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National Eating Disorder Awareness Week is February 27 March 5
ST. LOUIS, February 27, 2023--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Ozempics use for weight loss has experts from Alsana, a national eating disorder recovery community, warning that it could lead to eating disorders in those who are vulnerable or by those with an eating disorder to control their eating. This National Eating Disorder Awareness Week, February 25 March 5, Alsana is educating the public about the risks of taking this medication other than directed or without a doctors supervision, to treat type 2 diabetes.
One of the side effects of the medication is weight loss because it helps suppress an individuals appetite. Once they stop taking the medication, their appetite returns, which can lead to gaining back the weight that was lost.
"Our culture is very focused on body image being thin is considered to be ideal," said Dr. Nicole Garber, chief clinical officer with Alsana. "Eating disorders can affect anyone thats why practicing body positivity or neutrality and appreciating and accepting our bodies, regardless of size, shape, skin tone, gender, or physical abilities, is key to recovery. We need to recognize that a very small part of our self-image should come from body image instead, we should focus on our values and relationships."
28.8 million Americans will develop an eating disorder within their lifetimes. Eating disorders are as unique and layered as the people who have them. Programs like Alsana that treat the whole person, not just the disease, are key to lasting recovery.
Alsana is the first eating disorder recovery community to implement Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) as a therapeutic framework. Developed about 20 years ago, CFT focuses on reducing shame and self-criticism by teaching compassion, leading to positive results.
It also pioneered the Adaptive Care Model, meeting people where they are in their recovery journey. For additional information, visit http://www.alsana.com.
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About Alsana
Alsana is an eating recovery community and treatment provider with in-person Residential and PHP/IOP programs in Alabama (Birmingham and Huntsville), California (Monterey, Santa Barbara, Westlake Village, and Thousand Oaks), and Missouri (St. Louis), and Virtual PHP/IOP offerings across the United States. Its approach to eating disorder treatment is compassionate, evidence-based, and designed in alignment with the Adaptive Care Model. Alsana serves adult clients of all genders and sexual identities. For additional information, visit http://www.alsana.com.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230227005294/en/
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Jessica Neuman, Westbound Communicationsjneuman@westboundcommunications.com Cell: 858-382-5157
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Alsana Experts Warn Using Ozempic for Weight Loss May Lead to ... - Yahoo Finance
Rowena Roque, 46, was having a problem that many people can relate to: doing everything in her power to lose weight and get healthy but never succeeding.
From fad diets to two-hour workouts, there isnt a diet or workout regimen that Roque didnt try.
My weight challenges have been an issue my entire life, said Roque. Ive probably tried every diet program out there.
Roque, a registered nurse, says her health obstacles began long before adulthood.
At 15, she was diagnosed with immunoglobulin A nephropathy, a chronic kidney disease that would lead to kidney failure. Ultimately, she needed a kidney transplant.
Over a span of 20 years, her body endured dialysis, steroid medications, major stress and two kidney transplantsall contributing factors to her ongoing struggle with weight gain.
In 2020 Roque underwent her third kidney transplant at Cedars-SinaiComprehensive Transplant Center.
My ultimate end goal is to be healthy, said Roque. I am not doing this weight loss journey to look a certain way or to be super skinny or look like a supermodel. My goal is to be healthy so that my third kidney transplant will hopefully be my last.
Determined to keep her kidney healthy, Roque knew she would have to keep her blood pressure low and reduce her body mass index (BMI), so she kicked her healthy habits into overdrive.
Roque spent the next year and a half counting calories, eating three wholesome meals a day and exercising five days a week. Her workout routine consisted of walking 10,000 steps a day, weight training and cardio exercises.
The scale didnt move.
Concerned that something was wrong, Roque reached out to her network of doctors, family, and friends, but no one could diagnose what was happening. Some didnt believe her when she explained her weight loss efforts.
I turned to several doctors who just gave me different answers, such as, Maybe your body just likes that weight, or, Maybe you just need to try harder, said Roque. It wasn't until I spoke to one of my transplant physicians at Cedars-Sinai, who recommended I go see Dr. Velazquez.
Amanda Velazquez, MD, director ofObesity Medicinein the Department of Surgery at Cedars-Sinai,says Roques story is not unique.
There is severe stigma around obesity, said Velazquez. Individuals are often thought to lack willpower and assume that is what got them to where they are with their weight, when that is not true. What's really happening is they could be up against a severe chronic diseaseobesitythat is very complex.
