The Drug Taking Hollywood & Silicon Valley by Storm

Welcome to The ZenPreneur, the 3.5-minute newsletter that gets you fitter and richer with every sentence you read. Like, literally.

Remember those advertisements that went something like- “use this ab roller for 6 weeks, and you’ll get a six-pack, Guaranteed!”?

Well, what I’m about to describe is even crazier.

And, it might actually work.

Hold on for a second- im not talking about liposuction, though that’s proven to work too.

The substance I’m about to describe is called Semaglutide (scientifically known as GLP-1).

Here are some facts about GLP-1:

• It’s an incretin hormone that helps the pancreas release insulin

• Induces Satiety in the central nervous system

• It has therapeutic potential for preventing insulin related disorders through the regulation of protein kinase

Basically, these are a bunch of big words that sum up the fact that GLP-1 is good for your blood sugar levels and is gonna shed those pounds. Cool.

Too good to be true? 

So, word on the street is that celebrities such as Kim, and Khloe Kardashian have been taking Semaglutide. In fact, Hollywood nutritionist Matt Mahowald has stated that GLP-1 injections “pull back” insulin secretion and “promote satiation from food.”

Or….you could, you know, fast, exercise, and eat low glycemic foods to regulate insulin? All jokes aside, GLP-1 can be used as an accelerant.

The FDA approved Semaglutide, being sold under the names of Ozempic and Wegovy, in September 2019. Specifically, it was approved as an injectable solution for type 2 diabetic adults to control their blood glucose. Wild.

Moreso, there is a startup hopping on the trend of using it as a “miracle drug” to raise funding, acquire customers, and sell the dream. And it’s killing it.

Let’s dive into what this is all about.

Calibrate, a New York-based startup founded in 2020 by Isabelle Kenyon, is selling Ozempic in conjunction with a weight loss program. The startup raised north of $100 million dollars and is attracting some of the world’s most prolific investors.

Not that fundraising on its own means much. More importantly, customers believe in the product and are paying substantial amounts- the company is printing cash, with $10’s million in annual recurring revenue. 

Calibrate essentially combines the prescription medication business model of telehealth, with an individualized “metabolic reset” coaching plan, offering resets at $129 per month or $249 for the metabolic assessment. 

The founder, Kenyon, emphasizes that utilizing GLP-1 in conjunction with lifestyle intervention, and coaching, is the best approach to weight loss.

I tend to agree. If you’re going to eat delicious, cheesy nachos all day and not move from your sofa as you binge-watch the rather addictive Love Island, GLP-1 itself ain’t coming to rescue ya. 

The beauty of Calibrate is that they both emphasize the need to make gradual, habitual changes while supplementing the journey with Ozempic. Perfectly balanced, as all things should be.

Anyways, lads, focus on your daily habits- get your nutrition in check, eat enough protein, get you 10k steps in per day, and lift a few times a week. And maybe, if you want to take the leap into Ozempic, consult with your doctor, your pre-med major friend and ChatGPT.

Peace.