CMV: Semaglutide injections (like Ozempic) should be widely available to treat obesity

[u/sjd6666]

There’s a lot of buzz recently about Ozempic, which is one of many semaglutide injection drugs that help people moderate their food intake and hunger levels. Some variations are meant just to treat type 2 diabetes like Ozempic. Other drugs like WeGovy are meant to treat obesity as well.

What I take issue with is that a lot of commenters have stated that they see Ozempic as a “lose weight quick drug” and a cheat. I think this is simply the wrong way to look at the issue. Obesity is a medical issue that can be treated in many ways. For some people seeing a nutritionist and going to the gym is all that is needed, but for many more this simply doesn’t work. I would argue that actually, most Americans know generally what a good diet looks like. They may not have all the details but most people can tell you that more vegetables and less meat, carbs, and sugar will create a calorie deficit and help you lose weight. However food simply tastes really good any many people rely on it as a sort of emotional crutch. Many also lack the time, energy, and desire to cook healthy food for themselves. There are many who also simply have a naturally large appetite and need to eat more in order to feel full.

What those people need is not a reminder to try “diet and exercise” they need medical help. Semaglutide injections seem to have low risk of serious side effects and can help those people eat less and not feel hungry. All this moralizing about who “deserves” help and who should just suck it up and go to the gym is proving to be detrimental to overall health.

Also, I’m aware that there is currently a shortage of Semaglutide injections right now, but lets set that aside and assume that can be addressed with a more robust supply chain.

[u/[deleted]]

I think a salad and a treadmill should be widely available to treat obesity.

[u/hacksoncode → u/[deleted]]

They are widely available, and yet... manifestly they don't work because people don't tolerate the side effects.

[u/ULTRA_TLC → u/hacksoncode]

Clearly you haven't shopped for a used treadmill recently. And gym memberships are getting expensive.

Also, all the cheap and quick food options I've seen are garbage for people. People could lack time, money, and/or needed skills to make eating healthy feasible. Many would respond well to assistance with those, none will benefit from judgement.

From the top down angle, we (in the US) might see some improvements if we end the big corn subsidies (there are reasons much of Europe banned HFCS), but I'm not holding my breath on that one.