thanks for that article on Oprah. Interesting - i read some of the comments, and they are pretty harsh towards her. (like "marketing for weight watchers " and “its all about vanity not health” and “shes so wealthy she can get drugs that are not easy to get” and “hypocrite; she should like her body as it is” and etc. etc.)
No one knows how this is going to turn out. A fad? a phase? how long in years will your brain stay trained to ignore hunger?
yet - it can’t be denied. Weighing less is healthier for your blood pressure, you physicality, your organs, your whole being. I dont get why people are on her for this; or on others as well. but there is a slight dismissive shame attached to these drugs; like saying “you arent strong enough to do this on your own. you are needy”
I believe they are not providing the drugs. Their clinicians will just be prescribing it, and the patient will need to fill the prescription at their pharmacy.
I guess my concern is that folks will skip trying the traditional weight loss methods (which includes additional exercise as well as healthier eating), which really can work for many people. Like me. Certainly I do feel for those who have given a good effort with disappointing results.
When you’re a celeb it seems you’re damed
If you do and damed if you don’t.
She has had weight issues for years. She was thin for awhile and maybe trained for a marathon? She’s smart. She has property where she has enormous vegetable gardens which she seems t be involved tending and cooking from.
Who are we to decide if she has an ulterior motive? Who are we if we fault her for being fat but also fault her for taking different steps to be healthier? Typical size shaming of women.
Put her money and fame aside. She is a human being who has weight struggles. She should get the same support as anyone else.
Since semaglutide in Wegovy is the same stuff prescribed for diabetes under the Ozempic brand, will Novo Nordisk prioritize one brand and nominal intended use over the other when they have difficulty meeting supply? Seems like if they do, or do not, they will be criticized for that decision.
It’s highly probable that people who lose weight in what you describe as “the traditional way” will quickly regain it, putting their health in higher jeopardy.
I’m not sure what the virtue in the “traditional way” is unless it’s the fact that it doesn’t work.
Maybe not a “virtue” but the ability to enjoy eating and not have to inject oneself.
My mom’s friend is pre diabetic and has high blood pressure and is considering these drugs. She doesn’t exercise at all and has a bad diet. She hesitates because she loves to go out to eat with friends. To me, this is a case of maybe try and change some habits first.
BTW, my new employer’s insurance covers these drugs with a requirement of being enrolled in a wellness program with certain “deliverables.” Can’t just enroll and do nothing.
Why do you think people using Semaglutide don’t enjoy eating? The people I’ve heard speak about it still enjoy food very much. The drug just makes it easier to stop eating beyond the reasonable portion size. It also apparently reduces cravings for inappropriate binge foods as well as alcohol and recreational drugs.
I’d say that losing weight the “traditional way” has the worst side effect of all; regaining the lost weight the minute the person cannot continue fighting their own body and brain any longer. Honestly, I think the real reason people oppose these weight loss drugs that that they want overweight and obese to suffer for their “sin” of being overweight.
I have nothing against people using it but I have read several accounts where people don’t really enjoy food anymore when they are on it. That probably isn’t the case with everyone though.
All of the people I know have been battling their weight issues for a long time. IMO most people would love to exercise more and change their eating habits vs prescription meds… if that was all it took.
OMG the assumptions of what fat people are and aren’t doing are wearing me out. No other medication gets so much scolding and judging and “we know better” and “why don’t they just…” as this. I expect it out in the world, but depressing to find it here.
I honestly think Oprah is a perfect example of why these drugs are beneficial and needed. She has every opportunity open to her, money, time, personal chef, public pressure and has gained and lost weight her entire life. If diet and exercise were the only answer Oprah would be thin.
Diet and exercise don’t work for most people and we shouldn’t judge people who chose to take these meds.
I think this is an excellent article and I hope everyone who wants to can read it. I don’t have a gift link option, but it originated in the WSJ.
I mentioned earlier that metformin hasn’t been a great option for me. At the risk of TMI, my digestive system has been in an uproar. I can’t eat a meal without needing a bathroom. I take Benefiber daily. My blood sugar has barely responded. Not a great way to live.
It’s hard to know what’s causing what - my diet is healthy, I exercise regularly, yet I’m putting on weight, am hypertensive, diabetic and have high cholesterol. I’d love to know why.