{"id":455576,"date":"2025-12-18T13:11:18","date_gmt":"2025-12-18T13:11:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/455576\/"},"modified":"2025-12-18T13:11:18","modified_gmt":"2025-12-18T13:11:18","slug":"opinion-glp-1s-14-users-discuss","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/455576\/","title":{"rendered":"Opinion | GLP 1s: 14 Users Discuss"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

What is going well in your life right now? What is going well in
your life right now?<\/p>\n

\"\" \u201cMy health.\u201d <\/p>\n

Xavier, 56, Ill., Dem., Black <\/p>\n

\"\" \u201cMy exercise regimen.\u201d <\/p>\n

Brooke, 39, Fla., Rep., white <\/p>\n

\"\" \u201cEverything.\u201d <\/p>\n

Joseph, 63, Md., Dem., Black <\/p>\n

Over the last few years, taking a GLP-1 medication \u2014 drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy and Zepbound \u2014 has become an ordinary experience in the United States with important implications for Americans’ health. <\/p>\n

For the last installment of the America in Focus project this year, we spoke with 14 Americans from all walks of life who are using or have recently used GLP-1 medications. Our conversation covered health, health policy, politics and the medications themselves. <\/p>\n

We talked about both the personal and the big picture: What does it mean to feel healthy? What makes being healthy harder or easier in America? Where do mental health, work-life balance and the high cost of living today factor into health? \u201cTrying to balance everything else out financially to eat good, you have to be able to afford it,\u201d one said. \u201cAnd I think a lot of people can\u2019t.\u201d <\/p>\n

While several participants had complicated thoughts about the medications \u2014 some were frustrated with the cost, side effects or reaching a plateau \u2014 many described immensely positive effects on their overall health. <\/p>\n

A few also mentioned the judgment, discrimination or mistreatment they\u2019ve faced at times in their lives because of their weight. \u201cI\u2019ve gained and lost 100 pounds several times in my life, and I would feel it every time,\u201d one participant said of discrimination. People who judge those on the medication, she added, \u201cdon\u2019t understand what the battle with obesity is and how this drug helps with it.\u201d <\/p>\n

Katherine Miller, Margie Omero and Adrian J. Rivera <\/p>\n

Ms. Miller is a staff editor in Opinion. Ms. Omero is a pollster. Mr. Rivera is an editorial assistant in Opinion.<\/p>\n

Participants \"\"\/ <\/p>\n

Andrew 69, S.C., Republican, white, software engineer <\/p>\n

\"\"\/ <\/p>\n

Bill 67, Calif., independent, white, bartender <\/p>\n

\"\"\/ <\/p>\n

Brooke 39, Fla., Republican, white, dog groomer <\/p>\n

\"\"\/ <\/p>\n

Erica 36, Mo., Republican, white, social worker <\/p>\n

\"\"\/ <\/p>\n

Joanne 52, N.J., Republican, white, billing <\/p>\n

\"\"\/ <\/p>\n

Joseph 63, Md., Democrat, Black, driver <\/p>\n

\"\"\/ <\/p>\n

Kathryn 65, Ohio, Libertarian, white, accountant <\/p>\n

\"\"\/ <\/p>\n

Leo 46, Texas, Republican, Latino, logistics <\/p>\n

\"\"\/ <\/p>\n

Navin 54, N.Y., independent, Asian, consultant <\/p>\n

\"\"\/ <\/p>\n

Ricardo 33, Ariz., Democrat, Black, trainer <\/p>\n

\"\"\/ <\/p>\n

Sara 26., Mass., independent, white, exhibits coordinator <\/p>\n

\"\"\/ <\/p>\n

Virginia 56, Mich., Democrat, Latino, disabled <\/p>\n

\"\"\/ <\/p>\n

Xavier 56, Ill., Democrat, Black, housekeeping <\/p>\n

\"\"\/ <\/p>\n

Yessenia 36, Conn., Democrat, Latina, teacher <\/p>\n

Transcript <\/p>\n

Moderator, Margie Omero<\/p>\n

What is going well in your life right now?<\/p>\n

\"\"\/ <\/p>\n

Joseph, 63, Md., Democrat, Black, driver<\/p>\n

Health is good. No major problems, nothing insurmountable. So I would say everything.<\/p>\n

\"\"\/ <\/p>\n

Brooke, 39, Fla., Republican, white, dog groomer<\/p>\n

My exercise regimen.<\/p>\n

\"\"\/ <\/p>\n

Ricardo, 33, Ariz., Democrat, Black, trainer<\/p>\n

Friendship.<\/p>\n

\"\"\/ <\/p>\n

Navin, 54, N.Y., independent, Asian, consultant<\/p>\n

I\u2019m focusing on my walks with my puppy and losing weight, and that\u2019s going well.<\/p>\n

\"\"\/ <\/p>\n

Sara, 26., Mass., independent, white, exhibits coordinator<\/p>\n

My weight and my health.<\/p>\n

\"\"\/ <\/p>\n

Yessenia, 36, Conn., Democrat, Latina, teacher<\/p>\n

Weight loss.<\/p>\n

\"\"\/ <\/p>\n

Xavier, 56, Ill., Democrat, Black, housekeeping<\/p>\n

My health.<\/p>\n

\"\"\/ <\/p>\n

Andrew, 69, S.C., Republican, white, software engineer<\/p>\n

My family finances. We\u2019re really financially secure, and my boys are doing great in school.<\/p>\n

\"\"\/ <\/p>\n

Bill, 67, Calif., independent, white, bartender<\/p>\n

Low stress level.<\/p>\n

\"\"\/ <\/p>\n

Virginia, 56, Mich., Democrat, Latino, disabled<\/p>\n

My mental health.<\/p>\n

Moderator, Margie Omero<\/p>\n

Joseph, you started us off by saying everything\u2019s going well. Tell me more.<\/p>\n