Obesity is an epidemic in the United States, with 42% of adults having aBMI over 30, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This number is predicted to rise to 50% in 2023.
A BMI of 18.5-25 is regarded as healthy, and one between 25 and 30 qualifies as overweight.
Rowena had been trying her hardest for years to try to help herself lose weight to improve her health and preserve the health of her kidney. But despite her good efforts, her body had a propensity for her weight to keep going up, said Velazquez.
With weight gain primarily in her abdominal area and a BMI of 35.7putting Roque at a greater risk for heart disease and other metabolic complicationsVelazquez diagnosed Roque with obesity and prescribed semaglutide.
Semaglutide, sold under the brand names Ozempic and Wegovy, is a medication available for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity, respectively, that can help patients lose and maintain weight loss.
This class of weight management medications works byimitating a gut hormone called glucagon-like peptide, or GLP1, that helps peoplefeel fuller and reduces appetite.
Since beginning her weight loss journey with Velazquez, Roque has lost over 25 pounds and to date has lowered her BMI to 29.
The results have been pretty amazing, said Roque. I am putting in the same amount of work and discipline that I was already doing a year and a half ago. The difference is that Im now losing weight thanks to weight management medications.
Nutrition, exercise and a healthy lifestyle are essential to complementing weight loss medications.
Today Roques routine includes working out five days a week, walking at least two miles a day and enjoying a balanced diet filled with protein, fruits and vegetables.
We recognize and understand that obesity is complexthe body is working against youso we get that it is hard to lose weight, said Velazquez. Therefore, we want individuals to feel empowered to seek out care because these tools can help you to lose the weight and improve your overall health.
To learn more about weight loss medications, talk to your healthcare team or contact the Cedars-Sinai Center for Weight Management and Metabolic Health.
Read more from the Cedars-Sinai Blog: Weighing In on Weight Loss Drugs
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Three Kidney Transplants, Weight Gain and a Journey Back to ... - Cedars-Sinai
Individuals with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) who experience unintended weight loss are at significantly higher risks of being admitted to the hospital or dying within one year, a Danish study reported.
Specifically, IPF patients with unintended weight loss were found to have a nearly 30 times higher risk of death, and were almost 16 times more likely to be hospitalized.
These findings highlight that higher attention regarding research and practice should be given to nutritional and functional status in pulmonary fibrosis, according to researchers.
The study, A one-year follow-up study in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis regarding adverse outcomes to unintended weight loss, was published in the journal Nutrition.
People with IPF often experience weight loss, likely due to a decrease in calorie intake accompanied by heightened inflammation. Many patients with the disorder are found to have poor nutrition.
Malnutrition associated with pulmonary fibrosis (PF) results in body changes, as well as impaired physical and mental function, which are associated with higher hospitalization and mortality rates.
Although unintended weight loss has been found to be associated with survival rates in idiopathic PF patients, the burdens associated with IPF-related nutrition problems have not been thoroughly investigated.
Now, researchers in Denmark explored the link between body weight, weight loss, and signs of sarcopenia loss of muscle mass and strength and hospital admissions and mortality in a group of IPF patients. The team, from the Aalborg University Hospital, also assessed the rate of pulmonary rehabilitation among these patients, as well as the prevalence and associations of signs of sarcopenia, as measured by the SARC-F questionnaire.
Individuals with IPF being followed at an outpatient clinic were recruited for the study while waiting for a clinical consultation. At the studys start, or baseline, participants filled out a questionnaire, and their height and body weight were measured.
One year later, the participants were interviewed by phone to collect follow-up data regarding their current body weight, sarcopenia, and pulmonary rehabilitation participation. Their medical records also were analyzed.
In total, 98 patients were included at baseline, and data were available for 91 of them after one year of follow-up. Two patients died during the study period and five were lost to follow-up.
The median body-mass index (BMI) a ratio of height to weight thats used to estimate body fat at baseline was 27.8 kilograms per square-meter (kg/m2), and 27.4 kg/m2 at the one-year follow-up.
The proportion of patients with unintended weight loss was higher at follow-up than it was at baseline (13.2% vs. 10.2%.) Mean weight loss increased from 9.1 kg (around 20 pounds) at baseline to 11.8 kg (around 26 pounds) at the one-year follow-up.
