"GLP-1 Marketing is Scorched Earth": On Culture, Ethics, and Starvation States with Virgie Tovar

About this episode

Abbie Attwood and Virgie Tovar discuss the complexities and ethical implications surrounding GLP-1 medications and their impact on culture and body image.

There’s a lot of noise right now around GLP-1 medications—conflicting advice, emotional stories, and a cultural shift that feels hard to name. Abbie sits down with Virgie Tovar—author, activist, and leading voice on weight stigma—to slow things down and ask a deeper question: what is actually happening here? They talk about how GLP-1s work, how they’re being marketed, what ethics have to do with this, and why so many people are feeling confused, overwhelmed, and even destabilized—especially those with a history of dieting or eating disorders. As you listen, please remember: this episode zooms out and looks at the big picture and the culture around these medications. Body autonomy is not up for debate. Tune in for more on: What GLP-1s are—and how they drive appetite suppression and restriction Is this really “new”? (dieting, weight loss, and long-term outcomes) The marketing machine: confusion and co-opting body positivity The concept of “food noise” Virgie’s brilliant perspective on the big picture and why this feels so intense right now Weight stigma vs. the promise of empowerment Hunger explained: objective vs. subjective Is there true “peace with food” through this medication…

People in this episode

Host: Abbie Attwood

Guest: Virgie Tovar

Topics covered

• GLP-1 medications
• weight stigma
• body autonomy
• dieting
• ethical marketing
• hunger
• cultural shift

Keywords

• GLP-1
• appetite suppression
• weight loss
• food noise
• intentional starvation
• dieting history
• eating disorders

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: body positivity, weight stigma

Products: GLP-1 medications

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