Over the last several years, body positivity and acceptance have been promoted all over social media. This movement is the polar opposite of the ultra-thin bodies women thought they had to live up to, which is a step in the right direction.
However, it seems that some of the most “influential” people still value a thinner body, and many well-known names in Hollywood have been taking the injection Ozempic for weight loss. There can be serious consequences when those with body image issues see influencers using this drug with millions of followers liking and commenting on their appearance.
What is Ozempic?
Ozempic is a drug that is used to treat type 2 diabetes in adults. It was first approved by the FDA as a diabetes medicine in 2017. In 2021, the FDA approved a higher dose of the active ingredient in Ozempic to treat obesity. This medication was released under a different brand name - Wegovy.
Since it was approved for weight loss, Wegovy seems to be the newest trend in Hollywood and on TikTok. Several stars admit to using the medicine and there are others rumored to have used it. Others still, who have lost weight, deny using it.
The Consequences of Wegovy
One of the biggest problems is that Ozempic is in short supply because of the surge in usage. This poses a health risk to the diabetics who actually need the drug for diabetes.
It can also affect the people who are watching these stars. Whether it’s names in Hollywood or social media influencers, it’s a mixed message. Some celebrities are promoting body positivity while taking medicine to make themself thinner, which is confusing.
Not everyone realizes that when you stop taking Wegovy, you have a high chance of regaining the weight you lost. Some people will even gain back more weight than they lost. You must either be on it for life or be prepared to gain the weight back. This is true for any “quick-fix” method of weight loss - cleanses, diets, teas - that promises immediate results.
The risks are not beneficial to the user long-term.
Eating Disorder Treatment
At Focus Treatment Centers, we see patients with all different types of eating disorders. Whether it’s anorexia, binge eating, or other body image issue, we take an individualized approach to treatment. We assess everything that has happened in your life, not just your relationship with food.
Our team customizes your treatment to meet your needs. We have several types of therapies that can be used to help you reach inner healing and wellness. We want you to learn to view food as medicine and learn to recognize and combat misinformation in the news and media. Our registered dietitian will meet with you on an individual basis to create a meal plan tailored to your needs and goals. This is what we do for everyone who comes for treatment.
It isn’t easy or quick, but recovery is always worth it.
We Can Help
At Focus Treatment Centers, we understand that eating disorders are hard to overcome. You can’t just talk them away. You can’t just start eating differently.
But, we can help.
We are in network with most major insurance companies. If you have out-of-network health insurance, there are other payment options available. To start the process, fill out our insurance verification form or contact us. We’re happy to answer any questions you may have.
