Catwalk veteran voices concerns over the quest for perfection through prescription

In a bold stance against the burgeoning trend of prescription weight loss treatments, a renowned American model has voiced her apprehensions regarding the misuse of medications like Ozempic and Wegovy, which were originally designed for medical purposes. The surge in prescriptions, which saw a staggering 300% increase since early 2020, reaching nine million by the end of 2022, highlights a worrying shift towards these drugs for aesthetic rather than health reasons.

The accessibility of these treatments has alarmingly escalated, with a simple internet search unveiling a plethora of options for next-day delivery of these weight loss aids, indicating a troubling ease of procurement. Initially intended for diabetic patients, these drugs have found a new and controversial lease of life as a shortcut to slimness, with celebrities from Oprah Winfrey to Chelsea Handler experimenting with their weight loss properties.

Claire Merrifield, a GP and Medical Director, explained the biological workings behind Ozempic, a drug derived from the Gila monster lizard venom, emphasizing its role in appetite suppression through the mimicry of a natural bodily peptide. Despite not being FDA-approved for weight reduction (unlike Wegovy), its popularity has soared among those seeking quick-fix solutions to weight management.

Mia Kang, a model celebrated for her runway and magazine presence, and an advocate for mental health and eating disorder awareness, criticized the societal pressures that drive individuals towards such drastic measures. Having grappled with eating disorders herself, Kang confessed that the availability of such drugs today might have led her down a path of dependency in her pursuit of an industry-imposed beauty ideal.

Kang’s critique extends beyond personal anecdote, touching on the wider implications of celebrity endorsements and the allure of rapid transformation, potentially fostering a culture of addiction. She underscores the necessity of these drugs for their intended medical use but condemns their adoption for vanity’s sake as not only misguided but dangerous.

The conversation is punctuated by warnings from healthcare professionals about the dire consequences of casual drug use for minor weight concerns. Claire Merrifield cautions against the indiscriminate consumption of such powerful medications without proper medical guidance, highlighting the risks of adverse effects and the temporary nature of the weight loss achieved.

This cautionary tale is further illustrated by distressing reports of severe side effects from users, including a particularly harrowing account of a woman left with a lifelong bowel injury after using the drug, sparking lawsuits and raising questions about the long-term safety of these medications.

As the debate over the ethical use of weight loss drugs continues, it serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities surrounding health, beauty, and the lengths to which people will go to conform to a fleeting standard of perfection.