Winning Big with GLP1's

The mutli-billion dollar GLP1 industry is about to get a whole lot bigger now that an oral pillow is available to the public. But how does the wide spread weight loss medication fascination that is sweeping America coincide with the world of body positivity? When is it okay to talk about bodies and should we even talk about bodies? Let's chat about it.

Music by Mound City by Coleman Hawkins (recorded 1929)

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This podcast is recorded in a style that pays homage to talents like Miss Monitor (Tedi Thurman) and explores topics designed to stimulate conversations. 

Transcript

SPEAKER_00 0:00

Wasn't it not that long ago when Americans were all about embracing plus size? My name is the lovely Ray, and I was born and raised in the US. I currently have the opportunity to speak with people from all over the world. Regular people, just like you. And I'm always fascinated by our cultural differences and similarity. This podcast is voiced in the style of the Sultra-sounding 1955 Weather Girl. It is a collection of thoughts inspired by my global conversations and aims to invite you to have those hard conversations out loud and with others. Thanks for stopping by, darlings. I love to chat. Welcome back, darlings. It should come as no surprise to you that Americans do not like to lose and that winning is a huge part of American culture. Now, to be fair, winning is probably key in many other cultures. I'm thinking of South Korea. I'm thinking of China. I'm thinking of places where I know that taking big exams during those high school years can really shape a person's future. It can really set them up for lots of money and possibly success down the road. But the importance of big exams is also very important in Turkey. And so when I say that winning is important to Americans, I'm not just focused on academic winning. I'm not just talking about winning that big job or that long sought after promotion. I'm not talking about winning the corner office. Yes, winning the big game and even having your team win the big game can feel oh so good. But there's other sneaky little ways in which Americans like to win. But I have to say I find it rather fascinating that a country so obsessed with winning also seems to be fascinated with the idea of losing. Hmm, you don't want to lose your job. You don't want to lose the game, but we're more than happy to lose the weight. Oh yes, weight loss is something that is a huge part of American culture. In fact, in 2004, Americans used to tune in to a TV program called The Biggest Loser. And for 16 years, we would watch as fitness trainers would yell at those identified as morbidly obese and hopefully possibly encourage these individuals to lose weight. Only thanks to a recent documentary, we've all come to realize that the pursuit of weight loss was not always in the healthiest manner, despite a doctor being enlisted as part of the team of the show. In fact, this medical professional has revealed that many of the contests the contestants had to go through, the challenges, well, he didn't even know about them, would not have agreed with them. And several of the contestants have found that they are still experiencing PTSD from their time on this show. But our little chat today is not a deep dive into the big bad world of the biggest loser. Our little chat today is to do a dive in a different direction. I want to talk about weight loss, baby. Because you see, it's recently been revealed that an oral medication for GLP1s is now available and it's selling like hot cakes. So if you are someone or know someone who has not wanted to take a GLP1 inhibitor like Monjavi because you were turned off by the idea of having to prick yourself with a needle? Well, my darlings, you're in luck because now you can take a pill and will it solve all your problems? Like a good friend Neo in the Matrix. Will swallowing a pill allow you to see your world for what it really is? Will it allow you to achieve your dreams, your goals? I do wonder. Now, don't get me wrong. I am in full support of those who are suffering from medical conditions in which they cannot lose weight or they have really struggled to be able to keep weight off. For those who find themselves in positions where they feel that food is controlling their lives, then something like one of these drugs could be a game changer. Because they may finally feel that they have some control over their eating and their future and their bodies. But isn't it interesting that so many celebrities in Hollywood seem to be very thin right now? And some have come out to say that their weight loss is due to one of these drugs, and some have denied taking these drugs, and that weight loss is all due to a change in diet or hard work. I'm not here to judge that, and I'm not here to judge them. Baby, I want you to think about whether or not all of these changed bodies are of people who would have previously been identified as morbidly obese. And so as much as we have found ourselves loving the idea that someone can win the weight loss game, they're winning and losing at the same time. Which you may be like Ray, who gives a shit about Hollywood? And I understand this sentiment, but this isn't about Hollywood. This is about you. This is about me, and this is about celebrity culture's influence on the masses. Now, back in the day, a celebrity could be seen going out to dinner and then they could go and live the rest of their lives. Maybe there was a rumor about someone