Do you consider prescription weight loss medications cheating?

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Replies

  • MoiAussi93
    MoiAussi93 Posts: 1,948 Member
    "Cheating" isn't the issue. It's not a competition with other people, it's about health. The real problem with these drugs is that they don't solve the underlying problem which is poor eating habits. They will just address the symptom, which is the weight, and when a person stops taking them they will likely gain it all back because they didn't fix their lifestyle. In addition, there are dangerous potential side effects, which could possibly be worse than a few extra pounds.

    To me it seems similar to bariatric surgery...just less extreme. That also has a high failure rate. A girl I went to high school with had the surgery a few years ago. From her facebook posts, it is obvious she is still obese...although less so...and has had various hospital visits since some of which are due to complications of the surgery. She is frequently posting recipes for very sugary desserts and high carb and fried foods. She went through a major surgery...and did not change the lifestyle that put her in that position in the first place. She's a nice person and I feel bad for her...but I am amazed that she can't see the problem here.

    I feel like irresponsible doctors are pushing these drugs (and surgeries) to patients due to a profit motive. I have another friend who is not even obese. She is literally only 10 or 15 pounds overweight. She just had her annual checkup and her doctor actually pitched her new weight loss program that would give these drugs. Of course, it's out of pocket since insurance doesn't cover it. So it's a nice cash business for the doctor who is pitching this drug to patients who have no business even considering such a medication. BTW, I asked and she said the doctor made no mention of side effects or the need to take it long-term. Frankly, I find that disgusting.

    People just need to do the work. Yes, it requires changing some habits. It requires a little self-denial. But it comes with no negative side effects and no dependence on risky drug.
  • shaumom
    shaumom Posts: 1,003 Member
    No
    Just like I wouldn't consider it cheating if someone who was underweight went on medication to increase their appetite or help them gain weight, I don't consider meds helping us go the other direction cheating either.

    I honestly have a hard time why anyone would think of it as cheating except if we are assigning some kind of moral weight to the concept of weight loss, as though you have to suffer to do it or you are somehow screwing up.

    I personally think the point is that someday, we will BE a certain weight. The journey we take to get there does not matter as long as it's not hurting anyone, and that applies for gaining or losing weight.
  • neanderthin
    neanderthin Posts: 10,205 Member
    If it helps someone with extra time to figure out how they'll implement lifestyle changes that will last a lifetime to help with their weight, then it's a good thing, otherwise it's one very expensive lesson in futility. Cheers
  • Doug_T
    Doug_T Posts: 163 Member
    For me yes it would certainly be cheating. But, if you are extraordinarily obese then take the pills. Anything to help knock off that first 50 lbs or so can give you a much higher chance of success if your doctor agrees.
  • shaumom
    shaumom Posts: 1,003 Member
    No
    Doug_T wrote: »
    For me yes it would certainly be cheating...

    So, not in any way trying to be facetious, but I truly don't understand why it would be cheating for you. Like, I guess my questions is: when you think about weight loss, do you have some internal rules for them? And if so, what are the rules of weight loss that mean meds would be cheating? And what made you pick the rules you did?
  • KatLin5629
    KatLin5629 Posts: 16 Member
    No
    I spent a lot of years believing it was cheating. But, as I have gotten older, I realized that mentality gave me an odd sense of superiority. "Look at me, I don't need help!" However, this is not a game or a contest.

    Obesity happens for a multitude of reasons, those within our control, many not. But, ultimately, whether it is lack of education, financial means, or mental or physical issues, or another reason, obesity causes so damage. To a body, to a family via cyclical issues, even societally.

    These drugs are necessary for some, and no judgement. Whatever it takes to get healthy. I do feel that it is too easy to get these meds right now, with all the new and shiny drugs. And the potential side effects are probably not highlighted as they should be. There should be guidelines. I think someone mentioned education to go along with it and I think that would be ideal. Make it part of the package.

    So many people haven't a clue what they are doing, or how to truly help themselves in a way that is sustainable. I know, I was a big fan of the whole deprivation route, with a little of the exercise so hard you literally damage yourself and have to give up mentality. Doesn't work, not long term.

    Anyways, oy...that is a lot of words to say nope, it is not cheating, lol. I wish the best to anyone trying to get healthier, however they do it, so long as they are trying to be as educated as possible and safe.
  • chris_in_cal
    chris_in_cal Posts: 2,517 Member
    No
    AnnPT77 wrote: »
    How about a "don't care"
    A thousand words to explain why you don't care, with a bit of questioning the OP thrown in.

