Super Bowl LX: Navigating Wellness Amid GLP-1 Ads, Snack Attacks, and Gridiron Glory

By Michael Dorausch, D.C.

As a Los Angeles chiropractor and founder of Planet Chiropractic, I’ve been covering the intersection of football, health, and chiropractic care for decades. From the buzz around Super Bowl XLI keeping chiropractors busy with athlete adjustments to celebrating NFL legends like Tom Brady and their reliance on spinal health for peak performance, the Super Bowl has always been more than just a game – it’s a cultural touchstone for wellness discussions.

As we approach Super Bowl LX on February 8, 2026, the spotlight is shifting in fascinating ways. This year’s ads highlight a “category warfare” between traditional food and beverage giants and the rising tide of GLP-1 weight loss medications. It’s a perfect opportunity to weigh in from a chiropractic perspective: how do we balance indulgence with long-term health?

Let’s look into the pros and cons of ultra-processed foods and alcohol versus embracing GLP-1s, all while prioritizing an all-natural approach where possible.

First, a nod to the ads shaking things up this Super Bowl Sunday. Brands like Doritos, Pringles, Bud Light, Pepsi, and Mountain Dew are sticking to their playbook – nostalgic celebrity reunions and feel-good fun that celebrate unchecked snacking and sipping.

Meanwhile, GLP-1 companies such as Ro, Hims & Hers, and Novo Nordisk are coming out swinging with high-profile spots featuring stars like Serena Williams and DJ Khaled. Ro’s ad showcases Williams’ 34-pound weight loss, emphasizing better movement and app-supported care with the tagline “I’m moving better on Ro.”

Hims & Hers pivots to preventative health, addressing the “wealth gap = health gap” with affordable options, including oral GLP-1 pills. Novo Nordisk’s “Check Before You Inject” educates on safe use while promoting accessibility.

Many hail these as “game changers” for destigmatizing weight loss, with users sharing stories of sustained results and expanded market access. Others criticize the pharma push, citing side effects and questioning endorsements from elite athletes.

Most already know the pros & cons of Ultra-Processed Foods and Alcohol, Super Bowl weekend may not be the best time to discuss them in detail. However, GLP-1 medications (like Ozempic and Wegovy) that curb appetite and regulate blood sugar, will get much attention from viewers on Sunday. Patients will be asking questions come Monday.

Pros of GLP-1s:

• They’re life-changing for many, as I’ve witnessed firsthand monitoring patients in my Los Angeles clinic. Households using them report drops in grocery spending on snacks, up to 75% less alcohol consumption, and significant weight loss that improves mobility and reduces strain on the spine.
• With falling prices and new oral forms, they’re becoming more accessible, helping bridge health gaps for those who’ve struggled with traditional methods.
• They empower people to “Get Lean” sustainably, often leading to better overall habits like increased activity – which aligns beautifully with chiropractic care for optimal nerve function.

Cons of GLP-1s:

• They’re not all-natural; relying on pharmaceuticals can sometimes mask underlying issues rather than addressing root causes like poor diet or stress.
• Potential side effects include nausea, muscle loss, or dependency, and critics worry about the “pharma-industrial complex” profiting off societal problems.
• For some, they might bypass the personal growth that comes from natural lifestyle changes, like mindful eating or regular adjustments.

As someone who prefers an all-natural approach whenever possible (chiropractic adjustments, whole foods, exercise, and harnessing the body’s innate intelligence) I’ll always advocate starting there. Chiropractic care optimizes the nervous system, reducing inflammation and enhancing the body’s self-healing abilities without drugs. But not everyone lives a chiropractic lifestyle; and for those I’ve seen in the office, GLP-1s are making a difference in their lives.

Speaking of NFL greats, Tom Brady exemplifies this balanced mindset. His “force of habit” philosophy, built a legendary career with seven rings through disciplined wellness routines, including chiropractic care. Now, as founding Chief Wellness Officer (CWO) of eMed, Brady will bring attention to GLP-1 access for corporate workforces.

Ultimately, the goal is to “Be Well” in body, mind, and spirit. I find it’s OK to enjoy some fun food and drink on Super Bowl Sunday. Just keep it moderate, stay hydrated, and listen to your body. Gather with family for that gridiron glory, create those joyful memories, and if Monday brings a strained nervous system from all the excitement, visit your chiropractor for an adjustment to start the week aligned and energized. Cheers to a thrilling Super Bowl LX!