As someone who advocates for a healthy lifestyle and arguably has nothing to gain from telling you to use weight loss drugs (I should surely be selling you my weight loss nutrition programme right?), it might surprise you to hear that I support them and completely understand why people who struggle to achieve a more “desirable” weight, would want to take them. And note here how I said a desirable weight and not just a healthy weight. Because these are 2 very different things. Many women I speak to don’t just want to be healthy, they want to be slimmer, to look and feel their best and regain the confidence they feel they have lost. It’s like the infamous speech in the Barbie film which highlights the complex and contradictory expectations that society often places on women:.
"You have to be thin, but not too thin. And you can never say you want to be thin. You have to say you want to be healthy, but also you have to be thin.”
It expresses the immense pressure on women to conform to unrealistic standards of beauty, behaviour, and success. But I am here to say it’s perfectly ok and fine to want to lose weight for aesthetic reasons. The only reason I put my makeup on every morning before leaving the house is to look and feel better about myself, so I’m not going to have double standards when it comes to my advice or what I support. But beware, diet culture is trending again and the idea that weight is the most important measure is not true- we live in a world of impossible beauty standards you must learn compassion towards yourself and your body shape. That being said, I know better than anyone how hard it is for women to lose weight (for whatever reasons they have) and there is no denying that these drugs can make it a lot easier.
The Role of Weight Loss Drugs in a "Fake Food" World
In a world dominated by ultra-processed foods (UPFs), maintaining a healthy weight is increasingly challenging. UPFs are engineered to be hyper-palatable, addictive, and calorically dense while offering little nutritional value. These foods hijack our biology, releasing dopamine that drives overeating and suppresses satiety signals. Big food and pharma put profit before people- you only have to watch Dopesick with Michael Keaton to know this is unfortunately a true story (brilliant watch). Add to this the cost of healthy food and the lack of time the modern woman has- it can seem impossible and a ‘quick fix” is always going to be appealable.
Dr. Chris van Tulleken’s book Ultra-Processed People highlights how UPFs comprise over 50% of the UK diet, contributing significantly to obesity and metabolic disorders. For those struggling in this food environment, weight loss drugs can provide a much-needed counterbalance by suppressing appetite and improving blood sugar control.
As a man-made solution to a man-made problem, these medications can help people regain control, especially when used alongside a nutrient-dense diet and healthier habits.
With weight loss drugs like Ozempic making headlines, it’s natural to wonder if they’re right for you. Although originally developed to manage type 2 diabetes, drugs like Ozempic (Semaglutide/Wegovy) have proven effective in supporting weight loss efforts, which has opened up new avenues in managing weight. While weight loss drugs should always be considered with medical guidance, let’s dive into how they could help in today’s world, some potential drawbacks, and why feeling good about how you look can be a powerful motivator toward a healthier life.
Why Feeling Good About Your Appearance Matters
For many, weight loss is not just about physical health but also emotional well-being. How we feel about our appearance impacts confidence, self-worth, and even relationships. Studies confirm that individuals with higher self-esteem are more likely to adopt long-term health behaviours like regular exercise and mindful eating.
At Educate Your Plate, I emphasise that your worth is not tied to the scale. However, I also acknowledge that feeling good about your appearance can be a powerful motivator. If weight loss helps you feel more confident, that’s valid—and it might even be the catalyst for broader, positive lifestyle changes.
The Potential Benefits of Weight Loss Drugs
Enhanced Weight Loss: Studies have shown that weight loss drugs like Ozempic can help people lose up to 15% of their body weight when used alongside diet and exercise. This can be life-changing for those who’ve struggled with other weight loss methods.
Blood Sugar Control: Since Ozempic was initially developed for type 2 diabetes, it can have positive effects on blood sugar levels, especially for those at risk of or managing diabetes.
Reduced Risk of Chronic Diseases: By supporting weight loss, these medications can reduce the risk of conditions like heart disease, stroke, and certain cancers that are linked to excess weight.