  • AnnPT77
    AnnPT77 Posts: 34,158 Member
    chris_in_cal wrote: »
    AnnPT77 wrote: »
    How about a "don't care"
    A thousand words to explain why you don't care, with a bit of questioning the OP thrown in.

    Pretty sure I must've written unclearly, because you've certainly not understood what I was trying to communicate. I do care about other people, and respect their decisions. That's the point. I don't need to have an opinion about their very personal decision to use weight loss medications. If I were making that decision for myself, it would be irrelevant to me what other people - outside my medical team - think, especially in terms as judgemental as "cheating" or "not cheating".
  • LifeChangz
    LifeChangz Posts: 456 Member
    edited May 2023
    agree with the 'don't care' sentiment- same as painting my house - don't care what color other people choose - nor what they think I should choose, the choices we make are personal to us and endless... this is just another choice.

    however, when i am in the process of gathering information so I can make a choice, i will seek the opinions and experiences of others, sort it and make a choice.

    as to the new weight loss 'glp-1' class of drugs - i have some concerns of the side effects, the manipulation of the brain - are they addictive or cause dependance? how is this different from using drugs or alcohol or what not. If the effect of the drug on hunger evaporates after a person stops and most regain, then i 'personally' imho am not inclined to try them.... but I would consider them a tool and not cheating and respect the decision of those who do try them - as they are legal to use.
  • Sunsetwind
    Sunsetwind Posts: 5 Member
    No
    I don’t think taking a prescription medication solely for weight loss is a bad thing. We need to be wise and use it accordingly in aiding one’s weight loss goals. To rely on and for a long period of time, I believe wouldn’t be a good thing.
  • fskhw9fssb
    fskhw9fssb Posts: 3 Member
    No
    I have been taking a weight loss medication 20 years ago. It suppressed my appetite but I do feel hungry. But after eating a little bit, I feel full. I lose 1-2 lbs per week. So after 1-2 months, my goal is reached and I stop the medication. Two years later, the drug was banned because researchers found that the side effect (causing heart disease) is greater than the effect. Soon I understand that the long term use of weight loss drugs eg. Taking 1-2 years to lose more than 50 lbs is basically at risk to health. A balanced restricted calorie diet plus regular workout is
    a more healthy way to lose weight. A change in lifestyle by eating more wisely and regular workout is essential to maintain ideal body weight afterwards.
  • jasonpaget76
    jasonpaget76 Posts: 2 Member
    No
    Derpes wrote: »
    No, but it is maddening that Hollywood and the rich are taking Ozempic out of the hands of those who need it most.

    I use Ozempic and I'm neither of the above. Best decision I've ever made. Gone from 17st4 to 15st12 inside 6 weeks. Ozempic is a brilliant tool, but planning meals and nutrition is equally important as always.
  • jasonpaget76
    jasonpaget76 Posts: 2 Member
    No
    jtongen1 wrote: »
    It’s cheating if you cheat yourself out of learning how to loose the weight properly and maintain it. More than that, I’d be concerned about using drugs designed for diabetics that are already in short supply for them.

    I think we all know how to lose weight 'properly'. I use Ozempic, I've been planning meals, hitting and exceeding protein targets and trying to limit saturated fats. Once off Ozempic, those lessons are still learned, but let's be honest, we already knew pizza and chips three times a week is a bad idea. Yes, I do feel a sense of guilt when I buy Ozempic as it's designed for diabetic people. The hunger suppressant is very real though and the weight is falling off me.
  • carolinepowell885
    carolinepowell885 Posts: 29 Member
    No
    Definitely not cheating. Like others have said it's not a competition! If it gets you to a healthy weight and improves your quality of life I'm all for it.
  • Creamtea42
    Creamtea42 Posts: 285 Member
    I don’t think it is cheating. To be using prescribed medication to lose weight is probably as a result of having tried other, if not all, methods of losing weight & it has not worked for them. Weight loss medication runs the risk of side effects & whilst I would not contemplate it - because I take medication for other autoimmune disease, I would not condemn others for considering to take it., as we all want to be healthy & losing weight goes a long way to acheive that IMO.
  • DeniseMRussell
    DeniseMRussell Posts: 14 Member
    No
    This question isn’t debatable bc it lacks a clear premise. The clarified question is:
    Is medically assisted weight loss “cheating?” Then “cheating” is not clarified bc it’s a flawed concept, therefore this “debate” lacks premise. The question is a shrouded degradation toward people who may want or need medical treatment to lose weight. This subject requires a discussion with a medical professional, not an opinion poll on an internet message board.
  • thesawyerbunch
    thesawyerbunch Posts: 22 Member
    To each their own, but for me personally, I'm not a fan of weight loss pills, shots, or surgery.

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