What We Can Learn From GLP-1s like Ozempic.
If you have watched any amount of TV, whether that's live or streaming, you've seen at least 1,000 commercials (slight exaggeration) for GLP-1 medications for weight loss. Many companies are jumping on board, from Costco to "wellness" companies like NOOM. You might be more familiar with the brand names like Ozempic and Mounjaro.
Regardless of what you and I feel about medications like these, there are lessons we can learn from the widespread use and popularity of them. Here are 3 things I'm learning/realizing as I observe the popularity of these types of medications skyrocket.
CALORIES REALLY DO MATTER
I've tended to be on the side of the weight-loss theory that "calorie-in-calorie-out" is too simplistic. But maybe it's not.
Regardless of all the other side effects these medications potentially have, the primary mechanism of suppressing your appetite so you eat less has shown much success.
And for those that want to blame hormones and the life transition of peri-menopause as to why they can’t lose weight, Ozempic has proven that just isn’t the case. No matter your sex hormone profile, shutting down your appetite and ultimately your calorie intake has shown weight loss.
That's why these medications are in a class of drugs called anorectics. You've heard of the eating disorder anorexia. People with anorexia are highly successful at losing weight because they perpetually eat within a calorie deficit.
Take survival-type reality shows like Survivor or Alone, where food is scarce. If you see episode 1 and compare that to the final episode, EVERY contestant has lost weight because they have drastically decreased calories.
Whether it is a game show or medication that creates a calorie deficit, people lose weight regardless of age, gender, hormones, genetics, or virtually every other reason/excuse people have for not being able to lose weight.
If you have been eating well, exercising, and can't lose weight but haven't tracked what you're eating by measuring on a scale how much is going in, you might be missing unintentional calories. For example, I dare you to measure out a serving of peanut butter. It's sad how little it actually is. I would venture to say that most people eating peanut butter are actually eating 3–4 servings.
THE BODY POSITIVITY MOVEMENT IS DEAD
The body positivity movement is a social movement that encourages people to accept all bodies, regardless of their size, shape, skin tone, gender, or physical abilities. The movement's goal is to help people improve their body image and self-esteem by challenging unrealistic beauty standards.
Look no further than Hollywood. I bet you see more and more celebrities showing up thinner and toner, even if they were thin to begin with. They use Ozempic to prep for movie premieres, red carpets, and public appearances. Add in Botox and fillers, and you have a big middle finger pointing at the complete opposite of body positivity, many of which those celebrities are champions for. It's like world leaders flying on private jets to a conference centered around lowering carbon emissions, saying we have to eat less meat, while consuming steak, lamb, and veal at their conference.
GLP-1 MEDICATIONS ARE BECOMING A COMMODITY
It used to be that you could only get these medications if you had a Type 2 Diabetes diagnosis. The gatekeeper was your primary care provider. Now you can find these medications at giant retailers (still need a doctor to sign off), concierge clinics, and online pharmacies. Almost anyone who can prescribe them is going to because they're in high demand.
With that said, at some point, the price is going to have to come down (unless they manufacture a "shortage." This will be good for the user if you want these medications. On the flip side, this also could mean more users and more potential for side effects being reported and lawsuits being made. And I'm going to just sit back and observe and take note of trends, so I have future content for these Substack posts.