The trend: The number of patient appointments for weight loss drugs often jumps when a celebrity reveals they use a GLP-1, based on Zocdoc data shared with EMARKETER.
Unpacking the trend: Bookings for GLP-1 consultations on Zocdoc's platform rose significantly within 72 hours after famous figures disclosed they were taking weight loss drugs.
Here are the celebrities who drove some of the biggest spikes in Zocdoc GLP-1 bookings:
- Whoopi Goldberg drove a 29% increase following her March 19, 2024 announcement on The View.
- Serena Williams caused a 27% increase following her August 21, 2025 ad campaign release with telehealth company Ro.
- Oprah’s December 13, 2023 interview with People caused an 18% increase in bookings
- Kelly Clarkson drove a 6% increase following her May 13, 2024 disclosure on The Kelly Clarkson Show.
For context, Williams’ recently signed deal to be a celebrity spokesperson for Ro was also followed up with a spike in web traffic and new customers, per Bloomberg.
Why it matters: Celebrities sway people’s healthcare choices. And in the weight loss market, their testimonials can have a huge impact, considering 40% of US adults are considered obese.
Celebrities and influencers are now frequently sharing their GLP-1 regimens and weight loss journeys across traditional and social media, particularly on TikTok and Instagram:
- 22% of millennials and Gen Zers say they’ve seen a celebrity endorsement of a GLP-1 medication, per our December 2024 Digital Health Survey.
- Over half in each generation have seen a GLP-1 endorsement on social media.
Our take: Marketers in the GLP-1 space should be excited that celebrity disclosures create a surge in online searches, social buzz, and doctor bookings. However, they must also be prepared to address the equally loud criticisms of widespread GLP-1 use. These criticisms include concerns that wealthy people are using expensive, previously scarce drugs and that influencers are promoting unrealistic expectations of the benefits.