Weight loss drugs expose women to society's harsh judgements on their bodies
When Branneisha Cooper was overweight, she felt both invisible and like she stood out.Her friends would get attention when they were out together, while she was overlooked. But she also had a sense that everyone was staring at her, scrutinising her.Everyday scenarios were daunting: fairground rides (would she fit in the seat?), working out (would it hurt?), clothes shopping (would she find attractive clothing in her size?).At the end of 2022, Branneisha, now 28 and working in Texas for a major retailer, began using weight-loss injection Mounjaro. She's lost about six stone (38kg).Things changed quickly. Suddenly, she could exercise without her body getting sore, colleagues made more small talk with her and she felt comfortable going on adventurous dates with her boyfriend. She was go-karting, dancing and going to arcades - activities that previously made her feel self-conscious.But despite feeling like she had a "second chance at life", weight loss was bittersweet."It was almost like I had stepped into a different world overnight," Branneisha recalls. "People were suddenly more friendly, more attentive, and I was given opportunities and respect that didn't exist before.""That rapid shift was jarring and really opened my eyes to just how deeply size bias is ingrained in our culture," she continues. "Psychologically, it was a lot to process because while I was the same person, the way I was perceived had completely changed."
Weight-loss transformations are nothing new. In the 90s and 00s, they filled the pages of tabloid newspapers, sold celebrity diet regimes and inspired popular TV series like The Biggest Loser, You Are What You Eat and Celebrity Fit Club.But in the 2020s, the advent of weight-loss injections like semaglutide and tirzepatide (marketed under brand names Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro) has meant people can lose huge amounts of weight rapidly, without undergoing invasive surgery. The jabs suppress people's appetites, causing them to feel fuller sooner.Wegovy has been available on the NHS in England, Wales and Scotland since September 2023 with strict eligibility criteria, but weight-loss drugs are expected to become more accessible when Mounjaro becomes available through NHS England later this year.The jabs, which are not suitable for everyone and can have severe side effects, are also available from pharmacies in the UK for people who can't get them prescribed by their GPs.So other than the physical difference, how does the way you're perceived change when you lose weight quickly and look different to the world?People who have used the injections have told BBC News that rapid weight loss has caused a massive shift in the way they are treated - by both strangers and loved ones - as well as a change in how they approach their lives.
'Strangers are a lot more chatty'
Branneisha's feeling of sticking out and being overlooked at the same time while overweight is one others can relate to.When you're overweight, people either avoid eye contact or "really stare and glare at you", says Jess Phillips, 29, a primary school teacher from Sittingbourne, Kent.She previously felt uncomfortable taking flights, travelling on public transport and eating at restaurants. Finding suitable seating worried her, as well as the feeling she was "taking other people's space".People had even shouted "fat" at her from cars and at a festival.A trip in 2023 to Sorrento, on the Italian coast, was a major catalyst for starting weight-loss injections last June."Everyone was staring at me the whole time," she says. "They're just not used to people being that big out there."
Since losing weight, Jess has noticed a big difference in how she's treated in public."Strangers seem to be a lot more chatty with me than they ever were before," she explains.She feels "more invisible in a nice way", she continues. "I don't feel like people are looking at me when I go to different places. I feel nicely anonymous... I'm not standing out in any particular way."This is something that Jeannine A Gailey, sociology professor at Texas Christian University, explored in her 2014 book The Hyper(in)visible Fat Woman."My argument is that those who are marginalised, including fat people, become hyper-visible and hyper-invisible", meaning they're sometimes ignored and sometimes made into a "spectacle", she tells the BBC.
Amy Toon, 34, a content creator from Solihull, felt this way. Before starting on the drugs, she shopped online "because of the overwhelming fear of people looking at me", she says. "I just didn't want to leave the house."Since losing weight, "people are a lot more smiley and just make eye contact," she says. "I never had that before. It's really strange and it's also really sad at the same time."Society has preconceptions about how overweight people are expected to behave, and treats them accordingly, says Caleb Luna, an assistant professor at the University of California, Santa Barbara specialising in fat studies."Fat people are expected to hide and shrink ourselves and not be proud," says Prof Luna.
