we should talk about Ozempic

[@SwellEntertainment]

Go to buyraycon.com/swell to get 15% off your order!

[@louiseguglielmetti7477]

If you want to pay 45% in income tax, ok.

[@kentuckyroutezero]

Hi! I’ve been seeing this topic blow up a lot recently, and have tried to post this where folks can see it because it’s very important. I haven’t gotten to watch the video yet, but *please* read this; I work in medicine and need people to understand some things: 1. These medications are called GLP1 agonists, and most are approved for diabetes (Ozempic, Mounjaro, trulicity, etc). Two of them are approved for weight loss, Wegovy and Saxenda. Wegovy and Ozempic are the SAME DRUG (semaglutide). 2. Wegovy went through a massive shortage that lasted more than a year, and was devastating to people who need it. You generally can’t even get on this med without a BMI of >30 or >27 with a comorbid condition like hypertension, pre diabetes, etc. This medication is already extremely hard to get due to insurance, and the battle is uphill and very difficult for patients. Not many people are using it just to shed a few aesthetic pounds, this med is for treatment of a CHRONIC condition, obesity. Yes, this does mean you’ll probably have to be on it long time if your obesity is chronic. 3. Because of the Wegovy shortage, a lot of doctors panicked and tried to switch to Ozempic because their patients still needed their meds. Many, even more than before, were rejected, because as I said before, Ozempic is only approved for diabetes. Most patients on Wegovy don’t have diabetes and were denied coverage. Some got it, usually by buying out of pocket, which is THOUSANDS of dollars. The Wegovy shortage only JUST started to clear up, and it’s still hard to get in many places. 4. The issue is not the patients, but the pharma companies who aren’t keeping up with demand and essentially keeping people hostage by not properly scaling production. Providers and celebrities shouldn’t be selling this med as a cure all magic shot that’ll tone your body and make you look like a super model, I agree, but this is not the fault of obese patients, nor should diabetics have to struggle for their meds. Patients who need the med for weight loss should take Wegovy or saxenda. People with diabetes should be using the other meds. That way there’s less concern of a shortage. Medical fat phobia is a massive issue, and doctors are only just beginning to stop treating obesity like a moral problem and start treating it like a chronic health condition like it is. These medicines are life savers for millions of people, and the ridicule I’m hearing on social due to celebrities hawking it and people not being informed is harmful. People with diabetes need these medications, people with chronic, drug and lifestyle modification resistant obesity need these meds, and the pharma companies are to blame here, not the people who need them. Thank you for listening!

[@viewtifuljon8105]

You should do a review of Raycons and compare them to extremely cheap headphones and see which has the best build and sound quality.

[@anootnoot7192]

i bought raycons because of another youtuber, mistagg, around 4 years ago and really liked them. they finally gave out on me a while ago (lasted around 3-4 years for me) so i bought a new pair, and i still really like them (even though they’re a bit different because they were updated)… so i don’t mind when youtubers are sponsored by them 😭 rather pay for raycons and use them for four years + support youtubers through codes than pay for airpods or galaxy buds… shit’s expensive lol.

[@Kimberly_Sparkles]

Keep in mind that anyone getting these meds is overweight (30 lbs above recommended weight for them) They are at risk for Type II diabetes. Doctors who are RXing this to people with insurance are getting covered for people with signs of insulin resistance. IR makes weight loss much harder. Do I think there are Ozempic parties? Meh. This is the same media that claims kids eat tide pods and lithium battery fires are at crisis level. I think the idea sells paper and are BS mostly.

[@NurseKati]

As a diabetic who has not been able to get my ozempic since July I’m physically being hurt by this fad!

[@suffer4fashion]

What you are being hurt by is the pharmaceutical industries refusal to increase production to meet demand. We shouldn't demonize treatments that are effective simply because corporations choose to keep supplies low to increase profits.

[@katesicle]

@@suffer4fashion right? How is this the fault of people being prescribed the medication for a disease they have (obesity). It’s the company’s fault for keeping production low and overprescribing.

[@jessip8654]

@@suffer4fashion Yeah really. This medication could help prevent people from developing T2 diabetes in the first place. It should be readily available to all who could use it. I mean, oxycontin was/is handed out like candy, but not this? Come on.

[@KourttneyL]

What are they giving you until then??

[@AleksandarBell]

@@katesicle It’s not the fault of those people but it is the fault of people who don’t have any issues with weight other than confidence. They don’t need the medication. They want it.

[@CallMeHabi]

It's getting even bad here in Europe (I'm in France) and as a type 1 diabetic who relies on both fast acting insulin AND Ozempic, I'm starting to be real worried about not finding my regular treatment 😐

[@drcapt]

Ozempic is not approved for type 1 diabetes

[@KourttneyL]

What are you given until then?

[@XeniaGrae]

Are they giving you one of the other GLP-1 options? Exenatide for example had basically the same benefits in diabetes at least as of 2017 studies when Ozempic came out and Bydureon B-Cise came out to compete shortly after (simplified the way it was used significantly! The product itself wasn't new the administration method was changed to be much more like Ozempics.) Of the GLP-1 agonist drugs, only semeglutide is used / abused for weight loss. But the others are still very beneficial in diabetes.

[@StumptownHomestead]

Ugh. I was hoping Europe would be better.

[@snowguardian4766]

I work in a pharmacy in Germany and getting the 1mg Ozempic is nearly impossible at the moment,people are obsessed with it

[@msenspencer9332]

As someone who has dealt with an ED since middle school, thank you for the warning at the beginning, and I look forward to seeing your findings. Having someone genuinely sit down and mention it is much more friendly rather than just putting text on the screen.

[@PinkCatsy]

I don't really like when people just put text on screen, especially since it seems pretty common knowledge that a lot of people listen to the videos and might not be seeing the warnings on the screen. It's unfortunate that more people don't say that there are trigger warnings on screen, if they don't say them for monetization reasons

[@SoManyRandomRamblings]

@@PinkCatsy agreed...plus text on screen feels like an afterthought added by editors, saying it shows more caring, even if added later, it still says they cared enough to get presentable and take the time to address it directly versus something that could have been copy-pasted and not even their own thoughts

[@musicinmymind623]

Agreed!! It also makes everything accessible for people who are blind/visually impaired and rely on audio, there are definitely people out there that aren’t able to see what is being put on screen but absolutely need those warnings and it’s incredibly unfortunate not more people do this.

[@ChristopherSadlowski]

My eating disorder's rubber really hit the road when I was in middle school too. I had really problematic eating habits and body image issues way before that as a child. I know how much work goes into living with an ED. I hope you're in at least a decent place right now. The weird thoughts still crop up for me here and there, and I have to be vigilant to discern if I'm not eating because of my chemotherapy or if it's the disordered thinking creeping back up. We can thrive even with the spectre of this thing lingering over us like a goddamn ghost in a haunted house.

[@TonyBurgess1969]

I'm a type 2 diabetic and these meds are a big part of keeping us healthy. Weight loss is a bonus.

[@justlikethewizard]

I work as a health care receptionist and part of my job right now is to help patients who are dealing with the shortages. It's so stressful when patients that desperately need the meds are left without it (and this doesn't even touch on how hard it is to get your insurance to cover it, again, thanks to shortages and the other uses).

[@twinbruisesonmyshins]

@@classicclassi6146 you dont need medication to stop being fat.

[@cyberpunklain]

@@classicclassi6146 obesity is not "worldwide" thats very tone deaf. most countries r not 1st world & either way not every country is the same as the usa. not to mention the reason why obesity is so abundant is bc of poverty & lack of support for ppl in general.

[@lainiwakura1776]

@@cyberpunklain Yes it is. Mexico is a poor country with an obesity problem, I don't know what rank they are considered. Obesity is not caused by poverty, it's caused by evil corporations who steal the local water supply for their soda and filling the shelves of grocery stores with highly palatable, calorie dense, and nutritionally low food.

[@dianaquill9969]

And a help, it helps with insulin resistance. I'm a type one, I'm sorry if you're on Ozempic and struggling with finding it. Stay safe!

[@vickyleta]

As a type 1 insulin-dependent diabetic, I want to thank you for this video. The shortage of diabetes of medication and the ungodly high costs often leads to diabetics rationing their meds and many diabetics have died as a result. The $35 cap is a great start but I'm still skeptical it will be completely accessible to as many diabetics, especially considering many don't use Eli Lilly products. Want to shout out also a group called Mutual Aid Diabetes that works to actually help get diabetics insulin or funds to afford their medication. If you can, please donate to them over any big-name charity. You could very well save a life.

[@wt_9026]

novo nordisk also announced they would 'price match' or get to the 25 to 35 price point for insulin premix products - I guess since ozempic / wegovy going gangbusters they can afford it now?

[@Art7220]

You could go to Canada and get it cheap.

[@YourWaywardDestiny]

@@Art7220 It's not viable for the vast majority of diabetics to skip off to another country for a daily-required, life-sustaining medication with a relatively fast expiration date. Cheap Canadian medication isn't a solution to American cooperate greed, and it never will be.

[@apemanbutters]

I understand and empathize with the ordeal of dealing with the confluence of a chronic health condition and the insurance co.. But to be transparent Ozempic is not approved for type1 diabetes. It can be used off label for type1, just as it is for obesity. And to be clear not a single diabetic has died because of the supply chain shortage of Ozempic. The insinuation would be that a person with obesity took a person with type2’s meds and subsequently that person died. Please

[@vickyleta]

​@@apemanbutters ok so...would you believe I am extremely aware that it is not for type 1 diabetes. Literally in the commercial and I didn't say it was for me. But what I am saying is that inaccessibility is an issue across the board for diabetics--I can both understand and sympathize with the struggle. Making a broad statement like "no one has died from the supply chain shortage of Ozempic" negates the still dire situation at hand. Do you not see the comments here of diabetics worried about accessing their medication for their health? Did you also know diabetics who are not in control of their blood sugar could die from hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia? Are you really empathizing?

[@lillianlillian]

I work in a pharmacy and it's the worst having to tell someone we don't have their medication and we have no clue when we're going to get any in

[@syntheticjesso]

Patient struggling to get it filled, thank you for trying! I try to be kind and understanding with the pharmacy folks because I know it's not their fault, and I imagine a lot of other people aren't so nice about it.

[@cheyannemathis5706]

Between the Ozempic/Mounjaro and the Adderall shortages, working in pharmacy is an nightmare right now.

