Libby Trickett, a 41-year-old Olympic swimmer, has spoken about the feelings of 'shame' she experienced when considering publicizing her use of GLP-1 injections. The medication, commonly associated with weight loss and including drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro, was prescribed to Trickett to aid her recovery following a heart attack.
Trickett, a four-time Olympic gold medalist, explained her hesitation in a social media post, citing the lack of nuanced discussion surrounding these drugs. "I didn't know if I would speak about this in public because the space for nuance in these conversations is almost nonexistent on these platforms and everyone is going to have their own view," she stated. She added that withholding the information felt like a "shame response," contrasting it with her openness about medications for anxiety and depression.
"I'm certainly not ashamed of any of the medication that I take to make sure I'm the healthiest version of myself," Trickett asserted. She acknowledged the existing "biases" surrounding GLP-1 injections and encouraged a more open perspective on differing personal experiences.
"Also, I want to say that there is no reason that is more 'right' to take these medications," she continued. "Only what is right for you and is between you and your prescribing doctor. Because ultimately, we are all just doing our best with what we have."
Research indicates that GLP-1 medications can reduce the risk of heart attacks by up to 20 percent. Trickett revealed in April that she suffered a type of heart attack known as a spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) in June of the previous year, shortly after the birth of her fifth child. SCADs, which involve a tear in the artery wall of the heart, are distinct from heart attacks caused by plaque buildup and predominantly affect women under 50, particularly those who are pregnant or have recently given birth.
Trickett anticipates being on medication for the remainder of her life due to the condition and faces lifestyle adjustments, including limitations on moderate cardio exercise and avoiding heavy weightlifting. She also noted that she cannot take ADHD medication, which she expressed sadness over. Trickett's swimming career includes gold medals from the 2004, 2008, and 2012 Olympic Games.