Your Body, Your Business: A Psychologist's Response to Ozempic Shaming
With the rise in popularity of weight loss medications such as Ozempic, Wegovy and others, everybody seems to be talking about weight and/or how to lose it. As a clinical psychologist whose early career focused on helping individuals with obesity and obesity-related conditions (e.g., type 2 diabetes) improve their health and well-being, I have mixed feelings about the chatter.
On one hand, I appreciate that the conversation about weight loss puts a spotlight on what experts agree is a “public health crisis.” After all, nearly 42% of American adults are considered to have obesity, a condition that puts them at increased risk for heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and certain types of cancer.
On the other hand, I take issue with the fact that it seems to have given some people license to unnecessarily comment on others’ appearance, weight and weight loss efforts. The comments include: telling others they should use Ozempic, chastising those using weight loss medications for “taking the easy way out,” and comparing Ozempic users to thieves (as Ozempic was originally developed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes). There’s even a term for this negative commentary: “Ozempic shaming.”
(Related: Weight Loss Medications: Are They Effective?)
Why do people care so much about others’ weight? And why do they feel like they have the right to comment on it? From my perspective, the answer lies in societal expectations around thinness. From a young age, we are exposed to sociocultural pressure through the media, our parents, and our peers to embrace the “thin ideal”—to work toward a physical figure that is slender or lean.
At the same time, we are also exposed to weight stigma—or the social denigration of individuals who don’t conform to these slender standards. And it may be that this combination of pressures has led us to believe that we are justified—moral, even—in calling people out for their weight.
We’re not. In fact, doing so is dangerous. The reality is that millions of Americans are living with obesity. Obesity is the second leading cause of preventable death in the United States. Shaming individuals with obesity can have serious negative effects on their health. Studies have shown that individuals who experience weight stigma exhibit less motivation for and adherence to treatment, and are at increased risk for anxiety, depression, low self-esteem and suicidal thinking.
Calling people out for their chosen method of weight loss is also unjustified. Obesity and weight loss are complex. While lifestyle habits such as diet and exercise are obviously important factors in a person’s weight, there are many other variables, such as genetics, environment, family history, personal health history and more. Choosing to use weight loss medication doesn’t indicate that a person lacks willpower; rather, it signals that obesity simply isn’t easy to treat. From my perspective, asking for help when faced with a daunting challenge is a sign of strength.
(Related: Ozempic For Weight Loss)
So, what can you do if you’ve been subject to unwelcome comments about your weight or your weight loss journey?
Remember that your body is your business. No one should be able to tell you how to feel about it or what to do with it. If you find yourself unmoored by others’ commentary about your body, try closing your eyes, grounding yourself with a few deep and slow breaths, and repeating this to yourself: My body is my house, my temple. It is mine, and mine alone.
Have a response ready for when someone asks you about your weight or weight loss journey. Sometimes, the best response is a direct (and polite) one: Thanks for being concerned about me. I’m not interested in talking about my weight.
Be proud of what you’re doing in service of your own health. Whatever weight loss treatment you’ve chosen for yourself is likely to have a positive impact on your mental and physical health. Reward yourself for investing in yourself and celebrate your successes.
And how can you support others who have expressed to you that they are struggling with their weight—without talking about their body?
Ask them for what they need. Sometimes people just want a listening ear or a shoulder to cry on. Sometimes they want help solving their problems. Sometimes they need something else. Learn what they need to feel supported, and see if you can offer it.
Remind them that they are so much more than their body or their weight. Move away from the body talk and encourage people to remember what makes them unique, whether it be a special talent or a cool hobby.
The buzz about weight loss is likely to continue as weight loss medications become more common. But the shaming of those who are trying to lose weight doesn’t have to. Together, we can make a commitment to living our best lives—and supporting others as they do the same however they choose to.
This article originally appeared on Hers.com and was syndicated by MediaFeed.org.
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8 Smart Ways to Reduce the Price of Your Prescription Drugs
If you’re charging prescriptions to a credit card or digging for change in your car and couch every month to scrounge up enough money to pay for prescriptions, you’re not alone.
Around seven percent of U.S. adults can’t pay for prescription drugs they need, according to a 2021 Gallup poll. That’s an estimated 18 million people who say they had to go without at least one prescribed medication in the last three months, according to the poll.
If you struggle to pay for your meds or even worse, go without necessary medications, here’s some good news. With a bit of research and a strategy for finding discounts, you can save on prescription drugs.
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Drug discount cards have been saving consumers money on prescriptions for decades. If your insurance doesn’t cover a prescribed drug or you’re saddled with a high copay, check the price on these drug discount sites to see how much you can save.
- GoodRX
- Blink Health
- SingleCare
- WellRX
Not up to the research? Ask your pharmacist if they have information on how much you can save with certain prescription discount cards.
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Just because you’ve filled your prescriptions at CVS for the last 10 years doesn’t mean that pharmacy is the only game in town. Check prices at other local pharmacies, including your grocery store. If you can save enough to make the switch worthwhile, dole out your prescriptions among more than one pharmacy.
Ask your doctor if the prescribed medication has a generic version to save big bucks. “Generic drugs have exactly the same active ingredients and effects as brand-name drugs, but they can cost 30 percent to 80 percent less,” according to the Food & Drug Administration.
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Ordering a 90-day vs. a 30-day supply may save money on certain drugs. Check prices for both quantities before you fill a prescription. You’ll pay more upfront but the savings over three months may be worth it.
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Check with local pharmacies for any discount programs they offer. For example, when you pay $20 (or $35 for a family plan) to join Walgreens’ Prescription Savings Club, you can get discounts on more than 8,000 medications. Plus, you can fill 90-day prescriptions on select generic drugs for the price you’d pay for two 30-day prescriptions.
Bonus: Walgreens’ program also provides discounts on prescriptions for your pets.
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Save money by comparing prices at online pharmacies that deliver prescription drugs right to your doorstep. You may save a lot by ordering online.
Plus, you’ll save on gas and time by not having to drive to the pharmacy and wait in line.
Many drug manufacturers offer patient assistance programs if you meet income eligibility requirements. Contact the manufacturer for that pricey drug to find out if you’re eligible for deep discounts on a medication. To get an idea of how patient assistance programs work, visit RxAssist, which lists a comprehensive directory of patient assistance programs.
It is important to choose your health insurance wisely. Brokers are trained professionals that can assist you in finding the best plans for your unique needs. If possible, find a broker that is familiar with plans in your area and that is certified to sell ACA plans.
“The least expensive plan is not always the best or the most cost-effective option. Sometimes, a silver or gold plan may cost you less due to lower copays on brand name prescriptions. For those on Medicare, always have a broker review your part D (drug) coverage annually. Even if your monthly premium is not set to increase, there is no way to know that your prescriptions are still covered the same way for the next year unless you do an analysis of this plan,” says Analisa Cleland, an insurance and financial advisor at Coto Insurance.
If you are on a Medicare Advantage plan, have a certified broker review your coverage annually to ensure that your plan is still a good fit for your individual needs.
This article originally appeared on Debt.com and was syndicated by MediaFeed.org.
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