Editor’s note: Don’t miss “Dr. Sanjay Gupta Reports: Is Ozempic Right For You?” airing at 8 p.m. on Sunday, November 17, exclusively on CNN.
CNN —
Current research reveals a staggering 1 in 8 adults in the United States have utilized one of the increasingly popular GLP-1 medications, with the majority seeking to manage chronic health issues like diabetes and heart disease, while others are drawn to these drug options for weight loss.
However, nearly 60% of individuals on these medications – including widely noted brands such as Ozempic and Mounjaro used for diabetes management, and Wegovy and Zepbound used for obesity – discontinue treatment before reaching the 12-week mark, which is essential for the drugs to yield clinically significant weight loss, according to recent studies.
Side effects, including persistent diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea, are key reasons some users abandon the medication. Others cite ineffective weight loss or financial concerns as their reason for discontinuation. Despite available manufacturer assistance programs, the out-of-pocket expenses can soar to around $1,000 or more, especially without health insurance coverage.
“We refer to them as anti-obesity medications because they are designed to address the chronic disease of obesity, which typically necessitates long-term usage,” explained Dr. Eduardo Grunvald, medical director of the weight management program at the University of California, San Diego. “While I fully support individuals who want to stop these medications, it’s important to recognize that most will regain lost weight if they stop treatment.”
Here are the insights from individuals after their experiences with these weight-loss medications:
‘I want to get back on it, but I’m just nervous’
22-year-old Alexus Murphy is concerned. She has temporarily paused her Zepbound injections for a few weeks and is meticulously monitoring her weight, anxious about any indication of weight gain.
“I’ve become obsessed with finding a scale everywhere I go,” she remarked with a laugh.
Murphy sought out weight loss medication in March, just ahead of undergoing her first-ever breast reduction surgery.
She aimed to lower her BMI to reduce potential health risks during and after the operation.
Over the course of 23 Zepbound injections spanning five months, she successfully lost nearly 50 pounds.
Alexus’ RESULTS
- Height: 5’8”
- Starting weight: 247 lbs.
- Current weight: 200 lbs.
- Method: Zepbound, dietary modifications, exercise
- Duration: Took Zepbound from May to October, pausing for a few weeks before resuming for one last injection.
Murphy chronicled her journey and milestones through several viral videos on TikTok, engaging with viewers who had queries regarding side effects and how she acquired the medication.
“The impact of this medicine on my life has been profoundly positive, transforming my social interactions, personal life, and overall self-presentation, boosting my confidence immensely,” she expressed.
Nevertheless, the journey was not entirely devoid of challenges; she experienced fatigue, accompanying nausea, and cognitive fog while on the injections.
“After taking the medication, I found it necessary to take a couple of days off to recuperate, as it felt like my body was working out while I was resting. Even routine actions like climbing stairs or lifting items left me breathless whereas now, I can move freely without feeling fatigued,” she shared.
Moreover, Murphy faced hormonal acne for the first time in her life and endured multiple fainting spells while using Zepbound, prompting concerns about her health.
Her doctors alerted her to dropping blood sugar levels and advised her to be more attentive to her diet and hydration, leading her to rethink her approach to meals and fluids.
Now significantly lighter than her middle school years, Murphy asserts that her weight reduction has substantially enhanced her mental well-being.
“The breast reduction was a crucial milestone, but the weight loss added a wonderful finishing touch,” she noted.
The college student from Houston received her medication at no cost through her health insurance provided by California’s Inland Empire Health Plan, which caters to those on Medi-Cal, California’s Medicaid initiative.
“Given today’s economic climate, I genuinely don’t believe I would have managed to pay for it out of pocket; at that point, it would feel more like a luxury than a necessity,” she mentioned.
Just prior to reaching her target weight, Murphy opted to halt Zepbound for several weeks, wishing to assess her ability to complete her weight loss journey independently.
