Doctors are increasingly turning to GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy to manage their weight, and it’s creating quite a buzz in the medical community. These weight-loss drugs, known for helping individuals feel full quicker, are becoming increasingly popular, even among medical professionals. But how is this trend playing out among the people who prescribe them? Let’s dive into what’s happening.

GLP-1 Drugs Take Over Dinner Tables

The weight loss drugs Ozempic that have been making headlines for their effectiveness, such as Ozempic, are now making their way into the lives of the very doctors who treat patients with them. These drugs work by mimicking the body’s natural hormones that regulate hunger and fullness, causing users to feel satisfied after smaller meals.

Harvard cardiologist Michael Gibson shared an interesting observation: he and his colleagues often notice they’re getting full at the same time during meals. “We will sit around at dinner and halfway through the meal, we will simultaneously push our plates away,” Gibson says. They laugh, acknowledging they’ve all taken the same drug. It’s a light-hearted moment of recognition that has been popping up more and more among medical professionals.

Weight Loss Transformations in the Medical Field

Doctors like John Buse, a diabetes specialist at the University of North Carolina, have experienced impressive transformations. After using Wegovy, Buse lost 25 percent of his body weight, an achievement that he says “totally changed [his] life.” He’s also noticed a shift in the weight of his colleagues, particularly in the field of diabetes. Although he doesn’t outright ask if they’re using the drugs, he’s sure many of them are.

“The changes are obvious,” Buse says. “I’d bet dollars to doughnuts that many of my fellow diabetes doctors are taking these weight-loss medications.”

The Secret “Closeted” Users

While some doctors are open about their use of GLP-1s, others prefer to keep it under wraps. A Boston-based cardiologist spoke anonymously about her use of Ozempic, explaining that she was introduced to the drug by a fellow doctor. She noticed that, during dinner, she and her colleagues would often only eat a small portion of their meals. “You can definitely tell,” she says, laughing. It’s become clear that they’re all experiencing the same “fullness” effect, a clear sign that they’re all on the same page when it comes to their use of the medication Ozempic.

This “mid-meal” full feeling is becoming so noticeable that it’s leading to what some have described as “outing” one another at social events. It’s a unique situation, especially considering the people involved are doctors who are supposed to be in control of their health.

The Unspoken Side Effects and Price Tag

Interestingly, while many of the medical professionals are open about their weight loss Ozempic journeys with GLP-1 drugs, they rarely discuss the potential side effects. These drugs come with mild to severe gastrointestinal distress, and some people with eating disorders have also shown interest in them, raising concerns.

However, none of the doctors interviewed were specialists in gastrointestinal health or nutrition, which could be why the side effects weren’t highlighted. Still, it’s important to note that the drugs come with their downsides.

In addition to the physical side effects, the high cost of GLP-1 drugs Ozempic is a major issue. Without insurance coverage, the cost can be upwards of $1,300 per month. Many of the doctors involved in this trend have mentioned how fortunate they are to have access to these medications. Buse, for example, was able to get a bulk prescription from a European colleague at a much lower price after his insurance stopped covering Wegovy.

A Shift in the Perception of Weight Loss

One key takeaway from this trend is the shift in how doctors view weight loss. There has been a long-standing idea in the medical field that weight management is simply a matter of willpower. But as more and more doctors turn to medications like Ozempic to manage their weight, that notion is being challenged.

For many of these professionals, the use of GLP-1 drugs isn’t about cheating—it’s about taking control of their health. “A lot of people think it’s shameful or that it’s cheating to use a drug,” says Gibson. But for him, it’s “the greatest thing I ever did.”

Conclusion: A Growing Trend with Mixed Opinions

The use of GLP-1 weight-loss medications like Ozempic and Wegovy is growing in the medical field, with many doctors embracing the drugs for their impressive weight-loss results. While some feel the need to keep their use of the drugs private, others are more open about the changes they’ve experienced. Regardless, this shift signals a larger change in the perception of weight loss in the medical community, where the focus is now more on overall health and well-being rather than sheer willpower. As more doctors adopt this approach, the use of GLP-1 drugs may become more normalized in the healthcare industry, though the ongoing side effects and costs remain significant factors to consider.