Weight isn't a protected characteristic in the UK or in most other parts of the world, meaning it isn't illegal to discriminate based on size, except if the person's weight is classed as a disability.Academics say that anti-fat bias can have significant implications, from how people are perceived in job interviews to how doctors interact with them. People make "all kinds of personality assumptions" about other people based on their body size, according to Prof Luna."I don't understand why there's this rage that some people seem to feel upon looking at someone who's overweight," says Alix Harvey, a 35-year-old marine biologist from Plymouth who's lost around three stone (20kg) after starting weight-loss injections last year. "It's socially acceptable to hate fat people."
'People see the drugs as cheating'
Weight-loss drugs have helped people like Branneisha, Jess, Amy and Alix lose weight - but they're not right for everyone. Some in the healthcare industry have concerns about the wrong people getting hold of the jabs - including those who are already a healthy weight or have a history of eating disorders.Common side effects of semaglutide and tirzepatide include diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting, according to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice). Rarer side effects include acute gallstone disease and pancreatitis, and the NHS warns that there is also a risk of hypoglycaemia, which happens when your blood sugar level drops too low.Jonathan Pinkney, professor of endocrinology and diabetes at the University of Plymouth, says while there are "great expectations and hope around the drugs", trials show people "do tend to relapse" after they stop taking them, meaning the weight loss isn't sustained.Alix says this worries her. "Am I going to be treated differently again? Because I like the way I'm currently being treated."Some people who take the medication say there's stigma attached to using the drugs to lose weight, too, which Alix says puts some people off taking the injections."I didn't expect the hatred," she says, noting that some people see the use of weight-loss injections as "cheating" and a "socially unacceptable" way to lose weight."A lot of people see it as the lazy way out," Amy says, referring to comments about weight-loss drugs left on her social media videos.
For sustained weight loss, the injections need to be used as part of a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise."People think that it's a magic wand then it's not," Amy says. "It doesn't just melt the fat away.""Even if you injected yourself once a week and a pound a week just evaporated from your body, what would that matter?" Alix says. "Why is that cheating?""You basically can't win," she says, referring to the stigma attached to both being overweight and using injections to lose weight.
'The larger me deserved that same attention and love'
People who've lost weight using the jabs tell the BBC their self-confidence has massively improved. Many say they feel much happier to take trains and planes. Some say they now wear brighter colours and tighter clothes. Others say they're more vocal sharing their opinions at work. Amy says she now feels comfortable taking her children swimming, while Jess says she's been able to book her first-ever ski trip, something she'd never thought was possible before."I actually think it must be annoying how confident I am at the moment," Jess laughs.
But many of the women we spoke to were left feeling sad for their previous selves, or frustrated at the unfairness of their past treatment."It's so sad that your weight can define you," Amy says. "I haven't changed at all as a person. The only thing that has changed my appearance."Branneisha echoes these thoughts."It makes me sad when I have experiences that are different now because the larger me deserved that same attention and love," Branneisha says. "Being smaller now makes me sad for my former self because people looked at me differently."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mail
2 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Experts reveal what's driving explosion in under 50s cancer cases - as landmark study shows 23 per cent surge since the 90s