“I wanted to prove to myself that I could shed the last 10 pounds toward my ideal weight through natural means, ultimately reducing my dependency on medication,” she expressed. “I aim to avoid developing any dependencies outside of social media, so I aimed to maintain that control.”
In the process, she has embraced intermittent fasting, consuming just one meal per day, and maintaining a workout regimen three to four times weekly.
Nevertheless, after attaining her weight loss target while off Zepbound, she began to feel herself slipping back into old patterns, prompting her to take another dose of the medication.
“I felt swollen and was anxious about my eating habits,” she admitted. “I found it difficult to resist sweets and was slipping back into my previous eating tendencies.”
Murphy remains optimistic that this will be her final injection of Zepbound.
“The acne and other hormonal side effects have made the experience feel not worth it,” she assessed.
Although she hasn’t yet communicated her decision to cease Zepbound with her TikTok audience, she is hopeful they will continue to support her journey.
“My hope is that my audience will remain engaged outside of just my weight loss journey, encouraging a broader focus on wellness and health for everyone, particularly young women transitioning into adulthood,” she concluded.
‘I did not know what the outcome was going to be’
Steven Ray, reflecting on his post-weight-loss medication life, describes his journey as a smooth transition.
Recently, he returned from a cruise where he confidently roamed around shirtless – a defining moment for a man who once felt so self-conscious about his weight that wearing a t-shirt in the pool was his standard.
Steven’s RESULTS
- Height: 5’8”
- Starting weight: 210 lbs.
- Current weight: 168 lbs.
- Method: Compounded semaglutide, dietary changes, exercise
- Duration: Administered compounded semaglutide from February to May; off medication for six months now.
Ray, who is 37 years old, received compounded semaglutide from a wellness clinic. This compounding process allows for prescription medications to be reproduced, permitted by the US Food and Drug Administration during shortages, such as the recent unprecedented demand for GLP-1 medications.
Over the span of four months, Ray achieved an impressive 40-pound weight loss, choosing to discontinue the medication abruptly after reaching his target weight with his doctor’s concurrence.
As a Houston-area father of two, he has successfully maintained his weight, stabilized around 168 pounds since his last injection in May.
It’s noteworthy that the FDA does not evaluate compounded versions of GLP-1 drugs regarding their safety, efficacy, or quality, and there have been reports of adverse events among users of compounded semaglutide.
Nonetheless, Ray was ready to take those risks.
Feeling “tired of being fluffy,” Ray sought to set a better example for his children, which led him to explore weight-loss injection options by visiting a wellness clinic.
“Caring for yourself is paramount; you must prioritize your health to positively impact those around you,” he emphasized.
Ray expresses gratitude, noting that aside from minor issues like acid reflux and some stomach cramps, he experienced limited side effects from the weight-loss medications.
His health metrics have seen improvements as well, with noticeable enhancements in blood sugar, cholesterol, and testosterone levels, all contributing to his increased self-esteem, which has been evident to his children.
“Fostering healthy habits for my children is a priority, ensuring they can lead balanced lives,” Ray affirmed.
To keep his weight in check, Ray emphasizes portion control, often opting for kids’ meals at fast-food chains and utilizing smaller plates at home during mealtime.
“I regard this medication as a facilitator for a lifestyle shift; it assists in adjusting to healthier living,” Ray outlined.
‘I would never go back on Ozempic’
People like Becky Bell once adamantly declared they would never run, even under duress, saying it simply wasn’t in their nature.
Fast forward, and she now proudly sports two 5K race bibs and has committed herself to yet another race on Thanksgiving Day.
Residing in Woodstock, Georgia, Bell battled through 25 years of excessive weight, experimenting with various diets. However, following the death of her husband in 2014, she experienced what she described as a near emotional collapse.
“My world became limited to food; I was simply uninterested in anything apart from eating,” she lamented.
Entrapped in a solitary and stagnant lifestyle, Bell’s doctor prescribed Ozempic in 2020 to assist her in weight reduction and to mitigate the progression of her prediabetes.
becky’s RESULTS
- Height: 5’7”
- Starting weight: 294 lbs.