\"\"\/ <\/p>\n

Joseph, 63, Md., Democrat, Black, driver<\/p>\n

I feel very fortunate. I\u2019ve had some setbacks in the past. I\u2019ve had some things to overcome, but my health is better now. I\u2019ve lost some weight. I work out a lot in my home gym, and I just feel like I\u2019m in a very good place right now.<\/p>\n

Moderator, Margie Omero<\/p>\n

Virginia, tell me about your mental health going well.<\/p>\n

\"\"\/ <\/p>\n

Virginia, 56, Mich., Democrat, Latino, disabled<\/p>\n

I suffer from anxiety and depression, and they\u2019ve just been stable. I have a really good psychiatrist. I have a good support system. And my cats make me laugh. I have good friends.<\/p>\n

Moderator, Margie Omero<\/p>\n

Ricardo, tell me about friendship going well.<\/p>\n

\"\"\/ <\/p>\n

Ricardo, 33, Ariz., Democrat, Black, trainer<\/p>\n

Coming up on the holidays, everything that\u2019s going on, I kind of lean on friends and community right now. We just support each other in whatever we\u2019re going through.<\/p>\n

Moderator, Margie Omero<\/p>\n

A couple of people said weight loss was going well. Yessenia, let me start with you. Tell me what made you pick that word.<\/p>\n

\"\"\/ <\/p>\n

Yessenia, 36, Conn., Democrat, Latina, teacher<\/p>\n

I\u2019ve been on a weight loss journey since I\u2019ve been in high school. I did all the trends and then I\u2019ve never been able to keep the weight down. I\u2019ve found something that can actually keep the weight down.<\/p>\n

\"\"\/ <\/p>\n

Sara, 26., Mass., independent, white, exhibits coordinator<\/p>\n

Yeah, I was considered obese. I got on Zepbound and I prioritized working out, trying to get fit and lean. I\u2019ve lost a good amount and I\u2019m happy where I\u2019m at now.<\/p>\n

How would you say things are for you
these days compared with how you expected
your life to be at this stage? How would you say things are
for you these days compared
with how you expected your life
to be at this stage? Things are better than I expected. \"\"\/ Joseph,
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t63, Md., Dem., Black \"\"\/ Leo ,
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t46, Texas, Rep., Latino \"\"\/ Navin,
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t54, N.Y., indep., Asian \"\"\/ Xavier,
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t56, Ill., Dem., Black Things are the same as I expected. \"\"\/ Andrew,
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t69, S.C., Rep., white \"\"\/ Bill,
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t67, Calif., indep., white \"\"\/ Joanne,
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t52, N.J., Rep., white Things are worse than I expected. \"\"\/ Brooke,
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t39, Fla., Rep., white \"\"\/ Erica,
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t36, Mo., Rep., white \"\"\/ Kathryn,
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t65, Ohio, Libertarian, white \"\"\/ Ricardo,
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t33, Ariz., Dem., Black \"\"\/ Sara,
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t26., Mass., indep., white \"\"\/ Virginia,
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t56, Mich., Dem., Latino \"\"\/ Yessenia,
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t36, Conn., Dem., Latina \"\"\/ <\/p>\n

Leo, 46, Texas, Republican, Latino, logistics<\/p>\n

Financially, I\u2019m in a little bit better space than I was a few years back. But for the most part, I still struggle like everyone else, but I think I just feel like I\u2019m in a better spot now where I\u2019m at.<\/p>\n

\"\"\/ <\/p>\n

Xavier, 56, Ill., Democrat, Black, housekeeping<\/p>\n

I said better because last year, I found out I had diabetes. My A1C was extremely high, a 13.9. And this year I got it all the way down to a 5.7. So I\u2019ve really been focusing on my diabetes and getting the numbers down and keeping them down.<\/p>\n

\"\"\/ <\/p>\n

Brooke, 39, Fla., Republican, white, dog groomer<\/p>\n

I said that things were worse because things feel harder right now: just getting older, gaining weight, facing health crises and trying to get everything under control. I just feel like it\u2019s harder for me right now.<\/p>\n

\"\"\/ <\/p>\n

Erica, 36, Mo., Republican, white, social worker<\/p>\n

From a financial standpoint, things are just costing so much these days, and the pay is not really going up. It\u2019s been really hard to keep up.<\/p>\n

\"\"\/ <\/p>\n

Ricardo, 33, Ariz., Democrat, Black, trainer<\/p>\n

There\u2019s a hiring freeze at my job. We have had to let a lot of people go, and I\u2019m really close with people at my job.<\/p>\n

Moderator, Margie Omero<\/p>\n

What does it mean to you to live a healthy life?<\/p>\n

\"\"\/ <\/p>\n

Yessenia, 36, Conn., Democrat, Latina, teacher<\/p>\n

Living a healthy life is watching what you\u2019re eating, maybe having more self-control, not overindulging, moving your body, drinking lots of water, making sure you have the protein and just not overeating.<\/p>\n

\"\"\/ <\/p>\n

Andrew, 69, S.C., Republican, white, software engineer<\/p>\n

I feel good almost all the time, despite some health conditions that are managed. That\u2019s what healthy means to me.<\/p>\n

\"\"\/ <\/p>\n

Ricardo, 33, Ariz., Democrat, Black, trainer<\/p>\n

Limiting media consumption and making sure that you\u2019re feeling a sense of joy, doing things that bring you joy. I want to do things that mitigate the way that the negative things out there will make me feel. So I will go to the park, walk my dog, cook, listen to music, hang out with friends to just refill myself with joy.<\/p>\n

\"\"\/ <\/p>\n

Sara, 26., Mass., independent, white, exhibits coordinator<\/p>\n

Mental health is probably the most important part of a healthy life. But just being able to walk around and breathe is really important, too. Whatever that looks like for someone, that\u2019s what healthy would be.<\/p>\n