[@Eibarwoman]

@@cheyannemathis5706 With the ADHD meds, it's the DEA restricting supplies when ADHD diagnoses have increased from the pandemic. With the other... it's these people trying to lose weight who wouldn't be of the BMI that qualifies as a candidate to start use of the meds. Ex. Elon Musk definitely was never obese.

[@BlisaBLisa]

@@Eibarwoman fuck the DEA all my homies hate the DEA

[@LLWW]

​@@Eibarwoman nah he looked obese before and probably had bad blood work. I don't blame people like that taking the meds. I blame the healthy people taking so they can fit a certain size easier

[@Vicky-Hugh-Martini]

My mom relies on Ozempic for her Type 2 diabetes and luckily so far she hasn't had trouble getting her supply.

[@trollymctrollface]

Swell liked your comment, you're legendary! 🍝🐐

[@Thepeanutcollector]

Hope she still continues to have good luck and stays in good health.

[@valserra6672]

my health insurance actually first rejected me for taking this medication. My doctor did a whole legit write up with huge recommendation and my health insurance rejected me for some reason??? It took talking to 5 different people to finally get it. I sometimes think they rejected me because they assumed, being a 27 year old, they thought i was doing it for vanity reasons.

[@Irisposting]

Insurance can be really arbitrary about denying things because they want to front as little of the bills as possible, despite it being their entire purpose

[@Mandavee]

As someone who works in health insurance- call your health insurance and demand to know the exact reason why your medication was denied. At least for our company "vanity" isnt a valid denial, but its important to light a fire under their asses. I work claims, I've made mistakes. The computer makes mistakes too, but I wont speculate why your claim was denied.

[@jennchi]

All of the insurers reject the first request for it. It's not a bad thing. Patients who legit need it will get it after their doc sends documentation for it. It would probably be more scarce if everyone could get it with a low copay.

[@Zackattackplayspokemon]

I remember my sister with asthma needing a different type of inhaler because the more common version they usually cover with insurance doesn't help for her. Multiple times the insurance company tried to give her the cheaper dose, and even when they gave it to her the pharmacy themselves struggled to actually give her the right thing to the point to where she had to change pharmacies. My brother has seizure meds and needs the name brand and not generic because generic gives him very bad side effects. Insurance gave them a similar issue and sometimes the pharmacy messed that up too, and one time I remember the insurance trying to charge him (seizure meds are *expensive* ) claiming he "didn't need" the name brand This crap is so annoying.

[@jacquelinealbin7712]

​@@Irisposting they're really bad about covering anything dermatology related... I had a nasty, painful rash that was legitimately ruining my life. Tried the first 2 rx creams prescribed that were cheap, neither worked. Was prescribed a third, and the insurance *refused* to cover it at all, so I had to spend $150 for it, not even knowing if it would work (it did). Now I panic every time my arm itches, because I know that the one medication that works for that rash for me is outrageously pricy. Like, just because it's a skin issue doesn't make it cosmetic. It's a painful rash that kept me up for weeks due to the itch, not just some slight acne scarring. Sorry, rant over 🙃

[@AdorableLittleHeart]

I'm honestly very nervous to share my story because of the potential backlash, but being on Wegovy is one of the best decisions I've ever made for my health. I have binge eating disorder, and it was getting so bad that I had teetered between pre-diabetic and diabetic, I had insanely high cholesterol, and I was at risk of a heart attack at 29. I was also classified as morbidly obese according to BMI. I needed to stop the food noise in my head that constantly made me seek out ginormous quantities of food. Wegovy has done that for me. No, I don't eat one or two bites of food and that's all for the day. I eat 3 normal sized meals during the day with little snacks here or there. I relief I feel for not having binged in months is amazing, I've never felt healthier. And my bloodwork reflects this as well. I'm at the lower end of pre-diabetic, my cholesterol is finally in the normal range, and my doctor says I don't qualify as a risk of heart attack anymore. I'm still obese, but no longer in the morbid obese category. The weight loss is a nice bonus but I'm just happy I'm no longer killing myself with food.

[@SafireMusic]

I think people are missing nuance in the situation and the fad has made it worse and caused blanket statement. I’m happy you found something that worked for you!

[@Supergace1234]

Same!!! These videos always make me feel guilty, because I am also on ozempic for weight loss (I have insulin resistance PCOS and in times when I’ve been in a calorie deficit and am walking 20k-30k steps a day, I still lose nothing. And this medication has helped so so much)

[@AdorableLittleHeart]

@@SafireMusic thank you!

[@AdorableLittleHeart]

@@Supergace1234 the guilt is so real. I never want to really talk about it with people because they get so judgey but i felt like this side of the story needed to be shared. I'm glad it's working for you too!!!

[@kaemincha]

Some of the commentary on this seems to be very black and white, as another commenter said. As someone who is nearing prediabetic, I would consider taking this if I had access to it. I think it is absolutely neccessary to critique celebrities or people promoting absolute thin-ness. However, it seems there are valid off-label uses for the drug.

[@beato1733]

I work at a pharmacy and between ozempic, mounjaro and adderall shortages coming into work has been hell. Seeing patients who have been taking these medications for years unable to get it breaks my heart and the fact there is nothing we can do is even worse. No estimated dates, we’ve even had people come from out of state because they heard my pharmacy had a small amount of the medication they needed.

[@louisezaros1616]

And astma meds and inhalers .. people all now also noticing their meds not working anymore esp generics... Diluting /cutting meds just like the dealers do w narcotics to make more supply less content.

[@foxiefair123]

Mainstream media and the fashion industry are partially fueling this by promoting an unrealistically thin ideal. It was getting better but now it seems like it’s starting again.

[@sarahvruwink3027]

As a narcoleptic I actually NEED my adderall and every month is a game of Russian roulette with pharmacies

[@basil6060]

i’ve had to stay on medicaid for the past 6+ years because my bipolar medication was paywalled and private insurance couldn’t even touch the cost, luckily for me medicaid did help me but it was thousands a month. it just finally became available as a generic and when they offered it to me on the phone at the pharmacy i almost fell off my chair. never thought i’d see the day. end medication paywalls ! (this was latuda btw)

[@agjul]

I was about to ask if it was Latuda. Ugh. I guess things still haven't gotten better with that med being covered by insurance. A psychiatrist wanted to put me on that but after checking with insurance (who very much said lol no we aint payin) prescribed something else.

[@julianlaresch6266]

I was trying to get a medication for fibromyalgia after the first 2 meds failed for various reasons (I think savella was the med) ND my insurance denied it due to cost and sent a list of alternatives, now im on amitriptyline instead. It works, sure but I wonder if the other would have been better.

[@Burnerbaby]

My doctor tried her best to get me approved for latuda and viibryd but my insurance absolutely refused. We called more times than I can count and still both “Nah, you’ll be fine.” I’ve cycled through so many meds that those two were my last hope and still, Nope. I’m out here unmedicated, trying to stay alive while my insurance company is bathing in my cash each month.

[@cheyannemathis5706]

@@Burnerbaby Have you talked to the doc recently about trying again? I know both medications recently had generics made available in pharmacies so maybe insurance won‘t be so awful about it.

[@ameliaberthold7375]

That’s crazy that Latuda costs that much! I’m from Australia and I have bipolar disorder, my lithium prescription is $20 a month and my latuda is $40 a month because it isn’t covered by the pbs. I consider the latuda expensive at 40 bucks a pop but not really a big deal cause ut really helps. You don’t need to get covered by insurance to take these medication in Aus, some are more covered if you have Medicare like the lithium which makes them cheaper, but you can still buy ones that are not covered like the latuda

[@AppleOfTheMonth]

I have worked in medication assistance for years, Ozempic shortages have been going on since 2019, and Wegovy has never had a month where they weren’t short stocked. This is more of a manufacturing issue than they are admitting, it’s easier to blame the public however. This will not be resolved any time soon, however more competition occurs (Mounjaro for example) it will become less of an issue.

[@Canev821]

I’ve had no issues getting it

[@JoeJoe-lq6bd]

That's interesting. It almost seems orchestrated because these stories about things like Ozempic parties really don't make sense for a drug that requires a long ramp-up and takes weeks to have any significant effect.

[@noeway1987]

I haven't had any issues getting Wegovy, so far.

[@Zectifin]

this is the problem with copyrighting medicine. once you have generics, the price goes down and theres not supply issues, until then some company can charge an arm and a leg and manufacture as little as they want.

[@Canev821]

@@Zectifin they want to make key back on r&d and ads

[@KaitoSGJS]

as an actual diabetic, the thought of being the one to actually survive a zombie apocalypse instead of being the one whos 100% gonna die is actually funny as hell

[@YourWaywardDestiny]

Given we're typically in the "well, you're fucked then, aren't you?" crowd, it does tickle me to think we'd accidentally be the best candidates for keeping alive.

[@adrianacoimbra5357]

I’m also diabetic and I literally had a dream last night about a zombie apocalypse where I obviously die immediately

[@cheerful_Abyss]

(TW: diets, weight loss) I took Ozempic for PCOS. Brief info/story-- I'm allergic to many medications and the PCOS has made it impossible to lose weight. I've tried most diets and eat a few bites of healthy food for a 5' person, and still, I'm what you consider "obese" lol (I need to lose 40 pounds, and again--I'm very short. Also young.) Some diets like Jenny Craig made me gain weight. I tried extreme diets; no carb diets (before keto became cool), salad-only diets, etc, as a kid and a teen. But still I couldn't lose it. After trying most options, Ozempic worked fantastically--I was 15 pounds down, and still going, but gradually. I take it more for insulin regulation than for weight loss--PCOS makes my sugar go crazy, and though I'm not diabetic or prediabetic, I'm in a very similar boat in terms of symptoms So Ozempic was working great! And then my f*ing insurance stopped covering it because of all the celebs and everyone who is abusing it (and because of their greed). -.- I'm taking Mounjaro instead, and it seems to be working similarly, but it's a one-year dose. I'm not sure where to go for here, because even with an expensive-ass insurance, nobody wants to give out medication that I need to live (my sugar can get dangerously low--so much so that I've almost been in a coma). The greater issue than these greedy celebrities and these terrible articles are the greedy insurance companies and manufacturers. If I wanted to take Mounjaro without insurance, it'd be 13k dollars a month. WTF. Medicate for all--please vote progressives so we can push this and I don't need to go bankrupt for simple medication :(

[@Sarina_Dear]

Any weight I’ve ever gained has proven impossible for me to lose with my PCOS- my insurance had initially approved it for me and now they have changed their mind

[@ddeeffsoul]

I have also PCOS and my doctor recommended me to try Ozempic (But deny it as I want to have the opinion of a endocrinologist and also as a pharmacy technician who is seeing how some doctors prescribe it like it's Ibuprofen.) I wasn't sure that it would help me as I'm not pre-diabetic but some of the symptoms described are the same as mine. Now I have someone real who I can corelate symptoms and results, but stil I'm unsure if I need to take it as I know I will be judge to use it for vanity reasons

[@lainiwakura1776]

Have you tried counting calories and gradually removing unhealthy food from your diet? Or did you just jump into something new and lasted only a week or 2 because you were depriving yourself of the food you love? Healthy eating with occasional treats is a better way because you still get to eat the stuff you like, just less often or just less of it.

