Brendan O'Connor "Obesity stigma is rising due to new weight-loss drugs" - Prof. Donal O'Shea
Nov 15, 2025
Professor Donal O'Shea, an endocrinologist and HSE National Clinical Lead for Obesity, dives into the societal implications of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs. He discusses the increasing stigma around obesity fueled by the casual use of these medications by those without clinical need. Donal reveals the dangers of online prescribing and unregulated drugs being promoted on social media. He also addresses potential long-term health risks and the cultural pressure for unrealistic body ideals. Cautious optimism is advised as we explore the future of these treatments.
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Treatment Narrative Has Been Hijacked
- Semaglutide treatments have been hijacked by lifestyle use rather than focusing on treating chronic obesity.
- Donal O’Shea warns this widespread non-clinical use increases stigma instead of de-stigmatizing obesity.
Six Online Offers On The Way In
- Donal O’Shea described getting six online offers for GLP drugs while researching pronunciations.
- He said most online purchases from legitimate foreign outlets are the real drug, not bootlegs.
Avoid Unassessed Compound Drugs
- Avoid sourcing experimental tri-receptor drugs from compounding pharmacies because safety data are incomplete.
- Donal O’Shea cautions that self-administering unassessed drugs is a massive health risk.