The long-running adult comedy show, South Park, recently released a special called “The End of Obesity” on Paramount+. In this special, the show humorously satirizes the ongoing weight-loss drug craze surrounding GLP-1 drugs. The major plotline follows Eric Cartman’s pursuit of GLP-1 drugs like Novo Nordisk’s Ozempic and Wegovy, as well as Eli Lilly’s Mounjaro and Zepbound. Cartman hopes these drugs will address his obesity, curb his appetite, and allow him to indulge in what he considers the finer things in life as a thin person.
The special also features a subplot where several members of the town use the drugs off-label for cosmetic weight loss. Additionally, it highlights the drugs’ impact on the broader economy. Throughout the show, there are pointed jokes and songs about the ongoing issues surrounding these drugs, including high costs, limited insurance coverage, adverse side effects, the unregulated nature of compound pharmacies, and lingering supply shortages.
Medical marketers who watch the special should take note of the fact that South Park co-creators Matt Stone and Trey Parker clearly did their homework. Not only do they address the drugs, their composition, efficacy, and clinical indications explicitly in the show, but they also explore the complex nature of the American healthcare system in a blisteringly satirical way. The show underscores how antiquated and complicated our nation’s healthcare system is, even if exaggerated for comedic effect1.
In the days since its premiere, “The End of Obesity” has been largely well-received, achieving an IMDB rating of 7.2 out of 10 based on more than 2,500 reviews1. It’s refreshing to see a show tackle such relevant and controversial topics with humor and insight.
