2025 GLP-1 Advocacy Wrapped

In late 2024 I started a petition for affordable access to GLP-1s. That grew to more than 27,000 signatures and unexpectedly opened the door to national and international media coverage.

What followed was a year of advocacy. Building the GLP-1 Studio, the Podcast, and founding the GLP-1 Collective nonprofit. It was a year of bonding with the community, learning how to keep moving failure after failure, and learning how to advocate for myself and for everyone else.

Read the full recap here.

FDA's New Threat After Hims & Hers Launches Semaglutide Pill

On February 6, 2026, the FDA announced it intends to take “decisive steps” to restrict GLP-1 active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) used in non-FDA-approved compounded drugs, specifically calling out Hims & Hers and warning that companies could face legal action without further notice, including seizure and injunction.

Read about what happened and what it could mean for access to compounded GLP-1 medications.

Interview with Sabina Hemmi, Founder GLP Winner

In this episode, I sit down with Sabina Hemmi, founder of GLP Winner, to unpack the growing wave of federal and state legislation targeting compounded GLP-1 medications, including semaglutide and tirzepatide.

We break down what the Safe Drugs Act and related state bills could mean not just for weight-loss treatments, but for all compounding, from hospice and pediatric care to veterinary medicine. Sabina shares her personal journey as a long-term GLP-1 patient, why transparent pricing matters, and how patients can take action to protect access to the medications that have changed their lives.

Listen here to learn more and find out what this could mean for you.

Bills against Compounded Meds

Multiple states are pushing legislation that would devastate compounded medication access. Washington HB 2613, Florida SB 860/HB 877, and Mississippi SB 2542 would restrict or eliminate compounding entirely—not just for GLP-1s, but for children's medications, veterinary care, and end-of-life pain relief. Some bills limit pharmacies to just 20 "essential copy" prescriptions monthly while major facilities fill 10,000+ daily. Indiana's bill started terrifying but got amended after constituent calls proved our voices work. Virginia's bill was delayed a year. The federal SAFE Drugs Act (HR 6509), introduced by Indiana reps where Eli Lilly is headquartered, requires prescription reporting to fuel pharma litigation. If you're in an affected state, contact your representatives now—even five calls can change the outcome.

Visit GLP-1 Studio to see the current status and location of each bill.

Why Every Advocate Should Attend Your Weight Matters Conferences

This past weekend, I had the honor of attending an OAC’s social listening session and the Your Weight Matters regional conference in New Orleans.

Between the advocacy work and Mardi Gras opening day, it was an incredible experience that deepened my passion for obesity advocacy and for this community.

If there’s a regional event near you, go. These conferences aren’t just educational, they’re essential for anyone serious about advocacy and understanding the science behind the medications changing our lives. 💖

Learn more about the upcoming National Your Weight Matters event.

Disclaimer: The information shared in this article and podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or legal advice. I am not a medical professional, attorney, or financial advisor. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider, pharmacist, or legal professional regarding your specific situation. The views expressed are personal opinions based on research, interviews, and lived experience. Policy discussions are evolving and subject to change. Nothing here should be interpreted as a guarantee of outcomes, regulatory predictions, or medical recommendations.

I am incredibly honored to attend ObesityWeek with full media credentials through the GLP-1 Collective Podcast.

Below you will find all of the details you need to join or support online:

• My goal: Interview experts, learn from the latest research, bring that information back to you, and advocate for GLP-1 access, better healthcare, and stigma reduction.

  • Advocacy: “the act or process of supporting a cause...”

    • sometimes advocacy is just showing up

    • wearing a shirt that says something you believe

    • and having awkward conversations with people who don’t understand — yet

💭Why ObesityWeek:

Compassion may be the most important value in obesity care.

Science might start with data, but the intent is to heal. From the first step of research to the moment it reaches the patient, compassion should guide everything.

• Compassion: The Obesity Society itself highlights compassion as a core value, and the larger part of that is understanding the patient perspective and lived experience.