Cancer deaths have fallen by more than a fifth over the past 50 years—but diagnoses have soared with cases in younger adults driving the trend, a landmark study reveals. Experts say the spike in diagnoses is being fuelled in part by lifestyle factors—including smoking, obesity and poor diet—which remain among the leading causes. The analysis, from Cancer Research UK, is the first to examine 50 years of NHS cancer data, revealing striking progress—but also alarming new trends. The data reveals that although survival rates have improved dramatically since the 1970s, the risk of developing cancer has risen just as sharply. In 1973, around 328 in every 100,000 people died from the disease. By 2023, that figure had fallen to 252—a 22 per cent drop—thanks to earlier diagnosis and better treatments. But over the same period, the number of people developing cancer has soared by almost 50 per cent. Incidence rates have climbed from 413 to 607 per 100,000 people, with some of the sharpest rises seen in under 50s. Among those aged 20 to 49, rates are up by 23 per cent since the early 1990s. Scientists are still trying to explore the factors behind the rise in early onset cancers, with some suggesting modern diets and exposure to substances like microplastics, or a combination of several triggers, could be to blame. Speaking this week at the American Society of Clinical Oncology conference in Chicago —the world's biggest cancer conference—experts also cautioned that poor lifestyle was likely the driving factor. Presenting research on the key factors influencing the surge in colon cancer cases among people in their 20s, 30s and 40s, Dr Jessica Paulus a senior director of research at Ontada, said obesity was far higher among early-onset patients than 'average age'. Of the 14,611 young patients tracked in the study, more than a third were obese at time of diagnosis. 'Interestingly, distress thermometer data also showed early-onset patients were more likely to report high or moderate distress' at time of diagnosis compared to older patients, she added. This thermometer is a tool health professionals ask patients to use to self-report feelings or issues, such as financial concerns, pain, fatigue and worry. But drinking, physical inactivity and poor diet too plays a 'huge' role too, Professor Neil Iyengar, an expert in breast oncology and the impact of lifestyle factors on cancer at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre in New York, said. He told MailOnline: 'The link between obesity and several forms of cancer is already well-established, but this data is mostly from older people. 'Obesity rates are accelerating in young people. 'But having too much fat—even if you have a normal body weight or body mass index—also increases the risk of developing cancer. 'It's never too early to start good eating and exercise patterns. 'We need to start thinking of some foods and high-sugar beverages in a similar way that we think about smoking: unnecessary, addictive, and harmful.' Other experts, however, cautioned that tobacco was likely not behind the rise in younger cancer cases. Professor Paul Pharoah, an expert in cancer epidemiology at Cedars-Sinai Medical Centre in Los Angeles told MailOnline: 'Incidence of the one major smoking related cancer, lung cancer, has come down in all age groups in men. 'In women, lung cancer incidence has fallen in younger women since 1990, but continues to increase in older women.' He added: 'Screening is also unlikely to be a cause of the difference between younger and older people, as the screening programmes implemented by the NHS since 1990 would be more likely to increase incidence in older individuals.' While cancer survival in England and Wales has doubled since the 1970s, progress has slowed sharply over the past decade. The report found that survival improved three to five times faster in earlier decades than it has since 2010. And despite the gains, the UK continues to lag behind comparable countries on key cancer outcomes. Late diagnosis remains a major issue. Only 54 per cent of cancers in England are diagnosed at stage one or two—the earliest phases, when tumours are usually small, haven't spread far, and are most treatable. That figure has barely improved in the last ten years. Cancer Research UK's chief executive, Michelle Mitchell, said: 'It's fantastic to see that thanks to research, cancer death rates have drastically reduced and survival has doubled. 'But more than 460 people are still dying from cancer every day in the UK. Too many cases are still being diagnosed too late.' The report also highlights the leading preventable causes of cancer. Smoking remains the biggest risk factor, but obesity—now linked to 13 different types of the disease—is rising rapidly. Other contributors include drinking, poor diet, sunbeds, lack of exercise and failure to protect skin from the sun. Cancer Research UK is urging the Government to act swiftly and decisively in its upcoming National Cancer Plan for England. It is calling for earlier diagnosis, faster access to tests, better GP referrals and a national lung cancer screening programme—arguing that these steps could save thousands of lives. Mitchell added: 'If this plan is done right, it could transform cancer care in this country and ensure people affected by cancer live longer, better lives.'
