WATCH: 4 things to know about GLP-1 branded supplements

Supplement manufacturers have capitalized on the explosive popularity of diabetes control and weight loss drugs such as Ozempic, Wegovy and Zepbound by flooding the market with their own pills, powders, drops and patches bearing “GLP-1” branding.

But experts say that while the efficacy of those supplements can vary, none are remotely as effective as the GLP-1 agonist medications semaglutide and tirzepatide, and the lack of regulatory oversight on those supplements makes it hard for consumers to know exactly what they are purchasing and using.

While pharmaceuticals released in the U.S. are legally required to undergo rigorous safety and efficacy testing and must be approved by the FDA, the same rules do not apply to supplements. And supplements can be sold directly through social media apps, with influencers using their platforms to advertise the products.

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