[@amandaappels8371]

@@lainiwakura1776 PCOS causes Hormonal issues and insulin resistance, diet doesn’t work. You could cut out hundreds of calories from your eating for months and continue gaining weight. This type of comment comes off as ignorant and unhelpful even if that’s not the intention, which I’m sure it wasn’t. There’s lots of great resources out there on PCOS but it’s still a very often misunderstood condition!

[@elmas-world]

@@lainiwakura1776 I understand you think you're being helpful, but they're not asking for diet advice. The advice of "eat healthy and indulge sometimes" and "count your calories" is extremely basic diet advice that I'm not sure why you assume they didn't consider that. Not all diets work for everyone, especially for people who have medical conditions that cause weight gain/weight retention.

[@Sarina_Dear]

It’s also proven really critical in PCOS treatment- its a lifetime med for most and my doctor made sure I understood before prescribing it. It really bothers me that people are using it as a quick fix because it’s not meant for that and someone is going to get big problems from it

[@Emily-pn1rg]

I think the blame should really be on the drug companies for this, not those on the medications. I've been using saxenda/wegovy through my gynecologist for PCOS but I've always had GI issues and it definitely has increased those.

[@UltimoDogLover]

You have to prove the drug companies are promoting it off-label. Likely the case, but the proof is necessary. These cases do settle for billions under the False Claims Act frequently when the evidence against pharma companies is there.

[@madelein3167]

There is a book called "Sweet" that I read, where there was a weight loss cruise that launched a 0 calorie sugar replacement that also was an appetite suppressant. And basically, people turned into zombie vampire using it, and celebrities used it too. Basically the book idea you were talking about lol.

[@nooneinparticular469]

I’m thinking about Famine in Good Omens, with his line of addictive calorie-free “chow”.

[@cozytheoverlord4905]

Oh my goodness I remember that! I volunteered for a book buyer at my local bookstore when I was in jr high where we’d read YA books before they came out and give our opinions on what we liked/didn’t like to help inform her on what she should buy more of. I remember a lot of us wanted to read sweet but my friend was the one who ended up getting it- I think she gave it a decent review

[@kentuckyroutezero]

I haven’t gotten to watch the video yet, but *please* read this; I work in medicine and need people to understand some things: 1. These medications are called GLP1 agonists, and most are approved for diabetes (Ozempic, Mounjaro, trulicity, etc). Two of them are approved for weight loss, Wegovy and Saxenda. Wegovy and Ozempic are the SAME DRUG (semaglutide). 2. Wegovy went through a massive shortage that lasted more than a year, and was devastating to people who need it. You generally can’t even get on this med without a BMI of >30 or >27 with a comorbid condition like hypertension, pre diabetes, etc. This medication is already extremely hard to get due to insurance, and the battle is uphill and very difficult for patients. Not many people are using it just to shed a few aesthetic pounds, this med is for treatment of a CHRONIC condition, obesity. Yes, this does mean you’ll probably have to be on it long time if your obesity is chronic. 3. Because of the Wegovy shortage, a lot of doctors panicked and tried to switch to Ozempic because their patients still needed their meds. Many, even more than before, were rejected, because as I said before, Ozempic is only approved for diabetes. Most patients on Wegovy don’t have diabetes and were denied coverage. Some got it, usually by buying out of pocket, which is THOUSANDS of dollars. The Wegovy shortage only JUST started to clear up, and it’s still hard to get in many places. 4. The issue is not the patients, but the pharma companies who aren’t keeping up with demand and essentially keeping people hostage by not properly scaling production. Providers and celebrities shouldn’t be selling this med as a cure all magic shot that’ll tone your body and make you look like a super model, I agree, but this is not the fault of obese patients, nor should diabetics have to struggle for their meds. Patients who need the med for weight loss should take Wegovy or saxenda. People with diabetes should be using the other meds. That way there’s less concern of a shortage.

[@jax422]

This brings back memories of the Adderall for weight loss trend. It suppressed people’s appetite, gave them more energy, and increased their heart rate (basically cardio in a pill) leading to weight loss. Everybody thought it was wonderful at first, but then they learned about the side effects real quick. Depression, issues with serotonin levels, and extreme weight gain from after coming off of it, both from a ravenous appetite and reduction in exercise.

[@sandycheeks5eva]

It took me a long time to realize that "weight loss side effects" in drugs actually means hunger suppressants.

[@joannasisemore7184]

and massive diarrhea makes people loose weight

[@emekennede]

This medicine does more. It changes the way carbs effect you

[@Purplesquigglystripe]

There are also weight loss drugs like ali that stop you from fully digesting fats that you eat…and gives you anal leakage in return. That’s probably why appetite suppressants are preferred lol

[@heatherpeters22]

"Weight-loss side effects" on medication doesn't usually mean appetite suppressant. It means that weight loss may occur as a result of some of the things that you may experience while taking the medication. The usual ones are nausea & diarrhea.

[@equinn6504]

Hunger and appetite aren't the same thing which one are we talking about

[@PsRohrbaugh]

Weight loss is not always about appearance. I was extremely obese (350 pounds) and pre-diabetic. I was always hungry. I lost 125 pounds in a year. Now, at 225 pounds (still "overweight" for my height, but my doctor classifieds as "healthy overweight"), my doctor has lowered my dose (you cannot quit cold turkey).

[@StumptownHomestead]

That's awesome that it worked for you. Congrats on getting there.

[@Ml25562]

Congrats on taking steps to get healthier! I’m on Wegovy now and really hopeful I will get down to a healthy weight and aid me in making better choices.

[@spidey1z]

This is a double edged sword. I’m sorry. I’ll argue against the body positivity movement all day long as well as against these fad diets pushed by these celebrities. I weighed almost 280Lbs and felt miserable & unhealthy. Both my parents had bypass surgery and diabetes runs in the family, which is why I’ll argue body positivity movement. So I decided to ask my doctor for help. I went to a gastroenterologist & a nutritionist. I learned proper eating habits and was prescribed medication. I highly recommend going this route. How often do you hear that someone loses a ton of weight only to put it back on & then some? This the reason I’ll argue against these fad celebrity diets. The odds are the individual is doing other things besides the diet and they have the money to recover from the side effects.

[@Ml25562]

@@spidey1z this is not a “celebrity fad diet” for people that have been prescribed it as a treatment for obesity. It is a long term medication.

[@spidey1z]

@@Ml25562 true. But how many people are taking it because they heard about it from a celebrity. Take a look at the OxyContin problem in the US. Many people were getting legal prescriptions from doctors who never actually treated them. They would show up with X-rays that may or may not be looked at. Then the doctor would give a prescription. I guarantee that’s happening for this

[@write986]

i have a friend who is legitimately struggling to find the ozempic she was prescribed for her type 2 diabetes and having to figure out alternatives to a drug that worked really well for her. it makes me furious that she is struggling in this way because of people using it recreationally, but i can't even be too upset at the people who are using it recreationally/for vanity because they've been told over and over again by our culture that weight loss and being thin is the only way they can be celebrated. just an awful situation all around.

[@stephaniethesoprano]

Literally. I am so sick of this societal value of vanity. I get that there are possibilities of negative health outcomes that go along with obesity, I do. But all society is doing is focussing on vanity through the excuse of "health" and it's so misinformed and dangerous. When I was diagnosed with ADHD and started medication, I instantly lost a bunch of weight, and I continue to do so as I am slowly fixing my mental health (which includes my relationships with food and exercise). People are so ready to celebrate that weight loss, and I'm like no??? Stop it??? Me finally being able to address my mental and physical health isn't me going on a weight loss journey to please society's expectations of how people should look. And these people never want to hear that prioritizing health can truly just include nourishment and bodily movement, not weight loss (you know, the actual behaviours that have positive health benefits - weight loss isn't a behaviour). I don't particularly blame people for wanting to go on a weight loss journey given the state of society, I just really hope that anyone doing so is really thinking about their motivations and that health does not have to (and often does not) include weight loss and/or looking a certain way.

[@arih_rih]

really appreciate the warning at 2:00 minutes. i knew already when i saw the title and was vaguely aware of this being connected to weight loss as a trend that this could be a harmful video for me today, but my silly brain wanted to click in anyways... even though i should definitely not be watching this type of content today. so thanks again for an in-video warning and i’m turning this off for my mental health today! i’ll be back for your next topic though ❤

[@Kate-bd7qt]

This medication helped me go from the obese category to healthy weight category. Personally, my doctor required a BMI of 30 or more to go on it. I’ve struggled with my eating habits my whole life (both binging and restricting) and this medication has made all the “food noise” like all my thoughts about food go away. I’m not obsessing over it anymore. It’s helped me with severe bloating from IBS, not sure how. It also has made alcohol completely unappealing and I’ve heard that it’s being studied for aiding in alcoholism treatment. It’s truly an amazing drug for several patient demographics and the manufacturer should increase production. The shortage is an issue with production, the manufacturer has addressed this. That being said, taking it to lose 5 or 10 lbs doesn’t seem to be common, but I could definitely see celebrities doing this. However, I don’t think the number of celebrities abusing is large enough to be responsible for the shortage.

[@margaret_adelle]

Reminds me when I went on metformin for PCOS. Everyone talked about how it helps with weight loss. But it only helps by making you feel gross constantly and kills the urge to eat at all.

[@bib4eto656]

Oh yeah, it helps you lose weight because you simply feel nauseous allllll the time and can’t fathom eating.

[@rosehunter895]

Honestly I was on Ozempic before I switched to Metformin so it was a BREEZE on that one, when you’ve been through hell Metformin ain’t too bad 😂

[@margaret_adelle]

@@rosehunter895 Oh gods, Ozempic is WORSE? I halved what I ate for lunch for weeks just to make my intestines hurt less.