Scottish Sun
2 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Cancer patients risk dying because of ‘RUBBISH they read on social media', top doctors warn
The NHS, top UK charities and global experts warn the problem is out of control LETHAL LIES Cancer patients risk dying because of 'RUBBISH they read on social media', top doctors warn Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) CANCER patients are refusing medical treatment because of rubbish they read online, top doctors warn. People are becoming incurable and even dying as a result of misinformation on social media. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up A study led by the University of Bologna found that almost all cancer-related videos on YouTube and TikTok – between 88 and 100 per cent – contain incorrect information. The NHS, top UK charities and global experts warn the problem is out of control, killing patients who have cancer and terrifying those trying to stay healthy. Professor Richard Simcock, NHS doctor and chief medical officer at Macmillan Cancer Support, said: 'I recently saw two young women who have declined all proven medical treatments for cancer and are instead pursuing unproven and radical diets, promoted on social media. 'As a doctor, I want to be able to use the best available therapies to help people with cancer. 'A person is perfectly entitled to decline but when they do that on the basis of information which is frankly untrue or badly interpreted it makes me very sad.' Polling by Macmillan has found that 59 per cent of Brits – more than 30million people – believe myths or misconceptions about the disease. For example experts say patients are being sucked in by influencers' claims that low-carb diets can battle cancer, recommendations for unproven drugs, and a belief that negative thoughts can cause relapse. Internet users have also been convinced of false or unproven cancer risks such as from deodorants, mobile phones, underwired bras and dairy, they added. They also accuse search engines and artificial intelligence of regurgitating false information. Professor Stephen Powis, NHS England's medical director, said: 'Social media can provide a supportive community but we're also seeing an alarmingly high level of misinformation on some of these platforms. The signs and symptoms of cancer 'I would urge people to be sceptical of any 'miracle cures' and to use trusted, credible sources like the NHS website. 'These fairy tales aren't just misleading, they can be harmful.' Dr Julie Gralow, president of the American Society for Clinical Oncology, said: 'Several patients of mine wanted an all-natural treatment approach and found clinics online. 'In some cases they died within nine months. 'It's tragic and we wonder what we could have done differently but in the end we can't force anybody to do anything.' About 400,000 people develop cancer in the UK each year and 50 per cent survive for 10 years or more after diagnosis. Matthew Hobbs, of Prostate Cancer UK, added: 'Sadly there are a lot of poor sources of information out there. 'Sometimes they are deliberately pushing unproven treatments or ideas, other times it is well meant advice but lacking expertise and full understanding of all the facts.' Retired breast surgeon Dr Liz O'Riordan said: 'We need to get more doctors talking to patients on social media and explaining things to them.'
The Sun
2 hours ago
- The Sun
Cancer patients risk dying because of ‘RUBBISH they read on social media', top doctors warn
CANCER patients are refusing medical treatment because of rubbish they read online, top doctors warn. People are becoming incurable and even dying as a result of misinformation on social media. A study led by the University of Bologna found that almost all cancer -related videos on YouTube and TikTok – between 88 and 100 per cent – contain incorrect information. The NHS, top UK charities and global experts warn the problem is out of control, killing patients who have cancer and terrifying those trying to stay healthy. Professor Richard Simcock, NHS doctor and chief medical officer at Macmillan Cancer Support, said: 'I recently saw two young women who have declined all proven medical treatments for cancer and are instead pursuing unproven and radical diets, promoted on social media. 'As a doctor, I want to be able to use the best available therapies to help people with cancer. 'A person is perfectly entitled to decline but when they do that on the basis of information which is frankly untrue or badly interpreted it makes me very sad.' Polling by Macmillan has found that 59 per cent of Brits – more than 30million people – believe myths or misconceptions about the disease. For example experts say patients are being sucked in by influencers' claims that low-carb diets can battle cancer, recommendations for unproven drugs, and a belief that negative thoughts can cause relapse. Internet users have also been convinced of false or unproven cancer risks such as from deodorants, mobile phones, underwired bras and dairy, they added. They also accuse search engines and artificial intelligence of regurgitating false information. Professor Stephen Powis, NHS England's medical director, said: 'Social media can provide a supportive community but we're also seeing an alarmingly high level of misinformation on some of these platforms. 'I would urge people to be sceptical of any 'miracle cures' and to use trusted, credible sources like the NHS website. 'These fairy tales aren't just misleading, they can be harmful.' Dr Julie Gralow, president of the American Society for Clinical Oncology, said: 'Several patients of mine wanted an all-natural treatment approach and found clinics online. 'In some cases they died within nine months. 'It's tragic and we wonder what we could have done differently but in the end we can't force anybody to do anything.' About 400,000 people develop cancer in the UK each year and 50 per cent survive for 10 years or more after diagnosis. Matthew Hobbs, of Prostate Cancer UK, added: 'Sadly there are a lot of poor sources of information out there. 'Sometimes they are deliberately pushing unproven treatments or ideas, other times it is well meant advice but lacking expertise and full understanding of all the facts.' Retired breast surgeon Dr Liz O'Riordan said: 'We need to get more doctors talking to patients on social media and explaining things to them.' 1
