Full Breakdown
Brooks Nader's Struggles with GLP-1 Addiction and Body Image in the Modeling Industry
11/6/2025, 10:52:29 PM
Admission of Addiction and Family Concerns
Brooks Nader, a 28-year-old model and reality TV star, has openly admitted to her ongoing addiction to GLP-1 medications, which are primarily used for managing blood sugar levels in Type 2 diabetes patients but have gained popularity for weight loss. Despite an intervention staged by her sisters after they discovered a basket of needles, Nader continues to use the medication, acknowledging its negative impact on her health. "I’m still on it. It’s a crutch for me, too. It’s not healthy. I should get off it; I’ll be honest about that," she stated in an interview with Bustle.
Impact on Career and Body Image
Nader credits her successful modeling career to her use of GLP-1 drugs, stating, "The facts are that when I started GLP-1, my career took off. I’m not saying it’s OK. I’m not saying it’s right. I think everybody is different — but I lost 30 pounds, and I booked all the jobs." Her modeling trajectory significantly improved after she participated in the 2019 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit open casting call, where she outperformed 10,000 applicants and eventually became a cover model in 2023.
Family Intervention and Health Concerns
The concern for Nader's health escalated during the seventh episode of her reality show, "Love Thy Nader," when her sisters, Grace Ann and Mary Holland, confronted her about her GLP-1 use after she nearly passed out during an exercise class. Mary Holland expressed alarm at the number of needles and medications, stating, "Just seeing all of the needles piled up in one place makes me realize the gravity of how deep she’s gone in it. This is different doctors, clearly. This is different pharmacies. That's dangerous. She's overprescribed." Despite this intervention, Nader has not tapered off her medication, citing the pressures of the modeling industry and her desire to maintain her appearance.
Broader Implications and Industry Standards
Nader's situation highlights a concerning trend in the modeling industry, where weight loss drugs like GLP-1 are increasingly normalized. Many models reportedly use these medications, with some agencies allegedly encouraging their use. Nader's candidness about her struggles has resonated with fans, many of whom have reached out to her, sharing their own experiences with GLP-1 addiction and the stigma surrounding it.
Criticism and Opposition
Critics of the trend argue that the normalization of such weight-loss drugs among models can lead to unhealthy body image standards and potential health risks. Dr. Caroline Apovian, co-director of the Center for Weight Management and Wellness at Brigham and Women's Hospital, expressed concern over the shortage of these drugs, stating, "We're not talking about stars who need to lose 10 lbs. We're talking about people who are dying of obesity."
Verbatim Quotes
- “I’m still on it. It’s a crutch for me, too. It’s not healthy. I should get off it; I’ll be honest about that.” — Brooks Nader
- “The facts are that when I started GLP-1, my career took off. I’m not saying it’s OK. I’m not saying it’s right. I think everybody is different — but I lost 30 pounds, and I booked all the jobs.” — Brooks Nader
- “Just seeing all of the needles piled up in one place makes me realize the gravity of how deep she’s gone in it,” — Mary Holland Nader
Nader's story serves as a critical reflection of the pressures faced by models in the industry and the lengths to which they may go to meet societal beauty standards.