[@aubriedahle6232]

I wasn’t nauseous, I was just shitting my brains out if I didn’t take it with enough food. And to add insult to injury, I gained weight. And my A1C might not have even been high for prediabetic or PCOS reasons, we’re looking at seronegative arthritis conditions as well now 😬

[@rosehunter895]

@@margaret_adelle Tbf I did it to myself because for a month or so I was still on phentermine with the Ozempic, my doctor just about had to step in but I hit my limit before she had to. I had zero side effects on Metformin I could identify, and when I started Mounjaro it sucks at times but it’s not too bad and mostly the consequences of my actions.

[@Revolver258]

Hi Amanda! As usual you have a super measured and reasonable take on this ❤ As a former pharmacy tech in retail, I can only imagine how frustrating and heartbreaking this is for diabetic patients that have been on this medication for a medical necessity! Prescribers feel entitled to prescribe certain medications like Ozempic for “off-label” use. Pharmacists who dispense the medication try to fight back by exercising their professional judgement in not dispensing unless the patient is diagnosed properly. It’s a battle within the medical community as well. There will always be people who get ahold of drugs like this illegally, but the major shortage is being caused by legitimate prescriptions and the problem stems from the prescribers who should really know better as medical professionals.

[@ddeeffsoul]

Hi! I'm a working pharmacy tech and you have no idea how awful is to see people asking all the time if we have Ozempic and seeing their prescriptions with doctors that are known in the area that prescribed it as a weight loss off label medication. We are now starting to have a better supply of it, but it's hard not to judge who really needs this medication or not

[@mandi3891]

When we are talking about morbidly obese people, some really need the medication. My FIL is type 2 diabetic, but uses ozempic only for weightloss. His bmi is around 50 and he really needs to get it down as fast as possible. The people who take the medication for a serious condition like morbid obesity absolutely need the medication and they shouldn't be shamed for using it. I know it sucks when there is shortages in medication you need, I've personally been there several times. It sucks when there isn't a generic option available and you are screwed if the one supplier doesn't have enough product to sell. But that doesn't mean we should go around blaiming others who use the medication.

[@mfuentes4961]

It’s not just Ozempic, there have also been cases where people abuse ADHD medications due to its stimulant high and because one of the side effects is a significant reduction of one’s appetite. People have become so obsessed with falling into the unrealistic expectations that society has for beauty/body standards that they will purposely follow unhealthy diets and take medications that are not use for its intentional purpose. It’s extremely concerning because people will not do their proper research on the serious side effects that these drugs have and how it can create even more serious medical complications.

[@Kayla_P99]

One of the popular diet pills of the 2000s had its FDA approval changed/removed as it was basically a stimulant (like adhd meds) for appetite suppression due to its negative side effects including heart issues.

[@katemueller1359]

although I will add that some adhd meds (namely vyvanse) are legitimately prescribed to help with binge eating disorder.

[@Supergace1234]

You also need to keep in mind there are a lot of people who use these medications to genuinely help with appetite, as someone who used to eat until I was so full and sick because I have insulin resistance so I’m always starving.

[@kianna270]

Yep it’s super hard to get around me I suppose bc I live near a huge university. We’ve also had shortages of adhd meds all year in this area.

[@Kyiecutie]

@@Supergace1234 of course. That’s an actual medical use though. Furthering the damage of an ongoing ED is not an actual medical use. That’s just abuse.

[@BurntKloverfield]

It's absolutely surreal to see people using diabetic medications for weight loss because my experience has been the opposite. I lost a lot of weight before I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes because my body wasn't processing sugar and insulin correctly. The moment I got medicated (with medication that actually worked and didn't make me sick), I gained back 15 pounds because my body went from "starvation mode" to "oh thank you I have food and fuel now time to stock up". I'm on a different semaglutide medication at a very low dose, but my managing my diabetes isn't so much about "not eating." It's about trying to make sure that I'm getting enough nutrients to have the energy I need, because otherwise my body isn't using anything correctly, and I'm absolutely fatigued.

[@liv5477]

My mom is pre-diabetic and takes ozempic to manage her A1C, and the side effects are no joke. She’s dealt with week-long constipation and dizziness that has left her grasping onto me in public when she gets dizzy spells. The fact that people are putting themselves through that for vanity reasons is heartbreaking

[@itsiraa]

I just wanna say as someone suffering from a severe ED, knowing about this and the HUGE AMOUNT it has been sort of “promoted” as what celebrities do to loose weight. I have ever since been trying to find it. I know it isn’t good. I also tried a different form of it. I don’t think people realize this is the same as how my ED started in the first place 10 years ago on Tumblr being promoted pro-ana etc. it’s the same toxicity but a different packaging. we haven’t gotten better.

[@QTpatootie95]

Girl an ED isn't cancer when are you going to take some self responsibility? Literally you're the only person who can fix this, it isn't society or your parents it's you.

[@QTpatootie95]

Like many of us, even if we struggled in middle/high-school are capable of not making needing to be skinny the ruling force in our lives. There's so much self infantilization as if you don't have agency or free will. Maybe avoid your triggers, maybe don't seek out extreme weight loss meds while having an ED, at a point it feels like y'all are just trying to get pity and sympathy to avoid taking responsibility for yourself and lives.

[@hollykisner9221]

​@@QTpatootie95 Jesus. She literally was just saying how she's also fallen victim to it. Who hurt you lol

[@maeann7191]

@@QTpatootie95 Z I have no idea who it is you think you are but preaching self love and self accountability is so tone deaf I actually cannot deal with it. You sound ignorant and clearly are on the topic of eating disorders. I’ve relapsed easily 6 times since my eating disorder started 14 years ago (I’m 26) It’s so incredibly disheartening every time it happens and I’d never seek it out. It usually happens when someone with an ED in regression deals with traumatizing life events and environmental stressors. It’s something to control when you feel you have none. It’s soul crushing anxiety inducing sleep depriving and a lot of the time completely out of a persons control once it rears its ugly head there’s a reason it’s a disorder, not just a character flaw. No one In their heart of hearts wants to live this way. Get off your high horse and go touch grass.

[@dahliablack1236]

@@QTpatootie95 What the actual fuck? What kind of person sees a complete stranger admitting to struggling with mental health issues and immediately berates them for it? No. Stop that shit.

[@Kazooples]

I was on Ozempic for insulin resistance, it stopped me from keeping water down and I ended up really dehydrated, I lost weight because I couldn’t eat at all, that’s how it works, and in the end it was so much easier to just slowly cut out sugar from my diet completely. Edit: forgot to mention that the after effects of losing all that weight was that I lost a lot of muscle first, and I ended up with POTS symptoms, I also already had anemia but my doctors didn’t tell me, and that got much worse on Ozempic. Edit2: completely forgot to mention I gained back all the weight and so much more lmao, I lost around 14kg originally, then gained 30kg over the next year, I’ve only just started losing the weight again slowly.

[@eyeamlexii]

I will say - I have PCOS and one of the results of that is insulin resistence and a harder time losing weight. I've been on wegovy for about three weeks and I can say it really helps a lot of symptoms for PCOS - but also exacerbates things like fatigue or gastrointestinal issues. i told my endocrinologist i would give it three months and then see if i want to continue. Note: I will also say that though i feel like your heart is in the right place, Swell (which is making sure that people get the meds they need to survive), that fat/obese/overweight etc people may not take this video well because it is from the perspective of someone who is seen as conventionally attractive. a lot of fat people feel like it's a damned if you do, damned if you don't situation, where if they don't lose the weight they will most assuredly be discriminated against in a multitude of ways, but if they find a way that actually works they are shamed for it. i love your content - just something to mull over.

[@syntheticjesso]

Ask your endocrinologist about maybe taking the dosage up more slowly. The smallest official dose is 0.25mg, my endo had me start at half of that (8 clicks of the dose spinner thing) for 4 weeks, then 4 weeks at 0.25, then 4 weeks halfway between 0.25 and 0.5, etc. It helped me a ton. I'm not a doctor and can't tell you what to do, but it might be worth discussing with your actual doc!

[@kaemincha]

i really feel that last point

[@TheKinseth]

The outrage isn't being aimed at fat people using these drugs for weight loss, it's straight size people who have *no compelling reason* to lose weight using it as a quick-fix to drop five, ten, fifteen more pounds for no reason other than obsession with thinness/fatphobia. It's people who are average or thin already, trying to get even thinner. Now, you could argue that someone who is so obsessed with weight loss or controlling their own appetite that they would take a prescription drug with some pretty serious potential side effects when they don't have to clearly has some sort of eating disorder and therefore we shouldn't be shaming them for their behavior either, but that's a whole other ball of wax. The point is that no one is mad about fat people using a diabetes drug to lose weight, they're mad about a privileged group once again taking resources from un-privileged groups, who benefit from or need those resources.

[@eyeamlexii]

@@TheKinseth there are a ton of people on social media that do, in fact, attack fat people that are using these drugs if they don’t have diabetes. I’ve even seen people say they are pre-diabetic and people in The comments will still attack them and say they’re just being selfish or inconsiderate.

[@prismo1428]

Here’s the thing IMO: we shouldn’t shame people for taking it for weight loss (the celebrities who are abusing it is another issue) Ozempic was approved as a weight loss drug, we should be blaming the doctors for over prescribing it and pushing it into people who don’t need it and can seek other options to lose weight.

[@brandoncooper2909]

This. A lot of these doctors get kickbacks for getting patients onto these medications, which should totally be illegal. While it was approved as a weight loss drug, there haven't been ANY studies that we know of potential long term use effects for that purpose, and in the meantime all these people are taking it and potentially depriving people who need it of being able to get it.

[@lavenderoh]

​@@freakinfiretruckxx how would you know that as a pharmacist?

[@amandaredd3057]

There's LOTS of brand meds that are extortionately expensive. Most insurances want to cover the generic version if they cover it at all which generic is fine (same active ingredient). It's INSANE (I work in medicine and see it all the freaking time)

[@sojourn5606]

Celebs have not at all helped, but Ozempic has been used as a weight loss 'tool' for years. It's not good and I hate Ozempic because of the doctors who have peddled this for years are awful. I didn't want to go on it, but my doctor told me I needed it - he even said I probably shouldn't when he thought I had diabetes but when I was found to not have it I was put on a high dosage. So in high school I was taking this drug and it only worsened my ed

[@louisezaros1616]

Never heard of it ti commercials telling patients to ask for it...

