The Excerpt SPECIAL | Why Americans are making homegrown GLP-1s
Oct 15, 2025
Nicole Fallert, a USA TODAY Wellness reporter, delves into the alarming trend of Americans creating their own unregulated GLP-1 drugs. She discusses the motivations driving this underground market, including high costs and limited supply. Fallert highlights medical risks associated with homemade drugs, such as contamination and unknown side effects. The conversation also touches on the visibility of the gray market on social media and the interplay between misinformation and informed risk-taking. Nicole warns that this shadow market might persist unless major changes in regulation and access occur.
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Cost And Access Drive The Gray Market
- High costs and limited insurance access are major drivers pushing people to gray GLP-1s.
- Demand, supply shortages and desire for maintenance options amplify the underground market.
Mom Turns To Gray GLP-1s To Afford Treatment
- A mother in Alabama couldn't get insurance coverage and faced thousands in yearly costs to continue GLP-1 therapy.
- She turned to gray GLP-1s to maintain weight loss because insured access was blocked.
GLP-1s Fill Multiple Health Needs
- GLP-1s treat more than weight: people report benefits for PCOS, energy and mental health.
- That broader therapeutic appeal increases demand and pressures pricing and regulation.