having an affair, but often the tabloids could be paid off, or it was only given oh so much care and concern. Someone's weight loss? Well, that wasn't always headlines because it might be more interesting to talk about what the local banker has been up to. And alas, my darlings, with social media and with the internet's widespread ability to host programs like TMZ and everyone turning into a influencer slash news organization slash gossip columnist. Well, the idea of who has had a nip and tuck, the idea of who's taking what medication, the idea of who looks good and who looks well interesting after their weight loss journey, it is not only prevalent, but it can feel downright overwhelming. Mmm. Now, even if you're not on social media, you may walk through the grocery store and see a magazine headline about who has lost weight or who looks scary then. I don't know about you, babe, but I feel like it's become almost inescapable to see these kinds of comments. Fascinating, isn't it? To be constantly surrounded by all this losing. Hmm. And yet wasn't it not that long ago when Americans were all about embracing plus size? Yeah. From twenty fifteen to twenty nineteen. Being a bigger body was all the rage, especially being a plus size woman. Mm-hmm. Oh yes. Fashion shows were featuring plus size models, not in separate showings, but on the main stage. Magazine covers were of bigger gals, and America was obsessed with Lizzo in 2019. Here we have this big, bold, beautiful woman with a whole lot of talent who was willing to bear all for the cover of her album, was it? Was a damn good album. Though darlings, I do have to wonder why is it in America that we are applauding people any time that they decide to take a photo in their birthday suit? Mmm. Why is it that if someone is scantily clad, this is poo-pooed upon? Ugh. How dare you wear that short skirt? How dare you wear that low cut top? How dare you, sir, wear those short shorts? Mmm. After all, no one needs to see all that. And yet, the minute a celebrity takes a photo wearing nothing, we're clapping thunderously. Oh how brave they're naked. I always find myself thinking, I think Demi Moore did it first people. But with her statement, it wasn't just look at this body. Her statement was this pregnant body is beautiful. And with that being said, Americans do have a very weird relationship when it comes to pregnant bodies, being that we love babies, but the idea of a woman's body changing during pregnancy is ooh. Don't give us that. Hide that belly, mama. But we'll save that for a different chat. Because I want to focus on this weight loss journey. You see, Lizzo's well, America's obsession with Lizzo came about in 2019. To be fair, she was creating music long before that and long before she was bearing it all on her album cover. Now, it was in 2016 when the biggest loser ended. And remember, I said the craze in America took flight, took off in 2015. So, not a big coincidence that the show focused on helping big bodies lose lots of weight was no longer in favor with people. And so, fast forward to 2019, we've all been loving these big bodies, celebrating these bold announcements of here I am. And then 2020 when we all went indoors. And to be fair, there were lots of things for people to talk about. But notice that when we came out of our homes, we didn't come out of our homes begging for more body positivity in big bodies. No, quite the contrary. Because in 2021, as the world is coming out of their homes in America, GLP ones officially become available to be used for chronic weight loss. In fact, 2023 to 2024, GLP ones saw their highest levels of spending. In fact, it went from being a$13 billion industry to a$71 billion industry. And we are off to the races, baby. Where are we racing to? I mean, if we look at the fact that GLP one industry is over fifty billion dollars at the time of this recording, and the gossip celebrity news industry is over three billion dollar industry. Given that the wider influencer industry is 16 billion, we're gonna deduct a few folks for promoting makeup and coveting luxury goods. A percentage of that influencer industry is also making content related to celebrities. So that$3 billion is definitely gonna be a lot more. Possibly double digits. Now, wouldn't it make sense that these two industries are feeding each other? Celebrity loses weight, says this GOP one saved my life, the public applauds, we've been on that weight loss journey with that celebrity, they look so good now. And so here we are all wanting that same miracle. And we run out and we invest and we endure and go upon our own weight loss journeys. And darling, we didn't even get into the value of the weight loss industry in and of itself, because long before there were GLP1s, there was Weight Watchers and the Atkins diet, both of which are still around today. Now with all that being said, wouldn't this just be a good thing? Everyone who wants to lose weight can lose weight. Isn't that something that should be celebrated? And yet, if it is something that should be celebrated, then why is it unacceptable in American society to comment someone if they've gained weight? Oh, you've gained a little weight. But it's acceptable to say to someone, oh my gosh, you lost weight. You look so good. Hmm. And you might be saying to yourself, well, lovely, this is just capitalism at its finest. After all, both of these industries are raking in billions of dollars. Influencers are influencing us to want to lose weight. That's what one should expect.