[@kayleeisaacs9579]

Both of my parents were borderline type 2 and have other conditions that were preventing blood sugar control and weight loss. They started mounjaro and have been healthier than I’ve ever seen them. It didn’t magically fix all of their problems and they still have a lot that they need to work on, but I’ve been really proud of them. On the same coin, I’ve also seen a lot of people that really don’t need to be on it and only use it because of weight loss. I think it’s more nuanced than “only diabetics should get this” but it definitely needs to be more controlled as well

[@Supergace1234]

We need to also remember not everyone who is using ozempic for weight loss is a “straight sized” person who is using it to lose 5 extra lbs. A lot of obese people, such as myself, see it as a miracle because “standard ways” of weight loss don’t work whatsoever. I have pcos and insulin resistance, and nothing I do helps me lose weight; but ozempic actually is helping me lose weight. My body hurts from the extra weight I gained after getting on birth control/mental health medications, my feet hurt if I walk for more than 1 hour, I have sleep apnea due to the extra weight, etc etc. of course I am upset that diabetics can’t get their life saving medication, but that’s not our fault, that’s big pharma’s fault who are controlling the supply to get the most $$ possible.

[@sabinajoh]

(I hope my tone isn’t completely fucked in this comment) You’re insulin resistant (don’t know if you’re prediabetic too, google just said they happen together a lot) which is exactly what this drug is for :) In this case the weight loss is just a feature of the medicine to hopefully both treat insulin and diabetes related conditions AND maybe get someone who’s prediabetic out of the prediabetic stage. I’m rambling but in short: It helps with health issues that often affect obese people, using the meds for that is valid and not on the level with those using it to just lose weight to fit into a size :) (Don’t feel guilty if you also need the medicine, it’s made for you too)

[@Jammie90]

Yeah I hope they study it for weight loss and are able to make more of it for this reason. Personally I've always had a lower than average appetite which has kept me small, but from talking to others it seems like a lot of overweight and obese people are the opposite of me and have a higher than average appetite. While some people are able to overcome this anyway and lose weight, with their appetite becoming more normal over time, i think for a lot of people it is just too hard to achieve. It's not so much just an issue of self control but that your body is working against you and setting you up for failure. And is especially difficult if you are also facing binge eating/ a food addiction, because you have to try and deal with the emotional aspects of that while physically your body is encouraging you to continue. I would never suggest anyone who is healthy weight go on this, but for overweight or obese people who were not able to lose weight traditionally this could be a lifesaver.

[@whitneyw.7919]

How is it not an eating disorder to take drugs to lose weight? hmmm

[@MadoraFu]

I do want to point out that there are actual doctors prescribing this to patients as their medical treatment for obesity. It's not just being touted as a fad, it's also being legitimately prescribed for weight loss as more and more people are pushing for obesity to be taken as seriously as other disordered eating conditions. (Speaking as someone who was offered it for weight loss and declined because medically-induced anorexia wasn't for me.)

[@hotmamma2126]

As a pharmacy technician, I'm delighted in the word being spread about this

[@VeronicAM313]

With this and now Noom and Weight Watchers having doctors prescribe Ozempic if you can't lose the weight, shit is getting wild. I've seen a lot of people talk about dropping either groups and moving onto other groups. I said at the beginning it was selfish and then I became apathetic after someone who was using Ozempic for weight loss, yelled at me and told me that there's other diabetes medications my parents can take. And when I say apathetic, I mean, you're taking the Ozempic for vanity and I'm hearing the side effects from girlies who used it for vanity and a huge part of me is like, "Fuck you. You took medication from diabetic and prediabetic people. You deserve what happens." But then for the other people who are taking it and having reactions, I feel bad for because it fucking sucks. Damned if you do, damned if you don't.

[@peachxtaehyung]

What?! Noom and weight watchers is doing that?! Wtf

[@VeronicAM313]

@@peachxtaehyung Yeah, Weight Watchers just sent out a memo telling us that there are doctors that would talk to people who are struggling. It's not going well with the Weight Watcher KZbinrs and the subreddit since they announced it.

[@peachxtaehyung]

@@VeronicAM313 wooow yikes...

[@YourWaywardDestiny]

"They can take other medication" turns real quick into "it's their own fault, so why should I care about them?" which only turns into "they should do us the favor of dying, they're too weak to survive." Don't feel bad for them. That line of thought is what's propelling them to take from the vulnerable for selfish reasons. People who don't realize what they're doing stop real fast once they're told. Anybody who keeps it up, I guarantee, are not worth the sympathy.

[@peachxtaehyung]

@@YourWaywardDestiny what? Are you saying we shouldn't feel bad for those who need ozempic for diabetes?? If so wtf?

[@dacoz]

I'm on it for Diabetes, my side effects include mild nausea, lower appetite and i feel full quicker. I also lost aprox 14lbs over the first 3 months. I'm still overweight, but I don't care about my weight, I care about what the weight does for my mobility, and energy.

[@noamnadam310]

My dad is a diabetic and we actually couldn’t get ozampic for him for a while. It was so bad that the doctor told my father to “get well enough so that you would be okay, but not too well so you can get ozampic”. There are also some healthcare shenanigans there but the scarcity is wild

[@lizc5243]

You totally hit the nail on the head with the Adele comment. “Body Positivity” should be letting people choose what they want to look like (as long as they aren’t, like, dying lol). It’s really sad people are willing to take a random medicine just to lose weight… I have a feeling this won’t end well.

[@Canev821]

It isn’t random. It works. I don’t want to be obese so I’m going to continue to take it.

[@lizc5243]

There’s no problem with folks taking it for obesity, I’m glad it helps you! But I still don’t think it should be taken by anyone that just wants to lose weight because diabetics need it the most…

[@NellyNoel]

As a type 2 diabetic recovering from an ED, thank you for this entire video and the warning in intro ❤

[@frumpusnumpus]

I have a friend who is diabetic and is on ozempic. Way before the rich and famous got their claws into it, she told me about how it's the only treatment that has worked wonders for her, and you could tell she was more energetic and less worried about minor things. She used to be worried to eat even pasta sauce because of the sugar levels. These days, she has a jar of chocolate that she is not afraid to dip into every once in a while. The idea that she might have to return to the old treatments that were not really working for her because her current prescription can't be filled, makes me HATE this heroin chic body trend we are on. I should have known something was up the second the Kardashians started un-pumping their butts.

[@ann-gt4hh]

You know. I think the best part of recovering from disordered eating and fatphobia is, I’m living my life how I want. I’m not rationalizing crazy diets and not trying to get ahold of some crazy expensive medication for weight loss. I’m fat. It’s just my genetics. All my blood relatives look like me. I’m just built for famine times. And I’m hot. Not because of the clothes I wear or accessories or make up, but because I’m comfortable and confident in my body. People I don’t talk to anymore that would obsess over if they looked fat or their tiny tiny stomachs, I feel sorry for them. How much of life is spent feeling bad like that? I know how much I used to. Also, big agree that the body positivity movement isn’t held up by a few select famous people 🙄 Adele’s weight loss was one of the best I’ve heard from a celebrity. She didn’t put down her past self or other fat people, she was realistic about having the time and money to lose weight. Her change is not indicative of the body positivity movement losing popularity or some shit. The body positivity movement isn’t bound by a few fat celebrities.

[@BlisaBLisa]

people are so insane about adele... her body was never a part of her art she was just putting out music, ppl fat shamed her a ton before the weight loss and ppl are now shaming her for losing weight bc they think its fatphobic. theres nothing wrong with making ur body part of ur art and having it be a focus, like with dancing or with sex appeal, but adele just never was interested in that and all the obsession over her body came soley from other people. she lost the weight gradually and she just wanted to be healthier, she wasnt promoting anything ppl just feel entitled to celebrities (esp womens) bodies

[@jennchi]

I know Rx effects people differently, but I am blown away that people are taking high doses of Ozempic for weight loss. I am prescribed Ozempic for diabetic reasons, legit. I started on the lowest dose and labs showed it effective, lowering A1C. I ramped to double dose, as recommended, but that lowered blood pressure and made me woozy - never being hungry didn't help that. I use a food tracker, as I've done for years while actively trying to lose weight. Now I use the food tracker app to make sure I eat enough calories to fuel muh body. I backed down to the lowest dose. It is still effective. Why the 4x to 8x higher dosages for people who don't need it for A1C purposes? At lowest dose, I feel hunger the day before next dose but felt zero hunger at the 2x dose. ETA: doc also wanted to slow down weight loss, because it is rapid. I appreciate doc recognizes that.

[@annoyingslippers]

I work in a retail pharmacy and I’m on the front lines of seeing the Ozempic shortage and also being yelled at because they think we are just giving out ozempic to non-diabetic patients but most of the time those non-diabetic patients insurance doesn’t cover it and they don’t wanna pay hundreds of dollars for any of the options. Monjaro had to send out a whole notice saying that their discount coupon doesn’t apply to people who are pre-diabetic or not diabetic because doctors were telling them to use the coupon and to tell pharmacies that they are pre-diabetic as the diagnosis.

[@lauraratner4844]

I’m probably a lot older than a lot of the commenters on this video, but Ozempic has been a godsend to me. I’ve lost almost 50 pounds and I haven’t been this weight in many years and I feel so much better. The older you get, the worse the extra weight is for your overall health. My blood pressure is lower, my hips that I had a lot of pain feel better without carrying the extra weight. Sometimes you need help. I had tried for years to take the weight off and it just didn’t happen. But with Ozempic, finally, finally it’s coming off. I have a lot of friends who are also getting older who are taking Ozempic or other medications for weight loss, and it’s the same experience. I genuinely don’t know anyone who’s taking it for fun, or like a celebs cited in news articles. I hate that there’s this backlash for something that can be so helpful.

[@louisezaros1616]

No backlash for proper use.

