Author: Kelli Rocha

A few notes before we begin –
HAPPY SHARK WEEK! July 7-13
PRAYER INTENTIONS – Leroy and I will travel to a Catholic conference this summer and we would be honored to carry your prayer intentions with us. Your requests are important to us, Just like they were in April. Send me your requests via email, text, contact form, etc.

I’ve lost approximately forty pounds in the last year and am the healthiest I have ever been. I work out regularly, including weight lifting and cardio, and I’ve given up some (not all) lousy eating habits. I don’t tell you this to boast. I want to inspire and educate others who struggle to maintain a healthy weight. If I had a friend with this knowledge, I would like them to share it.

It is no secret that I have struggled with my weight my entire adult life. I’ve tried various methods to lose weight over the years. I even underwent a gastric bypass procedure in 2004. I successfully lost 100 lbs but gained and lost the same 50 lbs repeatedly over the years. But I’ve found a new tool that has been a game changer: prescription weight loss drugs.

I know, I know, this is a controversial topic. Many of my friends will delete this email or close their browsers at this point in the post. If you’re still with me, hear me out.

Firstly, obesity is not simply a matter of appearance or self-control; it’s a complex medical condition with profound health implications. From increased risks of heart disease and diabetes to joint problems and mental health issues, obesity significantly impacts quality of life and life expectancy. For many individuals, lifestyle changes like diet and exercise alone may not be sufficient to achieve and maintain a healthy weight. Prescription weight loss drugs can provide additional support, helping patients achieve meaningful weight loss and improve their overall health outcomes.

Secondly, the shame and stigma surrounding obesity often deter individuals from seeking effective treatment options, including prescription drugs. This stigma can lead to social isolation, mental health struggles, and reluctance to pursue medical help. By normalizing prescription weight loss medications, we can create a more supportive environment where individuals feel empowered to address their health needs without fear of judgment or discrimination.

We live in an era of unprecedented medical advancement. Treatments and cures for health issues only dreamed of a decade ago are now available. It only makes sense that we would make headway on weight management. We know the old methods don’t work for long-term weight loss, and when scientists went back to the drawing board, a new approach appeared. These medications are not new, but now they are FDA-approved for other uses, like weight management.

I was introduced to the idea of prescription weight loss drugs when a friend lost forty pounds using Ozempic. I was initially skeptical, but when I saw her improved health, I decided to look into it myself. My insurance did not cover the GLP-1 class of medication, so I opted to try oral medications. I take a combination of three different drugs; one is an anti-depressant, one is an anti-addiction medication, and one controls the glucose in my blood. This regimen has changed the way I think about food. I no longer obsess about food or eat to suppress emotions. I am full faster, with smaller portions and stay satisfied for longer. After all those years of focusing on my stomach, my brain needed the treatment.

I prefer to be on a GLP-1. One medication, once a week, would be ideal for me. I now know many people who have been successful on these drugs and have improved many areas of their health. Eventually, insurance companies will realize that prevention is cheaper than treatment, and coverage will change.

Here are some common questions I’ve been asked:

Q: What about the side effects?

A: I haven’t had any, but many people do. It won’t work for everyone. Each medication is different, just as each patient is different.

Q: But it’s a prescribed drug. Aren’t you afraid of the risks?

A: Obesity has side effects, too. In my opinion, I would rather take these drugs as opposed to medications to treat high blood pressure or diabetes. I have a strong family history of diabetes, and I’d rather avoid it than treat it. I know people who have been able to reduce or eliminate many other medications due to the weight loss from prescription medication.

Q: Isn’t it cheating?

A: Is it cheating to take insulin if you have diabetes?

Q: Is it safe?

A: Is obesity safe?

Q: What about the long-term effects? These drugs are too new, and there is no research on long-term effects.

A: We know the long-term effects of obesity, which are not good.

I firmly believe this choice is not for everyone, but many could be helped by these medications and sharing our knowledge and experience is helpful. I also think that we need to change our attitude toward these treatments and stop judging and criticizing others who choose to use this method to control their weight. This post is my first step in trying to change the conversation. I refuse to be shamed by this, and I hope others are encouraged to consider their health and all available options.

It’s essential to recognize that obesity is a multifaceted issue that requires a multidimensional approach. While lifestyle modifications remain a cornerstone of treatment, prescription weight loss drugs offer a scientifically backed option for those who struggle to achieve sustainable weight loss through diet and exercise alone. Embracing these medications as part of mainstream obesity treatment not only acknowledges the complexity of the condition but also validates the experiences of individuals who are battling obesity.

If you’d like to know more about my regimen, click here to send me a message, and we can schedule a chat.