\"\"\/ <\/p>\n

Leo, 46, Texas, Republican, Latino, logistics<\/p>\n

It\u2019s a little bit of this, a bit of that, a little bit of finances, a little bit of health, family time, balancing work and life, that type of thing.<\/p>\n

\"\"\/ <\/p>\n

Joanne, 52, N.J., Republican, white, billing<\/p>\n

I agree that I think it\u2019s a combination of mental and physical. I think when you\u2019re in a good frame of mind and things are going well, you feel better. Physically, I think it has a lot to do with what you eat. I just lost a lot of weight myself. It\u2019s hard, but I feel 100 times better than I did.<\/p>\n

Moderator, Margie Omero<\/p>\n

How easy or hard is it to live a healthy life as you define it?<\/p>\n

\"\"\/ <\/p>\n

Brooke, 39, Fla., Republican, white, dog groomer<\/p>\n

I think it\u2019s hard. There\u2019s so many temptations; I have a sweet tooth. It\u2019s been harder with the health journey now, because food is way more expensive. And so changing in our family, our eating habits, like our grocery bill, I don\u2019t know. It\u2019s jumped through the roof. So trying to balance everything else out financially to eat good, you have to be able to afford it. And I think a lot of people can\u2019t.<\/p>\n

\"\"\/ <\/p>\n

Virginia, 56, Mich., Democrat, Latino, disabled<\/p>\n

I think it\u2019s harder, because the easiest food to get is the cheapest food to get. And I live in a rural area. It\u2019s not very easy to walk.<\/p>\n

\"\"\/ <\/p>\n

Erica, 36, Mo., Republican, white, social worker<\/p>\n

I think it\u2019s a daily challenge, a struggle, just making those right decisions. You have to get up every day and just have a mind-set that you\u2019re going to make good nutrition choices and move your body. They\u2019re all connected: mental health and nutrition and physical movement.<\/p>\n

Moderator, Margie Omero<\/p>\n

Anybody else? Is it harder or easier than it used to be? Andrew, what do you think?<\/p>\n

\"\"\/ <\/p>\n

Andrew, 69, S.C., Republican, white, software engineer<\/p>\n

As I get older, keeping the weight down and being active and things like that get harder. But if you make a mental shift toward being healthy, then it just comes naturally.<\/p>\n

Moderator, Margie Omero<\/p>\n

How do you make a mental shift?<\/p>\n

\"\"\/ <\/p>\n

Andrew, 69, S.C., Republican, white, software engineer<\/p>\n

You make yourself do it, and then eventually it becomes second nature. It becomes part of your life and part of your routine.<\/p>\n

\"\"\/ <\/p>\n

Xavier, 56, Ill., Democrat, Black, housekeeping<\/p>\n

It\u2019s hard. It\u2019s hard to eat right. It\u2019s hard to not eat desserts. So that\u2019s kind of a challenge for me sometimes, just eating right, eating healthy and getting out, walking, exercising. It\u2019s kind of hard sometimes.<\/p>\n

\"\"\/ <\/p>\n

Leo, 46, Texas, Republican, Latino, logistics<\/p>\n

Yeah, I think as we get into the holiday seasons, the sweets spark up, unfortunately. Trying to withstand that is a hard thing.<\/p>\n

\"\"\/ <\/p>\n

Joseph, 63, Md., Democrat, Black, driver<\/p>\n

I was just going to say, it\u2019s kind of hard to maintain good eating habits, especially if you\u2019ve been engaged in bad eating habits all your life. It takes some work and it\u2019s a journey, but it also has its rewards, too.<\/p>\n

Moderator, Margie Omero<\/p>\n

Like what?<\/p>\n

\"\"\/ <\/p>\n

Joseph, 63, Md., Democrat, Black, driver<\/p>\n

Your health and your mental state. The more you improve your health, your mental health will then follow.<\/p>\n

Moderator, Margie Omero<\/p>\n

Is it easy or hard to get the information you need to live a healthy life?<\/p>\n

\"\"\/ <\/p>\n

Kathryn, 65, Ohio, Libertarian, white, accountant<\/p>\n

Well, I think information is easy to get. You can do Google searches and ask A.I. My problem is I don\u2019t know which sources to trust and whatnot. Getting information is easy. Knowing that it\u2019s accurate, that\u2019s a little harder.<\/p>\n

\"\"\/ <\/p>\n

Bill, 67, Calif., independent, white, bartender<\/p>\n

I think sharing experiences with friends helps a lot. What\u2019s worked with your friends, usually, you\u2019ll share among each other. Because a lot of my friends, we all have the same health problems. So we talk about what works and what doesn\u2019t work. That\u2019s usually much more helpful than looking online.<\/p>\n

Moderator, Katherine Miller<\/p>\n

In that vein, who, if anyone, in your life do you talk to about these kinds of things? Friends? Family? Doctors? Online communities?<\/p>\n

\"\"\/ <\/p>\n

Virginia, 56, Mich., Democrat, Latino, disabled<\/p>\n

When it comes to my health, I trust my P.C.P. so intensely.<\/p>\n

\"\"\/ <\/p>\n

Joanne, 52, N.J., Republican, white, billing<\/p>\n

I talk to my friends, mainly. We\u2019re big googlers; we\u2019re always looking up stuff to see what we have that we don\u2019t have. We\u2019re all the same age, so we\u2019re all going through the same issues right now, whether that be menopause or just getting older in general.<\/p>\n

