Fat Liberation and the New Weight Loss Drugs
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FEATURING EVETTE DIONNE - A new class of weight loss drugs has taken the United States by storm, and is different from previous medications in that it seems to work. The drugs, known by their pharmaceutical brand names such as Ozempic and Wegovy, contain semaglutide, a chemical that helps regulate appetite but also blood sugar - a critical function for people suffering from diabetes.
But, with many people taking the medication for cosmetic purposes, the drugs are in short supply. They are also expensive, required to be taken indefinitely, and so far, not covered by health insurers for weight loss. Meanwhile, investors are rushing to make a killing off the pharma stocks.
But are the drugs safe? How do they affect the size-based discrimination that people face? And, what impact do these drugs have on movements for fat liberation?