• Stigma: Stigma reduction must begin in healthcare. When providers come together, the broader community follows their example. Empathy and compassion grow from understanding and that isn’t possible without conversations that include the patient voice.

📍Where you can find me:

• Where: The Westin Peachtree Plaza

• When: Nov 2-7th

I’ll be around the conference all week, but if you’re looking for me at the hotel:

• 🍸 GLP-1 Meetup: Nov. 3rd — Hotel Lobby & Bar

• 🏋️ Mornings: I’ll be in the gym

• 🏊 Evenings: I’ll wind down in the pool

Travel & Lodging

✈️ Fly Into Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

• Major U.S. hub with direct flights from most cities

🚉 From Airport to Hotel (Approx. 20–25 min)

• MARTA Train: Direct route, ~$2.50, ~25 min to GWCC/CNN Center Station

• Rideshare (Uber/Lyft): ~$25–$45, ~20–25 min to downtown hotels

🏨 Recommended Lodging

• Omni Atlanta Hotel

• Embassy Suites by Hilton

• Signia by Hilton Atlanta

• Hyatt Place Atlanta Centennial Park

• The Westin Peachtree Plaza

There are a lot of hotels within walking distance.

📅 November 3rd: General Meetup

A group of GLP-1 patients and community members are getting together the night before ObesityWeek kicks off!

Downsized has a booth at the conference and is hosting a free and casual GLP-1 meetup at:

• Time: 6:00 PM EST

• Location: The Westin Peachtree Plaza lobby and bar

• Address: 210 Peachtree St. NW, Atlanta, GA 30303

Details:

• Casual pre-celebration before ObesityWeek

• Community networking and connection

• 👚 I’ll have a T-shirt that says “GLP-1 Meetup” so you can spot me in the lobby/bar

GLP-1 MEETUP RSVP

📅 November 4th: Live Panel on the Steps

• Meeting: 9:30 to 11:00 am

• Where: Steps of Georgia World Congress Center (GWCC)

• Why: This is when the first oral and abstract blocks and symposia start. Foot traffic picks up fast during this window, making it the best time for visibility and to catch people streaming in and out.

Details:

• On the 3rd I’ll be handing out matching 👚 GLP-1 Access t-shirts for anyone planning to join us on the steps

• We’ll take a group photo (Visibility and unity are what matters)

• We’ll host a live panel over TikTok and YouTube to share how life changing these medications have been and what this community means to us. 🩷💉

ObesityWeek Schedule

🗒️Important Takeaways:

📅 November 5th, 6th, & 7th TBD (I may be making this one up on the fly 🐦)

If you have questions or want to share your thoughts, join the chat 💬

And don’t forget to RSVP!

The information shared here is provided for general planning purposes only and is subject to change without notice. Participation in any meetup, gathering, or related activity is completely voluntary and at your own discretion. By choosing to attend, you acknowledge that you are responsible for your own safety, travel, accommodations, personal belongings, and conduct at all times. I am not responsible for any loss, injury, costs, or damages that may occur in connection with these activities. Attendance is at your own risk.

In this edition I’m breaking down where you’ll find me, how to RSVP for the GLP-1 meetup, a free GLP-1 resource, and what’s new in the GLP-1 news.

Here’s a quick peek at what’s inside. 👀

GLP-1 MEETUP RSVP

✈️ ObesityWeek Is Locked In

I’ve booked my flights, locked in the hotel, and secured full media credentials, through the GLP-1 Collective Podcast, to attend ObesityWeek this November in Atlanta, GA.

Come visit me at:

• The Westin Peachtree Plaza

• Nov 2-7th

I would treasure the opportunity to meet you in person. 🩷

GLP-1 Meetup Atlanta, GA

Downsized is hosting a free and casual GLP-1 meetup at:

• The Westin Peachtree Plaza lobby and bar

• 210 Peachtree St. NW, Atlanta, GA 30303

• Monday, Nov 3rd

• 6pm EST

This is your chance to meet the Durham’s, Kim Carlos & Kat Carter from the Plus Sidez Podcast, me, and many more. Come share your journey, and celebrate how far we’ve all come.

