Ozempic, Prozac, and Women’s Health.

I love statistics, and my background in neuroscience and research has me digging into some hard hitting facts this week. And while the stats I have been studying do not look good on paper; I am confident we can make a difference.

When I began writing this blog it became clear to me how sharing some insights into my own journey may create feelings of judgment. But please know - if you take prescriptions, I am not judging you, I am only saying there is a better way.

It has taken one generation to make this leap. 50% of teens and 80% of adults in America have become overweight. By some measures 63% of Americans have pre-diabetes, with 33% of young adults and teens also having pre-diabetes. These are sobering statistics, and increasingly women who are overweight are putting their trust in weight loss injections like Ozempic. This trust is misplaced. In addition to the seriousness of an overweight epidemic, 25% of college students are taking some form of antidepressants.

It sounds like there is some work to be done.

I hope you’re with me when I say, no prescription drug has ever provided a cure for chronic disease. It only signs you up for a lifetime of more prescriptions. And while it’s clear that putting your fate into the hands of a prescription drug for weight loss or depression is not the solution, NBC reported in a recent article the frustration physicians have when minority groups are unable to access to drugs for weight loss. I can’t imagine why they would believe this to be a loss, (this is me with raised eyebrows) and further, I wonder why news outlets are pushing so hard to further victimize minorities rather than encouraging personal responsibility? Is it to keep victims victimized?? The lies fed to us from the news, celebrities or instagram influencers are absurd. There is a better way to better health.

A much better solution to injectable weight loss is the ability to make practical step-by-step changes. Healthy changes work, and its worked for the women I am pleased to call my colleagues, friends, and those who have participated in my health programs thus far (again not judging here).

In 2008 I launched my first group health coaching program, where the participants were primarily women who held leadership positions.

The program pillars consisted of coaching from the mind, body, and spirit connection. We focused on physical fitness, nutrition, emotions, boundaries, and effective communication - all in a group setting. When asked to rate the program, and if the women achieved their personal health goals, it was fairly unanimous that while they met their goals of weight loss and muscle strengthening, and nutrition targets; they loved the emotional connection and community goals over fitness goals. No surprise there. We women looooove to connect!

But with this particular group most of the women struggled to see themselves with high self-esteem, (I don’t believe this is unique) and the ripple effects translated into lower motivation to exercise and eat well, so connecting through community in my coaching program solved several of their life challenges. Something very interesting to note, the majority of women in the program, while successful in their careers were isolated or lonely in their personal lives.

This brings me back to whether or not the healthcare system is equipped to solve the problem of obesity in America, and I believe we need to look elsewhere for solutions. Medication is not the answer to obesity or depression, and it never will be.

Exercise, good nutrition, following healthy spiritual practices, and connection through community. These are some of the keys to address weight challenges and the tools necessary to defeat depression. I believe personal health and achieving health goals rests with the individual and making real changes that last a life time.

Several years ago I was in a wheelchair, and looking for solutions to severe chronic pain. I found no answers in the medical community to this particular issue, with the exception of being offered anti-depressants. Prescription pills..? No thank you. I am happy to say I never took anti-depressants, and instead determined to find the reason to why I was so sick in the first place.

Just like the lovely gals in my 2008 coaching group, I needed a little help, I needed to make a few “adjustments” if you will…I was suffering from unaddressed emotional stress that surfaced in my forties. It was a wake up call to begin dealing with the real reason behind autoimmune illness. And after committing to taking the time to process these changes, I am doing better than ever, and doing it drug free.

If you are taking prescription drugs, I’m not advocating going off them cold turkey. I am not a physician. What I am saying is that better health can be yours without dependancy. Yes, there is real work involved, and the journey can also be fun if you allow it. I believe the key ingredient is the willingness to change your mindset, pursue truth, and enjoy your life no matter the obstacles. It also helps if you have community rallying around you with the same goals of success and joy!

So get into it friend, and find that group that motivates you, or perhaps that one person who can encourage and challenge you to move forward.

It’s so worth it.