‘I lost so much weight, my husband thought I was terminally ill’: why do people lie about taking Ozempic?

The stigma surrounding GLP-1 medications for weight loss reflects societal norms that equate being overweight with acts of weakness or failure, often idealizing it as a problem rooted in personal inadequacy rather than lifestyle or health choices. These medications are prescribed effectively but hidden due to judgment and lack of public visibility, with individuals opting not to admit their use out of fear of scrutiny, similar to how smoking cessation is shamed. Cultural narratives that view weight management as a sign of inability further deepen this stigma, contributing to the pressure individuals face in seeking medical solutions without revealing their choices to loved ones.