Why Some People Won’t Praise Mounjaro and Ozempic Weight Loss — Even When It’s Working

Imagine working hard to reach your goal weight — and instead of cheers and support, you’re met with awkward silences or outright judgment. That’s exactly what’s happening to many people using popular weight loss injections like Mounjaro and Ozempic.

Sue’s Story: From Excitement to Disapproval

Sue Carrington, 66, lost five stone in eight months after starting Mounjaro. Naturally, she expected people to notice and maybe even cheer her on. Instead, the reactions were mixed — and sometimes harsh.

One friend said, “I don’t approve of what you’re doing, but I respect that it makes you happy.” Others were more critical:

• “You’re starving yourself.”

• “You should just diet and exercise.”

• “You’re taking drugs away from diabetics.”

• “That’s not real weight loss.”

Sue, like many others, is using Mounjaro, a weekly injection originally intended for diabetes but now widely known for its dramatic weight-loss effects. It curbs appetite, balances blood sugar, and boosts metabolism. But to some, it's not "natural" enough to deserve praise.

A Study Confirms the Stigma

A 2025 study confirmed what users like Sue are experiencing: people judge weight loss differently depending on how it’s achieved.

In the study, over 1,000 participants read about fictional characters who had lost 50 pounds either by:

1. Using Ozempic alone,

2. Diet and exercise, or

3. A combination of both.

The result? Those who used Ozempic — even with lifestyle changes — were praised less and seen as having put in less effort.

Yara’s Experience: Quiet Progress, Loud Opinions

Yara, 30, has shed three stone since starting Mounjaro earlier this year. She’s noticed the stares, the silence, and the subtle judgments. Some friends were supportive. Others simply said nothing or gave her the classic "up-and-down" glance — which she described as “high school-level judgment.”

The strangest reaction? A friend who told her that her transformation was making her feel bad. Then came unsolicited advice:

“You better go to the gym so you don’t lose muscle.”
Followed by: “Whereas I’m really muscly.”

Yara took it in stride. She’d done her research, knew the risks, and was already working on strength training. But it was clear: for some people, weight loss through injections just doesn't feel "earned."

Why Many Choose to Stay Quiet

Because of the stigma, many users are keeping their treatments private. Donna, 35, has been using Ozempic since October — but hasn’t told even her closest family members. They’ve noticed her transformation, but don’t know why it’s happening.

“There’s this fear that people will think I cheated or took the easy way out,” she says.

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💬 So, Why the Stigma?

In a world obsessed with transformation, it seems how you lose weight matters more than the fact that you did it. With Mounjaro and Ozempic changing lives, maybe it’s time we shift the conversation from shame to support.

Have you or someone you know experienced this kind of judgment? Would you share your weight-loss journey if you were using one of these medications?

Let’s talk in the comments.