Bizarre NYC pizza ad that name-drops Wegovy is is sparking outrage: ‘This is crazy’

New York Post - Mar 29th, 2025

A new pizza-bagel restaurant in Midtown Manhattan, set to open on May 15, has sparked controversy with an ad encouraging customers to take the weight-loss drug Wegovy after indulging in its offerings. The ad, which reads 'Bagizza now, Wegovy later,' has drawn criticism from medical professionals and the public alike, with Dr. Rekha Kumar, a Manhattan endocrinologist, comparing it to promoting cigarettes alongside a lung transplant. The restaurant owner, Michael Park, claims the ad is intended as a New York-style joke, appealing to the city's love for edgy humor. However, the ad has elicited mixed reactions from New Yorkers, highlighting concerns over promoting unhealthy eating habits amid an ongoing obesity crisis.

This incident underscores the growing popularity and controversy surrounding injectable weight-loss drugs like Wegovy and Ozempic, originally designed to treat diabetes but now widely used for weight loss. This trend has permeated Hollywood and raised ethical questions about the commercialization of such medications. The ad's backlash also reflects broader societal tensions about diet culture and the responsibility of businesses in promoting healthy lifestyles. As the restaurant prepares to replace the former Joseph Abboud menswear shop, the debate it has sparked highlights the complexities of marketing strategies in a health-conscious era.

New York City Obesity Ozempic Wegovy Michael Park Dr. Rekha Kumar Diet Culture

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RATING

6.8

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article provides a timely and engaging exploration of a controversial advertisement that uses a popular weight-loss drug in its messaging. It effectively captures diverse public reactions and includes a credible medical perspective, though it could benefit from additional expert input and transparency regarding its sources. The article is well-written and accessible, making it easy for a general audience to understand the issues at play. While it raises important questions about advertising ethics and public health, its impact could be strengthened by further exploration of regulatory perspectives and potential health implications. Overall, the story is a solid piece of journalism that successfully highlights a provocative topic while maintaining a balanced and clear presentation.

Accuracy

The story accurately reports the existence of an ad at a new pizza-bagel joint in Midtown with the phrase "Bagizza now, Wegovy later." It correctly cites the location as Madison Avenue and East 49th Street and includes reactions from a credible source, Dr. Rekha Kumar, a Manhattan endocrinologist. The story also accurately captures public reactions, both supportive and critical, and the restaurant owner's intention behind the ad. However, it lacks verification of any actual partnership or communication between the restaurant and Novo Nordisk, the maker of Wegovy, which is crucial given the implications of using a brand name in advertising. This omission slightly affects the overall accuracy score.

Balance

The article presents a balanced view by including different perspectives: the critical view from a medical professional, public opinions both for and against the ad, and the restaurant owner's justification. However, it could improve balance by including more viewpoints from health experts or regulatory bodies to provide a broader understanding of the implications of such advertising. The lack of these perspectives suggests a slight imbalance in how the issue is framed, focusing more on public reaction than on expert analysis of potential health implications.

Clarity

The article is generally clear and well-structured, presenting the information in a logical sequence that is easy to follow. The language is straightforward, and the tone is neutral, allowing readers to understand the issue without confusion. However, the article could benefit from clearer delineation of the potential health implications of the ad's message, which would enhance reader comprehension of the broader context.

Source quality

The primary source for the medical perspective is Dr. Rekha Kumar, whose credentials as an endocrinologist lend credibility to her critique of the ad. However, the article does not cite additional authoritative sources, such as health organizations or regulatory bodies, which could have strengthened the reliability of the information presented. The reliance on public opinion and the restaurant owner's comments, while relevant, does not provide the same level of authoritative insight as expert commentary would.

Transparency

The article lacks transparency regarding its sources, particularly in how public opinions were gathered and whether any formal response from regulatory bodies was sought or received. While it provides the restaurant owner's perspective, it does not clarify whether there was any outreach to Novo Nordisk for comment, which would be critical given the use of their product name in the ad. This lack of transparency in sourcing and methodology slightly undermines the article's credibility.