At the studys start, the patients hospitalization rate for the prior three months was 26.5%. Nearly one-third of the patients (30.8%) were admitted to the hospital due to IPF, and 69.2% for other reasons. At follow-up, 39.6% of the patients had been admitted to the hospital. There was a median of two hospitalizations per year for the participants.
Patients who already lost weight at [the studys start] were subject to higher risk of mortality and hospital admissions within the year.
From the 91 patients with one-year data, 11 (12.1%) were offered pulmonary rehabilitation and four (36.4%) went ahead and participated in the rehabilitation program.
A total of 19 patients (20.9%) were at risk of developing sarcopenia, as shown by a SARC-F score of four or higher. Scores equal to or greater than four in the SARC-F questionnaire are predictive of sarcopenia and poor outcomes.
Compared with patients with low SARC-F scores, those with higher scores who were at an increased risk of developing sarcopenia were more frequently offered pulmonary rehabilitation (5.99 times more often).
Statistical analyses also revealed that being female, older (age 71 and older), having additional diseases or comorbidities, and experiencing unintended weight loss at baseline all were variables that were independently associated with experiencing unintended weight loss at follow-up.
Importantly, patients with unintended weight loss at baseline were at a higher risk 29.81 times higher of death, and were 14.68 times more likely to be hospitalized.
Obese patients those with a BMI of 30 kg/m2 and higher had more coexisting medical conditions and a tendency for being admitted to the hospital more frequently than those with a lower BMI. The rate of hospitalizations was 3.8 times higher for obese patients, the data showed. Age was found to be a factor impacting the association between unintended weight loss at follow-up and sarcopenia.
At follow-up, obese IPF patients were 5.10 times more likely to be offered pulmonary rehabilitation, and patients at risk of sarcopenia (SARC-F score of four or higher) were 6.51 times more likely.
Unintended weight loss frequently occurs in pulmonary fibrosis outpatients and increases in [up to one year] of follow-up, the researchers wrote, adding, Patients who already lost weight at baseline were subject to higher risk of mortality and hospital admissions within the year.
The scientists said these findings highlight the need for research into unintended weight loss in IPF patients.
Based on this study, [unintended weight loss], high BMI, body composition, and a low degree of physical rehabilitation participation, including a systematic approach to tertiary rehabilitation, should be the focus of further investigations, the researchers concluded.
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Unintended weight loss in IPF linked to higher risk of death:... - Pulmonary Fibrosis News
Similar to Angela Deem, Winter Everett, and Tiffany Franco, Jen Boecher from 90 Day Fianc: The Other Way season 4 also had surgery for weight loss.
While Jen Boecher hasn't revealed her weight loss story on 90 Day Fianc: The Other Way yet, shes gotten surgery in the past before meeting Rishi Singh. The 46-year-old currently stars in The Other Way season 4 with Rishi, who is a professional model and fitness trainer. There isn't much revealed about what job Jen does for a living in the U.S. However, on the show, shes leaving her life behind and moving to Jaipur for good to get married to Rishi, who hasn't told his family anything about her.
90 Day Fianc's Jen Boecher is a nomad at heart, who was staying in Stilwell, Oklahoma on her parents farm when she was introduced on the show. She showed her life on the farm, leaving her family and friends to wonder how Rishi would adjust to Jens life if he eventually moved to the U.S. Jen spoke about how it wasnt love at first sight with Rishi, and took a whole month to say yes to him when they got engaged. She has lived in five or six major cities before meeting Rishi, and had a string of bad past relationships, with a track record of falling for the wrong guys. Jen said, I would choose guys who were good-looking and very charismatic. She couldn't find what she needed in a long-term partner with any of her exes. In the past, Jen was married to a guy she dated for only a few months, and was divorced less than two years later.
Related: 90 Day Fianc: All Clues Rishi & Jen Have Already Split (SPOILERS)
Theres more to Jens past than just her ex-husband and history of unworthy men. According to Starcasm, Jen was in India for her weight loss surgery in June 2018, when a Facebook post was discovered made by a laparoscopic surgeon revealing details of her medical procedure. The post shows Jen in a hospital gown standing next to her doctor. In the caption, the surgeon explains that he performed intragastric balloon procedure for weight loss on 19/06/2018 on Ms. Jeniffer Boecher Lee from the U.S. According to the doctor, Jen used to weigh 94 kgs, which is a little over 200 pounds with a BMI of 33.5. Jen seems to have a strong family history of Obesity.
