The Weight Loss Trend
RESURFACING MY TEENAGE YEARS
In one of my previous newsletters, I shared my fascination with the world of weight loss when I was just 11 years old. It could be because I did not see myself in the world around me or maybe because I wanted to look different, but I began to experiment with a "blue cream" called LIMAGEL, which claimed to "burn fat". At that time, we already had a "la faja" (a sweat waist belly trimmer) and other strange "as-seen-on-tv" products at home. When I was a teenager, after my father's passing, I couldn't eat much and nothing would settle in my stomach, so I started trying some "slimming teas" and pure lime juice with salt, thinking that it would help me look like my friends. Then, something magical happened! I found a provider in my mom's naturopathic office doing some sort of "fat/fish" oil subcutaneous injections that promised to burn fat RIGHT AWAY. Oh yes! I did it! Without looking for research and not knowing any consequences I went for it because they were given OVER THE COUNTER so, what damage could they possibly do? I probably had those treatments every three months for two years. Within hours I saw immediate results, but then my weight would go back to normal. I can't tell you what those treatments were called, but one thing I can say is that they gave me hope that one day I would look different.
Why am I sharing this? because: I GET IT! Some of us have always been looking for “that thing” that will give us more peace and make us feel more “a gusto” comfortable in our skin.
I started working in the fitness industry back in 2005 with the goal of tackling psychological issues and body dysmorphia. My aim was to empower and elevate others in many ways. I was thrilled to see more and more real bodies starting to emerge, but as I look around me, both in the fitness industry and in general, I can't help but wonder what happened to the progress we made regarding strength, self-love, and working out for health benefits. There seems to be a regression in this area, and it's disheartening to see.
During a recent visit to the gym, one of the participants told me about Ozempic, a weight loss injection for Type 2 Diabetes patients. I was impressed by the significant change in her body composition within weeks. On inquiring about her strategy, she mentioned that she worked in healthcare and had regular access to Ozempic. She shared that this injection helps prevent disease by promoting weight loss.
I am not here to criticize anyone who is not diabetic and is getting these injections or treatments, as that is not my standpoint.
I think it's great that tools like this exist to help anyone struggling with obesity or morbid obesity to lose weight and potentially begin an exercise program or learn proper nutrition to maintain their health and create habits. But, that’s exactly what it should be for a tool to help you create habits and not think it is a magic pill to depend on. (Side note: you will gain the weight as soon as you stop if you don’t create those habits)
I soon learned that this prescription medication had completely bypassed FDA approval and was given to anyone who wanted to lose weight at medical clinics. I was even approached to promote these injections on social media in exchange for receiving Semaglutide and Tirzepatide treatment at a local clinic/spa, but I declined.
The only thing I ask of you is to please inform yourself about the science behind the medication you are using to lose weight, especially if you do not have any other medical conditions. It is important that we are all well-informed so that we can make our own decisions. There seems to be a lack of information about the medication that supposedly is the magic pill for weight loss and guarantees you to shed weight right away, so please share this message with anyone you know who may be using this medication.
Below, I am sending you to listen to a podcast with the science behind Ozempic if you want to explore more this topic.
If you don't have time to listen to the podcast, I'd like to share one of its biggest takeaways, which is based on proven research on the long-term effects of semaglutide weight loss. The research shows that while these products do result in a massive reduction of weight, it comes at the expense of water weight and muscle loss. This means that using these products can deplete something that we need as we get older: muscle. Building muscle is not easy, and it is something that we should consider as a very dangerous risk.
THE LESSONS
Before taking any type of medication, be it over the counter or via a spa or clinic, it's essential to research the long-term effects it may have on your body. If you can't find any research, then it's likely that you're the subject of ongoing research.
It's important to note how you perceive your body and understand where is that coming from! Also, a magical pill won’t change what you feel deep inside.
What is the price that we are willing to pay for an immediate magic pill?
Self-love extends beyond what the scale says or the facials you get. It's a deep dive into what was missing during your childhood and clearing past traumas. Simply saying "I love you" to yourself all day long won't mean much if you don't genuinely feel it.