SPEAKER_01 19:39

But I have to ask you, darling, even if this is capitalism at its finest, wouldn't the very issue of weight, of losing, of winning, appear elsewhere.

SPEAKER_00 20:00

I mean, is Nirvana really not judging our bodies at all? Not commenting on someone else's body, not commenting on your own body? I don't know how many times, baby, I've had friends say, Oh, you look good, you look fine. And I'm thinking, you're not in this body. You don't know this body, you don't know what it feels like to touch this body. So why are you telling me what I should think or feel about my fucking body? Because it's very easy to project one's own ideas onto someone else in an attempt to feel as though you are supporting them. And yet, what is real support? Is real support applauding that person who has been on a weight loss struggle or even a weight gain struggle? Is that real support? After all, they've struggled, they've won, they've succeeded, they've accomplished that goal. Does that not deserve recognition? And yet giving such recognition could also be seen as identifying whether or not one is deemed acceptable. Oh my gosh, you lost so much weight, you look so good. Even though the intention may be, I know how hard you've struggled. Congratulations on achieving your goal. It can also be warped by the receiving ears, by the other mind as saying, I now find you acceptable that you have rid yourself of whatever it was that was weighing you down.

SPEAKER_01 21:58

Interesting, isn't it?

SPEAKER_00 22:00

So let's say Nirvana is not judging our bodies. Let's say it's not judging other people's bodies. Let's say we kill the celebrity gossip industry surrounded by weight.

SPEAKER_01 22:21

You can keep your gossip on the other things for now. Let's say we all look at our bodies as simply vehicles that process fuel. What would that do to fashion? Would the creative side of fashion cease to exist?

SPEAKER_00 22:46

Would the problem solving side of fashion cease to exist? Or would it merely shrink after all? If we are not judging our bodies and simply doing things that make our bodies healthier or stronger or more flexible, then what would be the need for skims or spanks or any of those items that are designed to project a certain shape? And would we all find other ways to express ourselves? Or would self-expression be freer? Would we all be able to wear what other colors we want, not fearing that those colors, those garments might draw the wrong kind of attention? I shouldn't wear red. I'm in a bigger body. It'll make me stand out. No longer an obstacle or a concern because your body is bigger. You don't care about what others think. No one is paying attention to you. No one cares what you look like. And you are only focused on finding ways to make your body healthier or stronger. Or maybe you have zero desire to be healthier or stronger. You like your body the exact size that it is? Would you wear red? Would you change the way you dressed? Would you feel freer to do as you please? I don't know, baby. Because the desire to be rewarded for achieving one's goal, the desire to be recognized for winning, for winning when so long we felt like losers, that desire won't go away. It'll appear in other ways as it already does. The friend who says, I don't want people looking at me. I don't want to be the center of attention at the wedding. I don't want all those eyes on me. I don't need the big dress. I don't need the first dance. Is that friend not seeking recognition in other areas of life? Like working the hardest? Like being the happiest couple? How many dads out there want to be the best dad? Grandparents want to be the best grandparent or have the cutest grandkid? How many couples don't need all of that fanfare and attention? Let's just go to the courthouse. It's just for us. Let's elope. And yet they take pride in being the happiest couple, that couple that everyone else looks up to. How many athletes put in the reps through the hours because they want to be the very best?

SPEAKER_01 26:39

They want to win. They want to win the game. They want their team to make it to the championship. They want to take home the prize. Even if you, my love, are not body conscious. Have you at times found yourself going, ooh? What a hideous shirt. Or my that skirt is short. Or hmm. That uh hair is it real? Is it a toupee? How many times have you found yourself observing? Taking note, making a comment, even if internally.

SPEAKER_00 27:42

And you may be saying, honestly, I'm oblivious to those things. I don't see them. I'm focused on living my best life. I'm focused on my kids. I'm focused on my work.

SPEAKER_01 27:55

And yet, your focus on your work.

SPEAKER_00 28:03

Are you not eager to make it better? Would you not appreciate that end of year recognition that comes in the shape of a bonus?

SPEAKER_01 28:16

Or are you not keeping an eye out for potential promotion? So focused on those kids?

SPEAKER_00 28:28

And are you not secretly feeling a bit of satisfaction when they win the game? When someone else comments on how good they are at whatever it is that they do. Your child is such a wonderful violinist. Your child is so polite. Your child is so pretty. Your child's so tall.

SPEAKER_01 29:03

Yours. Yours. Let's face it, baby. We all want to be the MVP of our own lives. And while you may say enlightenment comes from being free of the limitations of the body, I would argue that striving to be free of one's observations and one's desires.

SPEAKER_00 29:44

Well, Buddhists can tell you that that can be a lifelong pursuit, but I'd argue that it's simply a part of human nature. Because, as far as I see it, no matter where you turn, there's always the desire to win. And so, my darlings, if we can accept that we are all eager to win in some area of our lives, and if you are seeking to win, then that must mean that you are losing somewhere.

SPEAKER_01 30:30

So are all losers.

SPEAKER_00 30:33

Then we can accept that whether or not we're winning at weight loss or losing at weight loss or being inundated with commentary on weight loss courtesy of the GLP one marketing machine, we can accept that whatever information we take in, we have the power to control how that information is received. We can view our own bodies as vehicles for fuel.

SPEAKER_01 31:15

Or we can also choose to view our bodies as receptacles of connection. Just a thought. So the next time someone says to you, Oh, you look good, did you lose weight?

SPEAKER_00 31:41

Or oh my gosh, you look so good, you can simply take that in and not look at it as receiving their approval, but simply take it in as someone has noticed the process in which I feel my body.

SPEAKER_01 32:07

Now let me guide them to observe the manner in which I feel my mind and invite them into a chat upon a subject that I find truly intriguing. A subject unrelated to my body or their observation. Until next time, darlings, it's been lovely to chat.