Congratulations - well done! And appreciate you sharing your journey - for others of us out here working to improve our health and longevity. I don’t know about you but taking a GLP-1 is not easy. The side effects are real but I choose the benefits.
Totally agree with you. The snide remarks from some coworkers about other coworkers who took the drugs kept me from being transparent about taking the drugs. Our CEO blamed us of pushing healthcare costs up for the company and dropping medical care coverage for the retirees. We make easy targets.
Congratulations, Bill! You put in the work and deserve the results. And you are continuing to do the work to maintain those results. Your column today reminds me of a comment I get once in a while from others that I just hate. It is “you’re so lucky…”. No, I’m not lucky. I didn’t get a good grade in my class because of luck. I did my homework, studied for tests and asked for help when I needed it. No, luck had nothing to do with my living in this nice house. I worked hard, saved, invested carefully, planned, and I am now enjoying the fruits of that labor. I am proud of what I have and can say “I did this!“ No explanation is required here. You can be proud that you saw something you wanted, found out how to get there and did it. Yay!
That's great! I have to say that I was skeptical about long term side effects early on when it was first introduced but I see so many additional benefits now that I would not be hesitant to try it if (and probably when) I need it. Thanks for sharing your experience - health is everything!
Part of the stigma comes from the fact that relatively thin celebrities use it to loose weight and become skinny. Most people who get it prescribed by their doctors need to loose a significant amount of weight. The former should be mocked for their vanity. The latter should be applauded for taking a huge step in their health. The problem is that a lot of people don’t make opinions on their own. They just take the influencers view and repeat it. If that view is harsh toward the vain celebrity, then it must be the same for the normal everyday people you and I know.
Your mention in the article “ The idea that someone who is biologically predisposed to carry more weight…”
I believe that the stigma comes from the fact that the general population does not believe people are overweight due to a “biological predisposition “ but rather because they eat too much and do not exercise. Hence the drug is the “easy way out” vs eat less and exercise.
For whatever reason people don’t feel the same way about high cholesterol or blood pressure - likely because it’s not visible? This drug use as cheating is also likely tied to “fat phobia” in our population (I think numerous tests with skinny people wearing fat suits proves that exists. Sad but I think it’s true!
Some college students are also abusing it - using it as a shortcut to stay skinny and bordering on disordered eating habits. Unfortunately, that also contributes to the "easy way" view.
Bill, you look spectacular, congratulations on doing you.
I think these shots give people the opportunity to do what they've probably wanted to do all along, but were self conscious - join a gym or start taking yoga, Pilates, Zumba, etc. classes. All those people in they gym weren't born with a 6 pack. You have to start somewhere, and if this helps get someone out there, then so be it.
One more thing. If you're ever walking down a street or driving by and see an overweight person waking, jogging, etc. shout out some encouragement to them. They know they're overweight and they are out there trying to rectify the situation. Some may be ready to quit in frustration. be the person who lifts them up and gives them the energy to go back at it again tomorrow.
I don't believe in taking any kind of drug for weight loss. I also don't believe in diet or exercise. If you want to lose weight, go live in France for a month and eat exactly like they do. Keep doing that for the rest of your life. You will find that you eat very, very well. You will drink wine and have desserts. This is known as the "French Paradox". It works. Don't get on a scale, except at the doctor's office. Get your exercise by walking and climbing stairs. Ride a bike. Do some yoga. Whatever you enjoy. Don't eat anything you don't like. But you will find that you lose interest in snacking all the time. Americans eat all day long. In France, the meals are so incredibly delicious and rib-sticking, that they stay with you. You won't want that bag of chips because you're feeling quite sated from the lunch you just had--a small plate of smoked trout, a chive omelet, a salad, and a sliced peach drizzled with raspberry sauce. Not a gigantic mile-high concoction loaded with meats and cheeses and sauce and thick bread. Plus two sugar-filled cokes and a brownie slathered with chocolate sauce. I'm serious--go to Paris and watch them. Walk to your next destination instead of hopping a cab. Have three excellent meals every day. You will remember at least one of those meals as long as you live.
