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Writer's pictureBernadette Henry

Embracing Your 40s: A Balanced Approach to Weight Loss, Wellness, and Managing Stigma



In our 40s, many of us start paying more attention to our health and well-being. Whether it's losing weight, staying active, or simply feeling better, the changes we make to improve our lives can often come with external feedback and even internal judgment. This is particularly true when the methods we choose to improve our health—like using medications such as Ozempic—come with societal misconceptions or stigmas. In this blog post, I'll share my journey with weight loss, including my experience with Ozempic, and guide how to manage the stigma that sometimes accompanies our health decisions. I'll also highlight the importance of holistic wellness approaches, including fitness routines like jump rope, spin classes, and speed walking, all of which have contributed to my progress.


For those of us in our 40s, finding balance in our wellness journey can be challenging. There are many factors to juggle: family, work, personal goals, and, yes, even social feedback. Let's explore how to embrace our health journeys while staying confident and informed and discuss the importance of working closely with healthcare providers to make decisions that suit our unique needs.


My Journey with Weight Loss and Wellness in My 40s


Recently, I shared on social media that I went to my doctor's office and felt proud of my progress in my weight loss journey. In just three months, I had gone from 236 lbs to 225 lbs—an 11-pound loss—thanks to a combination of spin classes, jump rope workouts, speed walking, and the use of Ozempic. While the reaction to my post was mostly positive, one comment stood out:


("Congratulations and be careful. A friend ended up in the hospital for six days with pancreas issues after vomiting blood 2X. She had no appetite and nausea for a while before it got very bad.”)


While I appreciated the concern, mentioning Ozempic overshadowed the hard work I had put into my physical activities. In my response, I explained that, for me, Ozempic wasn't just a trendy "weight loss" drug; it was a medically necessary prescription given after my doctor reviewed my blood work results. My insurance wouldn't have approved it otherwise. Ozempic, initially intended to help manage diabetes, has been stigmatized as a weight loss medication. This got me thinking about stigma's role in our health journeys, particularly regarding weight management in our 40s.


Understanding the Stigma Around Weight Loss Medications


There are two main types of stigma: one is societal, where negative stereotypes and prejudice are directed at an individual, and the other is internal, where people develop negative beliefs about themselves due to societal attitudes (Corrigan & Watson, 2002). Both of these can be incredibly damaging, especially when trying to improve your health.


For many years, people with diabetes have used insulin and other medications to manage their illness. However, the popularity of Ozempic for weight loss has led to increased judgment from those who don't fully understand its purpose or how it works. The stigma often stems from misinformation or assumptions that individuals are simply looking for a quick fix.


But for people like me, who have been prescribed the medication based on medical necessity, it's crucial to separate the myths from the facts.

Using Ozempic isn't about shortcuts—it's about working with my doctor to address my health holistically. It's a tool that complements my active lifestyle, not a replacement for the hard work I put into spinning, jumping rope, and walking.


According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 70% of women in their 40s are either overweight or obese, and many of us face significant health risks due to weight (CDC, 2022). Proper weight management is essential not only for physical health but also for mental well-being. This is why prescribed medications like Ozempic can play a key role in a personalized health plan.


Holistic Approaches to Health in Your 40s


While medication is sometimes a necessary part of weight loss, it's also essential to adopt a holistic approach to wellness. This has meant incorporating spin classes, jump rope exercises, and speed walking into my routine. Each of these activities brings its own set of benefits:

  • Spin Classes: These are an excellent cardiovascular workout that helps burn calories and improve endurance. Maintaining cardiovascular health becomes increasingly important as we age, and spinning offers a low-impact way to stay fit without putting too much strain on the joints.

  • Jump Rope Workouts: Jump rope is another fantastic exercise that can be done anywhere. It improves coordination, strengthens muscles, and is incredibly effective for weight loss. For women in their 40s, jump rope workouts are a quick, high-intensity way to fit in exercise despite busy schedules.

  • Speed Walking: Speed walking is a more accessible option for many, and it's highly effective for weight management and cardiovascular health. I enjoy incorporating speed walking into my routine because it allows me to clear my mind while staying active.


Research supports the benefits of incorporating physical activities like these into your daily routine. A study published in The Journal of Aging and Physical Activity found that regular cardiovascular exercise in middle-aged women significantly improved both physical and mental health outcomes (Nelson et al., 2019). These findings emphasize that staying active is critical for our bodies and minds as we age.


Managing the External and Internal Stigma


Returning to the idea of stigma, it's important to remember that external judgments shouldn't deter us from pursuing the best health treatments and methods for us. The stigma surrounding Ozempic, or any medication for that matter, is something that we should be aware of, but not let control our choices.


Internally, it's just as important to avoid negative self-talk. We often carry outdated beliefs about weight loss, health, and aging, which can serve as barriers to progress. For example, the belief that we need to rely solely on willpower or that taking medication is a sign of weakness is not only inaccurate but also counterproductive.


Embracing a well-rounded and multifaceted approach to wellness is one of the best ways to achieve sustainable results. Whether through medication, exercise, or nutrition, adopting practices that reflect your body's needs and your circumstances is essential. No two journeys are the same; what works for one person might not work for another. The key is to consult with professionals and make informed decisions based on science and medical advice rather than societal pressures or fear of judgment.


Working with Healthcare Providers


One of the most valuable lessons I've learned during this journey is the importance of working closely with healthcare providers. Whether managing a chronic illness, trying to lose weight, or improving overall wellness, your doctor is your best resource. They can help you understand the risks and benefits of any treatment, from medications like Ozempic to lifestyle changes.


It's worth noting that medications, like any treatment, come with risks and side effects. This is why having open and honest conversations with your doctor is essential, and you should only start therapy with professional guidance. You're setting yourself up for success when using medication in tandem with a well-rounded approach that includes exercise, proper nutrition, and mental well-being practices.


In your 40s, weight loss and wellness are more than just a number on the scale. It's about embracing a balanced approach that includes physical and mental health. For some of us, that might mean using medications like Ozempic under medical supervision. For others, it could involve adopting new fitness routines like spinning, jumping rope, or speed walking. What matters most is that we focus on what works best for our bodies and lives and avoid letting external or internal stigma dictate our choices.


Remember, your wellness journey is personal. Whether navigating weight loss, managing a health condition, or simply aiming to feel better in your skin, it's important to approach these changes with an open mind and, most importantly, with self-compassion.


Let's keep the conversation going, share our experiences, and support each other as we strive for health and wellness in our 40s and beyond.




References:

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Adult Obesity Facts. https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/adult.html

  • Corrigan, P. W., & Watson, A. C. (2002). The paradox of self-stigma and mental illness. Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice, 9(1), 35–53.

  • Nelson, M. E., Rejeski, W. J., Blair, S. N., Duncan, P. W., Judge, J. O., King, A. C., Macera, C. A., & Castaneda-Sceppa, C. (2019). Physical activity and public health in older adults: Recommendation from the American College of Sports Medicine and the American Heart Association. Journal of Aging and Physical Activity, 17(2), 302-308.

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