clinical pharmacist Dr. Lauren Cunningham breaks down how these medications work, their common side effects and when patients should be cautious. Health coach and former pharmacist Dr. Ashley Dwyer shares practical advice for managing side effects and preventing weight regain. The episode also features attorney Danielle Gold from Weitz & Luxenberg, who is helping lead lawsuits claiming Novo Nordisk failed to warn users about serious risks, including stomach paralysis and NAION — a rare, irreversible vision loss condition. As GLP-1 medication use rises dramatically, this episode explores the health risks, legal battles and what patients should know before starting these medications. Learn more at Drugwatch.com.

    22 min

  4. JUL 10

    Episode 4: Off-Label Use and Compounded GLP-1 Drugs

    In Episode 4 of Beyond the Scale: The Ozempic Effect, hosts Terry Turner and Christian Simmons investigate the growing off-label use of GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro — especially among people without diabetes.  As demand surges, so does the use of cheaper, unregulated compounded versions sold through telehealth and med spas. Metabolic health expert Dr. Matt Chalmers explains who should — and shouldn’t — be taking these powerful medications. Clinical pharmacist Dr. Elizabeth Van Dril breaks down what off-label prescribing really means and when it can be dangerous.  Rob Andrews, former Congressman and now CEO of the Health Transformation Alliance, raises alarms about the FDA’s limited oversight of compounding pharmacies. With stricter federal rules now in place, are patients any safer? And what risks still remain? This episode explores how access can outpace oversight — and why that’s a dangerous mix with drugs as potent as GLP-1s. Learn more at Drugwatch.com.

    14 min

  5. JUL 3

    Episode 3: Cost and Access

    In this episode of Beyond the Scale: The Ozempic Effect, hosts Terry Turner and Christian Simmons explore the high cost of GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy — and why many Americans still can’t afford them.  Former Congressman Robert Andrews, a key architect of the Affordable Care Act and now CEO of the Health Transformation Alliance, explains why these medications remain so expensive and what it would take to bring prices down.  Pharmacist and Liviniti co-founder Dr. Steven Boyd takes listeners behind the scenes of the drug pricing system, shedding light on the role pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) play in driving up costs — and how employers are pushing back to make coverage more transparent and affordable.  Clinical pharmacist Dr. Elizabeth Van Dril returns to discuss the risks of compounded GLP-1 drugs, often sold at lower prices but without FDA approval or consistent quality. If you’re wondering who gets access to these life-changing medications — and why — this episode breaks it down. Learn more at Drugwatch.com.

    13 min

  6. JUN 26

    Episode 2: How GLP-1 Medications Work

    In this episode of Beyond the Scale: The Ozempic Effect, hosts Terry Turner and Christian Simmons break down how GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro work inside the body. These medications do more than suppress appetite — they change digestion, regulate blood sugar and even influence fat metabolism.  Clinical pharmacist Dr. Elizabeth Van Dril explains why these drugs are considered a breakthrough for people with and without diabetes. Diabetes expert Dr. William Hsu delves into the unique mechanisms of action, while metabolic health specialist Dr. Matt Chalmers examines how these medications aid the body in burning fat more efficiently. Finally, pharmacist-turned-nutrition and fitness coach Dr. Ashley Dwyer explains why these drugs aren’t a quick fix and must be paired with long-term lifestyle changes. This episode uncovers the science behind GLP-1s — and what it takes to make them work for lasting results. Learn more at Drugwatch.com

    11 min

  7. JUN 19

    Episode 1: The Rise of Ozempic

    Where did drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro come from? In this premiere episode of Beyond the Scale: The Ozempic Effect, hosts Terry Turner and Christian Simmons trace the surprising origins of GLP-1 medications — from a hormone found in Gila monster venom to one of the most talked-about drug classes in the world.  Joined by clinical pharmacists Dr. Lauren Cunningham and Dr. Elizabeth Van Dril, they explore how GLP-1 drugs revolutionized diabetes treatment and reshaped the way we manage obesity. Dr. William Hsu, a former Harvard diabetes expert, explains why GLP-1s were a game changer. And Dr. Ashley Dwyer, a fitness coach and former pharmacist, offers a cautionary take on the social media frenzy and side effects driving headlines.  Discover the science, history and unexpected rise of these powerful medications and how they’re changing lives and stirring controversy. Learn more about Ozempic at Drugwatch.com.

    11 min
  • 7 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

First identified in the 1970s, GLP-1 medications have shaped diabetes treatments. But in recent years, the use of these drugs to help with weight loss has been revolutionary while also raising questions on safety. In Beyond the Scale: The Ozempic Effect, hosts Terry Turner and Christian Simmons share in-depth research and insight from experts to reveal how GLP-1 drugs are shaping health, economics, policy and beyond.

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