Starting From Respect: How We Can Have Healthy Conversations

Recently, the celebrity press was abuzz about Ozempic^® — yet again. On social media, one celebrity commented that another was looking good in a photo, then asked if that was because of Ozempic^®.

The question, "Does she or doesn't she?" swirled around. Then the backlash began. The commenting celebrity insisted she was paying a compliment, but from the reaction, it quickly became clear that's not how everyone interpreted it.

Social media and talking about medications

This seemingly minor public faux pas raises an important question, though. Is it ever really okay to ask whether someone is using a specific medication, especially if that medication triggers strong emotions and opinions? This time, it was weight loss and a GLP-1 agonist that was called into question. But for people with type 2 diabetes, it could have just as easily been about managing glucose levels with insulin.

This leaves me wondering. Do we need to establish new etiquette rules when navigating the delicate topic of medications and treatments, especially on social media?

Blurring the boundaries between public and private

Traditionally, the medications we use have been a private matter. They're not typically discussed in casual conversation, let alone in the public square of social media. However, weight loss and type 2 diabetes occupy a unique space in public commentary. Somehow, managing our weight and glucose levels is fair game for discussion.

Diet and exercise alone is held up as the ideal approach. If you do anything else, people have opinions about the "best" or "right" approach to managing our health.

Uncovering the stigma in comments about health and weight

These uncomfortable exchanges surface a deeper issue: the stigma attached to using medication in certain circumstances.

The assumption behind this stigma is that it's somehow better not to use medication. Self-discipline when it comes to losing weight or controlling blood sugar should be enough. We just need to take control. Our good behavior and choices will keep us healthy.

Anyone living with type 2 diabetes or who has struggled with their weight can tell you this isn't the case. Our body's biology is far too complex to simply rely on the mantra of eating less and moving more.

Because popular opinion lines up with this assumption, those of us who have "failed" at managing our diabetes without medication can be left feeling ashamed. Ironically, this shame and stigma drives people to withdraw and hide – making it just that much harder to get and stay healthy.

Good intentions don't always lead to healthy outcomes

As they say, "the road to hell is paved with good intentions." Despite the commenter's best intentions, we still feel the emotional sting when given a backhanded compliment or asked a judgmental question.

Making double-edged compliments or asking prying questions is quite simply disrespectful. We can't fully know the story behind anyone else's health journey, and making these kinds of comments minimizes that person's experiences and violates their privacy.

Where do we go from here?

How do we navigate a world where open discussion about our health journey is commonplace while still being respectful? The answer isn't clear-cut.

There is a difference between conversing with a close friend and publicly putting them on the spot with a pointed question or speculation about their health. But where do we draw the line?

Perhaps we should start by coming from a place of mutual respect. Before saying anything, we should pause for a moment to consider whether what I'm about to say is something I would welcome being said about me, especially in public.

We can go a step further by valuing personal boundaries over our own curiosity and speculation. Focus on a person's overall well-being and not some arbitrary standard of health. Celebrate their personal health journey, wherever it takes them.

Ultimately, the question remains: How can we create more positive and supportive conversations around life with type 2 diabetes without crossing the line into stigma and disrespect? Please share your thoughts below.