For starters, it feeds the false belief that larger bodies are something to be fixed.
In fact,new researchshows associations between weight loss drugs and severe stomach issues in people without diabetes.
But what about how they impact weight stigma?
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What Is Weight Stigma?
Look around, and youll find examples of weight stigma everywhere.
It can even include assumptions that someone in a larger body automatically desires or needs to lose weight.
Consequences of Weight Stigma
Unfortunately, weight stigma also runs rampant in healthcare parameters.
It can also cause people in larger bodies to avoidhealth-supporting behaviors, like regular physical activity.
The internalization of weight stigma is alsoassociatedwith poorer mental and physical health and even increased risk of suicide.
Here are the most prominent ways people are being impacted.
Healing body relationships already involves a significant amount of grief work, Marks adds.
But weight loss drugs add another layer of hard emotions for larger-bodied people to navigate.
The obsession around weight loss drugs also can be triggering.
Discussions about Ozempic and Wegovy have become a daily occurrence in my sessions, she says.
Many of them express a sense of helplessness, feeling unable to escape these conversations.
Plus, overeating and binge eating typically resume.
They are often surprised when their labs and vitals improve.
Pruteanu says her clients have similar experiences.
But shes noticed lately that even those who reach good metabolic health are contemplating using weight loss drugs.
Plus, healthcare providers dont always properly assess and educate before prescribing weight loss drugs, Davis says.
Pruteanu also suggests checking in with the reasons why and if they align with your life values.