2) I think the stigma exists because it is really against fatness. Fat = "lazy", "gluttonous", and whatever other terrible things people think about those who carry extra weight. Therefore, the ONLY way to conquer that is to "prove" you can do the "hard work" to get thin. Any "shortcut" is the lazy way out and simply proves the assertion that fat = lazy.
Congrats Bill on your wellness journey! It takes a lot of discipline to build those healthy daily habits! And huge congrats on finishing the 5K- you should be so proud of your progress! Here's to your continued success!
I'm thrilled for your continued successes! I would take one exception to your article - you wrote 'The idea that someone who is biologically predisposed to carry more weight should be judged more harshly for using a medical tool to address it than for simply staying overweight strikes me as really weird.' Yes, it's unfair that we judge - and yet we do. The lesser of our angels, I suppose. But it isn't just genetics most folks who are overweight fight. It's our modern food and activity choices. Food engineered to be consumed in quantity. It reminds me of the old meme - https://thetpgfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/pills-surgery-lifestyle-changes-768x790.jpg
Yes! You might enjoy the book Salt, Sugar, Fat. It is mind blowing.
I completely agree. The industrialized food production - calories, not nutrition - is 100% profit driven and a major contributor to obesity. When you eat but are missing nutrition, your body begins craving more food. It is an endless cycle. The so called food deserts leave people with even fewer nutritional choices. Fast food is evil, IMO.
As a young child living in Los Angeles Chinatown, I would go to the store with my mom and get meat, produce or whatever on an almost daily basis. She would cook this food which didn't include any ingredients or additives a body didn't need. Yea, the good old days. Sadly, when you go to any supermarket these days, it's a fight to find healthy foods and most people don't know how to cook nor do they want to cook. While the government has offered food pyramids and such over the years, nothing seems to have helped. I know that due to economic circumstances, some folks can't access healthy foods and are left with fast food options. Dr. Oz and Kennedy should focus on this stuff instead of stopping vaccinations. Michelle Obama tried to get people to focus on healthy eating by planting a vegetable garden at the White House. Trump just wants to emblazon his face and name everywhere and produce large structures that mean nothing to anyone.
Bill I’m happy for you. People can be very mean at times and do not truly realize the harm words can cause. I say ignore the “nay-sayers and do what really matters — take care of yourself! You do not need anyone’s uninformed opinions. 😊
Funny how we call out fat people and then call out people who are using all tools available to not be fat people. Personally, I think it is more important that we are healthy and whatever means can help with that, why not ( I know that's a pretty bad sentence). Not all "fat" people are unhealthy. Being thin can also be a challenge, m
Hat's off to Scott Pelley for standing up. I have to wonder just how independent a media will still exist by the time Trump is gone. Not sure how many news people have the self-confidence to stand up against the machine.
Can California really elect a Republican governor?
Congratulations Bill. As one who has done any number of diets for about 67 years, I can say with full confidence that had this med been available when I was younger and far more active, I would have jumped at using it. A girlfriend of mine just left here after a two week visit and shared that she is currently taking the same med you are. She’s who told me that exercise is important to incorporate with its use in order to maintain muscle mass. It’s crazy that people would judge others for taking a positive step to increase one’s health but here we are. There are far too many wandering around out there who can’t keep their neb out of other folk’s beeswax. One of my favorite sayings from AA is, “What other people think of me is none of my business”. Haters gonna hate but they sure don’t have to be a part of your, or anyone’s, life unless they’re invited.
I love what Scott Polly did and now there is some scuttlebutt about the fired 60 Minute crew joining up with PBS to create a similarly formatted show.
Just read here on Substack Miles Taylor’s newsletter(Defiance)about a sneaky EO that trump crawled out from under his rock to sign that basically “turns 8,000 civil service jobs into roles that serve at the pleasure of the president”; not a good thing at all!
Congratulations - well done! And appreciate you sharing your journey - for others of us out here working to improve our health and longevity. I don’t know about you but taking a GLP-1 is not easy. The side effects are real but I choose the benefits.
