“They’re not shortcuts”: How weight loss drugs became the business of shame

As New Year’s resolutions kick into high gear, weight loss goals at the top of many people’s lists. Like clockwork, advertisements for weight loss programs and supplements are popping up on social media, ready to meet demand.

The weight loss drug market is exploding, with new products entering the scene to compete with big names like Ozempic. This is not surprising, considering the millions of people around the world struggling with obesityPCOS and diabetes.

Medicines weight loss promise without a complete lifestyle overhaul has sparked hope and controversy, and the market shows no signs of slowing down. Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro and other GLP-1 drugs have transformed the way obesity is treated and are a 25% reduction in weight loss surgeries. Sixteen new drugs are expected to hit the market in the coming years, by Reutersand analysts estimate that the overall market could reach $200 billion by 2031.

There is an ongoing debate about how GLP-1 drugs fit into an overall obesity management strategy, their potential side effects, and their costs.

The growing market has also revealed societal attitudes that include complex levels of stigma and misunderstanding.

How shame boosted GLP-1 drugs

Shame on fat is not a new concept. “In Western society, fatphobia and anti-obesity are so ingrained in the way we think about size, health and self-esteem,” said Catherine Metzelaardietitian and owner of Brave Space Nutrition. “There is a belief that being thin means being beautiful, disciplined and healthy, while being fat is often unfairly linked to laziness or lack of self-control.”

“All of this leads to the idea that fat people deserve less respect or dignity,” she said. “Diet culture also plays a big role in this promotion, making people believe that anyone in a larger body just isn’t trying hard enough, leading to the scorn and derision we see.”

The use of GLP-1 drugs has given rise to the term “Ozempic shaming” to describe the negative perceptions faced by those who choose medical interventions to control their weight. Some critics argue that using these drugs amounts to “taking a shortcut,” overlooking the complex factors that contribute to obesity.

“Some people think weight loss has to be grueling to be ‘real’ or ‘earned’ and see things like surgery or medication as a shortcut,” said Dr Raj Dasguptachief medical advisor for Garage Gym Reviews. “This belief ignores how difficult these options are and that everyone’s journey is different. It’s an outdated mindset that simplifies a very complex problem.”

Joshua Collins, licensed clinical social worker at SOBA New Jersey, said that “drugs like Ozempic (Semaglutide) help address underlying metabolic and hormonal issues, such as insulin resistance and appetite regulation.”

“These are not shortcuts; they are tools, much like using medications to manage diabetes or high blood pressure,” he said. “Criticizing someone for using Ozempic reflects a misunderstanding of the science of weight and reinforces harmful stereotypes about health and exercise.”

GLP-1 Competitors Also Use Shame

The rest of the weight loss market has attempted to capitalize on these criticisms through a marketing approach that devalues ​​GLP-1 drugs. Advertisements promote the over-the-counter supplements as “nature’s Ozempic” and warn that “GLP-1 drugs are effective but come with a high price.”

“My doctor thinks I was scammed,” some ads say, with the slogans “This is NOT Ozempic, but your metabolism will love it,” “Ozempic power in a capsule,” and “Works 3x more faster than Ozempic”.

Dr. Michael Chichak, medical director of the mental health clinic MEDvidisaid that GLP-1 drugs have benefits and risks like any other treatment, but that “scare tactics and misinformation are being used to advance a certain agenda.”

“The weight loss industry already preys on individuals, using fear and shame, as these are known to be more emotional triggers than using scientific evidence when marketing their product” , he declared. “These companies start by spreading confidence in the medical and pharmaceutical industry, presenting themselves as a safer option, emphasizing how GLP-1 drugs are more dangerous, and encouraging the use of “natural” alternatives. “

This can discourage people from seeking treatment, experts say. Many patients may feel pressured to justify their treatment choices, which can lead to stress and feelings of inadequacy, affecting their overall well-being. Treating obesity as a moral failing rather than a medical condition has been “extremely detrimental to patient care,” said Dr. Rehka Kumar, chief medical officer of the online weight loss program. Find.

“As a doctor, I find it deeply disturbing that patients are shamed for using evidence-based treatments, whether anti-obesity drugs or bariatric surgery,” Kumar said. “This stems from the persistent but incorrect view that body weight is a matter of will. Science shows that weight regulation involves genetic, environmental, hormonal and neurological factors. This bias results in inadequate care, with less than 10% of eligible patients offered care for evidence-based medical treatments for weight management and insurance coverage for obesity treatment are refused at rates three to four times higher than that. for other diseases chronicles.

Combating stigma requires increased awareness and education about the legitimate medical purposes of these medications while providing personalized, evidence-based care that considers the patient’s unique circumstances and goals and treats them with dignity, experts said .

“We have the opportunity to reshape the culture and impact a realistic symbol of beauty based on healthier standards and body types, genetics, among other factors,” said Max Banilivy, clinical psychologist and vice -president of education, training and customer/staff -be at. WellLife Network. “We must teach children, families and the media to deliver accurate and healthy messages. Not all bodies are the same. »