Ozempic Conundrum

[Sally20099]

DH (45) is not obese but he is larger than someone who is healthy should be - I’d guess the male equivalent of a size 16 except all the weight is packed around his waist and stomach and not evenly distributed around his body. This is type of weight gain is a warning sign for men relating to heart health I believe. He also has high blood pressure which requires medication to bring it down. I don’t know if the doctor has raised his weight but apart from reducing alcohol he doesn’t seem to have changed any other habits : eating / exercise etc. AIBU if I suggest we buy a short course of Ozempic for him to see if it helps (and yes, I admit, a nice side effect would be that he would get some help regaining a healthier size / shape).

If he isn't obese then he won't qualify for private ozempic.

Are you sure he isn't obese? It's not as big most people think.

The thing is, it's great that you care about his health but he really needs to be the one looking into this. You shouldnt be the only one giving a shit. If he isn't motivated to change then ozempic will only ever be a very temporary help.

Have you sat down and had a serious conversation about this? Does he want to change?

I’d be pretty upset if my partner suggested weight loss injections to me, OP. Presumably he is aware of them. If he’s not made any other efforts to change his weight, what makes you think he’d want them?

Weight loss injections aren’t a quick fix- yes, users are likely to lose weight faster and easier than they would have done without, but a lot of people (myself included) are looking at a lifetime of using them, either that or if you come off then you need to change your eating habits permanently or the weight will go back on- same as any other diet.

Whats his BMI? There are criteria he would have to meet- BMI of at least 30, or maybe 27 with his blood pressure.

The crucial detail here is his BMI. He won't get it prescribed if it is too low.

If he's not obese then he won't meet the prescription criteria.

You also don't buy a 'short course', you start on the lowest dose and increase over time.

He would have to change his habits anyway; weight loss drugs don't work on their own. Users have to reduce calories, increase exercise and eat healthy, balanced diet alongside the treatment or they won't see results and may suffer side effects.

There is also the issue of maintenance. Taking it as a short term measure could just mean he regains the weight after, especially if he doesn't exercise (losing muscle mass damages your metabolism ao it's important to do strength exercises while on injections to maintain as much muscle as you can).

But mainly, if he doesn't meet the criteria for prescription then he can't and shouldn't have it.

Thank you to everyone for sharing your perspectives