Mention Wegovy, Ozempic, Mounjaro and Oprah in the same sentence and the mind goes into overdrive. The judgement noise around the use of injectable weight-loss drugs is LOUD.
Taking away drugs from those who really need it ie Diabetics, was probably the first judgement call. Then there’s- only people with no willpower have to take weight loss drugs. Weight loss is simple- eat less exercise more! Losing weight with Ozempic is cheating. You must have a big ego and be rich to subject yourself to a weekly injection totaling $260-460 a month. Why would old people want these drugs? What a waste!
So why on earth would I be sitting here seriously considering starting on Wegovy, having studied the side effects, spoken to a number of people who have taken it and understanding that it’s a serious investment I would be making?
Some backstory. This year was the first year I’ve had injuries, cysts and extreme joint pain in my foot and knee that have caused mobility issues. No more 10,000 steps a day. No more hiking in Scotland….. for now! I also have a gremlin hypertension issue that causes my blood pressure to skyrocket suddenly into the 180-200 systolic range when it should be 120-140. Yes, there’s a genetic component. My family were a hypertensive lot! I’ve become very familiar with ultrasounds, x-rays, blood tests, MRI’s echocardiograms, minor surgery, physios, podiatrist, cardiologist, naturopath and a very patient GP. I’ve tried every category of meds for high BP and pain relief, and I’ve settled on one blood pressure med which works, except when the Gremlin decides to hike my BP for a day or two.
For a year now, I walk slowly for short distances. Climb stairs slowly. Continue with Physio. There’s weight gain because of inactivity, also a side effect of the BP meds and yes, too much lovely food and wine. I discovered baking in winter. A delicious disaster! I don’t like the shape of me anymore and I don’t like the years I’ve struggle to find answers for my gremlin BP surges and mobility issues. There’s also the mental health impact of this change in mobility. I suddenly feel old! It’s the first time my body has said No, and I don’t like my lack of control. My anxiety, self-image and mood have taken a battering.
I’m cruising along the ageing path with a smile on my face and suddenly my body says “Ok lady slow down to a granny walk. Your Joints are wrecked and by the way your heart is wearing out too!”
I was shocked when my GP suggested I should use Wegovy for 3-6 months. None of the extensive testing and gory images of my internal organs has identified any blockages or any reason for the BP surges. My knee and foot are slowly improving. Weight loss would put less load on my heart, and my poor knee wouldn’t carry this load. To qualify for access to a semaglutide like Wegovy you have to have a BMI of over 27. Mine is 27.
The first-time Doc suggested using weight loss drugs I laughed.” I ain’t no Oprah” I declared ” No way…I’ll just stop going out for lunches.” That was 3 months ago. No change.
Then some friends in their 60’s started on weight loss injections. I looked over the fence metaphorically. No side effects. Lost significant weight. Started gym and walking because they feel good. “A total reset.” said Sarah.
On my next visit to the Doc. I asked for more information. How it would be monitored? I’m scared of needles, how on earth can I inject myself? How do I make sure I don’t put weight back on again? Am I willing to invest approximately $400 a month on meds? Team Nora was mooted. A nurse, dietician, physio and monthly check – in’s from my doctor would be put in place. Still, I’m not ready. The weather improves. I walk on the beach a little further each day. Then a set-back with my foot. Start again.
One day I’m driving. Stuck in traffic and antsy, I turn on the radio. It’s a panel discussion about the use of semaglutides for weight-loss. A medical professor is arguing the case for these meds. to be put on the PBS so they are more affordable and accessible for everyone who is obese, with all the resultant medical issues obesity brings.
In Victoria 1 in 4 adults are now obese. Obesity along with tobacco, contributes the greatest burden of disease costing Victorians between $485m and $800m annually in excess healthcare costs. (Access Economics 2008) In Australia 83% of men and 75% of women are obese or over-weight. Lower socio- economic groups and the Indigenous population cannot afford the cost of semaglutides. Yet these are the groups mostly likely to be obese, with all its medical consequences. (Vic Health Publication 2014)
The argument put forward by the panel on this ABC discussion was that we need to drop all the judgmental noise and assumptions about obesity. It’s a serious issue to be dealt with and we should regard it as another disease where we now have the meds. along with diet and exercise to treat the illness. The question was asked.” How long should people stay on semaglutides?” The response was interesting. The opinion was that we don’t bat an eyelid if someone takes heart medication for life if they have a heart condition. We should accept that some people have an obesity condition that may require ongoing medication in the form of weight-loss drugs. Hence the need to make the drugs cheaper and accessible.
I’m interested, so I start to read and listen to the evolving debate around these drugs. Research shows the increased risk of macular degeneration and a kind of eye stroke called NAION. My doctor mentioned that. This week a further development is an increased risk in suicidal ideation for some patients on Semaglutides. Christ! This is serious stuff. Probably the most basic concern I have is spending a lot of money on Wegovy, losing the right amount of weight fast, seeing definite improvements in my health and then regaining all the weight when I stop the meds. My GP did also point out that there are no long-term studies of the impact of Semaglutides on older adults.
Johann Hari in his book Magic Pill: The Extraordinary benefits and Disturbing Risks of New Weight Loss Drugs talks about Ozempic being a significant medical discovery and that people on these drugs are 20% less likely to have a heart attack or stroke. He also list 12 risks associated with taking these meds.
Will the new year see me taking Wegovy for 3-6months? I’m not sure. I’ve run out of explanations for why my BP surges. If I lose weight and my BP comes within normal range AND the surges stop, I’ve solved a problem I’ve been working on for 3 years now. If I lose weight and my joints sigh with relief, I hope that can get fit again. A reset. My research continues and my doctor and I continue to work on my various aged body bits!
One thing is certain…This 76-year-old has absolutely no problem taking weight loss drugs if my quality of life can improve for a few more years.
ABC Talking Points Interview with Dr Benjamin Scirca Associate Prof Harvard Medical School 21 September 2024 Semaglutide-Magic bullet or Sugar Pill?
ABC Life Matters How Ozempic has changed weight loss Lauren Ball Professor of Community Health and wellbeing University of Queensland
ABC Health Report ” If you stop taking weight-loss drugs expect a rebound.”27 January 2024 Costanza Alciati Pharma
Words by Nora Vitins
Images by Pixabay & Cottonbro with thanks
This article does not provide medical advice. If you have any health concerns please see your GP and research widely!