Totally agree with you. The snide remarks from some coworkers about other coworkers who took the drugs kept me from being transparent about taking the drugs. Our CEO blamed us of pushing healthcare costs up for the company and dropping medical care coverage for the retirees. We make easy targets.
Congratulations, Bill! You put in the work and deserve the results. And you are continuing to do the work to maintain those results. Your column today reminds me of a comment I get once in a while from others that I just hate. It is “you’re so lucky…”. No, I’m not lucky. I didn’t get a good grade in my class because of luck. I did my homework, studied for tests and asked for help when I needed it. No, luck had nothing to do with my living in this nice house. I worked hard, saved, invested carefully, planned, and I am now enjoying the fruits of that labor. I am proud of what I have and can say “I did this!“ No explanation is required here. You can be proud that you saw something you wanted, found out how to get there and did it. Yay!
I’m happy you are feeling good and looking better. I’m considering using a GLP-1 myself.
That's great! I have to say that I was skeptical about long term side effects early on when it was first introduced but I see so many additional benefits now that I would not be hesitant to try it if (and probably when) I need it. Thanks for sharing your experience - health is everything!
Part of the stigma comes from the fact that relatively thin celebrities use it to loose weight and become skinny. Most people who get it prescribed by their doctors need to loose a significant amount of weight. The former should be mocked for their vanity. The latter should be applauded for taking a huge step in their health. The problem is that a lot of people don’t make opinions on their own. They just take the influencers view and repeat it. If that view is harsh toward the vain celebrity, then it must be the same for the normal everyday people you and I know.
Your mention in the article “ The idea that someone who is biologically predisposed to carry more weight…”
I believe that the stigma comes from the fact that the general population does not believe people are overweight due to a “biological predisposition “ but rather because they eat too much and do not exercise. Hence the drug is the “easy way out” vs eat less and exercise.
For whatever reason people don’t feel the same way about high cholesterol or blood pressure - likely because it’s not visible? This drug use as cheating is also likely tied to “fat phobia” in our population (I think numerous tests with skinny people wearing fat suits proves that exists. Sad but I think it’s true!
Some college students are also abusing it - using it as a shortcut to stay skinny and bordering on disordered eating habits. Unfortunately, that also contributes to the "easy way" view.
Bill, you look spectacular, congratulations on doing you.
I think these shots give people the opportunity to do what they've probably wanted to do all along, but were self conscious - join a gym or start taking yoga, Pilates, Zumba, etc. classes. All those people in they gym weren't born with a 6 pack. You have to start somewhere, and if this helps get someone out there, then so be it.
One more thing. If you're ever walking down a street or driving by and see an overweight person waking, jogging, etc. shout out some encouragement to them. They know they're overweight and they are out there trying to rectify the situation. Some may be ready to quit in frustration. be the person who lifts them up and gives them the energy to go back at it again tomorrow.
I don't believe in taking any kind of drug for weight loss. I also don't believe in diet or exercise. If you want to lose weight, go live in France for a month and eat exactly like they do. Keep doing that for the rest of your life. You will find that you eat very, very well. You will drink wine and have desserts. This is known as the "French Paradox". It works. Don't get on a scale, except at the doctor's office. Get your exercise by walking and climbing stairs. Ride a bike. Do some yoga. Whatever you enjoy. Don't eat anything you don't like. But you will find that you lose interest in snacking all the time. Americans eat all day long. In France, the meals are so incredibly delicious and rib-sticking, that they stay with you. You won't want that bag of chips because you're feeling quite sated from the lunch you just had--a small plate of smoked trout, a chive omelet, a salad, and a sliced peach drizzled with raspberry sauce. Not a gigantic mile-high concoction loaded with meats and cheeses and sauce and thick bread. Plus two sugar-filled cokes and a brownie slathered with chocolate sauce. I'm serious--go to Paris and watch them. Walk to your next destination instead of hopping a cab. Have three excellent meals every day. You will remember at least one of those meals as long as you live.