[@k80_]

People need to learn that “fat” is not the absolute worst thing a person can be. (with levity) Even more urgent, this drug really needs to change their marketing, for my sake. My roommate and I both have horrible echolalia so if we ever want to ruin each other’s day we just sing that goddamn jingle at each other

[@helloemma]

One of the reasons I think we can’t move onto a healthier mindset with weight, food, and health is because we’re still stuck in these extreme ways of thinking. The level of extreme doesn’t actually change, it just amplifies a new angle or different aspect of the subject matter, so the problem just continues. It seems obvious to me that if you have a death grip of control on what you eat, your weight, and health - well than you’re not really the one in control. I’m also just saddened by all of this, because it’s beyond clear to me that “Allison” definitely has an eating disorder. Obviously, what she’s doing is not good because this is medicine that people actually need for their actual health and wellbeing; but at the same time, as someone who used to have an eating disorder, I feel bad for this woman. Her comment about how she feels she has a causal relationship with food because she can now just take one to three bites and how she explains she deals with the hunger pains at night by knocking herself out before bed. And it’s just... I’m sad for her. That’s not a casual relationship with food in any sense. I’m sad that she may honestly think that is in fact a causal and even healthy relationship with food or she’s pretending it is and saying it out loud, not so much to convince other people, but herself - because she doesn’t want to deal with the harsh truth. Which... in the long run her actions are also going to hurt her and the whole thing is just sad to me.

[@aname4399]

when i went on birth control my relationship with food spiralled out of control-- i faced food insecurity as a young kid, and when my appetite ballooned bc of the meds, the aggression and hoarding and obsession got really really bad. id be starving constantly, even if i had just eaten. recently (sorta) i got put on adderall XR, and between the two, i feel like my appetite has finally balanced out to something normal, and because of it, im able to address my food issues-- but whenever people comment on how ive lost weight (which honestly is probably more due to me going from a sedentary job to one where i stand all day), i just feel gross. people see a weight loss side effect as more important than the drugs actual uses, even if youre taking it for the intended purpose-- no one cares that i have more energy or focus or feel better, they just care that ive gotten skinnier. these people dont CARE if diabetics are able to manage their glucose, they just want to see weight loss. its a sick social obsession with thinness and i hate it.

[@ginger_nspice]

Also a nationwide shortage of Adderall right now. Haven't been able to fill my Rx for weeks. Due to an increased demand during the pandemic.

[@caitlinweiss8801]

Me too! I even switched to generic during the pandemic but there's a shortage of that now too. I tried Vyvanse but it upsets my stomach so I'm kinda stuck. I went 6 weeks without my medication and only then was I able to get 16 pills for this month. My ability to function has not been great.

[@acookies2541]

Thank you for talking about this. It’s affecting me as well I’ve had this perception since last November and still haven’t been able to get it because my pharmacy is all out. And I’ve had been diagnosed with pre-diabetes and it’s really frustrating.

[@dearlydoe]

I’m hoping to start Ozempic or Wegovy as well. Yes for weight loss purposes… but that’s because I’m very Overweight, have had insulin resistance since I was a child, and have been diagnosed with PCOS. I want to be able to have a healthy lifestyle and live long, not develop full-blown diabetes and it’s co-morbidities. It angers me that the celebrities treat it as like a candy drug, that they have the money to pay for, while others who actually need it for medical purposes have to fight their insurance or break into their savings to afford it. Also, it’s stupidly expensive in the first place, but that’s not the main point here.

[@JFizz76]

I'm a type 2 diabetic and I take a weekly injection that is a competitor to Ozempic. It's a slightly different drug with the same results, a drop in A1C and some weight loss. The weight loss is a sort of bonus. I'd rather not become entirely insulin dependent, so that's why I take the drug. However, the appetite suppressant is helpful for some of us who have struggled with weight even before becoming diabetic. The best thing the side effect did for me was help me reduce the portion sizes of whatever I eat. I'm not constantly hungry and I believe is "shrank" my stomach to a point where I don't need to eat to the point of being stuffed. I've lost over 30 pound in the last three years while on t he drug. I don't believe that is all because of it, though. Many diabetics change their eating lifestyle and the drugs enhance. The fact is that there are other appetite suppressants out there. People don't need to reduce the access for those of us that need something specific. I know that things like Wellbutrin, an antidepressant, have shown weight loss results. The fact is that diabetics may actually suffer from this latest fad, but there is always something else around the corner.

[@SpookyDollLady]

The way that some people can just casually talk about their disordered relationships with food so obliviously will never not be weird to me. Has nobody ever pointed out to these people that they have eating disorders, or do they just not care? Big yikes.

[@Kyiecutie]

They just don’t care… or they don’t believe up when you tell them.

[@hotmamma2126]

What makes disordered eating so dangerous is that it's extremely difficult to wrap your own head around it being a legitimate problem. The health consequences are very gradual and symptoms can be soothed far faster than the problem can be cured. It's easy to be casual about it when you're convinced you're living life normally in the way curated by the disorder. The deadly thing about starving to death is you don't feel like you're dying until your body starts the dying process. It's hard to believe people telling you it's going to happen until then

[@SpookyDollLady]

@@hotmamma2126 All of that is very true. I tend to think I always knew my relationship with food was unhealthy, but I guess there was probably some point where I was in the same position before someone pointed it out to me. I was probably just young enough not to remember. Yay for childhood trauma therapy I guess? 🙃

[@Firsona]

One of the issues is people tend to judge by how you look. Talking about your terrible eating disorder? Well, you aren't fat, or so skinny people can see your bones, so you must actually be fine and the casual approach encourages that idea.

[@elmfao1824]

In the US, these behaviors are super normalized. There are so many cutesy names that we give people that clearly engage in disordered behavior like "almond moms", "ingredient only households", or even portions of "gym bros". It's literally everywhere so it's easy to not really recognize as an issue.

[@r.leighmorgan]

Suddenly the discussion I had with my doctor makes so much more sense when I asked her for Oz... But I'm a diabetic with hyperphagy (eating makes me hungrier). Since starting, I eat regular meals and nothing in-between. It's a weird feeling to finally understand what it means to be sated for longer than 45 minutes. I'm able to make healthy decisions for my body but my biggest fear is losing my health insurance.

[@peanutbutter4949]

Growing up starved and neglected gave me a weird relationship with food. Fighting against the feeling of scarcity, struggling with binge issues. But eating a food i liked and having enough to feel full was such a rare and special moment, its been difficult to do in a healthy way. Relationships with food, weight loss and trauma are so complicated...

[@TheOnlyCoachOfficial]

TW: Ozempic & Weight Loss I was prescribed after gaining 30 pounds after my dad passed & my doctor ordered me to lose that plus more - I already was heading into that pre-diabetic weight range. I’ve already lost the weight plus 10 pounds in less than a month. I’m terrified of running out of my sample now - because of everything my blood work is finally at a normal level. The best thing they told me was local compound pharmacies but it will be expensive. I had an ED for years and it’s the first thing in my life where I wasn’t counting calories or actively trying to lose weight, my blood sugar plummeting to stay in that range etc etc My best friends mom is diabetic and can’t find it in her state so I even offered to send her stuff if I got extra’s because I was shamed for even taking it when it’s quite literally saved my health as well, just on a different level. It sucks 😔

[@mandymanatee3076]

I’m proud of the work you’ve put into your health. It’s unfortunate that your friend’s mom is having trouble finding medication but their beef should be with the companies not producing to the market, not you. Look up Men’s Health clinics in your area, bodybuilders have been using semaglutide for years to cut weight.

[@ronoc9]

My GF is diabetic and is on Ozempic, and yes, she's experienced the shortage. What I haven't seen/heard many talk about is how going on/off Ozempic causes a short period of sickness where you lose your appetite (that's not the main reason for the weight loss side-effect, but it does help). So for my GF this isn't just a case where she has to go a few days without; she is ill, on the verge of vomiting for days, and that's WITHOUT going back on it, which just repeats the process, only to have to go off a again if she isn't lucky enough to get another dose before they run out again. The real kicker is weight loss helps manage sugar levels, insulin, and appetite. The weight loss effect would further help her with her diabetes. For these people it's the fad drug, but for her it's something she needs to even have a normal life. It's a bit like if there was a wheelchair shortage because influencers wanted to tone their arms; you are benefitted from something that was never designed for you to live.

[@SirAustin]

But it’s FDA approved to treat obesity. So doctors prescribing it to obese people should not be controversial?

[@kentuckyroutezero]

That’s what I’m trying to get people to understand - there are a bunch of these meds approved to treat diabetes, Ozempic, Trulicity, Mounjaro, Victoza, etc, and only two that are approved for weight loss, Wegovy and Saxenda. Wegovy just went through an even bigger shortage than Ozempic that lasted more than a year!! Some people switched because they need their meds, but many were denied because they don’t have diabetes. Why? Wegovy and Ozempic are the same drug! It’s just so frustrating that the blame is being put on the people who need this med, and not the pharma companies who knew their product would be huge and stifled production anyway.

[@nmfitts]

Holy shit THAT PARAGRAPH. Look, I definitely find ozempic freeing--but more because I'm on it for class 3 obesity and I can feel full after just 1 bowl of cereal for the first time in my life. If you're taking drugs to straight up not eat multiple meals a day that's a real problem. I think we should look at semaglutide for weight loss similar to how we look at bariatric surgery, even though it's 'just' a weekly injection. If you're having weight-related medical issues or are significantly obese, it's a reasonable if significant intervention, but it's absolutely nuts to do if you want to lose an extra 10lbs.

[@GhoztMusic23]

Hi Amanda, just wanted to say thank you for uploading 😊. Also hi Hermes

[@Red-qr8qf]

im really glad to see u talk abt this - my mother is diabetic and was put on ozempic and lost A TON of weight (and shes quite happy with that!) but ever since has been trying to convince me (not diabetic, not pre diabetic) to go on it to eat less and lose weight despite me not wanting to rely on a drug to do so.

[@sahie]

My biggest issue with this is that actual diabetic people NEED that medication. I’m ADHD and we all know ADHD meds can and are abused by non-ADHD people similarly. A lot of my US friends are struggling with shortages of their meds at the moment and having to do things like ration or switch meds. It sucks to rely on a medication that other people are misusing. 😔

[@BlisaBLisa]

the adderall shortage is not caused by people who dont need it misusing it, theres been an increase in adhd diagnosis and adderall perscriptions since the pandemic and the DEA has restrictions in place that dont allow manufacturers to produce more adderall to meet increased demand. Im very frustrated by the shortage too I need adderall to function normally and keep up with classes and manage depression but i also know it has a very high potential for abuse and addiction and I'm not upset at people for having a drug problem. i dont like that so many people treat anyone medicated for adhd as a drug addict but i also dont like the shitty attitudes those people have towards drugs and drug addicts, and i feel like thats the bigger issue than the people misusing the drugs

[@lornetc]

I’m type 2 diabetic and also suffered for years from binge eating disorder, ozempic helped to stop my binges by stopping the voice in my head that said eat Eat EAt EAT EAT EAT EVERYTHING UNTIL YOURE SO STUFFED YOU PASS OUT.

