I didn't see the Oprah program about it, but did see a bit of promo interview. She said she also hikes five miles a day in the hills, and something I think meant followed a healthy diet. Everything I've ever seen about weight loss supplements or gizmos has at the core eat a healthy diet and get sufficient exercise--for which good advice one need not buy what they're selling. Five miles in hills daily is excessive, but so long as stress injuries aren't forming, sunscreen and hat are worn and the air is clean, it's a harmless to beneficial excess. I get why for people with imminent risks or whose work requires them to look their best, this medication is good. The potential side effects are pretty gruesome. The side effects of a colorful plant forward diet, with moderation in all types (too much greens or orange color can create problems, but those go away with vacations from the offenders), are a healthy gut and birthday cards from the vendors at the farmers' markets.

Came across this article when I was looking for restaurants in suburban Philadelphia, LOL. https://www.phillymag.com/be-well-philly/2026/03/31/should-i-take-ozempic-glp1/ If you cannot access it, here is the gist. The reporter is interviewing an "..internal medicine physician ... For 32 years, he’s been on the faculty at Penn, where he trained. And he’s been named a Philadelphia magazine Top Doc every year since 2008." Some useful excerpts: Reporter: "....last January, I came into your office, and you prescribed me Ozempic. I was kind of shocked because, while I knew I needed to lose some weight, I didn’t think it was at the level where I needed to stick a needle into my gut. I thought Ozempic was just for really fat people. Doctor: I am not exaggerating when I say to you that this family of drugs has revolutionized how we practice medicine. I never dreamed when I started that we would have the ability to get people on medications that do so many things, not just weight loss. There are studies that show GLP-1 meds can result in a reduction in sleep apnea, heart attack, stroke, the risk of renal failure, and risk of dementia. The list goes on and on. Reporter: But it’s not necessarily these drugs directly causing some of these improvements, right? If I lose a bunch of weight, this helps with sleep apnea and I’m assuming I’m less likely to have a heart attack if I drop 30 pounds. Doctor: "...researchers feel that it’s more than just that. They think it has to do with the fact that all of these drugs reduce inflammation, and inflammation is a big problem that causes so many issues....I have a couple of patients who have rheumatoid arthritis, and when I put them on these drugs, they (can't believe) ..how dramatically their pain has improved. There are studies showing a reduction in the desire for alcohol and narcotics. Oh, and a reduction in obsessive compulsive thoughts. If you have any risk factors for any of the conditions these drugs can prevent, I’m going to do everything I can to get you on these medications, because to me, it would be inappropriate not to.

It seems to me that prescription drugs are best monitored by your actual doctor who has a full understanding of your entire body and your medical history. It sounds challenging to get a doc appointment but if your health and mental health are worth losing the weight, then it seems worth the hoops to jump through to see your real doctor. "Both are totally obsessed with food unwilling to practice moderation." "If you can't pass up 2nds and 3rds at the dinner table and won't find an outlet to burn calories it won't work for you. It's not a miracle drug and still takes discipline." From the anecdotal evidence of the six people I know taking these injections and pills, I have not found the above statements to be true for them at all. The medication takes away their mental obsession with food. And, it makes them feel full fast so they have no desire or mental need to eat 2nds and 3rds. My best friend is taking it and she does feel like it is a miracle for the first time in her life to not be mentally consumed with food. It does not take disciple for her because the cravings and desires are not there to have to resist. For her food is very much like an addiction. Addictions are diseases and will power is often not enough to fight it. (Her doctor has her taking the original diabetes medication in pill form, not injections.) I have obese family members who died from complications due to their obesity. I used to think it was all about the failure of their will power and lack of effort. I now realize they probably battled with willpower and took great efforts on a daily basis not to eat more than they already did. I wish this medication had been availble when they were alive.

Thank you, Gscience! Yes, my copay is reasonable (I switched to a new plan in 2026 that costs more but covers more). My Dr mentioned Lily Direct as an option if my insurance wouldnt cover it. He said some insurers still refuse to cover for any reason. He did need to submit data/argument but he was of the mind that Oz was THE best option to manage my blood sugar/prediabetes. My copay is very reasonable -- I understand the costs have gone down in 2026 and I hope that your costs go down even further in the future, Gs! And yes.. there is definitely some stigma around it. Clearly I am struggling with thinking it means I have failed. Funny thing is, I don't judge others the same way. I have shared previously that I know a number of 6 others in my inner circle taking a GLP-1 ... and those are only the ones I know. I wasnt sure I wanted to share MY journey here on this thread .. it is very personal and I know very well that there IS stigma and judgement but I think it is an important topic and it is/will be central to my healthy lifestyle journey -- right up there with quitting smoking and tending to my failing eyesight. On a more personal note: GS your progress over the last 2 years has been inspiring-- and I want to thank you for all that you have shared about your experiences here on this thread. 💕 I hope that as my eyes improve that I can follow your example with a commitment to exercise and workouts!