I’d been dreading my annual physical for weeks. Not only does routine lab work trigger my medical anxiety, but I also knew my doctor would gently remind me — again — about the importance of losing weight for my long-term health.

As always, I prepared a few questions to ask, one of which was about her opinion on Ozempic-type drugs. I had a friend experiencing great success with them, and I’d heard plenty of positive stories. But what really tipped the scales for me was Oprah. When I heard that she had chosen to use these medications, I realized it might be time for me to seriously consider them. I’ve been struggling with my weight for two decades, unable to find a long-term solution to build lasting, healthier habits. Seeing Oprah, a woman with nearly unlimited resources — time, private chefs, personal trainers, and coaches — still needing to turn to weight-loss medication helped me recognize that I, too, might need more help than I could give myself.

I even consulted a pharmacist friend, who gave me an encouraging response about the class of drugs. So, I knew it was time to ask my doctor.

When I brought it up, my doctor was enthusiastic. She reassured me about the safety of these medications, even saying that she’d use them herself if she needed. In just a few keystrokes, I had a three-month supply of Zepbound prescriptions in hand, along with a clear guide on how to administer the injections and, most importantly, a renewed sense of optimism about my long-term health.