Do you consider prescription weight loss medications cheating?

"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.

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.

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 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".

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.

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.

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.

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.