Concerns Rise Among Fat Activists Over Weight Loss Drugs
Fat activists are expressing frustration over individuals who are losing weight. The obesity rate in the U.S. is notably high and continuing to rise. According to CDC data, 40% of American adults were classified as clinically obese between August 2021 and August 2023, with an even higher rate of 46.4% among those aged 40-59.
Weight loss medications have entered the conversation, showing promise in helping many reduce their weight. While the long-term effects of these drugs remain uncertain, they do offer a way for people to shed excess weight, perhaps just in time for special occasions.
However, the rise in popularity of medications like Ozempic is concerning for some in the “fat research” community, according to a report by the Wall Street Journal.
“Ozempic is making things worse for us,” stated Tigress Osborn, executive director of the National Association to Promote Fat Acceptance. She argues that relying on these medications oversimplifies the issue, potentially magnifying societal problems related to weight.
Marilyn Wang, a fat activist from the Bay Area, mirrored these concerns, suggesting that the drugs might create further challenges for advocacy. “People think if everyone can take this expensive and risky drug, they’ll be able to get rid of fat people,” she told the WSJ. She worries this cycle echoes previous trends in weight loss gimmicks, which have often resulted in disappointment.
It’s worth noting that these medications can be costly. For those without insurance coverage, the price of weight loss drugs remains high despite recent attempts to lower costs. Additionally, there are concerns about potential health risks associated with prolonged use.
Yet, it’s important to recognize that fat activists may also be criticized for their stance. Instead of confronting the reality of health risks associated with obesity, there’s a tendency to promote self-deception. The message seems to be, while it’s crucial to treat everyone humanely, acknowledging that being significantly overweight does come with health implications is equally vital.
