Obesity drugs such as Ozempic and Wegovy have moved from being utilized in diabetes clinics into everyday use, reframing obesity as a chronic condition that can be medically treated with consumer drugs. Ozempic is labeled for type 2 diabetes, while Wegovy is typically used for more chronic weight management.
Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, meaning it mimics a gut hormone released after meals, which signals to the brain that the stomach is full and quenches hunger. It can also slow down stomach emptying, allowing people to feel full for longer, and improve blood-sugar control through glucose-dependent insulin effects.
These drugs are meant for people with diabetes, where the upside is not only cosmetic. Meaningful weight loss can lower blood pressure, improve metabolic health, and reduce risks associated with obesity-related diseases. In 1 instance, these drugs helped cut major cardiovascular instances in adults with obesity and cardiovascular disease, even without diabetes, indicating benefits beyond just weight.
However, taking such drastic measures to lose weight, especially without diabetes, can incur numerous tradeoffs. Side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain are common, and more serious risks are being discovered, including pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, and severe gastrointestinal reactions.
Oftentimes, using semaglutide serves as a temporary relief for a chronic condition. In many cases, after stopping semaglutide, many people regain a substantial share of the weight they lost.
Culturally, easier access to rapid weight loss could tighten beauty standards, making thinness feel more “normal,” while also reducing stigma by acknowledging the importance of biology and metabolism on weight.
At Belmont Hill School, the ripple effects could include stronger body-image pressure among students, and new questions from coaches and athletes on appropriate use in sports, particularly those that emphasize weight, such as wrestling. Wegovy is indicated for some adolescents aged 12 and older with obesity, which may increase awareness and potential misuse in school settings.
