PBS News Hour - Full Show The promise of obesity drugs and their potential risks
Mar 13, 2026
Dr. Anna Lembke, addiction medicine expert at Stanford; Dr. Ziyad Al-Aly, pharmacoepidemiologist at Washington University; Dr. Rekha B. Kumar, endocrinologist at Weill Cornell/Found Health; and Dr. Jody Dushay, obesity specialist at Harvard/Beth Israel discuss GLP-1 drugs. They explore who should use them and how they change appetite and reward. Conversations cover access and cost, risks of unsupervised use, effects on addiction, and concerns about stopping treatment.
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GLP-1s Are Medical Treatments Not Cosmetic Shortcuts
- GLP-1s were designed for people with high BMI and metabolic comorbidities, not cosmetic weight loss.
- Jody Dushay and Rekha B. Kumar stress intended use includes diabetes, obesity with complications, and secondary prevention like fatty liver and sleep apnea.
Patients Describe A Mental Switch On GLP-1s
- Patients describe a mental "switch" where intrusive thoughts about food quiet and hunger returns to normal rhythm.
- Jody Dushay relays patients saying they finally feel full and stop constant snacking on smaller portions.
Check Insurance Because Coverage Has Suddenly Changed
- Expect major insurance coverage changes to affect access; verify benefits before planning treatment.
- Jody Dushay reports several insurers cut coverage as of January 1, 2026, leaving many indicated patients unable to afford GLP-1s.