1) Congratulations on your choices and your work.
2) I think the stigma exists because it is really against fatness. Fat = "lazy", "gluttonous", and whatever other terrible things people think about those who carry extra weight. Therefore, the ONLY way to conquer that is to "prove" you can do the "hard work" to get thin. Any "shortcut" is the lazy way out and simply proves the assertion that fat = lazy.
I am so glad you are addressing the stigma of GLP medication.
Congrats Bill on your wellness journey! It takes a lot of discipline to build those healthy daily habits! And huge congrats on finishing the 5K- you should be so proud of your progress! Here's to your continued success!
I'm thrilled for your continued successes! I would take one exception to your article - you wrote 'The idea that someone who is biologically predisposed to carry more weight should be judged more harshly for using a medical tool to address it than for simply staying overweight strikes me as really weird.' Yes, it's unfair that we judge - and yet we do. The lesser of our angels, I suppose. But it isn't just genetics most folks who are overweight fight. It's our modern food and activity choices. Food engineered to be consumed in quantity. It reminds me of the old meme - https://thetpgfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/pills-surgery-lifestyle-changes-768x790.jpg
Yes! You might enjoy the book Salt, Sugar, Fat. It is mind blowing.
I completely agree. The industrialized food production - calories, not nutrition - is 100% profit driven and a major contributor to obesity. When you eat but are missing nutrition, your body begins craving more food. It is an endless cycle. The so called food deserts leave people with even fewer nutritional choices. Fast food is evil, IMO.
Thanks for the link.
As a young child living in Los Angeles Chinatown, I would go to the store with my mom and get meat, produce or whatever on an almost daily basis. She would cook this food which didn't include any ingredients or additives a body didn't need. Yea, the good old days. Sadly, when you go to any supermarket these days, it's a fight to find healthy foods and most people don't know how to cook nor do they want to cook. While the government has offered food pyramids and such over the years, nothing seems to have helped. I know that due to economic circumstances, some folks can't access healthy foods and are left with fast food options. Dr. Oz and Kennedy should focus on this stuff instead of stopping vaccinations. Michelle Obama tried to get people to focus on healthy eating by planting a vegetable garden at the White House. Trump just wants to emblazon his face and name everywhere and produce large structures that mean nothing to anyone.
Bill I’m happy for you. People can be very mean at times and do not truly realize the harm words can cause. I say ignore the “nay-sayers and do what really matters — take care of yourself! You do not need anyone’s uninformed opinions. 😊
“Be yourself,” Snoopy once thought. “No one can say you’re doing it wrong.”
Funny how we call out fat people and then call out people who are using all tools available to not be fat people. Personally, I think it is more important that we are healthy and whatever means can help with that, why not ( I know that's a pretty bad sentence). Not all "fat" people are unhealthy. Being thin can also be a challenge, m
Hat's off to Scott Pelley for standing up. I have to wonder just how independent a media will still exist by the time Trump is gone. Not sure how many news people have the self-confidence to stand up against the machine.
Can California really elect a Republican governor?
Congratulations Bill. As one who has done any number of diets for about 67 years, I can say with full confidence that had this med been available when I was younger and far more active, I would have jumped at using it. A girlfriend of mine just left here after a two week visit and shared that she is currently taking the same med you are. She’s who told me that exercise is important to incorporate with its use in order to maintain muscle mass. It’s crazy that people would judge others for taking a positive step to increase one’s health but here we are. There are far too many wandering around out there who can’t keep their neb out of other folk’s beeswax. One of my favorite sayings from AA is, “What other people think of me is none of my business”. Haters gonna hate but they sure don’t have to be a part of your, or anyone’s, life unless they’re invited.
I love what Scott Polly did and now there is some scuttlebutt about the fired 60 Minute crew joining up with PBS to create a similarly formatted show.
Just read here on Substack Miles Taylor’s newsletter(Defiance)about a sneaky EO that trump crawled out from under his rock to sign that basically “turns 8,000 civil service jobs into roles that serve at the pleasure of the president”; not a good thing at all!