- The GLP-1 Effect
- Posts
- Invisible Needles: Living with the Stigma of Injectable Weight Loss
Invisible Needles: Living with the Stigma of Injectable Weight Loss
Formerly Obese
October 22, 2024
Are you shy about revealing that you’re on Ozempic?
As the pounds melted away, people asked questions. Hesitant to reveal the full truth, I often resorted to half-truths. The words "I ate less" rolled off the tongue. This answer, while not false, hid the full story. Why did I hesitate? Diabetics talk openly about insulin, yet mentioning Ozempic felt wrong.
On braver days, a more honest answer emerged. "I cheated," the confession would come, followed by a brief explanation of the medication. The word 'cheated' left a bitter taste. The notion of cheating implies weight loss should involve suffering, a reverse no-pain-no-gain mentality. It seems our culture still views weight loss as a process that should involve struggle or discomfort, as if shedding pounds requires a form of penance. I thought about how many others might be silently navigating the same path, carrying the weight of secrecy along with their Ozempic pens.
We're at a turning point in how we see obesity. Does modern society still view excess weight as a personal failure, a testament to weak willpower? Or do we see it as a health issue, shaped by genetics and neurochemistry?
Medical consensus now recognizes obesity as a chronic condition with roots in genetics and neurobiology. Discoveries like leptin, a hormone that plays a key role in regulating appetite and body weight, have provided concrete evidence for the biochemical underpinnings of obesity.
But society hasn't caught up. Overweight people still face harsh judgment, their struggles often seen as simple lifestyle choices. Still many doctors, dietitians, and policymakers see obesity as a lifestyle choice, not a complex medical issue. This view slows progress in healthcare and social acceptance.
The rise of weight loss medications like Ozempic or Mounjaro complicates the discussion. Will these drugs eventually be seen as common treatments, like blood pressure pills? Or will they always be viewed as a "quick fix," with people thinking you were swayed by celebrity vibe and paid high cost to lose weight easily?
This goes beyond personal health. It makes us think hard about beauty standards, fair access to healthcare and what it means to improve ourselves. As we navigate this new era of obesity treatment, we must confront these deep-seated beliefs and biases.
Can we rethink willpower when it comes to medical help? Can we make a world where getting help for weight is as normal as any other health issue?
The way forward isn't clear and raises tough questions. But every talk about Ozempic, every honest moment about weight loss, helps change minds. It could lead to kinder views on health and body image.
How can we foster a more understanding, compassionate approach to weight and wellness? What's your experience? Let's continue this conversation – your voice matters in shaping a more inclusive society. Getting there starts with honest talks, even when they're uncomfortable.
Stay healthy (and hungry for knowledge),
Formerly Obese
Reply