In the post, the surgeon mentioned the Fortis JK Hospital where Jens surgery was performed, and it took just 20 minutes. Jen lost 4 kgs in just five days, and her doctor expected her to lose another 20 kgs in the coming year. According to Starcasm, the above-mentioned hospital is based in Udaipur, which is a different city than Jaipur where Rishi is from. However, both Jaipur and Udaipur are in the same state as Rajasthan in India. Jen claimed to have bumped into Rishi in a hotel where he came for a modeling job, so there is a chance Jen and Rishi crossed paths in 2018. If not, Jen may have visited her doctor for a follow-up in case she needed her balloon to be removed or replaced.
Jen spoke about having spent about 45 days with Rishi in person before she came back to the U.S. With the pandemic taking place soon after, Jen and Rishi were in a long-distance relationship for two years, and Jen rushed to India as soon as the borders opened. India opened for tourism in November 2021, and scheduled commercial international flights resumed in March 2022. Jen and Rishis journey on 90 Day Fianc: The Other Way season 4 could have been filmed in the past year, and it seems unlikely that itll focus on Jens weight loss journey. Unless Jen opens up about her fitness transformation to inspire her followers like other 90 Day Fianc stars, theres no other way anyone will know about her successful surgery.
More: 90 Day Fianc The Other Way: Why Jen & Rishi Are The New Jenny & Sumit
Source: Starcasm, Dr. Sapan Jain/Facebook
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90 Day Fianc: What To Know About Jen Boecher's Weight Loss ... - Screen Rant
Lauren Manzo Scalia is sharing an exciting update on her physical and mental health.
In a February 26 Instagram post,The Real Housewives of New Jerseyalum showed side-by-side photos of herself: one from 2020 and the other from this year. I got my lap band removed a few months before the [first] photo, she wrote in the caption. Its no secret Ive struggled with my weight my entire life.
Not long after that photo to the left I decided I needed to get healthy not just physically but mentally as well, she continued. I started to go to therapy, working out, started to see a functional medicine doctor (thanks to you guys for recommending functional medicine instead of a gut health [doctor]), found out what was going on to my body and naturally healed everything from the root of the problem instead of masking it with prescription medication for IBS like many doctors tried doing.
Lauren went on to explain how dietary modifications have been an important factor in improving her health. I have been gluten and dairy free for over a year *if you told me that a year ago I wouldnt believe I could ever give those [two] things up* and it has changed my life majorly, she shared. I still have a long road ahead and want to lose more weight/get into better shape but Im proud of how far Ive come since that first photo in 2020.
One thing I can say for sure is having supportive family [and] friends who also love food but always make sure to cook gluten [and] dairy free when Im over or always do little things like have gluten free crackers for me in their pantry has been key in helping me get to where I am, she concluded. These pics were taken at [Markies] bday in 2020 [and] 2023[.] One day Ill finally post a video explaining more of what Ive changed the last [three] years but I keep promising that so who knows when itll come.
Any health-related information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider for any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, or before embarking on any diet, exercise, or wellness program.
WatchThe Real Housewives of New Jerseyon BravoTuesdaysat 9/8c and the next day onPeacock. Catch up ontheBravo app.
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Lauren Manzo Scalia Shares New Before & After Photos of Her Weight Loss Since 2020 - Bravo
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Last night, Real Housewives of Beverly HillsstarErika Jayne showed her slim new physique at the 2023 Billboard Women In Music event.
In a skinny, tailored suit, the 51-year-old performer revealed her weight loss transformation not long after her co-star Kyle Richards denied accusations of using Ozempic to shed pounds.
With Erikas blonde hair tied up in a bun, her face was completely visible. The star wore diamond earrings and sparkling silver cuffs, and she gripped a metallic clutch with teardrop pearls and evil eyes.
The A-list gathering acknowledges women in the music industry who have made significant contributions to the business and who, through their work and continued success, inspire generations of women to take on increasing responsibilities within the field, according to the magazines press release.
In February, castmate Kyle told the outlet she was frustrated to face allegations regarding Ozempic, a drug intended for diabetes.
When people try to blame my appearance on surgery or Ozempic, which would be completely irresponsible to use when diabetics cant get their hands on it, its really frustrating to me, said Kyle. It bothers me. Id rather just inspire people with what Im doing so they can try the same things Ive been doing and see what happens to them.
