Trying to get over people assuming I'm taking Ozempic

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I've lost about 80 pounds, steadily over almost 3 years. I started around 220 lbs, and now I weigh 140 lbs. I do intermittent fasting, drink very little alcohol, adhere to 8 hours sleep, walk daily, weight training 2-3x wk. These are not overnight fixes for weight loss and health. I also don't obsessively talk about my weight loss struggles and the work I've put in. The loss was pretty slow and steady, and when you are bigger, no one notices the first 30-40 pounds of weight loss anyway. No one seemed to notice that I had lost weight until I hit about 160 lbs. Now, people are constantly asking me if I'm on Ozempic and giving me knowing looks, or will outright accuse me of lying when I say that I'm not. I am 40s, 5'6" and went from a size 16 to a size 8.

I should not care. I do not judge people who use Ozempic. These new drugs are amazing and life changing for many people. I have friends who are on it and happy and heallthy. I am happy for them. I did not consider taking it because I am on some other medications for other conditions, and even if I was a candidate, I can't afford the meds any way! Still, I can't shake the upset feelings I am having over people thinking I did take it. Others perception of me should not matter so much, but why does this issue feel so bad?

This is a conversation to have with a therapist. This is not healthy.

[Anonymous]

I lost 40. No drugs or other cheating. Still have 20 to get to my desired weight. I feel so much better. It would definitely annoy me if people thought I cheated. I think I’d just say, “You think I’m lying? Interesting.” And walk off. People want to believe whatever makes them feel better.

And good for you, OP.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I lost 40. No drugs or other cheating. Still have 20 to get to my desired weight. I feel so much better. It would definitely annoy me if people thought I cheated. I think I’d just say, “You think I’m lying? Interesting.” And walk off. People want to believe whatever makes them feel better.

And good for you, OP.

Is it cheating to take blood pressure medication? Anxiety medication? Meds for ADHD, acne? Why is taking medication to assist in weight loss considering cheating? Just asking.

[Anonymous]

I love that no one knows the difference! I am taking Ozempic and don't tell a soul.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I lost 40. No drugs or other cheating. Still have 20 to get to my desired weight. I feel so much better. It would definitely annoy me if people thought I cheated. I think I’d just say, “You think I’m lying? Interesting.” And walk off. People want to believe whatever makes them feel better.

And good for you, OP.

Is it cheating to take blood pressure medication? Anxiety medication? Meds for ADHD, acne? Why is taking medication to assist in weight loss considering cheating? Just asking.

Yes, blood pressure medication is cheating when your blood pressure is high just because you don’t exercise and eat crap. How is that a question?

For people who are fit and eat only healthy food then no, it’s not cheating, it’s medically necessary.

[Anonymous]

I have ZERO shame about taking it. I’m not sure why you care, OP.

[Anonymous]

I have lost approx 100 lbs over the past 18-24 months. The first 50 lbs were solely from cutting out alcohol, changing my diet, adding exercise, etc. Which I continue to do today. The second 50 lbs have gone away much more quickly thanks to help from Wegovy. TBH, I am careful who I tell about the Wegovy for two reasons: first bc I dont want to downplay the incredibly hard work I have put into changing my body/life, and second bc I dont want the gossips to talk about how lazy I am using Wegovy and overlook the other factors. I made this decision after family members selectively seem to think that I lost the weight from Wegovy alone, seeming to forget everything else I have changed in my life.

All this to say, people are wierd when you lose weight. Esp if they are people who also need to lose weight and feel competition of some kind bc you have lost weight and they haven’t.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I lost 40. No drugs or other cheating. Still have 20 to get to my desired weight. I feel so much better. It would definitely annoy me if people thought I cheated. I think I’d just say, “You think I’m lying? Interesting.” And walk off. People want to believe whatever makes them feel better.

And good for you, OP.

Is it cheating to take blood pressure medication? Anxiety medication? Meds for ADHD, acne? Why is taking medication to assist in weight loss considering cheating? Just asking.

Yes, blood pressure medication is cheating when your blood pressure is high just because you don’t exercise and eat crap. How is that a question?

For people who are fit and eat only healthy food then no, it’s not cheating, it’s medically necessary.

Why did you choose only blood pressure medication to call cheating? Is taking those medications for T2 diabetes cheating? I mean for T2 a change in diet works pretty good for some. I’m really trying to understand why folks jump to “cheating” for something that improves your life.

[Anonymous]

So many people are on it and lying about it, so others just assume you are too.

It's unfortunate that people won't be honest about it (similar to plastic surgery) but you really cant do or say anything to change their minds. Be happy and satisfied that you did it and were successful and healthy, and dont let any naysayers stop you in your healthful progress!

[Anonymous]

I think most people are in my boat, which is that it’s not a secret but it IS private. I don’t want to discuss it with the vast majority of people. No more than you might want to discuss your SSRI or whatever.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Are people really asking you? I find it hard to believe people are asking outright if you are on weight loss meds, even if they wonder. That is just so rude and frankly, I find people would just rather avoid the topic of your weight all together. It’s super awkward. This is likely a troll drumming up weight loss med drama

+I can’t imagine being so forward! OP, give these people the hard stare until they remember their manners.

[Anonymous]

I can see why you’re bothered. Changing your diet and having the willpower to say no to food when you’re craving it is more difficult than when you take a medication that decreases your appetite. I would think you’re creating lifestyle changes that are sustainable so that is a huge benefit to doing it the old fashioned way. I’m quite impressed with what you have accomplished. What was the motivating factor and how did you keep going?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I lost 40. No drugs or other cheating. Still have 20 to get to my desired weight. I feel so much better. It would definitely annoy me if people thought I cheated. I think I’d just say, “You think I’m lying? Interesting.” And walk off. People want to believe whatever makes them feel better.

And good for you, OP.

I hope you gain it all back if you think taking drugs is cheating. POS

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I can see why you’re bothered. Changing your diet and having the willpower to say no to food when you’re craving it is more difficult than when you take a medication that decreases your appetite. I would think you’re creating lifestyle changes that are sustainable so that is a huge benefit to doing it the old fashioned way. I’m quite impressed with what you have accomplished. What was the motivating factor and how did you keep going?

Except there isn't. I have lost 50 lbs in the past the old fashioned way and gained 60 back. Then I lost 70 the next time and gained it all back. Then I got on Ozempic and lost 70 and have been keeping it off for a year. All of your hopes and prayers that us "cheaters" will just gain it all back after we stop taking the drug may not come true. I've been off for 9 months now, BTW.

[Anonymous]

This entire thread reflects how messed up so many people are in terms of tying weight loss to virtue. It's sad.