Since childhood, Patty Nece was told that diet and exercise were the keys to managing her weight.
Theres this constant drumbeat that weight is totally controllable.
Its your personal responsibility and your fault when you dont control itits all on you.
Photo Composite by Amelia Manley for Verywell Health; Photo Courtesy of Patty Nece
That permeates media, entertainment media, news mediathat message is everywhere, Nece told Verywell.
BMI is a dated, flawed measure.
It does not take into account factors such asbody composition, ethnicity, sex, race, and age.
What Are GLP-1 Drugs?
Its hard for patients out there right now.
Were still subject to all what we would call snake oilthese quick weight loss solutions, Nece said.
Trying to work through all that noise as a patient is really hard.
What if itisan easy way out?
If we had an easy way out of hypertension or cancer, wouldnt we embrace that?
Why is it a bad thing when it comes to weight and obesity?
It doesnt make sense when you think about it.
We like easy ways out of medical issues.
They should be celebrated, not as a way to demean people.
Finding the Right Medication Through Trial and Error
Nece tried Ozempic in 2021.
As with all patients, she was started on a low dose.
It was frustrating because I could tell I was a responder to it, Nece said.
Nece responded well to Mounjaro with significant weight loss and far fewer side effects.
Mounjaro is meant to be taken once a week.
But Neces doctor recommended taking it every 10 days to minimize the side effects.
Now, weeks later, shes sticking with that cadence because its working well for her.
Why is it a bad thing when it comes to weight and obesity?
Nece said her appetite has decreased and she isnt thinking about food so constantly.
She also has less desire for certain food groups, particularly fried foods.
Its like something Ive been missing has been fixed, she said.
Also diagnosed withcongenital scoliosis, Nece said its easier for her to move when shes at a lower weight.
I have already lost some weight.
But for me, success is about how I feel and about health.
Its not about the number on the scale.
Id love to be able to walk a mile.
My goals are pretty simple.
I dont want to negate semaglutide.
Its a good drug for some people, it just wasnt a good one for me, Nece said.
Were all different and we all respond differently to medications.
She said shell likely choose the one that has the best coverage for tirzepatide.
But Nece said shes an exception to the rule.
Without insurance coverage, the drugs can cost more than $900 per month.
Medicare currently doesnt cover weight loss medications and private insurers may offer only limited coverage.
Many employers have canceled their coverage of obesity medications in recent months, leaving patients without financial support.
Patients taking the GLP-1 drugs have also had to deal with persistent drug shortages.
It may also prompt patients to stop their medications, potentially hampering their treatment.
Overcoming Weight Stigma
The GLP-1 drugs must be taken indefinitely to be effective.
That prospect doesnt bother Nece.
Now, I could be proven wrong in two years or five years or 10 years.
But I think for me, weighing the risks versus the benefits.
Im willing to take whatever risk happens to be there, Nece said.
When it came to my weight, I was my worst inner critic.
That made me realize that it was time to speak out.
And once I started speaking, they couldnt shut me up, Nece said.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Overweight and Obesity.