The star added, I didnt put a timeline on it. I felt amazing, and I thought, I dont feel like going back. I started taking it to the next level by working out two hours a day. I really make a point to eat well and take care of my body, and I feel like it shows.
Despite the accusations, Kyle said shes also received positive messages.
There have been trolls, but I went into my DMs, and I have been inundated with people explaining how Ive been an inspiration for them. People are really following my lead by giving up sugar and carbs or doing my workouts, she explained.
The Real Housewives of Beverly Hillsseason 13 is currently filming.
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PHOTOS: RHOBH Star Erika Jayne Reveals Shocking Weight Loss ... - Reality Blurb
Do you find it challenging to shed weightand keep it off? When you hit your 30s, you naturally start to lose muscle mass every 10 years. Unfortunately, a decline in muscle mass makes it much easier to gain fat. Along with establishing a consistent exercise routine, there are some necessary changes to make in your diet to speed up the fat burn. We spoke with Lisa Young, Ph.D., RDN, the author of Finally Full, Finally Slim, a nutritionist in private practice, and a member of our Medical Expert Board, who recommends five foods to eat for faster weight loss in your 40s.
Keep reading to learn more, and next, don't miss The Best High-Protein Foods To Eat Every Day To Lose Your Gut.
Flaxseeds are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, Young tells us. Not to mention, they're packed with fiber.
Research shows that consuming around 30 grams of fiber daily can support your weight loss efforts. According to WebMD, fiber promotes feelings of fullness without setting you back in the calorie department.
RELATED: The Best Breakfast Superfoods To Burn Body Fat All Over
If you're looking to lose weight in your 40s, consider adding some fresh raspberries, blackberries, strawberries, or blueberries to your oatmeal, yogurt, or smoothie. Or, enjoy a cup of berries with a drizzle of honey for snack. Fruit contains an impressive array of nutrients, and when added to a healthy lifestyle, it can promote weight loss, Medical News Today explains.6254a4d1642c605c54bf1cab17d50f1e
Berries contain a high water content, antioxidants that help with inflammation, and phytochemicals. Just one cup of blackberries has 8 grams of fiber, while one cup of raspberries has 9.8 grams of fiber.
RELATED: Do These 5 Things Every Morning To Lose Weight Faster, Dietitian Says
Along with a high water content, fruits contain fiber,which has minimal caloriesand avocados are no exception, NutritionFacts.org explains. Individuals who eat avocados have been said to consume more vegetables and fruits in their everyday life, along with eating fewer foods that contain added sugar.
A 2013 study published in the Nutrition Journal revealed that eating half of a Hass avocado with lunch can help you feel satiated for the next three to five hours.
When consumed in moderation, nuts and seeds are an incredibly easy, healthy snack to work into your weight loss diet. Young says they're high in fiber, protein, and healthy fats.
According to Joel Fuhrman, MD, these "natural foods" are bursting with phytochemicals and nutrients. The micronutrients in nuts and seeds include antioxidants such as cerotenoids, tocopherols (vitamin E), flavonoids, and resveratrol. Plus, research shows that eating nuts can result in greater weight loss and enhanced insulin sensitivity.
Last but not least, we have sauerkraut, which is made from fermented cabbage. This tasty food has both probiotics and prebiotics, Young explains.
There a plenty of reasons why sauerkraut can help you lose weight, WebMD reports. It doesn't have very many calories, it's low-fat, and it's chock-full of fiber, which promotes feelings of satiety. This will help ward off any unhealthy cravings and keep you fuller for longer throughout the day. In addition, sauerkraut's probiotics may reduce the absorption of fat.
In addition to its weight loss benefits, sauerkraut contains key nutrients such as iron, folate, manganese, vitamin C, vitamin K1, copper, and potassium.
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Alexa Mellardo
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5 Foods Everyone in Their 40s Should Eat for Faster Weight Loss - Eat This, Not That
Photo: Jasmin Merdan/Getty Images
Two months ago, I was at a party when I overheard two friends talking about Ozempic face. I only caught the tail end of the conversation, but it was enough to pick up on the tone ofjudgment in their voices and looks of horror at the idea of women taking these new diet drugs.
My hair stood up on the back of my neck, and I felt a lump in my throat I tried to say that the drug doesnt reallyageyour face, its justthe changes that happen when you lose weight, but I trailed off. Im usually immune to well-meaning, offhanded comments about weight and wellness: from diet trends to new exercise regimens, and from talk about how fat people should be more health-conscious to the idea that fatness itself is an epidemic.
