Sharing Sema Use: To Tell or Not?

Hong Kong Yanpep International
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Wild_AF

Active member
I've noticed a recurring discussion here about whether to openly discuss Semaglutide use. Some advocate for complete transparency, but I believe it's perfectly acceptable to keep it private. After years of therapy focused on boundary setting, I've learned the importance of protecting my emotional well-being. I don't owe anyone my medical history. Since losing about 35 lbs over the last 7 months, I've been met with comments like, "You're too skinny now!" or even a neighbor shouting, "Are you on Ozempic?!" It's intrusive and frankly, none of their concern. I even defended someone here for being judged about their weight loss being chalked up to vanity. We’re all just trying to get by. For context, I'm 5'2" and currently weigh around 115. I started Semaglutide after a hypertensive crisis where my BP reached a dangerous level (211/105). My doctor jokingly asked if I wanted to wait for Type 2 Diabetes to develop before taking action! Now I'm off the meds and fitting into clothes I haven't worn in decades. I understand that my experience isn't as challenging as some others here, but the principle remains: We don't owe anyone our story. Share with trusted individuals, and protect yourself from negativity. We're all struggling, so let's be kind to each other.
 
Thanks for posting in this group! Just a quick reminder that we don't allow discussion of non-approved semaglutide formulations, and definitely no buying or selling. Steer clear of anyone messaging you offering to sell.
 
I totally agree! There's a big difference between keeping things private and keeping secrets. I'm not being secretive; I'm just keeping my health information to myself. Others can share if they want, but I'm not obligated to. I'm taking this to manage an eating disorder, and I'm certainly not going to discuss that with people outside my immediate family.
 
Wild_AF said:
then protect yourself from those that take your confidences and turn them into rocks to throw at you.
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While protecting yourself is valid, I don't really care what others think. People will find something to criticize no matter what, so trying to avoid it seems pointless. Your experiences prove that, even without disclosing sema use, people still comment. Because I'm not personally affected by the negativity, I believe it's important to normalize medication use for those who are struggling or curious. It helps educate those with misconceptions and might even ease the pressure on people like you who are deciding whether to disclose. Sharing isn't for everyone, but if you can without a problem, you maybe should.
 
I'm with you, OP. From a background of trauma, criticism, and people-pleasing, I've learned to protect myself. Some of those people are family, and I've learned in therapy how to deal with them and set boundaries. I don't need to share my medical history with anyone. Honestly, the looks of disdain I get when people comment on my weight loss are enough to make me want to tell them to buzz off. I don't owe anyone an explanation. Judging people for sharing or not sharing their medical history is completely inappropriate.
 
We don't "owe" anyone our medical info. People aren't "entitled" to know what medications I'm on, just like it's none of my business if someone's on diabetes meds, using hair growth treatments, or on hormone replacement therapy. Sharing is a personal choice, and I'll never believe I'm wrong for keeping it private. Period.
 
Exactly! I just don't want to hear people's opinions because I don't care. For some reason, people think they can give fat people unsolicited health advice all the time. I would never ask someone if they were on antidepressants if they seemed happier or on hair loss meds if their hair seemed fuller. But people have no problem blurting out, "Are you on Ozempic?!" and then giving their opinion about it.
 
I follow these threads because my sister is using Ozempic (and another might start) and I'm so mad about the judgment she faces from friends and acquaintances (family is supportive, thankfully). People are incredibly rude and don't seem to realize it's none of their business. I think many people will be on these meds soon because of benefits beyond weight loss. I hope they become as normal as statins or blood pressure meds, instead of an invitation for unsolicited comments. My sister's never been happier, and I'm so grateful for Semaglutide. I've seen firsthand why keeping it private is a good choice. Congrats on your success!
 
It's a completely personal choice. There's no right or wrong answer. I've only told my sister. I'm not telling anyone else because it's none of their concern. It's not just judgment; people can be awful. A girlfriend told me my face looks terrible and that I've lost too much weight. So, I responded by saying her face looks fat. 🤣
 
Everyone feels differently. Semaglutide use is increasing so rapidly. If someone loses a lot of weight, many people assume they're using some version now. I have to admit, I'm not really understanding the need for a "deep, dark protected secret" about using semaglutide. I'm a total advocate. More people should know about it! It's a helpful tool for those who have struggled with weight all their lives. It’s a pretty good conversation starter. People seem pretty interested in discussing it, and no one seems to mind that I’m using it. It’s kinda like mentioning that I’m getting great results from yoga or pilates.
 
My neighbor complimented my progress recently, and I told him it's from diet and exercise (which it is!). He said, "Wow! You didn't even need Ozempic! Imagine that!"😂
 
I think open discussion about semaglutide is important because there's so much stigma and misinformation. But, I only tell people when I can have an actual conversation, because otherwise it just invites criticism and judgment. I recently saw some old rugby teammates after a year, and they mostly avoided the topic, just saying they didn't recognize me at first and then expressing that they were happy to see me. They know I've had some health issues and a rough year after losing my dog, so they probably assumed that was a factor in the weight loss. Someone said I looked fit, and I just shrugged and didn't correct them. I didn't feel like explaining. At least one teammate knows, and I have no reason to hide it from them, but it wasn't the right time to discuss it.
 
I've found that most people who ask about my weight loss don't really want to hear HOW I did it; they just want to talk about themselves. I used to share information to help others, but after so many uninterested responses, I prefer to keep it short and sweet.
 
Just curious... I've never heard anyone call someone a toot before! Is that good or bad? I can’t tell from the story.
 
After a difficult journey to my PCOS diagnosis, I honestly regret telling most of the people I told (friends/coworkers). It's like my medical condition is invalid, and I feel gaslit. People have SO many opinions based on ignorance, and it's not helpful. However, I'll gladly share my experience with people who genuinely need help or are considering it. Like you said, it has to be a safe space. People who want the information can research it, and I'm learning that confirmation bias is powerful.
 
I get what some of you are saying about 'owning' it. But I've learned the hard way to choose my battles. I'm happy for those who can share openly, but it's just not for me right now. Maybe someday, but not today.
 
Ok, side note: Has anyone else found that losing weight actually makes you want to buy new gym clothes? I never used to care, but now that things are fitting differently, I want to get some cute outfits! Maybe that's just me...
 
MeltMom said:
Ok, side note: Has anyone else found that losing weight actually makes you want to buy new gym clothes? I never used to care, but now that things are fitting differently, I want to get some cute outfits! Maybe that's just me...
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Girl, no, it's SO real! I used to dread shopping, but now it's actually fun! I'm down about 15lbs since January and even though my dose is still super low (.5mg), I feel amazing! Plus, my blood sugar is WAY better. No bad side effects to report.
 
I agree with Not_Pizza! It's so important to find supportive communities like this one. My sister has had such a positive experience with her weight loss and improved health, and I'm so grateful for the support she's found online. It's sad that so many people are treated differently because of their size, but it makes the kindness in these spaces even more meaningful.
 
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