If you are on Ozempic or similar for weight loss do you tell people?

[fenwickmal]

I have been on one of these drugs at the lowest dose since January this year and lost 44lbs in weight after being obese for 15 years. I had been going to the gym for the 6 months prior to my starting the meds and my meals were generally healthy and balanced but I struggled with snacking a lot on sweet foods and drinking cola, I had a literal sugar addiction. The drug killed this addiction stone dead so now I just eat my main meals and I enjoy them but I never feel the need to snack or get a sugar fix. I do feel like I have broken that bad habit.

I have been working on healthy habits and using CBT exercises to improve my self image and issues with food as well as I go. I am now also logging calories and eating about 1800 a day.

So far I am very happy with my results and of course people are interested in what I am doing to lose so much weight. I tell them everything except for that I am on one of these drugs. My husband knows but I haven't told anyone else. Its not that I don't want to share what is working for me but I feel like there is so much judgement around the use of these medications that you are opening yourself up to a ton of judgement if you admit to using them. Perhaps due to the fact that some people feel they should be reserved for diabetics ( I was pre-diabetic but my recent test shows I no longer am) or that using them is somehow cheating at weight loss or that you are privileged for being able to afford them privately.

The women I work with praised me for doing it the "hard way" because I am dieting and exercising (which I am doing) and Ozempic was mentioned as a cop out that would back fire those who use it. I was cringing inside because I am using it to great effect but I don't feel I can share that with them

Anyone else worry they will be judged or attacked for using these meds?

I'm on Mounjaro. My husband knows, my daughter knows and a couple of work colleagues know....that's it!

I've only lost 25lbs since March and I wish it were more but at least it's going in the right direction.

I'm not telling any friends nor more family as I know they'd all be so judgmental....

This is MY journey and it's no one's business!

Xx

It's your private medical history, you wouldn't feel the need to reveal which drugs you were taking for any other medical condition. They are helping you do the things that are causing you to lose the weight, so you're not lying if you say you've reducing snacking and cola and your exercising.

Design mom on instagram wrote a very interesting newsletter about this subject just yesterday. Worth a read. Well done op

I've been on Ozempic and latterly Wegovy since February 2023 and have lost a total of 22kg. Like you I was pre diabetic (type 2 diabetes runs in my family and I was certainly on my way to it) and am no longer.

My husband, mum, dad and sister know. My mother in law also knows but only because my husband told her (which I was pissed off about - bigger issue that I need to address with him as he also recently told her about a separate medical issue I have without my consent which I'm quietly furious about).

I occasionally feel slightly guilty when people ask how I've achieved the weight loss and I don't mention the drugs but honestly I can't be bothered with any debate / argument.

If I hadn't started paying privately for it I would almost certainly have been eligible for it to be prescribed in the intervening period (my sister has just been prescribed it by her GP) and I don't regret it for a second.

@ihatecoffee 25lbs since March is amazing! I think your attitude is right that it is your own personal journey, I do agree though people are very judgemental about it.

@QuiltedHippo That is how I see it, by using the drug to stop my overeating of sugary snacks and drinks all the things I was doing like diet and exercise are now able to work. I know some people do very highly restricted calories on these meds and do higher doses which may be right for them but for me it was better to keep eating a normal amount for me and just get rid of the overeating.

@Kikibee Thanks for that I will check that out!

I should have typed 15lbs!!!!! Not 25 😂🤦🏼‍♀️

@NanooCov Same here diabetes is in my family as well and last year my cousin who is only a few years older than me had a stroke due to high blood pressure which was very upsetting and made me look at all the options to get a grip of m weight. When I looked into it the pathway to get a prescription on the nhs in my area was 18 months + so I went private and like you I have no regrets. Its a bit sad it isn't possible to share it with people as it could help others to know but as you say I don't want to get embroiled in a whole debate about it or feel like I am being judged.

@ihatecoffee 15lbs is still great!

I've been on MJ since March and have lost 33lb. I've not told anyone, but have been vocal that I am dieting (portion control, no snacks, regular exercising). I've dieted for most of my adult life, with short term success. Once menopause hit, pop, 2 stone rolled on.

I spent 18 months at a strength gym, but until I could control the food, it was a waste of time.

I should lose 2 more stones to be at the right weight for my height, but will likey stop at another stone.

@Notsuchafattynow Well done, its such a life changing medication for so many of us!

I know, it's great. Did you see what I wrote 'I'll stop at another stone'. The confidence!!

I know it will happen, with my good food choices and exercises, it's guaranteed.

I haven't got it yet but have already considered this. I think I'll tell people, because there is such a stigma to obesity and people thinking you should just work harder but it's not that easy for those of us who struggle with obesity. I just think we're honestly wired differently (I have friends who can have a slice of pizza and honestly not be interested in another, if I have one it feels like I've taken a drug, I feel high and frenzied about the thought of consuming more. My friends just don't get that feeling) so what I'm saying is, this medication works because obesity is a medical problem, it has a medical solution and I feel I should be clear with that. That I needed treatment not just "better will power"

Yes I have told people as I am so happy with how i am feeling abs the weight loss I can’t keep my mouth shut

mixed responses and sadly from a few patronising negativity (as if I hadn’t researched and discussed with my gp 🙄) and one accusation of cheating

some friends who are supportive now call me The Cheat 😆

I strongly suspect that even if you don't tell people they will assume you are on weight loss medication. Some of the examples of weight loss in this thread are quite significant and not typical of what most people loose when they diet without medication.

I don't think you should tell people unless you want to though. It's nothing to do with anyone else.

In my opinion it’s nobody’s business what I do. So I won’t be telling anyone beyond my partner.

Can people please say how much they are paying for this and how they get hold of it? I have decided I am going to do it. I'm sorry, I know I should check it myself but I'm really tired and half asleep!

What decided me was on another thread where somebody said it stopped the diet noise in her head. I am desperate for that.

Most are using online pharmacies such as Asda, Boots etc. Prices vary for the same pens (each pen is loaded with 4 injections that you use once a week).

There are discount codes floating about too, but you can get the 2.5gm starter pen for approx £100 to £150 depending on the pharmacies/ code availability.

In the UK online pharmacies are relatively 'new' to the woman on the street, but are legit. You'll complete an online form and send photos that are reviewed by a prescriber who will ensure you meet the criteria before prescribing.

There's a long running thread over on weightloss that has a great introduction on all the FAQs on the opening post. It has suppliers and codes too, that the group are using.

Me too!

I just started Mounjaro recently and haven't told anyone except my husband. It's too early for my weight loss to be noticeable so I haven't had anyone discuss it with me yet.

I think I probably won't tell people about it, except for my close friends who I'd tell if they asked. Being on Mumsnet has made me realise how much ignorance, cruelty and need to scaremonger a lot of people have about these drugs.

I don't care if people think I'm "cheating" at weight loss. But I also don't intend to spend my time being insulted and lectured by people who at best know the same amount as I do, but more likely know less. I kind of see it like any intrusive question. I don't owe honesty to people who are asking for unnecessary personal information just to make me feel bad.

I've been using Wegovy, and I'm now the same weight as I was 40 years ago. It's been a game changer for me (I'm a 60 year old bloke with hypothyroidism). I'm absolutely evangelical about the stuff to anybodywho will listen. If anyone wants to judge me, I don't give a damn!

Have you decided to go for it yet?