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Fat Girl Blues: The Stigma of Weight Loss Drugs
Despite clear medical evidence that obesity is a disease, those seeking the use of pharmaceuticals to treat it are faced with multiple hurdles and criticism.
Society has a tendency to view weight-loss drugs as the easy way out, and this attitude is deeply entrenched in our culture.
Many people believe that taking such medications is an admission of failure and are suspicious of those who seek their assistance. This stigma has serious implications for those struggling with obesity-related health issues.
There is often a lack of awareness about the health risks associated with obesity. As such, many are unaware that by taking prescription medications to help them reduce their weight, they may actually be making a positive and proactive decision regarding their health.
In my personal experience, I have lost nearly seventy pounds.
The questions I am asked are at best embarrassing and at worst an invasion of my medical privacy.
For some folks, simply complimenting me is not enough.
I understand the curiosity, but it is my belief that this should be a private matter. Taking prescription medications to combat…