\"\"\/ <\/p>\n

Navin, 54, N.Y., independent, Asian, consultant<\/p>\n

Well, I\u2019ll say that, you know what? Information is out there. It\u2019s for you to seek it. And for me, it\u2019s like 95 percent of it is mind-set. You\u2019ve got to make an informed decision in your head that you\u2019re willing to make a change, because no matter how much somebody coaxes you, whether it\u2019s your doctor, your friend or your family member, unless you decide you\u2019re going to make that change, it\u2019s not going to happen. And once you\u2019ve made that decision, live with it for 21 days.<\/p>\n

Moderator, Katherine Miller<\/p>\n

What are the things that you feel make healthy living difficult as a priority?<\/p>\n

\"\"\/ <\/p>\n

Yessenia, 36, Conn., Democrat, Latina, teacher<\/p>\n

There\u2019s social temptation, like when friends invite you out to places for a girls\u2019 night type of thing.<\/p>\n

\"\"\/ <\/p>\n

Erica, 36, Mo., Republican, white, social worker<\/p>\n

Time is a big one. Getting things on the go is a big one. And healthy foods are definitely more expensive than just grabbing fast food or junk food at the store.<\/p>\n

\"\"\/ <\/p>\n

Joseph, 63, Md., Democrat, Black, driver<\/p>\n

Cost is definitely a factor. You want to eat healthy, but when you see the prices of how much healthier foods cost, it tends to deter you from doing so.<\/p>\n

Moderator, Margie Omero<\/p>\n

Everyone here has been recruited tonight because they are currently or were recently taking GLP-1 medications, like Ozempic, Zepbound, et cetera. How did you decide to start taking a GLP-1?<\/p>\n

\"\"\/ <\/p>\n

Xavier, 56, Ill., Democrat, Black, housekeeping<\/p>\n

I got on medication in August of last year, when I found out my A1C was a 13.9. I had started on four different medications, and they wasn\u2019t doing anything to lower my blood sugar. My endocrinologist put me on Mounjaro, and my A1C has dropped down to 5.7.<\/p>\n

\"\"\/ <\/p>\n

Yessenia, 36, Conn., Democrat, Latina, teacher<\/p>\n

I\u2019ve been struggling with my weight since I was in high school, and I tried all the different weight-loss programs: keto, Atkins, Weight Watchers. Then I started hearing about the weight-loss injections. And I started actually seeing people on it and losing weight drastically. I tried for over a year to get on it, but it wouldn\u2019t get approved. My job unveiled a benefit for a health wellness program where I spoke to a telehealth weight doctor, who ended up approving my prescription.<\/p>\n

\"\"\/ <\/p>\n

Joanne, 52, N.J., Republican, white, billing<\/p>\n

I\u2019ve been on it for a while. I was hesitant in the beginning. I was more nervous about what was going to happen to me when I went off it, and whether I was going to gain the weight back. But my friends\u2019 and my motto was: Well, if we gain back half of what we lost, we\u2019re still ahead of the game. So I got approved easily, and my A1C went down. That was a primary reason for me to go on it, because it was kind of getting up there, and I was getting a little nervous. My insurance has stopped covering it. I still have a few boxes left. I\u2019ll see what happens when I\u2019m finished with those, and I\u2019ll go from there.<\/p>\n

Moderator, Margie Omero<\/p>\n

Were people nervous or excited about the idea of the medication?<\/p>\n

\"\"\/ <\/p>\n

Virginia, 56, Mich., Democrat, Latino, disabled<\/p>\n

I was excited. My endocrinologist was very charming. And she said, I remember Mount Kilimanjaro, that\u2019s how you remember it. Mounjaro. And it just made me feel good. I had the gastric sleeve and I lost 150 pounds. And then my A1C\u2019s down to 6 right now. So it\u2019s been a miraculous medication for me.<\/p>\n

\"\"\/ <\/p>\n

Bill, 67, Calif., independent, white, bartender<\/p>\n

I was very optimistic. I was taking it to try and bring my blood sugar down, of course, but also to lose weight. And I was more excited about losing weight than bringing my blood sugar down. But that didn\u2019t pan out at all. I lost five pounds, and two months later, I gained it back. But it did bring down my blood sugar, which is OK, so it was half the battle.<\/p>\n

\"\"\/ <\/p>\n

Navin, 54, N.Y., independent, Asian, consultant<\/p>\n

My cousin was on Ozempic for almost five years, and after a discussion with her and my endocrinologist, I decided to give it a shot. It\u2019s just been amazing. It\u2019s working really well and I\u2019m really, really happy. And it\u2019s also helping with the weight loss, obviously.<\/p>\n

\"\"\/ <\/p>\n

Sara, 26., Mass., independent, white, exhibits coordinator<\/p>\n

I was excited for the journey of losing weight, but also nervous, and also a little bit shameful, only I\u2019m still young. And I didn\u2019t know how others would view it, and I didn\u2019t want to disappoint anyone. It was kind of that feeling of, oh, you couldn\u2019t do it on your own. I was like: I need something to really help push me to the next level. Once I lose it, I\u2019ll be more active, and it\u2019ll be easier.<\/p>\n

\"\"\/ <\/p>\n

Bill, 67, Calif., independent, white, bartender<\/p>\n

My only real concern was what was going to happen when you stop taking it. Do you gain the weight back?<\/p>\n

\"\"\/ <\/p>\n

Kathryn, 65, Ohio, Libertarian, white, accountant<\/p>\n

I just take it for cosmetic purposes. I didn\u2019t have any medical reason for it. I talked to my family doctor about how to do this in a cost-effective way. And I use a compounded product, so it\u2019s not so expensive. And she referred me to another set of doctors that did it. I have gained and lost and gained and lost hundreds of pounds over my 60-something years. I wanted to stop it.<\/p>\n