[@JainaSolo.]

This takes me back to when I was 18 and was prescribed wellbutrin (an antidepressant), weightloss was one of the side effect and when I went off it I was really sad and worried about gaining it all back. That triggered a period of restricted eating for me. I even remember that back in the day a lot of people on the ED side of tumblr were talking about this antidepressant and how to get a prescription. This whole story just to say I think medical professionals should be much more careful when prescribing medications with weightloss or appetite suppression as a side effect.

[@louisezaros1616]

I took wellbutrin.. lost 20 lbs in couple months without trying but it was the wrong med for me. Rx by a GP. Caused horrible anger , violent , agressive thoughts...no help w depression.

[@sunshineeee]

When people say it’s “for health”: if your definition of “healthy” directly correlates to thinness, and is rooted in fatphobia, then you can probably say just about anything is for health. Losing weight has nothing to do with being healthy, so if you somehow think losing weight will make you healthier, clearly we can see what you think ‘healthy’ means. Eating nutritionally(which includes lipids, y’all, most nutrients are fat-soluble) and moving your body do not correlate with weight loss.

[@whiteespada]

I’m diabetic, taking this to lose weight and to keep my glucose levels in check, and to also help reduce my sweet tooth cravings…..My sister who doesn’t even have diabetes wants to use my medication (even tho she’s got another injection, without a prescription 🙂). That’s when I realized this fad is really making people go crazy.

[@maribennett6983]

Amanda thank you for covering this. I have lupus which often is treated with steroids. Due to this I have type 2 diabetes that is wildly out of control because I have to be able to use the steroids. I take metformin, jenuvia, and ozympic, or I was. For over six months now it has been damn near impossible to get my ozympic. This is not a drug you can just go off of, I have a heart condition that requires a pace maker and ozympic can stress the heart. I was supposed to have a bilateral mastectomy March 1st and it was cancelled because my A1C was 16.1 and my fasting sugar was 429. Three months before my A1C was a pretty good 9 and three months before that it was 7, but that was when I was taking the ozympic. My sugar readings have jumped from about 125 - 250 to over 500 on the regular. Diet wise I can't do anything and exercise the same thing. I have cut everything possible from my diet and workout, both at the gym and pool daily. I am at real risk off dying, and for what? So some celebrity can fit into a dress? Let's be real here, they are not taking these drugs for anything other than cosmetic reasons. If they were they wouldn't be having parties that in reality takes meds away from whom they were intended for and can put that population at risk for lost limbs, heart issues, stroke or god forbid death.

[@thelittlerfish]

I've been overweight my whole life and have been an active participant in fat acceptance and body positivity online for over a decade. Im in the 'morbidly obese' category and lovingly refer to myself as a death fatty. I have worked with excellent doctors for several years to try and manage my obesity. The current medical thinking is that obesity has to be treated as a chronic disease and not a moral failing, passing issue to be dealt with then moved beyond, or a diet and exercise thing only. The stats show less than 10% of the long term obese can lose weight and maintain it with diet and exercise only. I've been on a drug to manage my hunger for a year already, which is partly what this does. Your body ramps up your hunger hormones by a huge amount once you lose 10% of your body weight, no matter where you started, because it thinks you're starving to death. I do not have the mental willpower to ignore that much hunger for the rest of my life. In Australia they have approved Wegovy for weight loss recently and I will be asking my Dr about it soon. I am not stealing from a diabetic. I am accessing a drug that can help me manage my own chronic medical condition. I may not be a death fatty for long but that doesn't mean I don't love and accept my body. It means I'm listening to it when it tells me it needs help.

[@YourWaywardDestiny]

No, you are not stealing from diabetics. You are literally someone being stolen from. The take-away shouldn't be "it's morally wrong to use unless you're diabetic" because that's not the point. The take-away should be "no, Suzan, you don't need to put yourself before people with a _need_ for it because you have a _want_ for it, there are consequences to human life." Diabetics are the main demographic who take the medication, but not the only ones. If you have a need, you have a need. Your life quality of life would be improved, and your capacity to manage your condition made significantly easier if it is a good medical fit for you.

[@fooddaily3609]

Another eating disorder trigger warning! Hi, I am a pharmacist. I am licenced in the EU. One thing that wasn't discussed here, which is important, is that using Ozempic for obesity is not a problem per se. Using it for superficial reasons is the problem. Morbid obesity is a big risk factor in a lot of diseases and conditions. Treating morbid obesity by using off-label Ozempic is not the issue. You are possibly saving a life of a patient or giving them extra years by doing so, by decresing their chance of having a CVI, a chance of developing diabetes or more. Doctors can prescribe Ozempic for overweight people. However, the problem arises when you have doctors who would do anything for money, including bribing their doctors to give them prescriptions, or distributors of any kind that are willing to sell Ozempic without prescription. I just wanted to make it clear that using Ozempic for weight-loss is not a bad thing, AS LONG AS THE BENEFITS OVERCOME RISKS. However, it should always be for the health benefits of the patient, not for people who want an easy weight loss.

[@IkeyCaptain]

At the VERY LEAST this is making more people aware of just how unnecessarily expensive diabetic supplies/medications are

[@stephaniehudson4762]

I am newly diagnosed type 2 and have been working to try to get the right make up of meds to get my A1C down. My dr prescribed Ozempic in Jan but because of the shortage I haven’t been able to get it. And here it is mid March and no telling when I will. I had no idea it was because people were taking just for weight loss. Ugh!!!

[@TerminalThiccness]

The comments here sadden me. To say that a drug that works for TWO very chronic, severe diseases should ONLY be available for one is disturbing. If a drug is approved to aid in weight loss, then every person working with a physician to lose weight has a right to get that prescription if they want, and it works for them. That's like saying I'm not "allowed" to take Wellbutrin for ADHD because depression is so much more important to treat, and it was initially intended to treat that. Try telling that to my family, friends, and coworkers who have to deal with me when I'm unable to control my ADHD symptoms. Ignoring the issue of influencers and celebs using it in unhealthy ways because that is the ick, y'all need to blame the manufacturer and the supply chain for disbursing that med to pharmacies and the pharmacies to the people in a way that does not meet demand. Blaming someone trying to lose weight for using the tools available to help them succeed is gross and misguided.

[@katesicle]

Finally some sense in these comments! I absolutely agree with you. Obesity is a serious disease that is legitimately treated with this medication.

[@alisaurus4224]

My husband is diabetic & had been doing well on Trulicity, another in the semaglutide family. When the run on Wegovy/Ozempic started, diabetics needing those were switched to Trulicity, which meant stock of it quickly disappeared. We live in a major metropolis and still drove over an hour to pick up a month’s supply, after hours of searching and arguing with insurance. The next month we couldn’t find Trulicity anywhere and he was forced to go on Mounjaro, which gave him stabbing stomach pains, acid reflux and constant burping. He had to endure that for 8 weeks. This month we have Trulicity again. Next month, who knows?

[@meinenklinke]

I am a Type 2 Diabetic who was on Ozempic (Mounjaro now) and I have no problem with people using it however they want, as long as the supply can meet the demand. Edit: There are a million health issues caused by weight and if someone needs help to control their weight that should be available. I struggled for years and if I had been able to get access to this before I was diagnosed it’s possible I wouldn’t have become diabetic and it would prevent all the additional issues I have now. The main issue I see is the weight gain when you get off. It basically needs to be prescribed as it is for diabetics as a permanent medication.

[@rachelevalyn]

As a plus sized person who qualifies for GLP-1 medications (considered overweight by BMI and have a fatty liver), I want to give some info. Sorry for my long comment. First, I'm taking WeGovy, it is FDA approved medication that is essentially Ozempic. They are both semaglutide. Ozempic is FDA approved for diabetic use and WeGovy is FDA approved for treatment of obesity/weight loss. WeGovy is not being used for diabetes per se, but I think someone with diabetes can use it but its approved for weight loss. As for the celebrities, I don't know how they are actually getting the meds. I guess they have their ways. The reason I say this is because you have to have a BMI (and I know, BMI is inaccurate and was not created by a doctor) of a certain number which I believe is 34 or you have to have a BMI of 27 + a comorbidity such as PCOS. It was not easy to actually be given the medication. My insurance took awhile to get it approved and I needed a pre-approval from my doctor. I still have to pay $25/month for it. I've also come across many people saying even though they were pre-diabetic, insurance didn't want to cover it. I wish the celebrities would stop using it as a quick fix because Ozempic and Mounjaro are necessary for diabetic folks and WeGovy is great for obese folks who struggle to lose weight otherwise and need help medically to lose the weight if their health is at risk. I absolutely think people should be allowed to use these meds if they are someone who qualifies. Obesity is considered a disease and if someone's weight is putting their health at risk and they struggle to lose weight and these drugs help them, then yes, they should be allowed to do that. I do want to make it clear that I'm not saying that someone who is considered obese or overweight needs to lose weight. That is a personal decision, especially if they are perfectly healthy. I'm also not saying that diabetics should go without medication. I want to make that very clear. However, these drug can be life changing for both parties. So people who genuinely don't need it as in people who are just using it to lose a few pounds like Kim Kardashian should stop trying to get it. But I do want to re-emphasize that I don't think the regular person would get it easily as I've explained with my own experience with WeGovy. By the way, with WeGovy im currently on the lowest dose. The pounds have not flown off. I don't know the dosing for Ozempic but with Mounjaro, yes there's definitely automatic weight loss for people. I also don't eat one meal a day, but I can't speak for people on the other drugs or higher doses. Oh also, I'm like 99% sure they have studied people without diabetes on WeGovy, which again is FDA approved for weight loss.

[@unnecessarydelivery5549]

A year early too Amanda 😭😭

[@complexconfetti]

What’s being described about ozempic reminds me a lot of what my mum was on for a while (T2 diabetic) called Trulicity. The first like month and a half she was taking it she’d be so nauseous she couldn’t eat, but it would eventually stop doing that. She would miss one week and the nausea would return. After supply issues of trulicity and the fact that she just wasn’t happy at all while using it, she ended up being taken off it and just went back to other medications instead. I’m honestly horrified at the idea that ozempic is being used as a “weight loss” drug because of just how extreme the side effects were for my mum when she was on a similar drug (from what I remember I think she lost somewhere around 6-10kgs the first month or something that she was taking trulicity) I’m also horrified at the fact that people can just get their hands on this medication without actually needing it, like how tf are they managing that? (Other than yknow, the celebrities using it who can pull some shady shit to get it under the radar, but we know how scummy of a move that is) Anyway yeah, horrifying stuff really

[@louisezaros1616]

$$$$$talks. Big Pharma solicits patients now instead of doctors. They used to pay off doctors and give hundreds of samples like drug pushers. Now thats " illegal" so they instead use MSM Ads to persue us.

