- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Provo Today
By the People, for the People
Super Bowl Ads Highlight Surge in Weight Loss Drug Promotion
Telehealth companies and pharma firms go all-in on marketing GLP-1 medications for obesity
Published on Feb. 10, 2026
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
This year's Super Bowl commercials reflected a major inflection point in the direct-to-consumer marketing of weight loss drugs in the U.S. Two ads prominently featured GLP-1 medications as the main product being promoted, while a third mentioned the drugs alongside other healthcare offerings. The ads, featuring celebrities like Serena Williams and Kenan Thompson, highlight the growing popularity of these obesity treatments and the efforts by companies to drive awareness and uptake, even as the FDA increases scrutiny of such advertising.
Why it matters
The surge in DTC advertising for weight loss drugs, particularly GLP-1 medications, signals a shift in how these treatments are being positioned and marketed to consumers. While the drugs have proven effective when used properly, the ads raise concerns about potential overreach and misleading claims, prompting the FDA to crack down on 'false and misleading' content in such promotions.
The details
The Super Bowl ads featured GLP-1 medications in different ways - Serena Williams endorsed Ro's telehealth platform for accessing the drugs, while Novo Nordisk promoted its new oral version of the blockbuster Wegovy. A third ad by Hims & Hers mentioned GLP-1s alongside other healthcare offerings. These ads bypass the typical pharmaceutical marketing rules around disclosing side effects, as telehealth companies are not subject to the same regulations. The FDA has already cited Novo Nordisk for misleading claims in a separate ad, underscoring the agency's heightened scrutiny of weight loss drug promotions.
- The Super Bowl commercials aired on February 12, 2026.
- Novo Nordisk launched the pill version of Wegovy in the U.S. in January 2026.
- In February 2026, the FDA sent a letter to Novo Nordisk alleging misleading claims in one of its weight loss drug ads, though not the Super Bowl spot.
The players
Serena Williams
A tennis legend who endorsed the use of GLP-1 medications for weight loss in a Ro telehealth commercial.
Novo Nordisk
The pharmaceutical company that manufactures the GLP-1 drug Wegovy and ran a Super Bowl ad promoting the new oral version of the medication.
Hims & Hers
A telehealth company that mentioned GLP-1 medications in one of its Super Bowl ads, alongside other healthcare offerings.
Marty Makary
The FDA Commissioner who previously criticized a Hims & Hers Super Bowl ad for failing to disclose side effects.
What they’re saying
“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”
— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)
“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”
— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.
The takeaway
This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.
