Trump's New Term for Glp-1s Sparks Widespread Concern

WHO:

HuffPost - President Trump commonly refers to GLP-1 medications as "fat drugs" or "fat shots."

HuffPost - Dr. Eric Burnett, an internal medicine doctor at an academic medical center in New York.

HuffPost - Dr. Elizabeth Kazarian, a family and obesity medicine physician in Virginia.

HuffPost - Dr. Oni Blackstock, a primary care and HIV physician and founder of Health Justice.

HuffPost - Cindy Mello, a GLP-1 user.

HuffPost - Krysta Berning Nunn, a GLP-1 user.

HuffPost - Kelly Kuntz, a GLP-1 user.

HuffPost - Heather McClary Philpot, a GLP-1 user.

HuffPost - Jennifer J. Beard, a GLP-1 user.

HuffPost - Amanda Brown-Mini, a GLP-1 user.

WHAT:

HuffPost - 11% of American adults report taking GLP-1 medications, up from 3% in 2024, according to a Gallup poll.

HuffPost - GLP-1 medications are used to treat Type 2 diabetes, obesity, lower blood pressure, and decrease the risk of heart disease.

HuffPost - Dr. Eric Burnett stated that GLP-1s are "phenomenal medications" for various health issues.

HuffPost - Dr. Oni Blackstock mentioned that calling GLP-1s "fat drugs" reinforces the idea of obesity as a moral failing.

WHERE:

HuffPost - The opinions were gathered from GLP-1 users and medical professionals across the United States.

WHEN:

HuffPost - The increase in GLP-1 usage from 3% to 11% occurred between 2024 and the present.

WHY:

HuffPost - Concerns were raised that President Trump's terminology stigmatizes a community that faces unfair treatment.

HuffPost - Dr. Elizabeth Kazarian noted that Trump's language propagates stigma and shame towards individuals with obesity.

HOW:

HuffPost - Trump has referred to GLP-1 medications during briefings about lowering drug prices, using terms like "fat drugs" and "fat shots."

(UPDATED July 29, 2026 01:29 UTC)

President Trump has sparked controversy by referring to GLP-1 medications as "fat drugs" or "fat shots" during discussions about lowering drug prices, a term that some medical professionals believe stigmatizes individuals with obesity. According to a recent Gallup poll, the percentage of American adults using GLP-1 medications has risen significantly from 3% in 2024 to 11% now, as these drugs are recognized for their effectiveness in treating Type 2 diabetes, obesity, and other health issues. Medical experts, including Dr. Eric Burnett and Dr. Elizabeth Kazarian, emphasize that such language can reinforce harmful stereotypes and shame surrounding obesity, highlighting the need for more compassionate dialogue.