Weight loss medicines marketed at First Nations people: disease awareness or corporate profit?

Embargoed until: Publicly released: 2026-07-13 12:28

Australia; NSW; VIC

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With the growing popularity of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) - weight loss/diabetes drugs such as Ozempic and Wegovy - Aussie researchers suggest that pharmaceutical companies could be influencing perceptions of body image and medication policy without actually addressing the main issues being faced by First Nations people. The team say 'big pharma' has simultaneously boosted their marketing through disease-awareness campaigns, sponsored events, and telehealth, while prominently featuring women of colour, including First Nations women. The researchers wish to push for clinicians and policymakers to ensure their decisions stay free of influence from the pharmaceutical corporations.