Stigma Around GLP-1s? Why and How Can We Change It?

In this article, we explore why some people may feel that there is a stigma around GLP-1s and how we can shift the narrative.

Stigma Around GLP-1s? Why and How Can We Change It?

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The conversation around GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, Zepbound, and Mounjaro is growing, offering new paths for managing weight and improving health. But there's a hidden side: the judgment and shame often aimed at people using these modern medicines. This post aims to shed light on this issue, share the facts, encourage understanding, and offer practical tips for navigating these tricky social situations. Your personal health decisions, made with your doctor, deserve respect, not judgment. It's about supporting overall well-being, not just how someone looks.

It's a strange situation: people using GLP-1s often find they've swapped one kind of societal judgment for another.¹ It's like moving from being shamed for "failing" to lose weight to being shamed for

how you lost it. This constant judgment can really hurt, leading to feelings of shame and guilt that can actually make a health journey harder.¹ We need public messages that focus on health outcomes and individual choice, creating a supportive environment where people feel empowered, not shamed, for seeking medical care.

Obesity: A Complex Health Condition, Not a Simple Choice

Obesity is a complex diseased, often brought on by many different factors.

Obesity is a complex, long-term health condition, far from being just about willpower or eating too much. It's shaped by many factors, making lasting weight management incredibly difficult for many.

Your genes play a big, often overlooked, role.¹ Our surroundings also contribute heavily, with "obesogenic environments" where healthy food might be hard to find or afford, and there might not be safe, easy ways to be physically active.³ Socioeconomic factors are also strongly linked to higher obesity rates, often pushing people towards less nutritious, processed options.² Other health conditions and how your body adapts further complicate things.³

A major shift happened in 1948 when the World Health Organization (WHO) officially called obesity a disease.⁴ This was huge, changing how obesity was seen - from a lifestyle choice to a serious medical condition needing proper care. Understanding that obesity is a societal issue, not just an individual one, means solutions involve creating supportive environments.³ This reframing means medical interventions like GLP-1s aren't "cheating" or an "easy way out," but necessary tools to counter powerful external forces that individuals often can't overcome alone.

GLP-1 Medications: A Modern Medical Breakthrough

GLP-1 medications (like semaglutide in Ozempic/Wegovy, and tirzepatide in Zepbound/Mounjaro) are a type of medicine that mimics natural gut hormones.¹ These hormones help control appetite and blood sugar.

Here's how they generally work:

They slow down digestion, helping you feel full for longer.⁵
They reduce appetite by acting on the brain, lessening cravings and overall food intake.¹ Many describe this as "quieting food noise".¹
They help regulate blood sugar, which can further reduce cravings.⁵

These medications have shown impressive results for weight loss, with many patients achieving "clinically significant weight loss," often defined as 5% or more.⁸ Beyond weight loss, these medications offer many health benefits. They were first developed for Type 2 Diabetes ¹⁰, and they significantly improve factors like blood pressure and cholesterol.¹ They can lower the risk of kidney and heart disease, including heart attacks and strokes.⁵

Like any medicine, GLP-1s have potential side effects. The most common are stomach-related, like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation.⁵ These are usually mild and often get better as your body adjusts.⁵ They generally have a low risk of dangerously low blood sugar.⁵ However, they're not for everyone, and your doctor will check your medical history for conditions like certain thyroid cancers or pancreatitis.⁵ Always get these medications from licensed pharmacies to avoid unapproved or fake versions.¹¹

Thinking of GLP-1s as "antibiotics for obesity" is a good way to understand them. Just as antibiotics changed how we treat infections that once killed people, GLP-1s are a modern medical tool to fight obesity. Obesity is a chronic disease that can worsen or cause numerous other health issues, significantly shortening lives. Embracing GLP-1s is embracing progress in modern medicine, providing a vital tool for a major public health challenge.

It's important to know that GLP-1 medications are prescribed along with lifestyle changes, including a healthy diet and more physical activity.¹ Lifestyle changes are still crucial; the medication just makes them more achievable. GLP-1s can make these changes

easier by reducing constant "food noise" and intense cravings, helping you feel full, and giving you more control over your food choices.⁵ This isn't "cheating," but empowering people to make changes that were previously overwhelming due to biological factors.

The changes people experience on GLP-1s go beyond just physical weight loss. Data shows significant improvements in physical health (75%), confidence (68%), and mental health (56%) among users.¹³

Common Myths vs. Facts about GLP-1s

Myth: GLP-1 Medications Are Just Weight Loss Drugs.

Fact: They were first developed to treat Type 2 Diabetes. They also improve lipid disorders, lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of kidney and heart disease, and can delay diabetes complications.⁵

Myth: GLP-1 Drugs Are the "Easy Way Out."

Fact: Obesity is a complex disease influenced by genetics and medical conditions, making weight loss very difficult for many. GLP-1s are medical treatments, not cosmetic shortcuts, and are comparable to bariatric surgery in their medical purpose.¹⁰

Myth: You Don't Have to Exercise or Diet While Taking GLP-1 Drugs.

GLP-1s are prescribed to be used with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Consistent physical activity is vital for achieving and maintaining weight loss and preserving lean muscle mass.⁸

Myth: Anyone Who Wants to Lose Weight Should Take a GLP-1 Agonist.

