The Skinny On Ozempic & Other WL Drugs
The Skinny on Ozempic and Other Weight Loss Drugs from a HAES Perspective
By Natalie Delgado, LPC (guest writer & collaborator)
From tabloids to social media advertising, it seems these semaglutide weight loss injections are the holy grail for anyone who has struggled at a higher body weight. But are these drugs living up to the hype?
Health at Every Size
As a therapist specializing in eating disorders, I ascribe to a HAES philosophy, which is counter-cultural to the countless diet trends in our society today. HAES clinicians look beyond weight and shape to determine a person’s health by considering genetics and bloodwork. The medical and nutritional professionals I collaborate with are looking at everything from liver enzymes to phosphorus to calcium and more. We speak from an “all foods fit” model, implying that all foods in moderation are permissible. There aren’t good carbs vs bad carbs, and we certainly don’t place foods into Red, Yellow, and Green categories.
As a HAES provider, one thing I constantly hear is how individuals in higher-weighted bodies often feel dismissed by medical providers. A person may seek medical help for a sprained ankle, a broken wrist, or a case of the sniffles and be told they need to lose weight. In my own personal health journey, I met with a cardiologist at a few weeks postpartum after a scary bout of pre-eclampsia, and the doctor spent five minutes in the room with me before telling me to drop a few pounds. If you want to make a new mother simultaneously angry and self- conscious, just dare to utter those words. Needless to say I didn’t book a follow up with that guy, like so many individuals who avoid medical care due to dismissive comments just like this one.
The Semaglutide Craze
Semaglutides like Ozempic work to slow down the rate of digestion in the body so that a person feels fuller longer. It’s original use was to stabilize blood sugar levels for patients with Type 2 Diabetes. Medical professionals note that this classification of drugs may be used to lower the risk of heart attack or stroke, as well, according to the Mayo Clinic. I’m not a medical provider, but in conversations I’ve had with both MDs and RDs, it seems semaglutides have their place in the world of health. The concern is the trend and overuse of the medication. Because it’s contributed to weight loss for many individuals using this medication, it’s now being prescribed for this purpose, and those who can afford it are often purchasing it without using insurance benefits or comprehensive medical oversight. This has led to a huge supply and demand issue, and those using it for blood glucose management are frustrated when they can’t get the medication they need.
Beginning with the End in Mind
As I mentioned before, semaglutides have their place in the world of wellness, but those contemplating this medication should be asking medical professionals tough questions before proceeding. Consider the fact that these are fairly new drugs, and long term studies have not yet been conducted. Ask your medical provider how committed they are to keeping up with the research of semaglutides. If you are using it for weightless purposes, consider how you will maintain your goal weight once the medication is no longer needed. As HAES research shows, significant fluctuations in weight take a bigger toll on the body than a higher, but consistent, weight. And finally, I highly suggest working with a registered dietitian to ensure you will not miss out on the necessary nutrients your body needs while your intake is diminished. Please know that any clinician you partner with on this journey should be void of judgement. We simply want to ensure your voice is still heard and your body is still cared no matter what treatments you elect to use on your wellness journey. And, just because weight loss seems more accessible with a new classification of drugs, does not mean individuals of all size should not be valued. You are enough as your are today, and your long term health matters.
Natalie Delgado, LPC specializes in eating disorders and co-occurring mental health diagnoses. She is an outpatient therapist with The Emily Program in Atlanta, GA and enjoys sharing her passion for learning and mental health through writing and content creation.
