Obesity is one of the biggest health challenges today, and it’s responsible for a huge number of preventable deaths in wealthier countries. Public health programs have struggled to find a real answer—until Ozempic came along.
Since the FDA approved Ozempic in 2017 for type 2 diabetes, it’s gained popularity—but not for diabetes. It’s now a go-to drug for weight loss. Some call it a miracle, and the hype surrounding the injectable drug has led to a massive sales and shortages. But is Ozempic really the magic fix it’s made out to be?
Celebrities like Oprah, Kathy Bates, and James Corden have grabbed headlines for their quick weight loss, making Ozempic even more sought after. But for many, the cost—over $1,000 a month for weight loss—puts it out of reach. As South Park humorously pointed out, “Rich people get Ozempic, poor people get body positivity.”
Maybe that’s not such a bad thing. Ozempic comes with risks—some of which we still don’t fully understand. The true long-term solution for weight loss might not lie in an expensive prescription but in changing our relationship with food.
The Rise of GLP-1 Weight-Loss Drugs
Ozempic is one of the first drugs in a new class that mimics the hormone GLP-1. It was originally created to control blood sugar in people with diabetes. However, it also suppresses appetite and slows digestion, making users feel fuller longer. In 2021, Wegovy, a similar drug, was FDA-approved for weight management. It has shown impressive results, helping people lose 15% to 24% of their body weight in a year. It’s considered a breakthrough—especially in America.
This trend is not slowing down. In March 2024, Novo Nordisk announced trials for a weight-loss pill that could be twice as effective as Wegovy. With nearly half of U.S. adults considered obese, these medications are getting all the attention. Many people can’t wait to get their hands on them.
Why Ozempic Is Not the Miracle Fix for Weight Loss
Ozempic might seem like a perfect weight-loss solution, but there are big downsides:
1. Ditch Dieting
Yes, losing weight has clear benefits. Shedding just five to ten percent of your body weight can improve overall health, including lowering the risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart problems. But Ozempic isn’t without risks. Side effects like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are common. More serious risks, such as pancreatitis, kidney issues, and muscle loss, have been reported. Doctors are already searching for ways to reduce these effects.
2. It’s Not a Standalone Solution
If you’re relying only on weight-loss medication, you might end up disappointed. Many people think the drug is the gateway to their dream body. However, real progress comes when you combine medication with healthy lifestyle changes, like exercise and conscious eating habits.
3. Results May Be Temporary
Another downside of Ozempic is that its effects don’t always last. Once people stop taking the medication, weight loss often stalls, and they may gain the weight back. This cycle of losing and regaining weight can be frustrating and discouraging, making it harder to achieve long-term success.
A Better Approach: Resetting Your Relationship with Food
Losing weight is definitely possible, especially with the new weight-loss drugs out there. But the real challenge is keeping it off. To make sure those pounds stay gone, it’s important to understand why we eat the way we do. Here are three ideas to help break the cycle and keep you on track:
1. Ditch Dieting
Restrictive diets, skipping meals, and cutting out whole food groups can corrupt with your relationship with food and add unnecessary stress. The constant pressure of trying to stick to strict plans only pulls you deeper into the cycle of chasing quick fixes. Instead, focus on creating a consistent, sustainable approach to eating that works for you, not someone else’s idea of the “perfect” plan. After all, diet trends are usually just clever marketing, not real solutions.
Start by reflecting on your eating habits. Are they helping you achieve long-term health and happiness? Adopting a flexible, diet-free mindset can turn food into a source of nourishment and joy, rather than stress or guilt.
2. Practice Mindful Eating
Eating should be a pleasant experience, but too often, we rush through meals or eat while distracted—whether it’s in front of a screen or on the go.This often leads to overeating, as we’re mindlessly stuffing our faces without truly noticing whether we’re hungry or not. Mindful eating encourages you to connect with your food, savoring its flavors, textures, and the simple act of eating.
Next time you sit down to eat, try eliminating distractions, focusing on the meal in front of you, and paying attention to your body’s hunger and fullness cues. This practice can help you make more thoughtful, satisfying, and healthier choices.
3. Understand Emotional Triggers
Stress, boredom, and habit can drive us to eat more than actual hunger. In fact, 38% of U.S. adults report overeating or eating unhealthy foods due to stress. Recognizing these emotional triggers is key to breaking the cycle.
Before reaching for that chocolate fudge cake at midnight, ask yourself: Am I really hungry, or am I just looking for comfort? This awareness can help you make better choices and avoid overeating.
The Bigger Picture
As weight-loss drugs like Ozempic continue to spread, they will undoubtedly help millions shed pounds. But until we address the deeper reasons behind overeating, the results will be short-lived. The real solution isn’t about finding a miracle pill—it’s about building a healthier relationship with food and adopting better habits.
