An expert explores the hidden impact of GLP-1s

There’s a debate going on about which will change the world more, AI or GLP-1s (commonly known under brand names like Ozempic and Mounjaro). Julie Rice positions herself pretty firmly in the latter camp.

Rice was the co-founder of SoulCycle and Peoplehood, but has left active roles in both and is now chief experience officer at Weight Watchers, the weight loss community that emerged from bankruptcy in 2025. The 62-year-old company has now expanded into support in new areas like the menopause, as well as GLP-1 prescription and support, offering ‘wraparound care’ that Rice considers essential.

“There is a very specific programme that needs to go with these drugs,” she says. “Behavioural coaching, nutritional guidance, dose tracking, scientific education. People need that full prescription if this is going to be a tool that gives them a chance to make behavioural changes that set them up for a much healthier life.”

And while the physical impact of GLP-1 usage could hardly be more apparent — from ‘nutrient dense’ meal options on supermarket shelves to a reported shift in demand for smaller clothing sizes — the emotional ramifications remain less visible.

“What does it feel like to be in these new bodies? What does it feel like to have all the brain space that you have now without the food noise?” asks Rice. “People’s emotional reactions to these drugs range from feeling sad because they can no longer use food as their crutch in the same way that they used to feeling confused about how people are treating them differently.” Everything from someone’s sex life to their willingness to go on a beach holiday has the potential to be affected, she adds.

Rice should know — she openly uses medically prescribed, FDA-approved GLP-1s. “I will tell you that, gosh, the weight loss is fantastic, but this turning down of the food noise is really powerful. It gives you a lot of brain space and capacity. We’re hearing about people’s relief from anxiety and increase in patience because there’s not this other thing that’s occupying the narrative of your head all day long. People are reporting incredible psychological benefits (as well as the physical), and I do think that’s a really untouched area right now.”

There are challenges too, of course. Rice muses on the fact that she has two teenage daughters, and wonders how to talk to them about the fact that she uses a weight loss drug. Then there are the stigmas that remain, particularly from a fitness perspective.

“The stigma still says to us ‘we’re cheating’ or taking the easy way out,” she says. “But, ironically, gym usage is the highest it’s been since pre-Covid. What we’re seeing is a chicken and egg situation, with people thinking if I can easily lose the first however many pounds so that I feel more confident to go to the gym, then I’ll take that first step and get there. Then if I get there, I’ll feel better about myself and I’ll come home and stick to my healthy eating. What we’re seeing is antithetical to what people are saying when they stigmatise these drugs.”

Only time will tell which stigmas persist as GLP-1 usage continues to reshape society.

According to gov.uk, GLP-1s are medicines licensed to treat specific medical disorders and should only be used if you are overweight or diabetic, and not if you want to lose weight for aesthetic or cosmetic purposes. Find out more here