Potential Appetite Control: Drugs like Ozempic work on the brain’s hunger centres to reduce appetite, which can help people develop a healthier relationship with food and make it easier to stick to portion sizes that support weight loss. They can help reduce food noise and help you feel in control around food
Considerations and Potential Drawbacks
While these drugs can provide an effective boost, it’s essential to consider potential side effects and the need for lifestyle changes alongside them. Some people may experience nausea, gastrointestinal discomfort, or other side effects, which can vary widely in intensity. You must research these and really think deeply about the cost-benefit ratio. Additionally, since these medications influence appetite and digestion, it’s important to maintain a balanced, nutrient-dense diet and consult with healthcare professionals about any health conditions that may be affected. It’s no good only being able to face one meal a day and choosing a nutrient void Maccy D’s. You still must embark on a healthy eating plan to ensure you are getting the nutrients your body requires. If you don’t change how you eat, you’ll rely on these drugs for the rest of your life, or end up back where you started.
While weight loss drugs can offer a jump-start, they are not without downsides:
Side Effects: Common issues include nausea, diarrhoea, and gastrointestinal discomfort. These vary in severity but can deter long-term use. We also don’t fully know their long term impact on your health as they are still new.
Cost: At £150-£200 per month, they are a significant financial commitment.
Muscle Loss: Rapid weight loss without adequate protein intake can lead to sarcopenia (age-related muscle loss), which impacts metabolism and overall health.
To mitigate these risks, ensure you prioritise strength training and consume high-quality proteins like fish, eggs, or legumes. Nutrition and coaching programmes, like mine, help develop balanced meal plans and build sustainable habits that work in tandem with medication and help to mitigate the potential
side effects.
Consulting Your Healthcare Provider
Always consult your doctor before starting weight loss medication, as they can help determine if it’s appropriate for you based on your health history and goals. Also aim to develop a sustainable approach to weight loss that combines medication with diet and exercise, maximising both results and long-term health. My 8 week signature programme is a perfect companion to ensure you’re learning and developing the habits you need to ensure you don’t rely on these drugs forever.
In a society where it’s easy to feel defeated by the abundance of tempting yet unhealthy food options, weight loss drugs may offer a way to regain control. They’re not magic pills, but they can provide the boost needed to overcome initial barriers, such as hunger and energy, and help you feel good about yourself sooner. Feeling confident in your appearance is a valid reason to consider weight loss drugs, especially if it paves the way for improved overall health.
My Honest Advice: Make them the last resort, health is the goal, not a trending body type.
If you’re considering weight loss drugs, here’s my take:
Build Healthy Foundations First: For the same monthly cost as Ozempic, you could join a gym, hire a personal trainer, and sign up for my 8 week programme to develop sustainable diet and exercise habits. Studies show that exercise improves not just physical health but also creativity, confidence, and mental well-being, while eating well helps combat a variety of symtoms and health concerns
Invest in Nutrition Education My 8-week Educate Your Plate programme costs less than a single month on weight loss injections. It focuses on nutrient-dense, satisfying meals that support weight loss while boosting energy, vitality, and longevity- you won’t just lose weight, you’ll feel better and live longer.
Use Medication as a Bridge If you feel weight loss drugs will help you feel confident enough to enter a gym or start a nutrition programme, that’s okay too. Just make sure they’re part of a comprehensive plan, not the sole solution.
Conclusion: Empowering Your Health Journey
Weight loss drugs can be a valuable tool in overcoming barriers in today’s challenging food landscape. But remember, they’re just one piece of the puzzle. Sustainable weight loss and better health require a holistic approach—balancing nutrition, movement, and emotional well-being.
Whether you’re considering medication or seeking coaching, I’m here to support you. Drop me an email to learn more about our programmes or join my 8-week transformative journey today.
To doing what’s right for you,
Karis (Founder of Educate Your Plate CIC)
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