Just a few years ago, body positivity broke the internet as the new social movement that strived toward inclusivity, embracing different body types and reminding people that all sizes are loved and appreciated. Many organizations and forums promoted self-love and confidence regardless of weight, and the demands of particular beauty standards began to crumble as people began to cherish the idea of being unique and different.
Until Ozempic became a thing—and then everyone hopped on that bandwagon and completely neglected the body positivity movement. After years of hard work promoting self-love and inclusion, it seems like all of the spirited efforts to embed these values into our culture have fallen flat as Ozempic is the new alternative method for weight loss—and in the wake of a new wave of body modifications, the once relaxed demands of beauty and attractiveness have gone completely out of the window.
While the drug is incredibly expensive with costs oftentimes reaching over $1000 a month, it is fairly accessible to higher class individuals who are looking to shave a few pounds and achieve a much slimmer figure than before.
I know you’re probably wondering—how does Ozempic even work? Ozempic acts as blood sugar and appetite regulator, so it causes you to feel full, keeps food in your stomach for a longer period of time, and forces your body to release more insulin. It also prevents high levels of sugar from reaching your bloodstream. The drug is generally taken on a weekly basis, and results are usually seen within the first three months of usage. Side effects can include nausea, diarrhea, fatigue, and constipation. In extreme cases, Ozempic can affect the pancreas, gallbladder, and kidneys.
So with Ozempic rising in popularity, what does this mean for the Body Positivity Movement? Well, with a healthcare regime that is affordable for some and that has proven to be a less-invasive method than risky surgeries like Liposuction and Tummy-Tucks, it is highly likely that people will jump at the chance to shave a few pounds through a much easier method of weight loss. People can say all they want that all body types are beautiful—and while that statement may be true, most people want to be a little on the slimmer side. I believe that a healthy body is a beautiful body, and many different body types can be healthy—but realistically, the world has been wired to label slimmer bodies as ideal and standard, so the eventual neglect of a movement that channels inner confidence and appreciates uniqueness as a result of a much more convenient and easy method for losing weight comes as no surprise.
