As an eating disorder specialist, I have watched what I call the "Ozempic craze" unfold. Ozempic and other anti-diabetic drugs like Wagovy are now used regularly for weight management in people who are not diabetic or otherwise clear candidates for the drug. In addition to affecting insulin production, these drugs mimic the release of hormones that tell us when we are hungry and full.
I often see clients who are trying to recover from an eating disorder grapple with taking a Semaglutide drug, as there is such a strong desire to control the way their body looks. The availability of such drugs can often be overwhelming for those in recovery from any disordered eating issue (Ducharme, 2023).
A question that consistently comes up with the clients is, what about the body acceptance we have been working so hard to achieve? The work I do with clients is often around seeking long-term recovery from disordered eating tendencies. This means incorporating tangible behaviors, like observing hunger/fullness, eating based on body cues, and acknowledging satisfaction at the end of a meal (Tribole & Resch, 2012). These principles of intuitive eating are jeopardized by drugs that work to reduce hunger or cravings.
Another aspect of eating disorder recovery is tolerating the changes that may occur in one’s body. Body image work is tough. The concept of finally finding some peace around one’s appearance is daunting, and for those who have a history of eating disorders, it often feels impossible. Enter drugs that lead to loss of appetite and often weight loss. The temptation to ditch the hard work on body acceptance can be incredibly seductive—especially if one has dreamed of a magic drug that makes you skinny.
Another hurdle to staying the course with one’s body acceptance journey is the availability of these drugs in healthcare settings, which makes weight control much more attainable than other extreme forms of weight loss. Well-meaning doctors might see this class of drugs as an option to help ameliorate one’s body image issues and not recognize the setbacks to progress in body acceptance that can be created with their use.
So how do we stay the course of eating in a way that nourishes ourselves and tolerate what happens to our bodies when many around us are choosing to take a drug? The conversation can dig up old wounds connected to the diet culture industry—which for a minute seemed to be changing with movements like body positivity.
The need to surround oneself with like-minded individuals is now even more pressing. Find a community where it is safe to express the frustrations around this trend. Such a community could take the form of group therapy or online forums, but perhaps a more manageable option is to subtly be aware of the conversations around food and movement.
Set limits and boundaries in these conversations. It is more than ok to tell someone that you aren’t up for hearing them share their experiences on these drugs, or their “Did you hear who is on Ozempic?” rant. Insulating oneself from detrimental messaging is an empowering experience.
Body acceptance is critical to recovery from disordered eating. Building confidence around one’s body and food choices is already a challenge, and avoiding contrary messaging is a way to stay the course.
References
Ducharme, J. (2023). For People with Eating Disorders, the Buzz About Ozempic Is a Nightmare. TIME.
Nothaft, D. (2023). You’ve heard of Ozempic, but do you understand how it works? USA Today.
Tribole, E., & Resch, E. (2012). Intuitive eating: A revolutionary program that works. St. Martin’s Griffin.
A New Challenge for People In Recovery From Eating Disorders
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02.02.2024
As an eating disorder specialist, I have watched what I call the "Ozempic craze" unfold. Ozempic and other anti-diabetic drugs like Wagovy are now used regularly for weight management in people who are not diabetic or otherwise clear candidates for the drug. In addition to affecting insulin production, these drugs mimic the release of hormones that tell us when we are hungry and full.
I often see clients who are trying to recover from an eating disorder grapple with taking a Semaglutide drug, as there is such a strong desire to control the way their body looks. The availability of such drugs can often be overwhelming for those in recovery from any disordered eating issue (Ducharme, 2023).
A question that consistently comes up with the clients is, what about the body acceptance we have been working so hard to achieve? The work I do with clients is often around seeking long-term recovery from........
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