Today Show Hosts Discussed GLP-1 Usage

The Today 3rd Hour hosts addressed personal weight loss methods on air during a recent broadcast.

Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Weight Loss

Gouache-painted illustration of a single glass medical vial on a wooden table, representing the normalization of weight loss medication.
The recent on-air discussion among Today hosts regarding GLP-1 weight loss drugs highlights the growing normalization of these medications in American culture. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Dylan Dreyer asked fellow host Craig Melvin if he was taking GLP-1 weight loss medication during the September 24, 2026, episode of the Today 3rd Hour. The exchange prompted a discussion among the hosts regarding their own experiences and the widespread use of these drugs.

Why it matters

The conversation reflects the normalization of weight loss medications in American culture as the drugs become increasingly common. Dreyer noted she inquired because she feels that many people she knows are currently using the medication.

One in 10 adults currently use a GLP-1 medication, according to recent health reporting. Meanwhile, some fast-food items, such as the McDonald's Sausage Egg McMuffin, contain 20 grams of protein.

The players

Dylan Dreyer

She is a broadcast journalist and meteorologist who currently serves as a host on the Today 3rd Hour.

Craig Melvin

He is a journalist and anchor who works for NBC News and serves as a co-host of Today.

Al Roker

He is a long-standing weather anchor and television personality known for his extensive career on the Today show.

Jenna Bush Hager

She is a journalist and author who serves as a co-host of the fourth hour of Today.

The details

During the discussion, the hosts also talked about fast food chains that are beginning to cater to customers using GLP-1 medications. Al Roker reflected on his own weight loss journey, noting he underwent gastric bypass surgery in 2002 and lost over 100 pounds.

Timeline

  1. Al Roker underwent gastric bypass surgery in 2002.

  2. Jenna Bush Hager stated she does not take GLP-1 medication in September 2025.

  3. Dylan Dreyer asked Craig Melvin about his GLP-1 usage on September 24, 2026.

Health Landscape

The public discussion around these medications highlights the normalization of GLP-1 receptor agonists in obesity treatment as they become common in everyday life. This shift reflects how weight management conversations have evolved from private medical decisions into mainstream social topics.

The widespread use of these medications means more patients are discussing GLP-1s with their peers, which may change how individuals approach their own weight loss routines. Patients should consult with healthcare providers regarding side effects and whether these medications are appropriate for their specific health needs.

The takeaway

Weight management is increasingly a topic of public conversation as medication use grows more common across the country. It is important for individuals to base their health decisions on medical advice rather than social trends or celebrity disclosures.

Further reading

Learn more about the current landscape of Weight Loss treatments in the U.S.