Is Using ozempic “Cheating?” A Clearer Look at GLP-1s, Access, and Shame
The question is circulating (often whispered): “Is using Ozempic cheating?”
Let’s talk about it.
GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro have become part of a growing public conversation. You’ve probably seen them in headlines, celebrity interviews, or maybe even your own doctor’s office. These medications are changing how we approach weight management and diabetes care. And now, with news of a patent lapse in Canada, more affordable versions may be on the horizon.
That’s a big shift in access. But wider access doesn’t automatically make them the right fit for everyone. And in the rush to celebrate or criticize, we’re often missing the most important part of the story: what does this mean for real people making real decisions about their health?
What Are GLP-1 Medications Like Ozempic?
GLP-1 stands for glucagon-like peptide-1, a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar and appetite. Medications like Ozempic (semaglutide), Wegovy (semaglutide prescribed specifically for weight loss), and Mounjaro (tirzepatide) mimic or enhance this hormone’s effect.
Originally developed for managing type 2 diabetes, these drugs are now widely used (sometimes controversially) for weight loss. They work by reducing appetite, improving blood sugar control, and slowing digestion. But they’re not a cure-all. These medications work best in combination with nutrition, movement, and other lifestyle behaviors.
More Affordable GLP-1s Are Coming…But What Does That Mean?
In Canada, a recent patent lapse opened the door for companies like Hims & Hers to announce plans for a generic version of semaglutide as early as 2026. That doesn’t mean the same will happen in the U.S. right away. Here, Novo Nordisk’s patents extend through at least 2032.
Still, it signals a shift. For those who’ve been priced out (GLP-1s often cost over $1,000/month without insurance) this opens a door that’s long felt shut. Wider access could mean more equitable care for individuals who’ve struggled with metabolic or medical barriers.
But it’s important to pause. Greater access doesn’t mean these meds become the best fit for everyone. It just means the conversation around them gets bigger, and often messier.
The Shame Spiral: Why People Feel Guilty About Medication
A lot of people feel like using weight loss medication is somehow “cheating.” Maybe they’ve internalized that they should just try harder. Or maybe they’ve heard side comments that anyone who takes these meds is looking for a shortcut.
Let’s be clear: seeking support for your health isn’t cheating. Using a medically supported tool isn’t a moral failure. It’s a choice. One that, for many people, helps manage something that’s been hard for a really long time.
The shame runs deep, though. Because our culture puts so much pressure on weight and willpower, the idea of accepting help (especially through medication) can feel like “giving up.” But in reality, it’s often just the opposite. It's choosing lean into modern medicine in a way that can support overall health…if used correctly.
Are GLP-1s Right for Everyone?
No. And that’s not a bad thing.
These medications are powerful, and like any medical intervention, they come with potential side effects and limitations. Some people may not tolerate them well. Others may not need them. And for many, there are other strategies (nutrition, exercise, sleep, stress management) that can offer strong results without a prescription. A major concern about more widespread availability of these medications is use among those who may not actually need them.
What If You’re Curious About Semaglutide or GLP-1s?
Ask questions. Be honest with yourself. And try shifting from “Should I or shouldn’t I?” to “What kind of support would help me live better right now?”
If you’re struggling with health goals and wondering whether GLP-1 medications could be helpful, it’s ok to explore that curiosity. That doesn’t mean you’ll end up using them, but it does mean you’re taking your health seriously.
Your path might include medication. It might not. What matters is that it’s yours and that you make that decision with the aid of a medical professional and in a way that supports your overall health far beyond just a weight loss goal.
More access to GLP-1s is coming, and with that comes a louder, more complicated conversation. There is a conversation to be had around the impact of these widespread medications on diet culture and body image ideals, but that’s a conversation for another day.
For those who may benefit from these medications, the important part is not getting swept up in the noise. You don’t need to justify your health decisions to anyone. You don’t need to feel shame for needing support. And you don’t need to white-knuckle your way through something that could be made easier with help.
Whether GLP-1s are a tool you explore or not, you deserve care that supports you, not pressures or judges you. And if generics open that door for more people, let’s make sure we’re opening the door to compassionate care, not just cheaper prescriptions.
At Kate Lyman Nutrition, we believe that medication can be part of the journey to building sustainable habits that support long-term health, confidence, and a better relationship with food. Whether you’re currently using a GLP-1 medication, exploring that option, or choosing a different path altogether, there is a place for added lifestyle support along the way, and we’re here to help you navigate it with evidence-based guidance and zero judgment.