Oprah Winfrey returned to primetime television this week with a special on the power of weight loss drugs, speaking out against the criticism she faced regarding her weight for 25 years. In her ABC special titled “Shame, Blame, and the Weight Loss Revolution,” Winfrey held nothing back, going through the most hurtful tabloids targeting her weight, the time she starved herself for five months, and other personal stories.
With input from medical experts, patients, and members of the pharmaceutical industry, Winfrey’s special examined how weight loss medications could change the obesity rates in America, emphasizing the need to release stigma and judgment surrounding the issue. If you’ve tried everything you can to lose weight and are ready to make the lifestyle changes necessary, then a weight loss medication might be the answer you were looking for.
Oprah’s Candid Conversation About Weight Loss
Winfrey kept it real as she shared how using these weight loss drugs helped her realize what it actually takes to lose weight successfully (and keep it off). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 42% of Americans are obese, which can lead to heart disease, stroke, Type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer. During the hour-long special, Winfrey opened up the conversation and interviewed guests who had reached their goals through weight loss medications and experienced drastic physical and mental changes (both positive and negative).
Winfrey was also joined by professionals like Cleveland Clinic’s Dr. W. Scott Butsch and Cedars-Sinai Medical Center’s Dr. Amanda Velazquez, who highlighted the pros and cons of these medications. They encouraged potential patients to approach the topic with an open mind and to consider all options available for achieving a healthy weight, whether it be through medication, lifestyle changes, or a combination of both. “We’re seeing double the amount of weight loss you can achieve with this class of medication compared to what we’ve had in our toolbox the last several decades, in combination of course with a healthy lifestyle,” says Dr. Velazquez.
Although Winfrey didn’t share the exact medication she used to achieve her latest weight loss transformation, the drugs discussed work by reducing hunger and making patients feel fuller. Others are approved specifically as anti-obesity medications. Many patients have experienced significant weight loss, on average about 20% of their body weight, with these medications. The results speak for themselves and the popularity of these medications is skyrocketing. It’s estimated that about 10% of the U.S. population will be on one of these medications by 2030. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing.
“There is now a sense of hope, number one, and number two; you no longer blame yourself,” Winfrey explained. “When I tell you how many times I have blamed myself because you think, ‘I’m smart enough to figure this out,’ and then to hear all along, it’s you fighting your brain.”
A Quick Guide to Understanding Weight Loss Medications
You might be familiar with the different names given to these medications like GLP-1 drugs, GLP-1 Agonists, or their brand names; Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, etc. But the only names you need to remember are Semaglutide and Tirzepatide.
Semaglutide is an FDA-approved injectable solution designed for adults with a BMI of 27 or greater. It’s also the generic name for both Ozempic and Wegovy, and it targets one hormone, known as GLP-1 that plays an important role in controlling your appetite and your digestion. It regulates blood sugar levels and promotes a feeling of fullness, which can aid in weight loss efforts. By focusing on GLP-1, Semaglutide helps individuals manage their weight more effectively and achieve their health goals.
Tirzepatide is the active ingredient in Mounjaro and Zepbound, which targets two different hormones, GIP and GLP-1. The GIP hormone can also trigger insulin creation and sensations of fullness. While some research concludes that Tirzepatide may offer an extra weight loss boost, it’s still too early to tell. Currently, it’s only approved for type 2 diabetes, so any use for weight loss is off-label. Consult your doctor to find the best option for you.
Boost Your Confidence with Semaglutide Treatments at Images Med Spa
Winfrey’s candid discussion shed light on the emotional toll of being shamed for one’s weight and the societal pressures surrounding body image. She emphasized the importance of addressing the root causes of obesity, rather than simply blaming individuals for their weight. One of the main takeaways was understanding whether weight loss medications are right for you.
If you’re ready to reach your goals this year and feel confident in your body again, consider starting your journey with Semaglutide. At Images Med Spa, we can assist you with an effective weight loss plan that will make it easier, quicker, and more effective for you to get there without having to deal with any boundaries keeping you from your end goals.
We’ll be with you every step of the way. After you receive a consultation and instructions from your provider, you’ll be given everything you need to begin injecting yourself with Semaglutide at home once a week. You will administer the injection on the same day each week, targeting the skin on your abdomen. The goal of this injectable is to lose 1-2 lbs per week, but it’s not just a one-and-done deal every week.
While on Semaglutide, it’s important to monitor how you feel each day, taking into account any side effects that you might have and communicating any concerns to your provider. Doses may need to be adjusted every 2 weeks for us to assist you in reaching your weight-loss goals. A Semaglutide treatment paired with consistent diet and exercise can increase weight loss results even further. If you’re determined to achieve your goals and boost your confidence, start your journey with Semaglutide at Images Med Spa.
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