Society’s response to weight-loss drugs can rub me wrong

Note: This column describes the author’s own experiences with tirzepatide. Not everyone will have the same response to treatment. Consult your doctor before starting or stopping a therapy.

There have been many conversations about Ozempic (semaglutide), developed to treat type 2 diabetes, and similar medications that are used by celebrities, influencers, and others for weight loss. Many comments have been incredibly negative about these people, suggesting they’re no longer worth following and equating weight loss to fatphobia.

I want to make a few important points alongside describing my journey with similar medications. I think it sucks, for instance, when people lose weight and then act as if they were never part of the overweight community. They need to heal their internalized fatphobia, because weight loss can only do so much for perception.

Because of my Cushing’s disease and its two tumors, I gained 120 pounds, and I have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) atop that. My highest weight was just over 250 pounds. I now weigh 219.

Nonetheless, I love my body. I’m comfortable in my skin, even though it’s taken me years to get here. Of course, I have worse moments, but they’re rarely about the extra fat; they’re more about the scars and stretch marks that Cushing’s can cause.

That being said, for me to be my healthiest, I have to lose weight. And on my own, that’s impossible. Not only does Cushing’s cause insulin problems, but I also have insulin-resistant PCOS. I can work out five times a week, eat perfectly, and not lose a speck of a pound.

I started Mounjaro (tirzepatide) about two years ago, but had to stop when my insurance no longer covered it. I’m now on compounded tirzepatide, which I pay for out of pocket. My endocrinologist prescribes it, and I check in with him often about my progress.

I don’t think these medications should be taken lightly. My doctor has said that when patients get off them, they gain about half of the weight back. I experienced that with Mounjaro and will probably be on a low dose of compounded tirzepatide for the rest of my life. I don’t recommend it for people who don’t need it or who don’t tell their doctors, but for me, all it does is even out my insulin, which helps me lose weight in a healthy manner. I drop about 2 pounds a week, sometimes less, rarely a bit more.

Hands off my body

That being said, these medications shouldn’t be villainized, either. Not only is America fatphobic in general, but we shouldn’t be talking about other people’s bodies judgmentally. Fat, skinny, on something, off it — in general, it’s not my business. As I said, that doesn’t mean I condone fatphobia. I don’t plan to get skinny, just healthier, and I’ll always support the plus-sized community.

But if someone needs help getting to a healthier weight, especially if they have issues similar to mine, I’m all for it. I’m hoping for a healthy pregnancy, so losing weight is paramount. On top of that, my inflammation levels are through the roof, and one of the best ways to fix that is through weight loss.

I take medication to help my heart, my pituitary gland, and my adrenals; is it so crazy that I take something to help my insulin and weight?

Conversations like this one are so important. People should be honest about the ways they’re losing weight, especially if it’s by these medications. I avoid giving weight-loss advice, but I’m willing to share that the only way I was able to lose 30 pounds was through medication and lifestyle changes, in consultation with my doctor.

Don’t let anybody tell you what is or isn’t OK with your body. Consult your doctor and do what’s best for you.

You can also follow my journey on TikTok and YouTube.

Note: Cushing’s Disease News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Cushing’s Disease News or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to Cushing’s.