SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (Dakota News Now) – Weight-loss medications are making headlines nationwide, but their impact may be showing up in unexpected places, from doctors’ offices to local clothing racks.
From social media to storefronts, drugs known as GLP-1s are gaining attention, with some now easier to access than ever before. But medical experts warn that convenience could come with consequences.
Dr. Lansang, an obesity medicine specialist with Avera, says interest in these medications has surged locally.
“Locally, everybody is aware that we have quite a few medications that are on the market right now, and the most sought-after is the GLP-1,” said Lansang. “Everybody is asking, hey Doc, can you start me on the medication that my cousin, or my uncle has, and they’ve had good success.”
At the same time, Lansang said increased accessibility, including online sources that don’t require prescriptions, is raising concerns.
“And there are some that don’t have it, but they just want to be skinnier, that are misusing it, and now you can even go online, and go to TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, you can purchase this without even getting a prescription from your doctor, so that is dangerous,” said Lansang.
He warned that the growing demand echoes past weight-loss trends that later led to health issues.
“It’s become like, you know, back in the olden days with the Fen Fen phenomena in the ‘50s,” Lansang said. “Everybody is getting it, and guess what’s gonna happen; it created problems later on.”
Doctors emphasize that these medications were designed to treat obesity as a disease, not as a short-term solution, and should be used under proper medical supervision.
“We have to realize that this medication is not something you can just use for 6 months and then stop it. You have to use it for a long period of time,” said Lansang.
Health experts say weight management isn’t one-size-fits-all, and the focus should remain on long-term lifestyle changes rather than chasing rapid results.
Meanwhile, the effects of these trends may also be playing out beyond the doctor’s office.
At Second Helpings LLC, a Sioux Falls resale shop focused on plus-size clothing, owner Ashley Howd said she’s seeing how changing bodies can translate into changing closets.
“Because you lose weight so fast, I think people are surprised that they skip like whole sizes, so it’s a good option too for if they need somethign for just a little bit in between and don’t want to spend a ton of money, but yes, I do get a lot of people that have gone down many many sizes that are like, ‘I have a whole wardrobe to sell!’” said Howd.
The store offers an affordable option for people navigating those transitions, whether they’re between sizes or simply looking for clothing that fits. It’s one of the few plus-size stores in Sioux Falls, especially one that offers sizes XL-5XL, ensuring community members can always find their size.
Still, regardless of shifting trends, Howd said her mission remains the same: making plus-size clothing accessible and affordable for everyone.
As conversations around weight loss continue to evolve, both medical professionals and local business owners say one thing remains clear: health and accessibility should not be driven by trends.
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