It feels like everywhere you look at the moment there are stories cropping up about Ozempic and Wegovy - from pharmacies to social media to mainstream press, they’re being hailed as a game-changer for weight loss.
At the same time, old debates about the pressure on women to be thin and chatter about the so-called ‘collapse’ of the body positive movement are sparking concerns for many of us, both within the fitness and nutrition industry, and further afield.
We think it’s a really tricky one, and, to some extent, we’ve been worried to address it for fear of saying the wrong thing.
Ultimately, our message is the same as ever – at Elevate we promote body autonomy; you do what works for you, because you are the expert on your body, and your life.
So, here is what we currently know and understand about weight loss medication.
Weight loss medication is a useful tool for people who struggle with chronic obesity and ongoing weight issues that threaten their health (and potentially their lives). It’s not a first resort, but it is an option for those who feel they have exhausted all other possibilities, such as exercise, healthy eating and lifestyle changes.
The medication, originally developed for diabetes, works by supressing appetite, which can in turn help control cravings and improve health markers (blood sugar, heart health etc). Clearly, a lot of people have found it incredibly useful for supporting their weight loss journey.
We personally know members who have benefitted from weight loss medication, and have found it an invaluable way to reduce ‘mental food chatter’.
However, there are some concerns to discuss.
First and foremost, the medication comes with side effects of nausea, digestive issues, and potential long-term metabolic changes. These are not to be taken lightly.
The second concern is the suppression of appetite -one of our bodies’ most fundamental cues. Indeed, our hunger cues exist for a reason; to tell us when we need fuel and nutrients. When those signals are suppressed, it’s easy to eat too little, leading to fatigue, muscle loss, and nutrient deficiencies over time.
In fact, some people on weight loss injections find themselves struggling with low energy, hair thinning, or poor recovery from workouts, all signs that their body isn’t getting enough essential nutrients.
While appetite control can be helpful, ignoring hunger completely isn’t healthy, and, if anything, people using weight loss medication need to be even more aware and mindful of their food consumption.
There are also concerns about how effective weight loss medication is long term, and danger of weight being regained when medication is stopped. For some, it could mean medication for life, which is no small undertaking.
We also feel personally worried about the ease at which these medications can be obtained online – with real fears about accessibility for teenagers and vulnerable people, not to mention those who simply don’t need it, but see it as a ‘quick fix’ solution to being ‘slim’.
In addition, whilst not chemically addictive, weight loss medication can create a form of psychological dependence because of how they impact appetite, cravings, and weight loss.
Despite these concerns, we are not here to ridicule weight loss medication, or label it as ‘bad’ – and we certainly aren’t here to judge those who choose to use it. Drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy can be hugely valuable for people who need to lose weight for health reasons, and we are here to support you with any decision that you take for your health.
At Elevate, we are dedicated to empowering to women feel strong, confident, and in control of their health, no matter what path they take. We strive to support and educate our members in a non-judgemental, safe space and encourage you to be open in discussing your choices and opinions with us.
We do believe that weight loss medication, if used, works best when combined with sustainable habits, good nutrition, body regulation, and strength training – rather than as a standalone solution.
The lifestyle changes work alongside the medication to achieve sustainable, long-term results, which is what we always strive for.
If you’re currently taking weight loss medication, or are thinking about doing so, and are unsure about how to support yourself through fitness, nutrition and wellbeing, please feel welcome to reach out to Tiff and Ali for further advice, guidance, and support.
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