Youve probably heard by nowthat diets dont work.
But acknowledging the futility of dieting offers little to the person whose doctor tells them to lose weight.
Kat Stoeffel, features director
Q: You were the first person to tell me about Ozempic.
How did you find out about it?
A: Very good question!
I think I first read about itin Bloombergin January of this year.
Q: So, way before it became aHollywood phenomenon.
How does it feel to be on the drugElon Musktweeted about?
Honestly, on some level I feel a bit like a failure for using it.
Rather than spiral into an anxiety hole, Ive tried to just focus on my own health.
Its been good for me; Ill let the doctors decide if thats the case for everyone else.
Q: Did you ask your doctor about it specifically?
Was weight loss something you had talked about before?
Q: Had you tried to lose weight before taking this drug?
A: Yes, many times, always unsuccessfully.
Spoiler alert: Diets are a scam.
Q: Did Ozempic work?
Ive lost 2 pounds a week pretty consistently.
Q: How often do you take the shots?
At home or at the doctor?
You keep the pens in the fridge and administer the injections at home.
Q: What does it feel like to be on it?
Have you experienced any side effects?
Mainly I have a smaller appetite and feel fuller for longer, though it has also impacted some tastes.
I used to drink a can of Diet Coke every day, but now I cant stand the taste.
I also cant drink much alcohol without thinking meh, which has been a disorienting experience!
Q: Did your doctor warn you about any risks/concerns about the drug?
I think my diet was already pretty good, but I realized I wasnt eating enough fiber.
Otherwise, I started using the gym in my building four times a week walking uphill.
Q: How much does Ozempic cost you?
Did you have to jump through any hoops to get it covered by your insurance?
I have insulin resistance, am categorized as prediabetes, and have a family history of diabetes.
Because of this, my insurance covers the medication.
I pay $25 for a prescription.
Q: Some reports say users will have to take it for the rest of their lives.
How long do you oughta take it?
My doctor says I can stay on it for as long as Im comfortable.
Im not sure where Im going to net out.
Q: Im curious if your doctors ever shared their perspective on dieting.
But, in my experience, doctors are still pretty focused on BMI.
I really like my doctor because she didnt attach any judgment to wanting to lose weight.
She didnt say, Well, yes, you should lose it or Youre fine as you are.
I liked that because I hate when people tell me how to feel about my own body.
She just said, Losing it is really, really hard in a way that nobody admits.
In terms of goals, we dont have a specific number in mind.
Instead were focused on measuring my insulin, cholesterol, and blood pressure.
Q: Has the experience changed your relationship to food?
I still like eating, I just cant eat as much.
That didnt used to be the case.
It was a vicious cycle.
Because of that I had a very frank conversation with my therapist before going on the drug.
For that, Im very grateful.
Q: I read that one of the ways Ozempic works is by suppressing appetite.
Do you ever see a potential to abuse this?
Its still what I follow, though the meals and snacks are all smaller.
Its definitely different because theres no sense of restriction.
I mentioned my generally better mood early.
This article was originally published onNovember 14, 2022
