Patients seeking the weight-loss drug Ozempic are on the rise as they hope to achieve their desired body size. Many believe that shedding pounds will not only improve their self-esteem but also alleviate health issues such as back pain. This growing trend reflects society’s obsession with thinness and the pharmaceutical industry’s capitalization on it.
Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Ozempic and Wegovy, has poured millions into advertising these drugs, leading to high sales and increased patient demand. While GLP-1 medications like Ozempic may benefit some patients with diabetes or heart disease, they fail to address the root causes of weight issues, such as diet culture and weight stigma.
The medical field’s focus on body mass index as a measure of health contributes to fat phobia, perpetuating the harmful idea that thinness equates to happiness and success. Physicians like Mara Gordon are grappling with prescribing weight-loss drugs in a society fixated on body size.
The real issue at hand is not patients’ body size but society’s ingrained biases towards larger bodies. Instead of fixating on shrinking our bodies, the author suggests shifting our focus towards acceptance and appreciation of diverse body sizes.
As the demand for weight-loss drugs continues to rise, it is crucial to challenge the notion that thinness is the key to a fulfilling life. By addressing biases and promoting body positivity, we can create a world where all bodies are accepted and celebrated.
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