You don’t need to attend the ObesityWeek conference or stay at the Westin Peachtree to show up and celebrate with us. Just bring yourself! 🎉

RSVP using the button below!

GLP-1 MEETUP RSVP

The Danish Broadcasting Corporation

I’ve recently interviewed with The Danish Broadcasting Corporation, they can be thought of as the NPR of Denmark. They are going to be in North Carolina around the 26-29th of September, and they are looking for people to interview.

They are especially interested in understanding the price difference and access issues surrounding Wegovy, and share their experiences with compound semaglutide.

I’ve interviewed with them, I felt they were very nice. If you are on compound semaglutide and interested in sharing your experiences in NC in just a coupld short weeks.

Please use the button below to reach out so that I can connect you. 😊

🎙️Season 2: Episode 4 with Jesse Kesner, Co-Founder & CEO of Alnu Health

This episode was too fun. I adore Jesse, I imagine most people that meet him come away with that feeling, but more than that i appreciate his mission and authenticity.

I believe this app is going to be wildly successful and I’m excited to be a part of shaping it through the beta.

I also love AI. 🤖💗

Alnu Health has provided our community with a special link that grants first dibs to the beta for those who jump on the waitlist now.

Join the Alnu Beta

What’s New in GLP-1 News?

I’ve created this chart below to break out the headlines, details, and implications. Going forward.

I’ll be adding a GLP-1 News section for deep dives into articles to help explain questions like: How did compounding GLP-1s become a thing? Why are they still available if they were “banned?” And why did Mounjaro® prices in the UK spike 170%?

Click on the chart below to zoom in for an easier read:

Closing Thoughts

Whether you’re joining us in Atlanta, tuning into the podcast, or just following along here, I’m grateful for you.

Don’t forget to RSVP for the meetup, check out the beta invite from Alnu, and chime into the chat. 🩷

As the founder of the GLP-1 Collective, I’ve always used “we” because the collective is about GLP-1 patients and allies supporting each other.

A friend I deeply respect suggested I step out of that habit and be more upfront about the fact that the LLC is just… me. So hi, I’m Amanda Bonello, GLP-1 patient and advocate for affordable access. I’ve dedicated my life to this community, and I’m not stopping until affordable access is a reality for everyone who needs it.

I’m grateful for the chance to share more openly with you. 🩷

Now let’s dive into these updates!

---

GLP-1 Access Meetup: Atlanta, GA (ObesityWeek)

I know many of you have been waiting for details. This is still very much a work in progress, so thank you for bearing with me as it comes together. Here’s the plan as it stands now.

November 3rd – General Meetup

We’re getting together the night before ObesityWeek kicks off:

November 3rd is our GENERAL MEETUP DAY to hang out and pre-celebrate!

I’ll be handing out matching T-shirts for anyone who didn’t get to order in advance.

November 4th – Live Panel on the Steps

This is our chance to make the biggest impact:

On the morning of November 4th we’ll host a LIVE PANEL on the steps.

We will show up as a community, in our matching T-shirts, while energy is high, and media is fresh.

You don’t need a ticket to ObesityWeek to join us for either of these gatherings. The 3rd is a day for us and the 4th is about showing up and being seen together.

If you are joining us for the ObesityWeek conference, there is a button below with their schedule. We will plan on meeting before and after and in between each event. We’ll host live panels in halls and secure interviews with experts.

I don’t want anyone feeling left out so I will live stream e-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g i can aside from sleep and toilet time. I don’t think you want to be that much a part of it. 😂

ObesityWeek Schedule

I’m working on organizing with other key advocates who are attending. More to come on this.