- Current weight: 204 lbs.
- Method: Ozempic, dietary alterations, increased physical activity
- Duration: Utilized Ozempic from May 2020 until October 2023.
Just shy of hitting the 300-pound mark, Bell recognized the urgent need for change, especially given her family’s concerning history of heart disease. “I knew I had to do something soon to avoid the risk of heart attack,” declared Bell, now aged 69. “Shifting my health trajectory was non-negotiable.”
Although Ozempic was undoubtedly a crucial initial step towards her health goals, she grappled with the idea of indefinite usage. While on the medication, she experienced a marked decrease in her appetite.
“The medication effectively suppressed my appetite to such an extent that my doctor warned I was nearing malnourishment due to my intake dipping below a thousand calories daily while using Ozempic,” she explained.
Bell experienced significant discomfort while using Ozempic, facing persistent nausea and fatigue, alongside overwhelming fatigue leading her to desire constant sleep. She suffered from dizzy spells, occasionally fainting.
By October 2023, having shed 70 pounds, she made the difficult decision to cease taking Ozempic, largely due to distressing side effects. Shortly after, she received an invitation to join Safe Haven, a fitness studio primarily for adults over 50.
“I lost the weight, but I still felt insecure, in part because of my lack of exercise,” she asserted.
Today, after a year of rigorous workouts, including mountain climbers and squats at the fitness studio, Bell has transformed her physique significantly.
She expressed, “The supportive community here is incredible; the encouragement I receive is a driving force. This place feels like family to me.”
The camaraderie fosters her motivation, providing purpose and a reason to leave her house regularly.
Safe Haven’s gym owner, Max Nazaire, frequently encounters clients like Bell; individuals who have recently halted weight-loss medications due to side effects or financial burdens, now seeking to maintain or progress in their weight-loss endeavors.
“With every new client, our initial focus is ensuring they commit to practicing healthy lifestyle habits. Sustainable weight management comes from good nutrition and regimen consistency,” he emphasized.
Bell dedicates herself to the Safe Haven gym four to five days weekly. She has lost an additional 25 pounds over the past year, culminating in nearly 100 pounds lost since commencing Ozempic in 2020.
“I’m overjoyed to fit into a large size; I’ve transformed from a 3X at the start of this journey to a large now. I can’t even recall the last time I had a large shirt size,” she exclaimed.
Occasionally, she watches commercials featuring Ozempic and momentarily considers resuming the medication, but ultimately, she feels fulfilled with her current path.
“The self-assurance I’ve developed through exercise surpasses my expectations. It enhances my self-love significantly,” she declared.
‘I didn’t feel confident in the habits I had developed’
Dustin Gee experienced an unsettling moment while flipping through vacation photographs, realizing he didn’t recognize himself any longer. What was supposed to be a dream getaway to Peru in January 2023 with his husband had instead felt overwhelmingly burdensome.
“Traveling has always been a passion of mine, and I’ve been typically very active in exploring new places. However, this time, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I wasn’t entirely myself,” remarked Gee, who resides in Bellingham, Massachusetts.
Throughout this experience, he had accumulated roughly 30 extra pounds, revealing a troubling realization: he faced newfound mobility challenges that impeded his wanderlust—opting for ice cream instead of scenic walks while in Lima.
Dustin’s RESULTS
- Height: 5’8”
- Starting weight: 232 lbs.
- Current weight: 178 lbs.
- Method: Wegovy, dietary changes, exercise
- Duration: Taking Wegovy since February 2023, planning to discontinue by February 2025.
“That memorable moment as I reviewed family photos propelled me to reflect on our journey; from becoming licensed foster care parents to now, I kept asking myself, ‘Where did I go?’ This sparked meaningful discussions with my doctor, leading to decisive steps aimed at weight loss,” he said.