But this time was different. What my friends didnt know is that I was already on one of those drugs. I was too ashamed to say it out loud, but the drug was working, and I wasnt sure how I felt about it.
I want to say it all started six months ago, but thats not really true.
Ive lived most of my life as a curvy girl the you have such a pretty face girl but otherwise fit into standard sizes until the last few years. As my size changed, so did the way the world treated me the eye rolls when I found my seat on the plane, the invisibility when out with thinner friends, the mean comments from nosy family members, the suspicion that Id been overlooked for promotions.
I could write books, run a newsroom, provide for my family, be a good friend, and be on time for anything, but I couldnt be thin or get thin and, somehow, that felt like it negated everything else. What was the point of all this success if Im still fat?
We live in an anti-fat culture where weight gain is, on its own, seen as a personal failure. (Weight loss, on the other hand, is viewed as a sign of sacrifice and commitment you have to earn it to be worthy of it, as writer Helen Rosner points out). Fat people like me have a harder time getting appropriate medical care; we face discrimination in finding work and housing; we are humiliated when flying; we are disbelieved when raped. We are ridiculed and shamed, whether when teased as children or heckled in public as adults.
In the last few years, I found respite in the body-positivity movement, which posits that none of us deserve to be humiliated or discriminated against because of our sizes. And Ive worked hard to love myself at my size: I refuse to try a fad diet, refuse to follow extreme exercise regimens, refuse to do anything that I perceive as giving in to the pressure to constantly obsess about my weight and hate my body.
Around the same time that I slid across the curvy divide and into fat-landia, my father, who had struggled with obesity-related diabetes and heart disease for most of his adult life, died of complications from his diabetes and the resulting dialysis. It was not an easy death and it was made worse by my own recognition that, on some level, I had believed he couldve stayed with us had he taken better care of his body in exactly the ways I lately wasnt taking care of my own.
Eight months ago I found myself tired all the time, tossing and turning at night, overheating. Id lose my breath exerting myself. I was eating compulsively and struggling to take care of myself. When you are fat, though, its hard to know what you actually need and harder to know how to get it.
The thought of going to a health-care provider who might be rude or shame me about my weight let alone put me through a cycle of self-punishment that would add to my mental health woes had made me avoid the reality of my health for two years. Finally, one day I woke up so exhausted that I couldnt focus, and I knew I had to take action. I needed to do something about my health without going back to hating my body.
Six months ago, after some research, I found a doctor, a woman of color who had investigated generational health issues in her own family, who appeared to have a holistic approach to weight and health, and finally booked an appointment. My bloodwork showed that I wasnt diabetic, but I was as close as you can get; my cholesterol was elevated, but not to the point that I needed to be on medication. I was at the stage at which patients are usually encouraged to try keeping a food diary, drinking more water, getting more exercise, and cutting calories, all in a mild lead-up to some sort of herculean weight-loss effort we all know wont really work forever anyway. I explained that I knew short-term dieting didnt and wouldnt work for me, but I was struggling to make any meaningful long-term lifestyle changes.
My doctor suggested I try weight-loss medication.
In particular, she suggested that we try a newer class of these drugs either semaglutides or tirzepatides that were developed to treat diabetes but have also shown great success in helping patients lose weight. Some, like Ozempic and Mounjaro, are currently only approved for people with diabetes, those who have a high risk of developing diabetes, or those who are prediabetic with high A1C (a number that tells you how much sugar is in your blood and if you are nearing diabetes), while others, like Wegovy, are approved for weight loss in overweight and obese people. All are injectables that mimic your own hormones (what doctors call GLP-1 or GIP) that are supposed to control our feelings of hunger and make us feel full sooner when eating. (They are also really expensive for people without insurance, which doesnt always even cover them, and their recent off-label overuse has resulted in these drugs becoming less available topatients with diabetes. )
She said taking one she recommended Mounjaro would help suppress my appetite and bring down my blood sugar while I slowly make some gradual-but-permanent lifestyle changes like moving a little each day and eating higher-quality foods.
I walked out of the doctors office white hot with shame about my health, despite my doctors optimism. How could I let it get this bad? Was I now my father? And, beyond that, the thought of taking a weight loss drug felt both like giving up on and a betrayal of the body positivity Id struggled so hard to achieve.