Moderator, Margie Omero<\/p>\n

And what\u2019s your experience been?<\/p>\n

\"\"\/ <\/p>\n

Kathryn, 65, Ohio, Libertarian, white, accountant<\/p>\n

With Ozempic and then Zepbound, it\u2019s worked well. The bad eating is not a habit anymore. And for the people that say, well, I feel like I\u2019m cheating because I\u2019m not doing it natural or should be doing it natural, I view this as much of a mental health drug as a gastrointestinal drug or whatever, because it impacts your head as to how you feel about food and that kind of thing. I come from a long history of obese family members. I think that it\u2019s giving me chemicals that aren\u2019t in my body naturally that I need to be healthier and happier.<\/p>\n

\"\"\/ <\/p>\n

Joseph, 63, Md., Democrat, Black, driver<\/p>\n

I\u2019ve been off it for six or seven months now, and I can tell you that the weight will start to come back. Your appetite will start to get worse than it was before. It\u2019s something that you\u2019ll probably have to use for a long time to come, because your body will fight to regain what it lost.<\/p>\n

Moderator, Margie Omero<\/p>\n

What made you decide to go off it?<\/p>\n

\"\"\/ <\/p>\n

Joseph, 63, Md., Democrat, Black, driver<\/p>\n

Cost. I just couldn\u2019t afford it. It\u2019s very expensive, unless you get a prescription. I tried some of the online websites, the telehealth websites, but it\u2019s still expensive. I reached my goal. I got down to where I wanted to be and I felt healthier, and things were going OK. But you\u2019re fighting thousands of years of evolution. You take all this weight off, and your body will fight you to gain it back.<\/p>\n

\"\"\/ <\/p>\n

Andrew, 69, S.C., Republican, white, software engineer<\/p>\n

I was prescribed it for A1C control, though that number wasn\u2019t terrible. It\u2019s done wonders with that. And I\u2019ve lost the weight, but it seems like after a year, I\u2019ve plateaued. I eat hardly anything now because I\u2019m never hungry. But the weight is not going down. Now my doctor prescribed me a higher dosage and I\u2019m starting to lose weight again, but I\u2019m like, what is the end game here?<\/p>\n

Moderator, Margie Omero<\/p>\n

Does anybody feel like GLP-1s have had an impact on relationships in your life, whether with people you know or with strangers?<\/p>\n

\"\"\/ <\/p>\n

Virginia, 56, Mich., Democrat, Latino, disabled<\/p>\n

I like to buy clothes now. And it\u2019s sad, but people are nicer to me.<\/p>\n

\"\"\/ <\/p>\n

Yessenia, 36, Conn., Democrat, Latina, teacher<\/p>\n

It\u2019s a lot more fun to go out because I\u2019m getting a lot more compliments versus how it used to be.<\/p>\n

\"\"\/ <\/p>\n

Ricardo, 33, Ariz., Democrat, Black, trainer<\/p>\n

I would say that I\u2019m not \u2014 there\u2019s no tension. It\u2019s more like my friends are on board with my change of lifestyle in terms of, I\u2019ve made a shift from my diet. I\u2019m now doing a pescatarian diet, leaning more toward hearty salads and stuff.<\/p>\n

\"\"\/ <\/p>\n

Sara, 26., Mass., independent, white, exhibits coordinator<\/p>\n

My boyfriend has told me that I definitely seem more confident and a little more positive. I definitely have a different aura about myself now than I did before. I didn\u2019t want to be around people and I just didn\u2019t want to try clothes on.<\/p>\n

Moderator, Margie Omero<\/p>\n

People have talked about the pros. Have there been any cons of taking the medication?<\/p>\n

\"\"\/ <\/p>\n

Joseph, 63, Md., Democrat, Black, driver<\/p>\n

Yeah, the side effects.<\/p>\n

\"\"\/ <\/p>\n

Brooke, 39, Fla., Republican, white, dog groomer<\/p>\n

It makes me nauseous.<\/p>\n

\"\"\/ <\/p>\n

Erica, 36, Mo., Republican, white, social worker<\/p>\n

Once you get used to it, it stops working after a while. So you just have to keep going up and up until you can\u2019t go up anymore, and then you have to change medications.<\/p>\n

Moderator, Katherine Miller<\/p>\n

Do you feel like the advice and information you got about the medicine was good? How do people feel like it was presented to them accurately?<\/p>\n

\"\"\/ <\/p>\n

Leo, 46, Texas, Republican, Latino, logistics<\/p>\n

For me it was a little different, or maybe not what I was expecting to happen when it came to side effects and the speed at which the weight came back when I stopped it.<\/p>\n

\"\"\/ <\/p>\n

Bill, 67, Calif., independent, white, bartender<\/p>\n

Well, I was a little disappointed because I had talked to two friends that had taken it, and they had lost weight. I was very excited about it. And I talked to my doctor about it and he was like: Yeah, with this, you\u2019re going to be skinny. He guaranteed it. He\u2019s had to walk that back. I had absolutely no side effects whatsoever, but it didn\u2019t work for me as far as weight loss. Just lowering my blood sugar.<\/p>\n

Moderator, Katherine Miller<\/p>\n

Does anybody feel differently about either the medical profession or about our culture because of this experience?<\/p>\n

\"\"\/ <\/p>\n

Sara, 26., Mass., independent, white, exhibits coordinator<\/p>\n

It\u2019s changed how I think about the culture, for sure, especially because they talked about celebrities taking it like it was this bad, horrible thing. And then you go on it and everyone\u2019s excited for you. And then you see commentary again and it\u2019s back to: Oh, it\u2019s bad, you shouldn\u2019t do it.<\/p>\n

\"\"\/ <\/p>\n

Erica, 36, Mo., Republican, white, social worker<\/p>\n

Because it\u2019s so widely available online and even with primary doctors, it\u2019s made me think doctors are more open-minded now, that they\u2019re willing to do all these things.<\/p>\n

