A growing number of men are reportedly using weight-loss drugs but are reluctant to discuss their use, even with medical professionals, due to a perceived stigma. Researchers and doctors suggest this reticence may stem from a societal view that pharmaceutical interventions are a form of 'cheating,' contrasting with traditional masculine ideals of personal effort, such as intensive gym workouts.
Jack Birch, a public health and obesity researcher at Newcastle University, notes that while there is increasing academic interest in gendered approaches to weight-loss drugs, men often require a significant impetus, or a 'scare,' before attempting to lose weight. He contrasts this with some women's preference for more social methods, like slimming clubs. Birch highlights that keeping the use of these medications private can create challenges for healthcare providers who need to understand how patients are using the drugs and managing potential side effects.
Dr. Paul Evans, a general practitioner in Gateshead, an area with a high obesity rate, observes a trend of male patients increasingly using weight-loss drugs but hesitating to disclose this to their doctors. He theorizes that some men may feel ashamed, believing that relying on medication is not the 'proper male way' to achieve weight loss, preferring instead to emphasize physical exertion.
Potential side effects of these medications can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. More rarely, individuals may experience gallbladder or kidney issues, or depression. Health authorities advise that these drugs are not recommended during pregnancy and outline other health considerations for users.