[@gotit4cheap368]

Hey Pharmacy Technician here who is in the trenches of what's going on, some added context: Injectable Semaglutide has 2 brand names and no generic, Ozempic and Wegovy Ozempic is NOT FDA labeled to treat obesity or weight loss, Ozempic is only FDA labeled to treat Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 Wegovy is FDA labeled to treat obesity and weight loss, this is specifically a weight loss drug The difference between these two medications is the dose, Ozempic comes in a higher dose than Wegovy and Wegovy has a loading dose period where the dose is titrated up over 16 weeks, people who are using Ozempic off label (which means they had to pay out of pocket because insurance generally won't cover off label use) are not using it in an FDA approved manner Pharmacys are having huge problems trying to get Ozempic to people with T2DM this impact is being felt all over the pharmacy field, along with the Adderall shortage that is still happening

[@brucheweinberger6863]

I am part of a community of Moms of special needs/disabled children. Unfortunately, it has become quite normal for the request which pharmacy has Adderall. I am lucky that, so far, my children's meds are available.

[@AdeliaCreates]

I would love a thanks i hate it shirt!!! Also my grandpa died from diabetes before Ozempic was developed. I can imagine his rage face from heaven!

[@C_M_R]

(4:55) I wondering -- why don't you disable the sleep function on your monitor when making videos? I just found your channel a month or so ago and noticed a pattern of you turning on the monitor to display your graphic. Love the channel!

[@connorm.9021]

Unfortunately this has been going on for years. I used to work in a retail pharmacy and every insurance company requires a prior authorization for them to cover it. Tons of people would just pay the insane out of pocket costs since the insurance won't cover it for weight loss.

[@VeronicAM313]

The Body Postive community was started to celebrate all bodies, including nonabled bodies and that to embrace yourself even with things you might not have liked such has a scar or psorias or whatever. My issue is that Fat Acceptance took over that hashtag and what I've seen is that if someone who is bigger loses weight, like you said, it's an attack to the others. Or someone they deem "midsize" or "thin" posts, they jump on those people and tell them to leave that space. When it was to celebrate all bodies. Adele lost weight over the course of a couple of years and people were shocked because they didn't see her. She stopped posting her face in photos on Instagram after her son's birth, I want to say.

[@veranichole1981]

I'm using one of these drugs. I have been pre-diabetic for a while. It's covered by my insurance. A few things. It was first discussed for me when I got a knee injury and needed surgery. I don't qualify because of my weight but have a very physically demanding job and love being outside walking. So, I cut out what I could (gotta work) and tried losing weight myself. It did little. I was finally given this drug to help. I'm always very physically active but my diet is horrible. This drug basically makes you feel like you are always full. And for the lucky ones (aka me) like you have the flu. While I started it to qualify for the surgery I need so I can get back to the things I love I admit it feels so good to be able to resist food. I used to be so ravenous and my portions would be supersize. I could outeat a teen boy. I would look up “sugar rehab” but far as I can tell, those don't exist. Diets just make you bounce back and regain all the weight plus more. So I stopped trying years ago, not because I thought I was fine but because I didn't know how to stick to anything. And the guilt of not having the willpower. The blame I put on myself! I avoid weight loss shows because they are toxic to my self-esteem and I know I need self-esteem to lose weight. I definitely have it now. I look in the mirror, and even with my loose skin, I feel proud of myself. My cholesterol is half of what it was. All my labs look good. I crave healthy food. I still eat sugar but not to excess. And, of course, I also feel terribly guilty that I'm taking the life of a diabetic person. That feels like a whole other weight to carry. This drug, that I personally don't have to pay for, that has saved my life, is killing someone else. I don't even watch your channel usually. I just keep getting these Ozempic videos in my feed now because I think about it all the time. And what happens when I go off the drug? I can't lose weight forever. Do I cycle on and off forever? Can I get a sleeve to make my stomach smaller? Is that even possible? I don't want to keep stealing from diabetics on a cycle forever. Also, I'll eventually get that knee surgery and then if I qualify for the drug it will be just for weight loss; unless my labs go back to the way they were. I assume that with my increased hunger will come an increased craving for higher calorie foods to make me feel fuller. It's just a mess. I don't understand why the drug companies can't make more to fill the demand. It seems so disturbing that as soon as they couldn't sell it at an increased price that a popular rebranding was done and now diabetics still can't get their drugs. Of course I feel guilty but my question is, why the hell don't they?!

[@whitmaca]

I'm overweight with a history of ED. After years of therapy, working with registered dieticians that focuses on a health at every size approach and moving for health and enjoyment, I'm finally in a good place. I'm not thin, but I'm happy and healthy both mentally and physically. Yes, physically, I've got the blood work and cardiovascular endurance to prove it. I've been transparent with my doctor about everything I've been working on over the past few years. The FIRST THING my doctor said to me at my last physical was to ask if I wanted this drug. When I said no thank you, he tried to tell me that there would not be any side effects and I could finally drop the weight. Damn. Hades really is other people.

[@Firsona]

That sounds like a bad doctor.

[@theEumenides]

Thank you for not demonizing food. The number of people who say "white sugar is the devil" like it's just common knowledge is so disturbing to me. (I understand that it's not good in excess, but I don't find the "devil" comparison to be either accurate or helpful.)

[@Ellron23]

Regarding weight rebound and going off ozempic: Taking ozempic is a LIFELONG COMMITMENT. Once you start it you are NEVER supposed to stop. That's why it's big pharmas baby right now

[@mandymanatee3076]

It’s just a tool. What people choose to do after they are no longer using the tool is up to them. ❤

[@Ellron23]

@@mandymanatee3076 wrong take. So wrong I don't think you actually understand the situation.

[@amygolebieski3351]

As a type 2 diabetic, Ozempic is literally helping me save my own life. It’s frustrating to have to be on a waitlist at the pharmacy for this medication

[@BigZ7337]

Speaking on Ozempic as a guy that's lost over 360 pounds in the past four years completely on my own without any medications or surgeries, I have very conflicting thoughts. I truly believe that to lose a lot of weight and change your life, something has to change in your mind to lose the weight naturally. Every study with the drug has found that when the patient stops taking the drug all of the weight comes back over time because the drug just completely eliminates your hunger but doesn't do anything to teach you how to lose weight without it. I've learned so much about weight loss and myself in the past four years, and if you take Ozempic just to lose weight you won't be able to learn anything. At the same time, Obesity is an illness that Ozempic can treat, and it will be a life changing treatment, although they will have to take the drug for the rest of their lives, and that would be incredibly expensive if their insurance doesn't cover it. Celebrities using it to get skinnier when they aren't obese is pretty stupid, but using it to treat the obesity epidemic is valid, even if it makes it tougher for diabetic patients to get it and the weightloss will go away if they stop. Still, I find it funny that the pharmaceutical industry developed another drug that does amazing things but must be taken weekly for the rest of the patient's life. Those are the only kind of drugs that get those CEO's dicks hard.

[@MsAdlerHolmes]

My mum has been on Ozempic since about January and that was the first I'd heard of it - then I started hearing all this stuff about celebrities. When mum was first prescribed, the shortage was in full effect here in Australia and she couldn't get it. She told me people were getting it for weight loss, I was disgusted. I'm still disgusted. And i read parts of that article from The Cut and was even more disgusted.

[@grimmgoosegoose216]

Thank you for this

[@kriskris5907]

Just joining the others in the comments to say- I'm a type 1 diabetic, and getting onto Ozempic helped me SO much, but now I've been completely unable to access it for months and it has made a huge difference for the worse. Thank you so much for talking about this- this shit absolutely should not be handed out to people on fad diets who evidently don't give a shit about those of us who actually rely on it for objective and persistent health concerns.

[@musica1120]

My family struggles with obesity and i know my dad has talked about wanting it but can’t get it. Using it for weight loss would only really make sense for ppl who really have tried and don’t want surgery and would benefit from losing the weight. It’s not always about vanity when it’s about losing weight. My mom is also obese and is a pre diabetic and idk if she’s talked about it or not but she definitely falls into the category of ppl who would genuinely benefit from it but can’t get it. Hollywood ruins everything these days

[@gabespizzaxp]

I'm late to the comments on this vid but my doctor offered to prescribe me Ozempic without me asking. I am mid size and only slightly overweight. I went in to get a PT referral for chronic pain (due to hypermobility and skeletal anatomy) and she really pushed me to take the prescription, which I refused. I hated the interaction, and it turns out I simply needed some time in PT 🙄

[@annie9952]

I’m also late but good for you for advocating for yourself and refusing meds you know you don’t need. The NY mag article reads like the twilight zone💀

[@SokkaToEm]

The gay comment had my laughing hysterically because an ex-boyfriend I had was taking not Ozempic but something similar and he literally shit his pants at my parent's house because of it

[@skeletonfunksquad]

I'm not sure if they are exactly the same, but my doctor recommended victoza to me a few yesrs back. It was a similar thing, except it was a daily injection into the before any food in the morning. It was in development to treat diabetes, but they found it helped with people who needed to lose an extreme amount of weight (I used to be almost 500 lbs) and would give it out to patients like me on a trial basis. It definitely curved cravings, and lessened my appetite, and also gave me a good bit of energy, kind of like a b-12 shot. It was an incredible experience, because it actually helped when nothing else ever did, and I would also absolutely have recommended it to anyone who was in a similar position to me. Especially because it was not yet approved for diabetes treatment, so it never felt like I was taking it away from someone who REALLY needed it (even though I also technically did as well). However, my understanding of Ozempic is that it STARTED as a diabetes medication, right from when it hit the market. I really don't understand how people would even be able to get their hands on it without actually having diabetes, because I'm sure this would have to be prescribed? And what doctor, unless in extreme cases like I believe mine was, would prescribe a diabetes medication to someone without diabetes when insulin already is so hard to get??? Sorry for rambling but like TL;DR I feel hypocritical for being so outraged by this, since I had used a drug similar for my extreme weight loss, but it just seems so immoral to prescribe medication like this to lose 30 lbs when people really fucking need it for their diabetes