Reading Room
The reading room includes articles and videos of potential interest to consumers and medical professionals. The opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of the NC Medical Board, its members, and staff. Note: Some links may require registration or subscription.
Poll: 1 in 8 Adults Say They Are Currently Taking a GLP-1 Drug for Weight Loss, Diabetes or Another Condition
KFF
November 14, 2025
About one in eight adults (12%) say that they are currently taking a GLP-1 drug such as Ozempic or Wegovy either to lose weight or treat a chronic condition, an increase from 18 months ago, though the high costs of the medications remain a concern, a new KFF Health Tracking Poll finds.
Overall nearly one in five adults (18%) say at some point they have taken a GLP-1 drug, a class of medications used for weight loss and to treat diabetes, heart disease, and other chronic conditions.
Women are more likely than men to say they are currently taking GLP-1 drugs (15% vs. 9%). Across age groups, current GLP-1 use is highest among adults ages 50-64 (22%). Lower use among those ages 65 and older (9%) likely reflects Medicare’s lack of coverage for drugs prescribed specifically for weight loss.
Read More…7 common medications linked to disrupted gut microbiome
Medical News Today
November 1, 2025
A recent study has found that many prescription medications have a lasting impact on the gut microbiome, which can persist for several years. The study, published in the American Society for Microbiology’s Journal mSystems, found that, in addition to antibiotics, antidepressants, beta-blockers, stomach acid reducers, and anti-anxiety drugs, these substances could continue to disrupt the microbiome long after use.
