Discover the Inspiring Stories of Teenagers Using Ozempic-like Medications to Shed Pounds and Prioritize Their Well-being
In a society that often idolizes thinness and places immense pressure on young people to conform to unrealistic beauty standards, teenagers like Demi Buckley are fighting back against the weight stigma. Demi, a 16-year-old girl from Michigan, found herself struggling with her weight and experiencing bullying from her peers. Despite being an active high school athlete, she couldn’t shed the pounds and began to despise her body. Her mother, Deana Buckley, knew she had to do something to help her daughter.
In March 2023, a glimmer of hope emerged for Demi and other teenagers facing similar weight-loss challenges. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved semaglutide, a once-weekly diabetes medication classified as a GLP-1 receptor agonist, for obese youngsters aged 12 and up. Although Ozempic, a popular weight loss pharmaceutical, has yet to be FDA-approved for weight loss in individuals under 18, Deana believed that the active ingredient in Ozempic, semaglutide, could work wonders for her daughter.
Deana urged Demi’s healthcare provider to prescribe Wegovy, a medication solely approved for weight loss management. The doctor was initially hesitant but eventually agreed. For the Buckleys, this decision was a turning point. Demi had been struggling with depression, an eating disorder, and self-harm, and her mother knew that something needed to change. She believes that if these medications had been available when she was a teenager, her whole world would have been different.
Pediatric surgeon Jun Tashiro supports the use of anti-obesity medications for overweight kids. He explains that these medications can help reduce weight, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and decrease the risk of heart and kidney disease. However, he acknowledges that they come with some side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. Patients with a family history of thyroid cancer and pancreatitis are at higher risk for more serious complications.
The American Academy of Pediatrics also recommends anti-obesity pharmacotherapy for children aged 12 to 17. A study conducted by University of Minnesota researchers found that 45% of clinically obese teens lost weight while on semaglutide. The success stories don’t end there. Oprah Winfrey featured 16-year-old Maggie Ervie, who shed 80 pounds on Victoza, another weight-loss injectable for kids, during her obesity special.
The experiences of teenagers like Natalie Wood and Diego Martínez further highlight the positive impact of these medications. Natalie, a 12-year-old girl from Buffalo, was suffering from a metabolic disorder that caused her to gain 30 pounds each year since the age of 5. Her mother, Kailey Wood, reassured her that she was perfect as she was but explained that the medication could help if she was ready for a change. Natalie agreed and has since lost 50 pounds and stabilized her overall health.
Diego Martínez, a 16-year-old boy from Houston, Texas, was equally enthusiastic about starting weight loss injections. Alongside his sister Julissa, he experienced significant weight loss. However, Diego emphasizes that the medication is only part of the journey. He walked 10,000 steps every day, ate healthier, and made a conscious effort to change his behavior and mindset.
For Demi Buckley, shedding 60 pounds has not only transformed her physical appearance but also her mental well-being. She no longer carries the burden of self-loathing thoughts and feels confident when she looks in the mirror. Demi’s story, along with those of Natalie and Diego, serves as a beacon of hope for other teenagers struggling with their weight.
These inspiring stories of teenagers using Ozempic-like medications to prioritize their well-being and shed pounds challenge societal stigmas surrounding obesity and weight loss in minors. They demonstrate that with the right support, medication, and lifestyle changes, young people can take control of their health and find happiness in their own bodies. It’s a reminder that weight loss is not just about physical appearance but also about self-acceptance and mental wellness.
