There has been a lot of attention on weight loss injections in the past couple of years, and with the increased attention also comes many conflicting opinions, judgements, and assumptions.
What are weight loss injections?
The most popular weight loss injections contain the medication semaglutide. Weight loss injections work by impacting hormones related to hunger, appetite, and metabolism. These injections slow down the rate at which your stomach empties and affect the hormone that tells the brain that you are full, resulting in people feeling fuller for longer, making people feel less hungry and less likely to overeat. It helps lower blood sugar by suppressing glucagon and helping the pancreas make more insulin. These injections were originally prescribed for people with type 2 diabetes. However, they are now shown to be beneficial for weight loss in general. Typically, these injections are suggested to accompany a healthy diet and exercise. These medications need to be prescribed by a medical professional.
Weight loss injections can be very beneficial to people who need them, as obesity and Type 2 diabetes are very common struggles in the U.S. There are a lot of negative health consequences that can come from obesity, specifically that it increases the risks of developing some of the leading causes of death: heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Many people feel that these weight loss injections are being overprescribed or misused. However, medical professionals weighing the pros and cons for their patients may feel that due to the health risks connected with obesity, it is worth it for patients to give these weight loss injections a try.
Like any medication, weight loss injections do not come without risks or side effects. The most commonly reported side effects are gastrointestinal issues, including diarrhea, nausea, bloating, and constipation. A more serious but rare side effect is gallbladder-related issues. Some have reported other concerns, such as losing the enjoyment of food or experiencing excessive fatigue. While there are potential physical risks related to these medications, possible mental health and societal implications should also be considered.
How these medications may impact mental health and society:
While there can be great benefits to weight loss injections, there is potential for societal and mental health impacts of these drugs. It is now very common to hear or notice that someone has lost weight and have your automatic thought be, “They must be taking a weight loss drug!” It is especially common on social media, and chances are if you look at any post of an influencer or celebrity, there are probably at least a few comments asking if they are taking one of the more popular weight loss injections. One concern often mentioned regarding weight loss injections is that they may continue to perpetuate the societal pressure to be as thin as possible and that “skinnier is better.” Our society has always perpetuated this belief, and a lot of work has been done in recent years to normalize “real bodies,” however, some may feel that these injections are reinforcing these beliefs.
A lot of people who are on these medications feel some shame surrounding it and often wonder if they should keep it a secret. It ties into our society’s viewpoint on assuming that willpower alone is enough to lose weight, that people who are overweight are not putting enough work in, or that there is one “right” or “best” way to lose weight. It is common to hear deeper thoughts from people on weight loss injections, such as “I feel like I took the shortcut to weight loss,” which can lead to a lot of shame. The truth is that many people who struggle with being overweight have a true medical diagnosis or genetic factors that contribute to their weight, and sometimes diet and exercise alone are not enough to help people lose weight. It is comparable if we think of this with a similar but less stigmatized issue, such as high cholesterol or high blood pressure. Many people struggle with high cholesterol or high blood pressure, and for some people- lifestyle and diet changes are enough to solve the issue- however, others need medication to regulate these issues in addition to the lifestyle changes. For some, diet and exercise are enough to lose weight; others may need a little extra assistance.
It is important to remember that these medications are meant to be prescribed for people who are experiencing or at risk for negatively impacted health due to obesity or Type 2 diabetes and are not supposed to be prescribed to just anyone who feels like dropping a few pounds. Because of the above-mentioned societal pressures to be thin, it may be tempting for people who really do not need these medications to seek them out, especially if they have the means to pay out of pocket. It also can be tempting for people struggling with body dysmorphia or eating disorders to seek out these medications for the wrong reasons. A recent large study did not find a direct link to increased depressive symptoms or suicidality for people taking weight-loss injections. However, it is possible that the popularity of these medications can have an impact on body image, eating habits, and self-esteem for society in general, especially in combination with social media.
For people already struggling with body image and low self-esteem, eating disorders, or body dysmorphia, all the attention on weight loss injections can be quite triggering. Even if these individuals do not have weight to lose, the societal discussions regarding weight loss and seeing a lot of attention on people’s bodies or weight loss on social media can be challenging. They could potentially contribute to increased body dysmorphia, disordered eating, or excessive working-out behaviors. All the attention on weight loss and how people look can also contribute to comparison to others and can impact self-esteem in general. In some cases, people have sought out fake or black-market versions of these weight loss injections, which can cause extremely negative and dangerous health consequences and can cause misinformation to spread about the actual FDA-approved medications.
To Lie or Tell the Truth?
Unfortunately, it is all too common in our society for outside people to feel that they have the right to comment on other people’s weight or bodies. Honestly, it is really no one’s business whether you are taking weight loss injections or not; however, due to all of the above, it is a commonly thought question of whether to lie or tell the truth about being on weight loss drugs. There is truly no right or wrong decision to this question; you do not owe anyone an explanation about your own health-related decisions, and it depends on what is personally right for you.
Why Some Might Lie About Being on Weight Loss Injections:
– To avoid judgment. People may want to avoid possible judgment due to the widespread stigma regarding these medications. Many people who struggle with weight go through life already experiencing unwelcome comments or judgments about their weight or body, and they understandably may want to avoid any possible continued judgment regarding their decision to utilize weight loss injections. People using these medications may not want to experience possible shame or opinions about how they took the “easy way” to weight loss.
– To avoid concerns/questions about side effects. Due to the popularity of these drugs, there is a lot of publicity and media regarding them and their effects. Sometimes, misinformation is spread, leading to concerns about these medications’ perceived dangers. People may not want to hear worries, questions, or concerns from loved ones due to their decision to take these medications.
– Personal medical information is private. You do not have to have a reason for not sharing the fact that you are on a weight loss injection, and you don’t owe anyone an explanation on decisions related to your health.
– They are not on these medications for the right reasons. If people obtain these medications without having an actual medical necessity, they may not want to be honest due to being shamed for their choice, possible embarrassment, or desire for others to assume they lose the weight without the help of medication. People who are taking these medications for no medical reason most likely struggle with their own body image challenges. There is concern for abuse or misuse of these medications for individuals in this situation.
Why Some Might Tell the Truth About Being on Weight Loss Injections:
– To reduce stigma. While many choose to keep their decision to take weight loss injections private, others are very open about it because they have found it so helpful, recognize that it is okay to take a medication to help with weight loss if it is warranted, and want to decrease stigma and increase awareness and access for others.
– To increase body positivity. Being open about being on weight loss injections can contribute to body positivity and acceptance of doing what is right for your own health. It can show that everyone’s health journey is different and unique, and it is okay to seek help if necessary.
– To make others aware of their own experience. Some may share their experience with weight loss injections if they did not have a good experience or had adverse side effects. This can lead to healthy dialogue about the possible positives and negatives of these medications and normalize expectations for people considering taking them.
Unfortunately, the world can be judgmental, and shame and judgment can be experienced no matter what. So, if you are considering taking weight loss injections or are already on them and considering whether or not to be open about it with others, remember to put yourself first and make decisions based on what is best for you and your physical and mental health.
