Couples are using GLP-1’s before they get married, here’s what you should know
SOUTH BEND, Ind. - Zola, a wedding website, came out with its 2026 Wedding Trends: Zola’s First Look Report. The report is based on surveyed couples who are getting married this year and dives into 2026 wedding trends.
In that report, ten percent of couples surveyed say they’re currently using a GLP-1.
In addition to the ten percent of couples currently using a GLP-1, another 10 percent are considering it before they tie the knot.
Mary Grace Godfrey is the owner of Anagrassia, located in Mishawaka. She makes clothing and also does bridal alterations.
She says dressmakers are used to weight fluctuation in brides but says GLP-1 shots could lead to significant size changes in a few weeks.
“If you're thinking about getting on the shot, just be transparent with your dressmaker so that she can plan accordingly to her schedule and also she can be transparent of how much more the alterations cost will be,” said Godfrey.
She says sometimes, if a bride changes sizes, the dressmaker may have to take the dress apart and put it back together. She says that can be a lot of work in alterations and end up being expensive for the bride.
“I have colleagues in this industry that do this full-time. You know, they have ten brides a month, 20 brides a month, and they're seeing this GLP shot is affecting their workload, and brides aren't being transparent about it. The contracts that the bride sign when they get alterations, there's a lot of things going into the contract to protect the dressmaker,” said Godfrey. “I think also, when you're doing such large alterations on a dress, there's a lot of decisions the design might have to be tweaked. So, I imagine that most brides are very stressed out with the increase in prices for their alterations,” said Godfrey.
ABC57 also spoke with Greta Claeys, owner of Greta’s Bridal and Formalwear in South Bend. She’s been in business for 43 years.
She says a lot of times, brides are hesitant to make a buying decision on a dress because they want to lose weight.
“We emphasize, first of all, that they have to do it in a healthy way, and that they have to do it in a time-efficient way,” said Claeys.
Claeys also says they will adjust the gown to their client.
“It's really important that you have a plan on how you're going to lose the weight and not be anxious over losing the weight. If you don't lose the weight, we're going to adjust the gown to whatever weight you are. If you do lose the weight, we'll adjust the gown to whatever size you are. So the most important thing is we want you to have a joyful day and not be concerned about the weight,” said Claeys.
Gina Verteramo is a Family Nurse Practitioner at Saint Joseph Wellness and Weight Management, part of Saint Joseph Medical Group. She says GLP-1’s are designed for long-term use.
“However, some people are using them for short-term weight management and weight loss. And I would just caution. I would use caution with that work with a provider if they deem that, you know, appropriate for you, but most research shows this is a long-term medication, should be used as prescribed. And I know a lot of people are playing with their doses and kind of doing this on their own. And I do say, be cautious with that. I don't recommend that,” said Verteramo.
Verteramo says to make sure you are getting your medications from a licensed healthcare provider. She says you should work with your licensed healthcare provider on proper care throughout the process.
“I would definitely get from your medications from a licensed health care provider and you also want to really make sure you're getting the follow-up care that you need. You know these medications need to be titrated to a therapeutic dose, so you don't just, there's not a one size fits all. There's also, you know, the injections versus the pills, the cost, along with what your doctor or nurse practitioner or provider thinks is best for you. So definitely, you want to find that good follow up care from a licensed provider. Just want to be safe about it,” said Verteramo.
She says this started with diabetes care, but there are other ways GLP-1’s are being used.
Of course, weight loss is one of them. Verteramo says the drugs are also used to help with cardiovascular risk reduction, fatty liver disease and sleep apnea.