I did what I always do when faced with a major life decision: I started talking to people other doctors (This drug is revolutionary); friends who have faced similar questions (Would you judge someone that needs an inhaler for their asthma?); and, worst of all, I talked to straight-size people. Do you really need this medication yet? one friend asked me. Have you really tried everything else?
I realized something awful in this process: Not only do I struggle with the belief that the size of my body is my fault and a result of my neglectful actions, some other people feel that way, too.
But after many appointments and many questions, I decided to go on the drug. I knew I needed some kind of intervention to help stabilize my body and my health while I figured out why I was eating my feelings, why I was struggling to even go for a walk, and why I thought good health and self-care were only about sacrifice. I had to interrogate why I believed I deserved to be sick because I couldnt control myself, but I couldnt allow myself to keep getting sicker while I did so.
So now Ive been on Mounjaro for several months, and each time I want to refill my prescription, I have to go to visit the doctor to talk through how Im feeling, how the side effects constipation, nausea, some insomnia are going and how my relationship to food and my body are changing. (Because my doctor is a holistic practitioner, and because I made it very clear I dont want to be on this for longer than I need to be, this is slightly above and beyond as I understand it.) Its been an adjustment. Behavior change is not impossible; its just really, really hard, and a drug like this is meant to be one tool of many, which for me includes therapy, movement, and mindfulness.
And I have lost some weight, though not the enormous amounts you read about in some breathless reporting. Its given me some space to breathe between meals and its even helped me crave healthier foods. (It apparently makes it harder to digest greasy, fried, and sugary foods). My A1C has dropped 0.5 points, a strong indicator that my genetics dont mean I have to develop diabetes, which has given me a tremendous sense of relief. Thats what Im staying focused on my actual health and the indicators that determine it, even if everything and everyone wants me to just focus on losing weight.
But, perhaps most profoundly, having a medication that can regulate my hormones is teaching me that when I eat compulsively, it is not just about internal willpower or self-control. And that when such behavior began threatening my health, it was okay to get help. Getting treatment was not a personal failure; it was good medical care for me.
Undoubtedly, anything touted as a weight-loss miracle is troubling because, as writer Aubrey Gordon said on Slates The Waves podcast recently, when we get this spun up about a weight-loss drug this early, its usually a bad sign because it means that people will get more attached to the fantasy of weight loss. (Also, its worth noting, the long-term effects of these drugs are still being studied.)
What these drugs cant fix is what underlies the obesity epidemic a culture that continues to hate fat people, a health-care system that incentivizes our weight loss over our actual well-being, and a food system that denies us access to whole, healthy foods.
But my body alone cant remedy all that. Perhaps it was my commitment to body positivitys insights into the diet industry that made me hesitant to consider a drug that would result in weight loss. Until I realized that body positivity is also about doing what is right for you and your body as you see it. Allowing myself to step away from the externally imposed shame and the sense of impossibility that has come with living in this body and really trying to figure out what is best for myself ended up being the key to truly accepting myself.
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Mounjaro and Me - The Cut
SISTER Wives star Janelle Brown has been showing off her slimmer figure on social media again.
Janelle, 53, took to Instagram last weekend and uploaded a montage video of herself as she said: "Goodbye to winter."
The mom-of-six has certainly been focused on her diet and weight loss journey since splitting from her husband Kody.
Janelle's Instagram video showed her wearing a variety of outfits as she flaunted her 100-pound weight loss.
In one blink-and-you'll-miss-it moment, the blonde reality star modeled a burgundy red, and blue floral dress which fell straight to the floor.
Janelle teamed it with a short-sleeved burgundy cover-up and a white wristwatch as she grinned at the camera.
In another shot, Janelle sported a pair of skinny jeans, a flannel button-down shirt, and Converse sneakers.
Her blonde hair was blown out and she wore full glam makeup as she posed near a park bench.
The TV star captioned her post: "Who is ready to say goodbye to winter? I can tell you I am! Spring is less than a month away and if you're not already feeling your best we need to chat!
"Say goodbye to that holiday weight, low energy, hot flashes, and brain fog, and SPRING into a fresh new YOU! No radical changes here.
"Easy steps that won't make you feel overwhelmed. Start a new routine with me, then we will build off that together!" she continued.
Jenelle added: "Direct message me 'SPRING INTO ACTION' or click my profile for info. Also follow my health page @life_with_health_and_happiness."
Her motivational post comes after it was rumored that her ex Kody has been courting a new wife.