Who will be there so far:

• Amanda Bonello | GLP-1 Collective Podcast

• Kim Carlos & Kat Carter | The Plus Sized Podcast

• Sabina Hemme | GLP Winner

• Laraine & Christopher Durham | Downsized

• Caroline Colavita & Delilah Cruz | BioCare

• Michael Donnelly-Boylen | Co-Host of Law 401Podcast

• Teddy McCullough | The Native Ledger

RSPV below to get your name on the list and help me stay informed. 🩷

RSVP HERE

“Strength in numbers” and “stronger together” aren’t just sayings. There is no community stronger than those of us who have lived with the disease of obesity. Now that we’ve found each other, there is nothing we can’t do together.

I’m sure you’ve felt it, that instant connection when someone shares openly and honestly in a way that mirrors your own experiences. Once we connect, it goes deeper than the average internet interaction. And when we meet in person, that bond becomes unstoppable.

GLP-1 Collective Podcast: S2, Ep3

This is not a sponsored segment, episode, or freebie.

This week’s episode features Justin Silver, the founder of SymptoGuard, a supplement created specifically to help GLP-1 patients manage side effects.

The two most common reasons people discontinue GLP-1s are side effects (especially gastrointestinal ones) and cost or access barriers. A January 2025, study in JAMA Network Open breaks down the numbers: nearly everyone experiences side effects at some point, and while most are tolerable, they’re not always pretty.

This is why I felt it was important to bring Justin on, to break down how his supplement works and why it may offer support for the patients in this space who need it, and the best part is that SymptoGuard is offering a chance to try it for free.

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Free Bottle Here

Serena Williams: Coming Out of the GLP-1 Pantry

This is a huge moment. Serena Williams sharing that she’s on a GLP-1 sends a powerful message.

She has spent her life proving discipline, training harder than most, yet still struggled maintain weight and lose weight.

If anyone can end the myth that GLP-1s are a “shortcut,” it’s Serena.

She admitted she avoided these medications for a long time because she kept hearing they were the easy way out. But after trying everything else, she realized she needed the extra support.

Her decision to speak out shows the world that even the most disciplined athletes sometimes need medical treatment, and there is no shame in that.

I’m hopeful more celebrities will have the courage to speak out for the rest of us. Every time someone steps forward, stigma loses ground and patients gain strength.

I for one could not be more grateful. If Serena’s a warrior on the court, she’s a warrior in this fight too. 💪 And honestly, who’s brave enough to argue with her? 😆

BioCare: GLP-1 Meetup (Philadelphia, PA)

I’ve said it from the start: the most powerful thing we can do is come together.

Community has always been at the center of this movement for me, and it’s something I’ll never stop lifting up. That’s why I want to spotlight the BioCare Community Meetup in Philadelphia on September 13th.

BioCare is calling it “a day of wellness, connection, and celebration,” with live panels, a workout class, music, food, and most importantly: community. If you’re near Philly, or willing to make the trip, this one is worth it.

I am proud to say that I do get a kickback from sharing this one. 🙌 It’s my first so fingers crossed there are more to come, but if you get tickets I’d greatly appreciate if you buy them using the link below.

Get Tickets Here

I am super bummed to share that it’s 15 hours from where I live in Iowa, 🫠 otherwise I’d be there in a heartbeat, dancing and jamming right along with you!

Special Thanks

I need to give a shout out to a few special people who have supported me in ways that I will never be able to fully repay. I am eternally grateful for every one of them for giving me the strength to push through when things looked bleak and for lifting me up every step of the way.

I’m way too sensitive to be sharing these feels. 🥹

Thank you all so much for the

• Kim Carlos, Kat Carter, & Bear the Extraordinaire, have felt like a second family. Kim was the first to donate when the nonprofit launched. At the very start of my journey, I reached out to advocates and Kim was the only one who reached back out. Not only that, she came on the podcast when it was just three episodes in. From that moment, she has encouraged me and helped me grow. I would not have the reach I do now without her generosity. Her selflessness is astonishing. Kim, Kat, and Bear welcomed me into their world, collaborating through lives, inviting me onto their award-winning podcast, and helping organize events like the upcoming ObesityWeek Meetup. I will never forget their kindness.