Fact: Candidacy depends on many factors, including current health, medical history, and BMI (typically 30+ or 27+ with comorbidities). They are not recommended for cosmetic purposes, pregnancy, or those with specific medical conditions like medullary thyroid cancer or pancreatitis.⁵

Unpacking the Stigma: Why the Judgment?

Many GLP-1 users feel that there is a "stigma" around using the medications.

The most common criticism against GLP-1 users is that they're taking the "easy way out." This comes from a basic misunderstanding of obesity as a chronic disease, not a lack of discipline.10 It's crucial to remember that GLP-1s are medical treatments for a complex condition, similar to bariatric surgery, designed to address underlying biological mechanisms that make weight loss incredibly hard for many.10

The data clearly shows how common and where this shaming comes from ¹³:

Half of all people taking GLP-1 medication report experiencing judgment or shame.
Women (66%) are twice as likely to feel judged or shamed compared to men (32%).
Younger generations report higher rates of judgment: Gen Z (60%), Millennials (51%), Gen X (41%), and Baby Boomers (27%).
Judgment often comes from close circles: friends (34%) and family (29%).
Social media platforms are big sources of judgment, with Facebook (36%) leading, followed by TikTok (22%), Instagram (20%), and X (17%).
Despite the high rates of judgment, 3 out of 4 people taking GLP-1 medication are open about their use.

The constant pressure and the "easy way out" narrative can cause significant emotional distress. People might internalize societal biases, leading to shame and guilt, which can actually hinder their health efforts.¹ This stigma complicates the already challenging journey of body image, identity, and relationship changes that come with significant weight loss.¹

Navigating Conversations and Protecting Your Peace

Sharing your health journey with others is your choice. You choose what and how to share, but these tips can help. And share this article so thay you can send it to friends and family when questions come up.

Your health journey is deeply personal, and the decisions you make with your healthcare provider are valid and should be respected. Taking steps to improve your well-being is something to be proud of. Practicing self-compassion and taking pride in your commitment to health is essential.¹⁴

Key points for conversations:

For trusted individuals (family, close friends): Consider informing them about your medication. If they ask questions, share simple facts about how GLP-1s work (mimic natural hormones, slow digestion, reduce cravings).^5
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Shift the focus: Instead of talking about weight or appearance, discuss the positive impacts on your life, like increased energy, improved confidence, or better sleep.¹⁵ For example: "Thanks, you know, I have so much more energy now! I'm doing 10,000 steps a day!".^15
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Address assumptions with empathy: If someone has misconceptions, acknowledge their concern, then offer a brief, science-backed explanation. For example: "I understand why you might think that, but GLP-1 medications mimic a naturally occurring hormone that helps my body regulate appetite and metabolism, making it easier to make healthy choices and improve overall health".^15
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Set boundaries: You don't have to justify your medical choices to anyone.¹⁴ It's okay to say: "I don't want to talk about diets or weight when we hang out" ¹⁶ or "My health decisions are personal, and I'm not discussing them".^14
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Change the subject: If direct boundary-setting feels too hard, subtly change the subject. For example, "Anyway, I was hoping to talk to you about...".^16
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Prioritize your peace: If someone repeatedly crosses boundaries or makes disrespectful comments, it's okay to temporarily step away from the conversation or distance yourself.¹⁶ Your peace is paramount.
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Privacy is your right: You have every right to privacy about your medical treatments and health journey. You don't have to tell anyone about your GLP-1 use, nor do you have to answer intrusive questions about your weight loss.¹⁴ Be proud of taking steps to improve your health, regardless of whether others understand or approve. This journey is about improving your own life, not pleasing others.¹⁴

Shifting the Narrative: A Call to Compassion and Support

This journey isn't about anyone else. It's about taking a step towards becoming a healthier you.

A fundamental shift is needed: stop talking about other people's bodies and focus on your own. This moves from external judgment to internal responsibility and self-care.

It's essential to support those who are making safe decisions for their own well-being. Medical decisions, especially for chronic diseases like obesity, are made with careful consultation with qualified healthcare professionals and are based on individual health needs. These decisions should be met with support and understanding, not shaming or skepticism.¹⁴

We should foster a culture of encouragement, empathy, and positive reinforcement. Improving one's health, whether physically, mentally, or emotionally, is a courageous and commendable effort, regardless of the tools or methods involved.¹³

Empathy and understanding for diverse health journeys are crucial. Everyone's journey is different, shaped by a unique mix of genetics, environment, and health profiles.² There's no "one-size-fits-all" solution to weight management or health. Remember: "There is NO EASY WAY to lose weight, but if there is a way to ease the process some, why would one not take it and why would one shame others or treat others differently for doing so?" GLP-1s offer a legitimate path to health for those who need it, making a difficult process more manageable.

Conclusion: Towards a Healthier, More Supportive Future

In short, obesity is a complex health condition, not just about willpower. GLP-1 medications are a safe, effective, and invaluable medical tool that works with lifestyle changes to improve overall health for many people. The widespread shame around GLP-1 use is harmful and based on misunderstandings.

It's time for a society where health decisions are personal, respected, and celebrated. Just as antibiotics are embraced for infections, GLP-1s should be embraced as a vital advancement in modern medicine for obesity. By fostering understanding, empathy, and support, we can dismantle the stigma, empower individuals to prioritize their well-being, and collectively build a healthier, more compassionate future for all. The focus should be on health, not judgment.

If you are interested in exploring your GLP-1 options at GobyMeds, click here to learn more today.

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