Moderator, Margie Omero<\/p>\n

What\u2019s changed, do you think?<\/p>\n

\"\"\/ <\/p>\n

Erica, 36, Mo., Republican, white, social worker<\/p>\n

I once went to the doctor and asked the doctor for weight-loss medicines. I can\u2019t remember what it was, but it was like a pill or something that\u2019s supposed to curb cravings. And I had several doctors that looked at me like it was taboo, they wouldn\u2019t prescribe something like that, that you should just diet and exercise.<\/p>\n

\"\"\/ <\/p>\n

Joseph, 63, Md., Democrat, Black, driver<\/p>\n

I think there was a lot of skepticism about it at first. I think as more and more people started using it, it became more and more acceptable.<\/p>\n

\"\"\/ <\/p>\n

Andrew, 69, S.C., Republican, white, software engineer<\/p>\n

I just think that the messaging out there was this is all sunshine and roses. This is wonderful stuff. And my experience has been, at least on the weight-loss side, that it\u2019s been a little bit disappointing, that I\u2019ve kind of plateaued and I keep needing to raise my dosages. That\u2019s not what I\u2019d heard, in addition to some of the side effects.<\/p>\n

Moderator, Katherine Miller<\/p>\n

Do people feel this was better, worse or about as you expected as an experience?<\/p>\n

\"\"\/ <\/p>\n

Joanne, 52, N.J., Republican, white, billing<\/p>\n

For me, it was better. I lost more than I thought I was going to lose, and feel better. I\u2019m not off it yet, so I don\u2019t know if my opinion is going to change when I go off it. But for me, it was for the better. I hardly had any side effects, and I learned a lot online. I learned more online than I did from my doctors, and that helped me with managing any side effects, how to eat right, what to eat, what not to eat.<\/p>\n

\"\"\/ <\/p>\n

Joseph, 63, Md., Democrat, Black, driver<\/p>\n

I learned a lot online from my dietitian, and I learned how to manage the side effects, and I lost 30 pounds. And my blood sugar and my A1C has been perfect for the last year. So it\u2019s been a better, healthy thing for me.<\/p>\n

Do you feel like this has improved
your life a lot, some, not much or not at all? <\/strong> Do you feel like this has improved your life a lot, some, not much or not at all? <\/strong> It has improved my life a lot. \"\"\/ Erica,
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t36, Mo., Rep., white \"\"\/ Joanne,
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t52, N.J., Rep., white \"\"\/ Joseph,
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t63, Md., Dem., Black \"\"\/ Kathryn,
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t65, Ohio, Libertarian, white \"\"\/ Sara,
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t26., Mass., indep., white \"\"\/ Virginia,
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t56, Mich., Dem., Latino \"\"\/ Xavier,
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t56, Ill., Dem., Black It has improved my life by some amount. \"\"\/ Andrew,
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t69, S.C., Rep., white \"\"\/ Bill,
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t67, Calif., indep., white \"\"\/ Brooke,
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t39, Fla., Rep., white \"\"\/ Leo ,
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t46, Texas, Rep., Latino \"\"\/ Navin,
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t54, N.Y., indep., Asian \"\"\/ Ricardo,
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t33, Ariz., Dem., Black \"\"\/ Yessenia,
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t36, Conn., Dem., Latina It has not really improved my life. No one raised a hand. It has not improved my life at all. No one raised a hand. <\/p>\n

Moderator, Margie Omero<\/p>\n

At the beginning of the group, you talked about what was going well. Several of you said my health, weight loss, I\u2019m active, I\u2019m working out, I\u2019m in my gym, I go for walks. Would you have answered the same thing if we\u2019d done this group five years ago, before you started taking the medication?<\/p>\n

\"\"\/ <\/p>\n

Joanne, 52, N.J., Republican, white, billing<\/p>\n

I would have answered it a different way entirely. I don\u2019t know how I would have answered it, but I wouldn\u2019t have said my health, for sure.<\/p>\n

\"\"\/ <\/p>\n

Joseph, 63, Md., Democrat, Black, driver<\/p>\n

I\u2019ve always been athletic. I\u2019ve always worked out. I was always on the go all the time, and I tried my best to diet and eat the right things. And it just wasn\u2019t doing any good. But once I started with the GLP and I started losing weight, it gave me a lot more encouragement. And now I can see the payoff. I couldn\u2019t do that before.<\/p>\n

\"\"\/ <\/p>\n

Xavier, 56, Ill., Democrat, Black, housekeeping<\/p>\n

I would not have said the same thing; I wouldn\u2019t be as healthy five years ago if I didn\u2019t take this medication.<\/p>\n

\"\"\/ <\/p>\n

Kathryn, 65, Ohio, Libertarian, white, accountant<\/p>\n

I was not in as good a place five years ago, before I started this. This isn\u2019t exactly related, but I think people discriminate against obese people. And I\u2019ve spent a lot of my life obese and I\u2019m not now, and I don\u2019t have people discriminating against me in that way. And I think that makes a big difference in your mental health and your whole attitude about life. Like I said, I\u2019ve gained and lost 100 pounds several times in my life, and I would feel it every time. Some people judge you for being on it. Those people are just ignorant. They don\u2019t understand what the battle with obesity is and how this drug helps with it.<\/p>\n

Moderator, Margie Omero<\/p>\n

Now that more people are taking it, do you feel like there\u2019s increased acceptance of this? Is it generally a good thing, generally not a good thing?<\/p>\n

\"\"\/ <\/p>\n

Joseph, 63, Md., Democrat, Black, driver<\/p>\n

I think it\u2019s generally a good thing. Obesity is a very serious problem in this country and a lot of people need help. They can\u2019t do it on their own.<\/p>\n

\"\"\/ <\/p>\n

Yessenia, 36, Conn., Democrat, Latina, teacher<\/p>\n

I\u2019d say it\u2019s mostly negative. I\u2019ve been kind of hush-hush about being on it, unless someone tells me they\u2019re on it, because I\u2019ve heard people gossiping about others being on it.<\/p>\n

