In this episode of 'Repeat That Again Please,' host Genelle Aldred and Dr. Stephanie DiGiorgio explore the complexities of weight loss management, focusing on modern solutions like weight loss injections, such as Mounjaro. By recounting Genelle and Dr Stephanie’s personal weight loss journeys, they highlight the challenges and successes associated with these treatments.
The discussion centers on dismantling the stigma surrounding obesity and weight loss aids, advocating for a compassionate and dignified approach to treating obesity. The episode underscores the importance of supportive healthcare models and the intricate relationship between weight management, hormones, lifestyle, and mental health.
If you have any questions please subscribe to my substack and send me a DM as we will be doing a Q&A follow-up.
00:00 Introduction and Personal Journey
00:37 Starting Weight Loss Injections
01:57 Research and Decision Making
03:44 Lifestyle Changes and Challenges
05:39 Understanding Weight Loss Injections
08:26 Addressing Stigma and Misconceptions
23:17 The Role of GPs and Accessibility
34:42 Personal Experiences and Reflections
39:25 The Impact of Fat Tissue on Appetite
40:22 Hormonal Interactions and Women's Health
41:53 PCOS and Weight Management
43:33 Exercise and Lifestyle Changes
49:48 Lockdown's Effect on Obesity
52:25 Weight Loss Injections: Stigma and Acceptance
55:14 Long-Term Weight Management Strategies
01:07:50 Compassion and Challenges in Weight Loss
01:11:48 Conclusion and Future Discussions
Newspaper articles:
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/wes-streeting-nhs-obesity-daily-telegraph-people-b2624531.html
More about Dr Stephanie:
Dr Stephanie de Giorgio is a GP who has a personal and professional interest in obesity medicine and tackling obesity stigma. She has written the obesity e-learning modules for the Royal College of GPs and teaches health care professionals about obesity for medical education companies.
She is a director of All About Obesity, an advocacy and education organisation about obesity and has worked nationally and internationally lecturing about obesity.
Stephanie had metabolic bariatric surgery herself 7 years ago, after years of weight loss and regain on repeat, and so brings her personal experience into her professional knowledge, allowing for a dual perspective.
She is an urgent care GP, working in East Kent and has two children and four cats!
https://allaboutobesity.org/
X: @DrSdeGHello!
In today's post and podcast, I delve into a topic that's both deeply personal and increasingly prevalent—weight loss management through modern technologies.
It's a subject surrounded by chatter, often misunderstood and comes with stigma. If you start searching for Ozempic you will find a lot of chat!
I'm sharing my journey alongside insights from the esteemed Dr. Stephanie DiGiorgio, a leading voice in obesity medicine and stigma reduction, who also shares her journey. We take different personal approaches to the same goal - a healthier approach to food and a better quality of life.
Three months ago, I embarked on a path that involved the weight loss injection Mounjaro, a choice driven by the incessant noise around food and the personal desire to regain control over my health. This decision was not made lightly. I wrestled with the prevailing stigmas and the fear of judgment. Yet, the potential for significant health benefits and also losing the weight that made me feel like my body wasn’t my own helped me to make the decision.
Since beginning this journey, I've lost 15.5kg, translating to about 32 pounds. But this isn't just about numbers on a scale. It's about the reclamation of wellness and for me understanding the complex relationship between me, food and my body.
The conversation with Dr Stephanie focuses on this and the narratives society imposes on all of us!
The Intersection of Stigma and Support
Despite the personal success and the broader potential of weight loss injections, a cloud of stigma often overshadows these advancements. As Dr. Stephanie and I discuss, there's a pervasive notion that utilizing such treatments is akin to cheating. Yet, the evidence is clear: these interventions are rooted in science and can lead to healthier lives.
Personal Reflections and Moving Forward
Reflecting on the psychological journey, both Dr. Stephanie and I agreed that this isn't just about weight loss—it's about profound shifts in lifestyle and mental well-being. The injections have opened up mental space that was once consumed by food. I’ve always enjoyed exercise, even when I was eating all the calories back on the other end. Now its integrating seamlessly with the dietary changes I've embraced.
The debate on weight management technologies is far from over, and my journey is just one narrative among many. The conversation must continue, focusing on compassion and support over judgment and stigma. Dr. Stephanie's call for more research, particularly around women's experiences and hormonal interactions, underscores the importance of nuanced and inclusive dialogue.
As we extend this conversation, my hope is that society can embrace the possibilities of modern medicine with open arms and open minds, supporting all who seek to rewrite their own health stories.
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Join the Conversation
This is just the beginning. For those who have questions or wish to dive deeper into this discussion, send me questions via DM for a follow-up Q&A episode.
Thanks for reading and I look forward to hearing your thoughts on this episode.
Genelle
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