For Gee, aged 37, the impetus for weight loss significantly revolved around his children—Cristian, Emanuel, and Jackson, whose adoption process he and his husband, Alex, had been pursuing since 2020. With their adoption date set for spring, he was resolute in not arriving at this significant milestone feeling “bound and drained.”
After discussing his worries with his doctor, he learned methods to manage stress linked to parenting, strategies to navigate emotional eating, and ways to integrate active living into his routine. Subsequently, he received a prescription for Wegovy.
Beginning his Wegovy treatment in February 2023, he successfully shed 30 pounds by the time his family adopted the boys in May.
“Reaching this important family milestone felt especially rewarding, knowing that I was simultaneously making significant commitments to my health alongside securing a stable future for my family,” shared Gee.
His motivations extended beyond aesthetics; health concerns loomed large, especially regarding his blood sugar and cholesterol levels, given the prevalence of obesity and heart disease in his family lineage.
From February through September 2023, Gee successfully lost approximately 45 pounds with Wegovy. He continued with the medication for a full year before feeling prepared to assess his lifestyle habits and evaluate the option of stopping the medication altogether.
Commencing the **Mayo Clinic Diet**, tailored for individuals accompanying GLP-1 treatments, provided him a structured nutritional approach in February.
He appreciated how the program facilitated the development of sustainable habits, allowing him to track meals, set intentions, and record his weight daily through the accompanying app.
Feeling empowered, he decided to extend his Wegovy usage for an additional year while adopting lifestyle changes to reshape his perspective towards a healthier life.
Gee witnessed further weight loss, around 5 to 7 pounds, in the first two weeks of extending his regimen. In September, he transitioned to a maintenance dose of Wegovy, intending to fully discontinue by February.
“At this juncture in my life, I feel invigorated and ready to advance past Wegovy. I embrace this transition as an opportunity to hold myself accountable while remaining present for my family,” Gee declared confidently.
Key to his success is maintaining routine and structure.
“Establishing a solid routine leads to consistency which underpins a sustainable lifestyle. Balancing family life with three active boys requires adaptability within our routines,” Gee reflected. “I consciously integrated choices that seamlessly fit within my lifestyle, minimizing risks of being easily sidetracked.”
In addition, he heavily relies on the robust support from his husband, combined with motivation from his sons to stay on course.
“As a family, we stay active together, whether kayaking all day or enjoying lengthy walks immersed in nature,” Gee shared.
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“Open conversations with my boys about the lifestyle changes I’m undertaking are essential, reinforcing why health is a priority. Emphasizing overall wellness translates to a happier family and enriched family experiences,” he emphasized.
Gee cultivates a balanced routine with regular low-impact cardio and strength workouts while maximizing opportunities to walk at work, including the use of a treadmill desk.
“I encourage myself to wear comfortable footwear daily; it doesn’t need to be athletic shoes, but it enhances my ability to remain active—be it walking around the house, or when collecting the mail, opting for walking whenever possible,” he noted.
He aims to maintain consistency in the Mayo Clinic Diet program, seeing it as integral to his ongoing lifestyle.
“At this stage, I’m enthusiastic about entering this new phase, relying solely on my abilities and not solely in weight loss medication,” he expressed with optimism.
What role does family discussion play in encouraging healthy eating habits?
Pen discussions about healthy living helps them understand the importance of choosing nutritious foods and staying active,” Gee emphasized.
This shared experience fosters a family culture centered around health, enabling them to support each other in making better choices together. Gee’s journey illustrates not just a transformation in his personal health, but also a holistic approach to wellbeing that includes his entire family.
Ultimately, Gee’s determination to prioritize his health reflects a deeper commitment to being there for his children and modeling a lifestyle they can emulate as they grow. As he anticipates a healthier future, he remains focused on continuing to inspire not just his family but also others in their journey towards better health.
“I hope to be a beacon of health for my children, guiding them towards understanding the value of wellness as they navigate their own lives,” Gee concluded, looking forward to their future adventures together.