• Sabina Hemme is someone I deeply respect. She became a friend early in this work, she’s a tireless advocate for access, and a steady supporter. She subscribed to this Substack as a founding supporter, donated when the nonprofit was starting out, and even donated again after I refunded the original contributions. 🙃 She’s very clearly the definition of a ride-or-die friend, the kind who stays by your side no matter the stakes and we are all lucky to have her in this fight.

• Kristi Turner was the first person to purchase apparel for advocates T-shirts. She has been a friend, a guest on the podcast, and a collaborator in the GLP-1 space. I wouldn’t trade her humor and compassion for the world.

• Dr. Lindsay Ogle M.D. was an unexpected blessing. She has been one of the strongest allies for access and a much needed resource for patients. But more then that, she’s been an amazing friend. It’s rare to find someone with her level of empathy, and I feel truly blessed to be one of the few who has experienced it.

• Anna.Liesa is a beautiful soul. She was the first to buy a GLP-1 Access T-shirt, and she went further by creating a video encouraging others to do the same. I never wanted to put that ask on anyone, because I did not want to burden those I care about, and those I’m here to support. Anna chose to do it on her own, and I could not be more thankful.

• Deb Cooperman came onto the scene with a video tagging people who inspired her to come out of the GLP-1 pantry. I am incredibly honored to have been among them. She did not just tiptoe out of the closet she swung the door wide open and immediately began advocating, like a proud to be out pro. She has made it her mission to lift people up and I am so grateful to be one of them.

Ok the more people I think of the more I realize this list could literally go on forever so I’m stopping here.

Thank you all so much for the impact you’ve made on MY life. 🩷

And thank you to everyone who stuck with me to the end. If you made it this far, you officially deserve a medal. 🏅😆

The GLP-1 Collective was originally organizing a DC meetup for the last week of October.

Conversations with key advocates made it clear that pivoting to Atlanta was the right call.

Many of them will already be there and it makes no sense to ask people to travel to DC and then GA 9 days later.

ObesityWeek pulls together the biggest voices in obesity care: clinicians, researchers, policymakers, industry leaders, journalists, and patient advocates.

Our Focus at ObesityWeek:

• Who we want to reach: the decision makers and influencers who can actually drive change in healthcare policy and industry priorities.

• What we’re aiming for: making affordable GLP-1 access a central part of the conversation, not a side note.

How We’re Making It Happen

When patients and creators stand together, the impact is undeniable. Here’s how we are making it happen:

• Daily Advocate Meetups: morning huddles to align messaging and share updates.

• Matching T-Shirts: with links to resources.

• Targeted Networking: direct conversations with healthcare leaders.

• Media Positioning: making sure we’re visible where journalists and the GLP-1 documentary crew are capturing stories.

• Social Media Blitz: livestreams, posts, and videos across TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Facebook to take the message beyond the conference walls.

In DC, the GLP-1 Collective had planned to hold signs. In Atlanta, we’re taking that visibility and putting it on our backs, literally.

What You Need to Know

ObesityWeek tickets cost a small fortune. If you are not attending the conference, you will not be left out.

Meetup & Travel Summary:

• General Meetup: November 3rd

• Dates: ObesityWeek dates November 4–7, 2025

• Location: Atlanta, Georgia — Georgia World Congress Center (GWCC)

• Where We’re Staying: Omni Hotel, close to both the conference and meetup spots

Join us in turning advocacy into action for access.

What to do now:

• Questions? Leave a comment below.

• Subscribe to stay informed. More info to follow!

• Join the movement, online or in person 📢

Leave a comment

Here’s what I’ve been up to:

GLP-1 Apparel!

I’m launching with a tribute to @strivewithtrae!

This one’s for the GLP-1 baddies who licked a lemon and had to sit down. Because sometimes, one tangy little kiss is all it takes.