During a night out in Las Vegas last weekend with his wife Robyn, they were joined by a mystery woman.
A sharp-eyed fan caught a snap of Kody and Robyn walking around the Vegas shopping center with the blond lady.
The picture has circulated on the internet, as fans wondered if Kody and Robyn are looking to expand the family.
In one thread, a fan asked: "Whos the girl with Robyn and Kody?"
A second wondered: "Whos the blond with them? Is he taking another wife?"
Yet a third speculated: "Is that a potential new date?"
Another added: "Ummm, so who is the blonde? Courting a new wife already?"
However, other fans believed they recognized the new woman.
One fan said: "Looks like Robyns sister or niece, maybe."
Another contributed: "That's Robyn's sister who lives in the area."
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Sister Wives star Janelle Brown shows off 100-lb weight loss in floral dress after ex Kody seen courting a... - The US Sun
Image via Alpilean/YouTube
Finding health advice online is challenging, as it is tricky to separate fact from fiction. Nowhere is this truer than with the alpine weight loss ice hack, a new trend that says it can help you quickly and easily lose weight.
But what is it, and is it dangerous?
This viral trend has been sparked by YouTube ads that purport to be someone talking about how this hack has helped other people, showing an article claiming that a woman lost 50 pounds in 27 days due to the hack. The video also says the narrators stepmother is losing 13 pounds per week due to the same hack.
However, this isnt all that it seems, as the videos are actually an ad for a dietary supplement called Alpilean. This supplement says it can help those who take it quickly lose weight. It should be noted that Alpilean nor this hack are new. In fact, earlier this year, Snopes reported that YouTube has previously taken down videos promoting the product, citing its spam, deceptive practices, and scams policy.
Several people contacted Snopes and explained what happens if you follow the links in the ad. This proves that the promised hack doesnt exist and merely exists to get you to buy Alpilean.
One person explained:
Is the Alpilean advertisement through Facebook real? It takes you to a website that has you watch about an hour-long video to learn about a miracle weight loss ice hack. Its actually just a ploy to sell supplements containing Himalayan herbs with tons of doctor claims and studies. There is not a single negative claim on the first few pages on Google, and the YouTube videos are all very new videos (around five days old) all praising their claims. It is advertised as a quick 17-second habit to reduce weight loss.
Another reader backs this account up. They describe their experience by saying:
Saw this weight loss miracle story on Facebook called the Alpine Hack and features several times a glass of ice cubes. But of course, you have to listen to a 20 min (or so) video explaining where the ingredients come from that are in the capsules you take. Apparently from the Himalayas, 215,000+ people are claimed to have tried it and lost weight by resetting the inner body temperature to burn calories efficiently.
It should be noted that if you search for Alpilean online, youll find many sketchy articles promoting the product. Interestingly, many of these articles use the same or suspiciously similar text, making it clear they all originate from the company behind Alpilean. While some of these articles, like the one onSFGate,are marked as paid advertising, many are not.
Many sites promoting the product are designed to look like more famous publications. One such publication is featured in the currently running video ad, which directs people to an article on USA Health Today, a site designed to look like the USA Today website, despite not being linked to that publication.
This fakery continues as the images the advert uses, claiming to show a persons transformation using the hack comes from a Facebook post made by CodeRedLifestyle, another dieting program. This post was posted in 2016, long before the first mention of Alpilean or its hack.
It is unknown if Alpilean is dangerous or not. However, their deceptive marketing tactics make it likely that the supplement will not have the effects the adverts promise.
The National Institutes Of Healths page on weight loss supplements contains a fantastic table that lists commonly used ingredients in weight loss supplements and points out if they have any evidence of efficiency.When you cross-reference the ingredients Alpilean promotes with this table, you find that most have little to no scientific backing.
This includes:
You should always consult with your doctor before buying or consuming dietary supplements. The National Institute Of Health cites a report by the U.S. Government Accountability Office which notes that:
In summary, little is known about whether weight loss supplements are effective, but some supplements have been associated with the potential for physical harm. Health consequences, which can be serious, may result from the use of the supplement itself or from the interaction of the supplement with medications or foods. People with certain underlying health conditions, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes, may be particularly at risk. In addition, supplements may be contaminated with harmful ingredients or may not contain the amount of an active ingredient that is stated on the label.
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What Is the Viral Alpine Weight Loss Ice Hack, and Is It Dangerous? - We Got This Covered
