How do I talk to my friends about Ozempic?

How do I talk to my friends about Ozempic?

Drugs such as Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro have sparked debate in the medical community and the general public about weight loss methods. While some health care providers urge their patients to choose non-drug approaches to weight control, others point to the importance of being supportive and non-judgmental of others' health decisions. Experts recommend approaching weight loss conversations with compassion and support for the other person to create a safe and healthy environment.

Weight loss medications are one of the most popular topics in the health sector. But with so many different circumstances and viewpoints surrounding the medication, it can sometimes be difficult to navigate the conversation.

As the use of Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro continues to increase, views within the medical community and the general public are divided.

Before taking a stand, remember that every drug is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Use of weight loss medications

Ozempic(Semaglutide) is approved to lower blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus in addition to diet and exercise. The drug is also approved to reduce the risk of a heart attack, stroke, or death in adults with type 2 diabetes and known heart disease.
Wegovy(Semaglutide) Injection is approved to help adults and children 12 years of age and older who are obese or some adults who are overweight (overweight) who also have weight-related medical problems lose and maintain weight in addition to diet and exercise.
Mounjaro(tirzepatide) is approved to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes as an adjunct to diet and exercise.

A side effect of all of these medications is appetite suppression, which can lead to weight loss.

Katherine H. Saunders, MD, a member of the Obesity Action Coalition and clinical assistant professor of medicine at Weill Cornell Medicine, said these drugs and other obesity drugs are used for medical reasons and are not just "vanity drugs."

"Many people think that obesity is a lifestyle problem that can be effectively managed by eating less and exercising more, and therefore view semaglutide as a scam or an easy way out," she saidHealth.

The viciousness of these drugs perpetuates the misconception that people can simply lose weight if they try harder and that obesity is a condition that is deliberately controlled, she noted.

“Many people with obesity and multiple weight-related complications have lost and gained weight millions of times, and nothing helps achieve significant and sustainable weight loss,” Saunders said. “These are individuals for whom semaglutide could be a very viable option to finally treat their disease and improve or resolve their weight-related health complications.”

Rekha Kumar, MD, a practicing endocrinologist in New York City and chief medical officer at Found, agreed. She hopes increased obesity awareness will help People are realizing that biology plays a large role in how the body stores fat and that medications can help address the biological factors associated with obesity.

"But I feel like there's a new stigma that Wegovy is viewed negatively when celebrities use it as a quick fix," Kumar saidHealth.

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The Controversy Over Weight Loss Drugs

While some medical professionals advocate weight loss medications, others prefer other ways to control weight.

Rosia Parrish, ND, naturopathic doctor and fertility specialist at Naturopathic Wellness Center, said her holistic approach means she prioritizes non-drug methods for weight loss.

“These methods address the underlying factors that contribute to weight gain, such as hormonal imbalances, metabolic disorders, nutrient deficiencies and lifestyle habits,” Parrish saidHealth. “By identifying and addressing these root causes, we can achieve long-term weight loss results.”

She added that non-drug methods tend to have minimal to no side effects compared to prescription weight loss medications, which she said makes them a safer choice, especially for people with specific health conditions or who are taking other medications.

"Some approaches include taking nutritional supplements and herbal medicine or homeopathy, eating a balanced and nutritious diet, regular physical activity, managing stress, getting good sleep, and addressing emotional factors that contribute to weight gain," Parrish said.

Another concern health care providers raise about drugs like Wegovy and Ozempic is that while the drugs typically result in a 15% reduction in body weight, the weight returns after you stop taking them.

In a study that analyzed people a year after stopping semaglutide and lifestyle interventions, including monthly nutritional counseling and 150 minutes of physical activity per week, people regained two-thirds of the weight they lost from the drug.

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How to Have Healthy and Considerate Conversations About Weight Loss

When a friend or loved one tells you they want to try a weight loss drug like Wegovy, it can be difficult to keep your opinion to yourself.

However, one option is to approach the conversation the same way you would if the person told you they were taking cholesterol or blood pressure medication, Kumar said.

"Weight is just a number. It doesn't contain information about people's health...I would rather advocate for overall health and well-being as well as feeling good about my body rather than talking about the weight number," she said.

According to a study in theInternational Journal of Obesity42% of U.S. adults reported experiencing weight stigma, such as being made fun of or treated unfairly because of their weight. Healthcare and the workplace are among the most common environments where people experience weight stigma.

As a doctor, when patients tell Kumar they want to take a drug like Wegovy, she asks them what they know about the drug and how they decided they wanted to try this drug.

"In other areas of medicine, patients don't typically choose which drug to get, but because of the media attention on Wegovy, we're seeing patients asking about it," she said.

She explains to patients that there are many medications that may be appropriate and creates a treatment plan based on their medical history.

Saunders recommends keeping in mind that while lifestyle interventions such as diet, exercise and behavior changes are the cornerstones of weight control, these alone are not enough for many people with obesity to lose a significant amount of weight and maintain weight loss long-term.

"It's important to set aside personal biases and recognize that for some people, weight loss may be the biggest challenge they will ever face in their lives," she said.

She adds that for some people, talking about their weight can be difficult or painful. So when others share their journey, respond by saying, “Thank you for sharing it with me.” How can I support you?”

Hearing words of support from people in their personal lives can go a long way, as Saunders said most of her patients have experienced weight bias from health care providers.

"Providers often suggest patients lose weight to improve a symptom or condition without having insight into their weight history. Perhaps the patient has already lost 100 [pounds] or perhaps the patient's presentation has nothing to do with their weight," she said.

As a friend, family member or acquaintance of someone trying to lose weight, Parrish said making assumptions or judgments about their weight without understanding their personal medical history can be harmful, contribute to stigma and shame, and have a negative impact on mental health. such as poor body image.

“Weight-related comments can trigger negative emotions, particularly in those with a history of trauma or eating disorders,” she said.

When it came to weight-loss medications, Parrish said, instead of offering unsolicited advice or opinions, prioritize creating a compassionate and nonjudgmental environment.

“Respecting their autonomy is crucial,” she said, emphasizing the importance of “recognizing that individuals have the right to make their own decisions about their health, even if their choices differ.” [your] personal beliefs or preferences.”

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