\"\"\/ <\/p>\n

Brooke, 39, Fla., Republican, white, dog groomer<\/p>\n

I think it\u2019s popular. I think it\u2019s trendy. I like to read the tabloids, and all the Hollywood stars are on it, the Kardashians, stuff like that. And that\u2019s OK, from my point of view.<\/p>\n

\"\"\/ <\/p>\n

Leo, 46, Texas, Republican, Latino, logistics<\/p>\n

I look at celebrities that are on it or that have been on it, and it\u2019s changed their life a little bit. But I think some have done that for the wrong reason, whether it\u2019s women or men doing it, I think sometimes they just do it for the fashion piece of it, so they can get talked about.<\/p>\n

\"\"\/ <\/p>\n

Bill, 67, Calif., independent, white, bartender<\/p>\n

I think more people would probably try it except for the price. For a lot of people, it\u2019s unaffordable.<\/p>\n

Moderator, Margie Omero<\/p>\n

To what extent do you think it should be covered by insurance?<\/p>\n

\"\"\/ <\/p>\n

Erica, 36, Mo., Republican, white, social worker<\/p>\n

I definitely think it should be covered by insurance. A lot of times it\u2019s only covered if you have diabetes, not just for obesity. So that\u2019s been the struggle for me the whole time. I don\u2019t have diabetes. I just have obesity. That\u2019s a disease, too, and I think as well, or a medical condition. So I feel like it should be covered.<\/p>\n

\"\"\/ <\/p>\n

Joanne, 52, N.J., Republican, white, billing<\/p>\n

I agree. I agree with something Kathryn said earlier, that we are missing something in our body that other people may have. Medicine fulfills it. So I do think it should be covered. I think it would cover a lot of health issues down the road, and I don\u2019t think these companies are looking down the road. I think they\u2019re looking at the cost now.<\/p>\n

\"\"\/ <\/p>\n

Leo, 46, Texas, Republican, Latino, logistics<\/p>\n

I think it should be covered \u2014 maybe limited, to some degree, like you get re-evaluated every six months or something \u2014 but fundamentally covered.<\/p>\n

\"\"\/ <\/p>\n

Ricardo, 33, Ariz., Democrat, Black, trainer<\/p>\n

It should definitely be covered by insurance. I think that this journey is a part of health care. The health system should understand that when you help someone\u2019s weight loss journey, you can alleviate some of the long-term consequences. It\u2019ll save money in the long term. And so I think that\u2019s the missing piece. Why isn\u2019t it covered? That\u2019s the main question.<\/p>\n

Moderator, Margie Omero<\/p>\n

Why do you think that is?<\/p>\n

\"\"\/ <\/p>\n

Ricardo, 33, Ariz., Democrat, Black, trainer<\/p>\n

Money.<\/p>\n

\"\"\/ <\/p>\n

Andrew, 69, S.C., Republican, white, software engineer<\/p>\n

I don\u2019t understand the insurance companies covering it for diabetes but not for weight loss. It\u2019s like smoking. If you want to quit smoking, Nicorette gum and aids like that aren\u2019t covered by insurance. Why not? I don\u2019t understand it.<\/p>\n

Moderator, Katherine Miller<\/p>\n

President Trump announced a deal with some of the makers of the GLP-1 medications to expand coverage and lower costs. It\u2019s a tentative agreement that would potentially lower costs to about $150 a month for some people. Have you heard about that deal, and what do you think about it?<\/p>\n

\"\"\/ <\/p>\n

Sara, 26., Mass., independent, white, exhibits coordinator<\/p>\n

My coverage is changing next year, and so my health care provider was telling me about this deal because it might help me afford the medicine. She did tell me that it would be vials and needles rather than pens, like we have now. It\u2019s a nice sentiment from the president. But it\u2019s honestly just a shame that insurance isn\u2019t going to cover it.<\/p>\n

\"\"\/ <\/p>\n

Bill, 67, Calif., independent, white, bartender<\/p>\n

I\u2019ll believe it when I see it. Like so much with this administration, it\u2019s just all talk, talk, talk, talk.<\/p>\n

\"\"\/ <\/p>\n

Joanne, 52, N.J., Republican, white, billing<\/p>\n

I think it\u2019s a good thing if it happens, but I also feel like if you can get it down that low, then they were overcharging the insurance companies and everybody else this whole entire time.<\/p>\n

Moderator, Katherine Miller<\/p>\n

Do you think if the price came down, it would change the culture?<\/p>\n

\"\"\/ <\/p>\n

Virginia, 56, Mich., Democrat, Latino, disabled<\/p>\n

I think greater access would be a double-edged sword. I think that there are people who want to lose five or 10 pounds, and they may take the drug away from somebody who really needs it for diabetes. There have been times when it\u2019s been very hard to get because of the demand.<\/p>\n

\"\"\/ <\/p>\n

Joseph, 63, Md., Democrat, Black, driver<\/p>\n

Obesity is why so many people suffer from other illnesses, like diabetes and high blood pressure and heart issues. Anything that would cause you to lose weight would affect other conditions, so I can\u2019t see why the medical establishment wouldn\u2019t make it more affordable for people to get this.<\/p>\n

Moderator, Katherine Miller<\/p>\n

If it actually happens, would it change anything you think about President Trump in this administration?<\/p>\n

\"\"\/ <\/p>\n

Joseph, 63, Md., Democrat, Black, driver<\/p>\n

I\u2019ll believe it when I see it, but as of right now, I\u2019m not too optimistic about it. And if it does happen, I don\u2019t think it\u2019s going to be anytime soon.<\/p>\n

