The newest weight-loss hack has people turning to a highly addictive drug 
Dan DeFrancesco
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Happy Friday! New trailer alert! Check out a preview of the upcoming HBO documentary "MoviePass, MovieCrash" which chronicles the rise and fall of movie-ticket subscription company MoviePass.

In today's big story, we're looking at how Zyn nicotine pouches are becoming the new weight-loss quick fix.

What's on deck:

But first, forget Ozempic, I'm on "O-zyn-pic."

If this was forwarded to you, sign up here.

Zyn to get slim

Pack a lip, and watch the weight drip.

A new weight-loss quick fix is making the rounds just in time for summer's unofficial start (Memorial Day), but this one relies on a highly addictive drug.

Zyn nicotine patches — a favorite among finance bros and Republican lawmakers — are developing a new fan base among people looking to drop weight fast, writes Business Insider's Hilary Brueck and Mia de Graaf.

Users are touting how the small pouches you tuck inside your lip have suppressed their appetites. However, one doctor Hilary spoke to has concerns about the effects of using nicotine to lose weight.

Weight-loss drugs can be tricky in the best of circumstances.

GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic have been effective in helping people with metabolic conditions. But they haven't been tested on people who don't need them. And with widespread shortages limiting access, using them to shed a couple of pounds fast isn't realistic for most.

Using nicotine to lose weight is a tried (but maybe not true) practice. In the 1920s, cigarette companies marketed themselves as a way to "keep a slender figure."

Nicotine pouches like Zyn don't contain some of the harmful ingredients you'd find in cigarettes or vapes, which is why they're considered by some to be a healthy alternative. But research suggests they increase blood pressure and heart rate.

They're also still incredibly addictive, which comes with its own issues. Some friends I spoke to found it harder it kick Zyns than tobacco products.

Of course, you don't have to rely on a highly addictive drug to lose weight.

Physical activity, for one, is usually a good bet. And with the weather getting nice, it might be time to try your hand at a racket sport that's growing in popularity.

No, I'm not talking about pickleball.

Padel might seem like pickleball's cousin with a trust fund, but there are plenty of differences. BI's Jordan Hart has a rundown on everything you need to know about padel.

And yes, padel has definitely caught on with the elite. Since the sport requires a bit more infrastructure than pickleball, exclusive padel clubs have popped up, attracting financiers and former athletes.

So not only will playing help you get in shape, you might land your next gig or investment.

But if padel is a bit outside your budget, BI's Gabby Landsverk has done a ton of stories on simple workouts and diets that can help you reach your fitness and weight-loss goals.

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The Insider Today team: Dan DeFrancesco, deputy editor and anchor, in New York. Jordan Parker Erb, editor, in New York. Hallam Bullock, senior editor, in London. George Glover, reporter, in London.
This post originally appeared in the Insider Today newsletter.
You can sign up for Business Insider's daily newsletter here.
Happy Friday! New trailer alert! Check out a preview of the upcoming HBO documentary "MoviePass, MovieCrash" which chronicles the rise and fall of movie-ticket subscription company MoviePass. In today's big story, we're looking at how Zyn nicotine pouches are becoming the new weight-loss quick fix. What's on deck: But first, forget Ozempic, I'm on "O-zyn-pic." If this was forwarded to you, sign up here. Pack a lip, and watch the weight drip. A new weight-loss quick fix is making the rounds just in time for summer's unofficial start (Memorial Day), but this one relies on a highly addictive drug. Zyn nicotine patches — a favorite among finance bros and Republican lawmakers — are developing a new fan base among people looking to drop weight fast, writes Business Insider's Hilary Brueck and Mia de Graaf. Users are touting how the small pouches you tuck inside your lip have suppressed their appetites. However, one doctor Hilary spoke to has concerns about the effects of using nicotine to lose weight. Weight-loss drugs can be tricky in the best of circumstances. GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic have been effective in helping people with metabolic conditions. But they haven't been tested on people who don't need them. And with widespread shortages limiting access, using them to shed a couple of pounds fast isn't realistic for most. Using nicotine to lose weight is a tried (but maybe not true) practice. In the 1920s, cigarette companies marketed themselves as a way to "keep a slender figure." Nicotine pouches like Zyn don't contain some of the harmful ingredients you'd find in cigarettes or vapes, which is why they're considered by some to be a healthy alternative. But research suggests they increase blood pressure and heart rate. They're also still incredibly addictive, which comes with its own issues. Some friends I spoke to found it harder it kick Zyns than tobacco products. Of course, you don't have to rely on a highly addictive drug to lose weight. Physical activity, for one, is usually a good bet. And with the weather getting nice, it might be time to try your hand at a racket sport that's growing in popularity. No, I'm not talking about pickleball. Padel might seem like pickleball's cousin with a trust fund, but there are plenty of differences. BI's Jordan Hart has a rundown on everything you need to know about padel. And yes, padel has definitely caught on with the elite. Since the sport requires a bit more infrastructure than pickleball, exclusive padel clubs have popped up, attracting financiers and former athletes. So not only will playing help you get in shape, you might land your next gig or investment. But if padel is a bit outside your budget, BI's Gabby Landsverk has done a ton of stories on simple workouts and diets that can help you reach your fitness and weight-loss goals. The Insider Today team: Dan DeFrancesco, deputy editor and anchor, in New York. Jordan Parker Erb, editor, in New York. Hallam Bullock, senior editor, in London. George Glover, reporter, in London.
 Zyn to get slim 3 things in markets 3 things in tech 3 things in business In other news