In an era where social media platforms are flooded with weight loss advice, often promoted by paid influencers and telehealth companies, many individuals are seeking affordable and effective solutions. Ashley Dunham's weight loss story is a testament to the transformative power of semaglutide, a drug that has not only helped her shed pounds but also led to unexpected personal discoveries.
Finding a Solution in Semaglutide
Ashley Dunham, a 32-year-old woman from Florida, embarked on her weight loss journey after being diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) in 2016. PCOS is a common endocrine disorder affecting women of reproductive age, characterized by irregular menstrual cycles, hyperandrogenism, and polycystic ovaries. This condition often leads to weight gain and insulin resistance, making it difficult to manage weight through traditional methods.
Dunham's battle against the scales seemed endless until she discovered semaglutide. She has lost 110 pounds over the past year taking an off-brand medication with Ozempic’s active ingredient. When Ashley Dunham started taking semaglutide, she wasn't surprised when she experienced side effects including migraines and constipation after talking to others on the buzzy weight loss drug.
The Role of GLP-1 Medications in Weight Loss
Semaglutide, the active ingredient in drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy, mimics GLP-1, a hormone naturally produced by the gut to regulate blood sugar. GLP-1 agonists have been around since 2005. These medications work by slowing down digestion and influencing the brain's pleasure centers, reducing cravings and promoting a feeling of fullness.
Dr. Beverly Tchang, an endocrinologist, noted that there is a real, underlying hormonal problem in people’s bodies that can be fixed. Ozempic's FDA approval in December 2017 sent a ripple of excitement through the US medical community. It was approved only to treat diabetes, but doctors have discretion to prescribe drugs for unapproved, "off-label" uses if they see fit. Doctors were liberally prescribing Ozempic off-label for weight control for years, and seeing great results.
Read also: Inspiring Weight Loss Journey
Unexpected Side Effects and a Shift in Priorities
While Dunham experienced common side effects like mild nausea and migraines, which eventually subsided, she also encountered an unexpected change in her priorities. With food no longer dominating her thoughts, she discovered a newfound interest in shopping.
"I have found that I am almost in a transfer addiction state where I am shopping," she said. "I spent so much of the last seven years focusing on what I was eating, how much I was eating, how many calories were coming in, how many calories were going out, all these things. And now that I have the mental capacity to focus on other things, I'm more interested in shopping."
Online shopping has replaced evening snacking. Before losing weight, Dunham would often find herself mindlessly eating popcorn or drinking a cocktail while sitting on the couch. "Shopping has just become so easy.
Thin Privilege and a Sense of Belonging
Dunham's weight loss journey has also brought about a sense of "thin privilege," allowing her to feel comfortable and confident in spaces she previously felt excluded from. She now feels comfortable and confident shopping in places she never used to, such as Lululemon, which up until recently only stocked up to a size 12.
"I never would've shopped at Lululemon before," Dunham said. "I felt like I wasn't worthy of entering the store. I felt like I was just not the aesthetic. I was not their target customer. Now I go there all the time because my body feels deserving and worthy and I can exist in these spaces."
Read also: Bratcher's Weight Loss Story
Dunham is experiencing "thin privilege" for the first time in years and she is no longer embarrassed of her appearance, she said. She feels powerful because she can shop anywhere. "I feel like I've just kind of opened Pandora's box where everything is accessible to me, everything is meant for me," Dunham said.
Addressing the Complexities of Obesity
Dunham's story highlights the complexities of obesity, which was formally recognized as a disease in 2013. Contrary to common misconceptions, obesity is not solely caused by a lack of exercise or poor dietary choices. It is a multifaceted condition influenced by hormonal imbalances, genetics, and environmental factors.
Until recently, the main problem was that there had never been an effective nonsurgical way for patients with obesity to lose weight and keep it off, especially a lot of weight. Doctors may recommend a diet or exercise plan for a patient who has high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or high blood sugar, but research shows it's nearly impossible for someone to maintain a calorie deficit if their brain and body are against it.
The Rise of Compounded Medications and Telehealth Services
The increasing demand for weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy has led to shortages, prompting some clinics to offer compounded versions of these medications. Telehealth services have also emerged, providing convenient access to prescriptions and weight loss programs.
However, the FDA doesn’t consider semaglutide sodium to be the same ingredient in approved drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy. Eric ordered the semaglutide sodium. It’s not clear whether Eric in fact received semaglutide sodium.
Read also: Ashley Gold: Basketball, Body Image, and Beyond
Cautions and Considerations
While GLP-1 medications have shown promising results in weight loss, it's crucial to be aware of potential side effects and long-term implications. Some individuals have experienced severe gastrointestinal issues, such as gastroparesis, while others have raised concerns about muscle loss and the need for lifelong medication use.
Dr. he was concerned about rapid muscle loss among patients he'd spoken with. Bhasin shares Attia's concern, particularly for older or disabled patients, who are among those most in need of obesity drugs.