Semaglutide.

The always controversial semaglutide. A glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA), semaglutide mimics the GLP-1 hormone, which helps the body produce insulin and reduces blood sugar levels.

Despite its growing popularity, many people feel embarrassed to admit they’re using it. There’s a stigma that taking this prescribed drug somehow makes you seem lazy, like it undermines all the effort you put in at the gym or in the kitchen, as if the “magic shot” negates your hard work. But here’s the truth: If others are judging you for taking the steps that are right for your health, they’re not truly supportive. It’s easy to say, “Cut them out,” but I know it’s not always that simple. I have them in my life too. Let’s work through it together.

I started using semaglutide a few years ago. Yes, there were some side effects at first—nausea, constipation, and abdominal pain—but these were short-lived and haven’t resurfaced since those first few weeks.

The biggest change I noticed right away was the reduction in “food noise.” Maybe you don’t experience this, but my mind is constantly occupied with thoughts of food, trying to convince myself to snack even when I’m not hungry. You know those people who “forget to eat lunch” or can have half a sandwich and stop because they’re full? That’s never been me, and I thought it was just how everyone’s brain worked. But when I finally spoke up about the constant food chatter in my head, several friends admitted they don’t have the same issue at all. Semaglutide silenced that constant noise. I could eat and stop—not because I wasn’t hungry, but because that obsessive internal dialogue had quieted down.

Now, I take .15 milligrams every 10 days to maintain my progress. Several studies have shown that semaglutide, when used for more than three years by adults with overweight or obesity (but not diabetes), can lower the risk of heart attack, stroke, or death from cardiovascular disease by 20%. It’s also been linked to an average 9.4% weight loss.

Obesity and diabetes run in my family—really, it’s safe to say that almost every member of my immediate family has struggled with food and weight issues. And let’s be honest, isn’t this something many of us face in America? Isn’t it smart to take proactive steps and explore every available tool to address these issues? If you’re interested in trying semaglutide, have a conversation with your doctor. If they’re not helpful (which is unfortunately common), seek out a weight loss clinic. Be your own best advocate. In my experience, the benefits of semaglutide far outweigh the risks.