To GLP or Not To GLP: How to Navigate the Noise

By: Dr. Shelly Kocher, MD, FACOG, Red Mountain’s Chief Clinical Officer.

GLP-1 medications are the talk of the town—featured in news outlets, trending on social media, and even sparking debates at dinner tables. With influential voices weighing in, you might be feeling a bit overwhelmed by the conflicting opinions surrounding these drugs. Two prominent figures—Elon Musk and Robert F. Kennedy Jr.—have very different takes on GLP medications, particularly when it comes to obesity and public health. So, what’s the truth? And how can you make sense of it all?

Elon Musk’s Enthusiasm for GLPs: A Silver Bullet for American Health?

In a recent post on X (formerly Twitter), Elon Musk stated, “Nothing would do more to improve the health, lifespan, and quality of life for Americans than making [GLP-1 drugs] super low cost to the public. Nothing else is even close.”

Bold, right? If you’re thinking, “Great, I can finally take a magic pill and eat whatever I want!” hold on for a second. Let’s take a closer look at his statement.

Musk’s position stems from the potential GLP-1 medications have shown. The drugs, used primarily for weight loss and diabetes management, can help people lose weight, improve their metabolic health, and even reduce the risk of chronic diseases tied to obesity. 

For Musk, making GLPs affordable and accessible could be a game-changer for public health. He believes that lowering their cost would empower Americans to fight obesity and live longer, healthier lives.

RFK Jr.’s Perspective: A Return to Healthier Living and Food Policy Reform

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. offers a very different view. He’s an outspoken critic of what he sees as the growing over-reliance on pharmaceuticals, GLP medications included. Instead, RFK Jr. argues that the obesity epidemic stems from deeper issues—our food system.

He believes that if we eliminate the toxins in our food, cut out ultra-processed foods, and adopt healthier lifestyles, the obesity epidemic would resolve itself almost overnight. RFK Jr. has been a long-time advocate for clean food and nutrition, often calling out food manufacturers that use harmful additives and excess sugar. 

He’s also skeptical about the influence of corporate interests in health-related industries, including pharmaceuticals, which leads him to question the widespread use of medications like GLP-1s.

While Kennedy’s perspective is valid—especially when it comes to the long-term benefits of a clean diet and active lifestyle—it’s perhaps a bit idealistic to assume that these changes could solve the obesity epidemic overnight. 

The reality is that while healthier foods are available in the U.S., many people face significant barriers in accessing or choosing them. Financial constraints, lack of education, and an environment saturated with convenience foods all contribute to the obesity crisis. That’s where GLPs can play an important role.

Can We Solve the Obesity Crisis with Better Food Choices?

RFK Jr.’s concerns about the harmful impact of processed foods are valid. The scientific community agrees that overconsumption of ultra-processed foods—high in sugar, unhealthy fats, preservatives, and food dyes—contributes to obesity and related diseases. However, the idea that the obesity crisis could be solved solely by cleaning up our food supply and promoting exercise is overly simplistic.

As RFK Jr. notes, food manufacturers and agencies like the FDA play a role in enabling unhealthy eating habits. While eliminating toxins and improving food quality could enhance public health, many people still struggle to make healthier choices due to limited time, resources, or access to fresh food. Even if all processed foods disappeared, ingrained behavioral and psychological factors driving overeating would remain.

That’s where medications like GLPs come in. Used since 2005, GLPs help people lose weight and improve metabolic health by:

• Making you feel full faster by slowing digestion.
• Reducing cravings and curbing mindless snacking.
• Regulating insulin and glucose, improving energy and reducing fat storage.

In other words, GLPs bridge the gap between knowing what’s healthy and actually making it happen.

A Healthier Future with GLPs?

Here’s where things get interesting. In the past year, the obesity rate in the U.S. saw a slight dip—down from 46% in 2022 to 45.6% in 2023. While this is a small reduction, it’s the first decrease in obesity rates since 2013. Could the increasing use of GLP medications be partially responsible for this change? If this trend continues, it might be a sign that these drugs are starting to make an impact.

Elon Musk, known for bold predictions and disruptive technologies, is optimistic about the role GLPs can play in transforming American health. He highlights their potential to lower obesity rates and enhance public health, especially as access expands.

Finding Common Ground: A Multifaceted Approach to Health

Both Musk and RFK Jr. make valid points. Musk champions GLPs as a way to tackle obesity now, while RFK Jr. pushes for long-term fixes like better food policies and healthier lifestyles. The truth? It’s not an either-or situation.

Improving our diets, staying active, and prioritizing sleep are critical. But for many, those changes aren’t enough on their own. GLPs offer an extra tool—one that can help people get started and stay on track while we work toward systemic change.

Conclusion: The Future of GLPs in American Health

The debate between Elon Musk and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. highlights the tension between quick solutions, like medications, and long-term changes, such as improved food policies and healthier lifestyles. The reality is that both will likely be needed to address the U.S. obesity epidemic.

If you’re considering GLP medications for weight loss or metabolic health, reach out to Red Mountain Weight Loss® to find what works best for you. Whether you agree with Musk’s optimism or RFK Jr.’s caution, the key takeaway is the importance of being proactive—through diet, exercise, and, when needed, medications.

GLP medications show promise as part of the solution, but they’re not the whole answer. Achieving better health is a complex journey that requires staying informed, motivated, and balanced.