PROVINCETOWN, Mass. — Provincetown’s annual Bear Week, a midsummer celebration embraced by a subculture of gay men identifying as “bears” — typically characterized by larger, hairier physiques — is experiencing a notable shift in recent years as weight-loss medications gain prominence among participants.

Bear Week, marking its 25th anniversary last month, has long been a space where traditional gay male aesthetics give way to body positivity and self-acceptance. However, the growing use of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1s), a class of drugs prescribed for weight loss, is altering the event’s dynamics, influencing attendees’ appearances and social interactions.

On a late afternoon at a Provincetown beach, René Alvarez, 54, a San Francisco resident, spoke candidly about his personal transformation. He lost more than 150 pounds through a combination of GLP-1 drugs and surgical procedures to remove excess skin, a common consequence of significant weight loss. Alvarez described how this change boosted his confidence in dating and fundamentally altered his Bear Week experience.

The impact extends beyond individual attendees. Steve August and TJ Howe, costumed as park rangers at a Boatslip nightclub event, noted a decline in the traditional bear presence. “Some bears are not spending as much because they’re trying to lose weight,” August said, citing anecdotes such as reduced demand for large cupcakes at local bakeries during the week. Scott Cunningham, owner of ScottCakes bakery, confirmed that while Bear Week remains a critical period for local businesses, this year’s clientele included a substantial number of heterosexual visitors, and some bears are opting for smaller portions.

Stephen and Michael, a couple from New Hampshire attending Bear Week, highlighted social changes resulting from the rising prevalence of weight loss drugs. Stephen, identifying as a classic bear, said he experienced increased attention as larger-bodied men become less common at the event, while Michael, whose physique is smaller, remarked that finding partners who match his preferences is more challenging. “If people feel better, good for them,” Michael said, “I’m just not going to bed with skinny guys.”

For many, including some who are not using GLP-1s, the medications prompt reflection on identity and attraction within the bear community. Julian Cyr, a state senator representing Cape Cod and a self-described bear, acknowledged the complexity of the issue. While he has not used the drugs, Cyr viewed their availability as an opportunity to redefine what it means to be a bear in a way that balances health and body image. He noted Bear Week has traditionally served as a space of affirmation for those who diverge from mainstream gay body norms.

Others, such as Charlie Nuttall, a 39-year-old who identifies as a “cub” — a younger or smaller bear — shared mixed feelings after losing more than 200 pounds with surgery and medication. Nuttall described gaining new opportunities but also a sense of losing connection with the “tribe” that once defined his social identity.

Al Parker, organizing bear-themed cruises, recounted his own experience on GLP-1s, crediting the drugs with enabling a healthier lifestyle and practical benefits such as easier clothing purchases. “I was not ashamed of having that body,” he said. “But one thing I enjoy now that I’m smaller is being able to buy clothes.”

As the week’s events unfolded, with dancing and socializing at venues like the Crown & Anchor, the community grappled with evolving ideals and realities. Kevin Healy, an investment banker and GLP-1 user from New York, summed up the cultural moment with a wry observation, working on a screenplay titled “Bears on Ozempic,” describing it as a “horror movie” reflecting the anxieties and transformations within the bear community during an era of medical weight loss.