Disclaimer: GLP-1 Apparel is a for-profit business operated by GLP-1 Studio, a DBA of GLP-1 Studio LLC.

Shop GLP-1 Merch

Exclusive Beta: AlnuHealth

Harvard-Backed. AI-Powered.

A coaching App for GLP-1 Patients.

What Alnu can help you with:

• Managing plateaus and side effects like nausea or fatigue

• Staying motivated with personalized goal tracking

• Getting movement, meal, and self-care suggestions that evolve with you

• Real-time support with no judgment and no shame

• Personalized strength training and activity that meets you where you are

To be clear, this isn’t a paid sponsorship, No money has changed hands. It’s a mission-driven partnership led by the GLP-1 Collective, with operational support from GLP-1 Studio.

As part of this collaboration, GLP-1 Collective members now have exclusive early access to Alnu’s beta waitlist — before it opens to the public.

Alnu is launching soon, and this is a powerful new support tool we’re proud to help bring to the community.

Join AnluHealth

Spots are limited, and the waitlist is filling fast — don’t miss your chance to try it for free.

Sway: Make your vote count

I am excited to share that I am moving my advocacy efforts to Sway, an app that I believe has the power to go beyond petitions.

Sway doesn’t just collect signatures, it connects us directly to voting power, showing policymakers that our community is ready to act.

I need your help to grow a presence on Sway: share the app, spread the word. Let’s show policy makers we are ready to vote for affordable access.

Join Sway

Together, we can turn advocacy into action for access! 💪

Quick Updates:

Compound GLP-1s

The FDA made a clear distinction between compounded and unregulated GLP-1s.

FDA made clear that compounded meds aren't FDA-approved but they're not cracking down on all compounding. They even reaffirmed the role of 503A and 503B facilities and urged patients to stick with licensed pharmacies. So as long as a compounder is operating legally: sourcing properly, labeling honestly, and following regulations, they’re not under attack.

What is being targeted:

• Illegally marketed, unapproved products

• "Research use only" peptides sold for human use

• Salt forms of semaglutide/tirzepatide not in FDA-approved meds

• Counterfeits pretending to come from compounders

Prescription Aid

For the first time ever, a major foundation launched a prescription assistance program specifically for obesity medications. PAN Foundation’s new program helps insured patients with high out-of-pocket costs for GLP-1s, this is a big first step

D.C. Protest Update

The GLP-1 Collective is no longer organizing a GLP-1 protest in DC. Instead, I am personally organizing a meetup in Atlanta, GA this November during ObesityWeek. More to come on this!

What To Do Next:

Support the Mission & Get Involved.

Whether you're here to advocate, support, or get involved, click the yellow links below to take action:

• Donate: This GoFundMe is managed by the GLP-1 Collective nonprofit. All contributions are processed through the PayPal Giving Fund and then granted to the GLP-1 Collective.

• Shop GLP-1 Merch: Wear your advocacy!

GLP-1 Apparel is operated by GLP-1 Studio LLC in support of the GLP-1 Collective nonprofit.

• Join AlnuHealth: GLP-1 Collective members get exclusive early access to Alnu’s free AI-powered coaching beta — developed at Harvard for GLP-1 patients.

• Sign Up & Share Sway: I am personally leading a new advocacy push through Sway — where collective support turns into real political pressure.

Thank you for being part of this movement. Whether you’re rocking the merch or spreading the word, I appreciate each and ever one of you! 🩷

Your support helps sustain independent advocacy and operations through GLP-1 Studio, in support of the GLP-1 Collective nonprofit’s mission.

Subscribe now

Disclaimer: This advocacy campaign on Sway is led personally by Amanda Bonello and is not affiliated with or operated by the GLP-1 Collective nonprofit. My communications may shift between my personal voice, GLP-1 Studio (a DBA of GLP-1 Studio LLC), the GLP-1 Collective Podcast, and the GLP-1 Collective nonprofit. Unless explicitly noted, these messages reflect my personal advocacy work and not official statements of the nonprofit.