\"\"\/ <\/p>\n

Kathryn, 65, Ohio, Libertarian, white, accountant<\/p>\n

Private insurance companies don\u2019t want to really pay for long-term stuff because that patient is probably not going to be on that insurance when the long term comes. But what Trump\u2019s talking about is Medicare. And I went on Medicare, and so the government\u2019s picking up my health insurance from here on out. So they will save from the long-term benefits of me being on it. So I think that for things like Medicare, when the person paying for it can reap the long-term savings, then the government will pay for it. But for private employers, they don\u2019t have any guarantee that a person\u2019s going to be an employee when the heart attack comes or whatever later. So they don\u2019t want to pay for it in the short term.<\/p>\n

Moderator, Margie Omero<\/p>\n

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is the head of the Department of Health and Human Services.<\/p>\n

Do you have a sense of who he
is and what he\u2019s doing? Do you have a sense of who he is and what he\u2019s doing? 5 people raised their hands.<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

Andrew, 69, S.C., Rep., white <\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

Bill, 67, Calif., indep., white <\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

Brooke, 39, Fla., Rep., white <\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

Erica, 36, Mo., Rep., white <\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

Joanne, 52, N.J., Rep., white <\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

Joseph, 63, Md., Dem., Black <\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

Kathryn, 65, Ohio, Libertarian, white <\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

Leo, 46, Texas, Rep., Latino <\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

Navin, 54, N.Y., indep., Asian <\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

Ricardo, 33, Ariz., Dem., Black <\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

Sara, 26., Mass., indep., white <\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

Virginia, 56, Mich., Dem., Latino <\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

Xavier, 56, Ill., Dem., Black <\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

Yessenia, 36, Conn., Dem., Latina <\/p>\n

Moderator, Margie Omero<\/p>\n

What have been his big accomplishments? What\u2019s he been doing?<\/p>\n

\"\"\/ <\/p>\n

Sara, 26., Mass., independent, white, exhibits coordinator<\/p>\n

I know about the F.D.A. kind of becoming more regulated with what we\u2019re allowed to put in our foods, the dyes and whatnot, trying to be more like Europe, other countries, being more strict. So that\u2019s something I know about him, and that\u2019s something I like about that.<\/p>\n

\"\"\/ <\/p>\n

Bill, 67, Calif., independent, white, bartender<\/p>\n

One word: unqualified.<\/p>\n

Moderator, Margie Omero<\/p>\n

What makes him unqualified?<\/p>\n

\"\"\/ <\/p>\n

Bill, 67, Calif., independent, white, bartender<\/p>\n

He has no medical background. He has no scientific background. He\u2019s the wrong person in that position.<\/p>\n

\"\"\/ <\/p>\n

Virginia, 56, Mich., Democrat, Latino, disabled<\/p>\n

Anti-vaxxer. That\u2019s all I have.<\/p>\n

Moderator, Margie Omero<\/p>\n

Are you familiar with the phrase \u201cMAHA\u201d?<\/p>\n

\"\"\/ <\/p>\n

Kathryn, 65, Ohio, Libertarian, white, accountant<\/p>\n

Well, it\u2019s \u201cmake America healthy again.\u201d And Kennedy, he\u2019s got some good ideas and some really bad ideas. So it\u2019s just all across the board. I do like the idea of getting rid of the dyes in the food and that stuff. I\u2019m very nervous. My kids won\u2019t vaccinate my grandkids. That would be a really bad idea.<\/p>\n

\"\"\/ <\/p>\n

Joseph, 63, Md., Democrat, Black, driver<\/p>\n

At this particular time, it\u2019s just a phrase. It\u2019s just a word. It\u2019s just something some people are saying. I haven\u2019t seen anything that would indicate anything that\u2019s being initiated.<\/p>\n

Moderator, Margie Omero<\/p>\n

Last question: What is one thing you wish more people got or understood about taking GLP-1 medication?<\/p>\n

\"\"\/ <\/p>\n

Yessenia, 36, Conn., Democrat, Latina, teacher<\/p>\n

Stop listening to all the stigmas and these crazy side effects social media keeps posting, and just give it a try if you feel like you need it.<\/p>\n

\"\"\/ <\/p>\n

Brooke, 39, Fla., Republican, white, dog groomer<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t be afraid. Just do what you have to do to take care of yourself.<\/p>\n

\"\"\/ <\/p>\n

Sara, 26., Mass., independent, white, exhibits coordinator<\/p>\n

It\u2019s not lazy to take it. I think that\u2019s something that people automatically assume. You\u2019re just lazy and you don\u2019t want to lose weight.<\/p>\n

\"\"\/ <\/p>\n

Andrew, 69, S.C., Republican, white, software engineer<\/p>\n

It\u2019s not just a magic potion. You need to exercise and diet if you really have to keep the weight off.<\/p>\n

\"\"\/ <\/p>\n

Erica, 36, Mo., Republican, white, social worker<\/p>\n

It\u2019s a tool in your toolbox, not just a quick fix.<\/p>\n

\"\"\/ <\/p>\n

Bill, 67, Calif., independent, white, bartender<\/p>\n

Go for it. Give it a try.<\/p>\n

\"\"\/ <\/p>\n

Joanne, 52, N.J., Republican, white, billing<\/p>\n

It\u2019s helpful, and I think some people need it. I learned about how much I was eating before I took it. It makes you realize a lot, and you hope that when you do stop it, you carry on doing what you need to do.<\/p>\n

\"\"\/ <\/p>\n

Ricardo, 33, Ariz., Democrat, Black, trainer<\/p>\n

I just hope that people understand the science. That\u2019s base line. People just don\u2019t understand science, and it\u2019s just a lazy thing to say: Well, you\u2019re lazy. It\u2019s like, you\u2019re lazy because you don\u2019t understand the science.<\/p>\n

\"\"\/ <\/p>\n

Xavier, 56, Ill., Democrat, Black, housekeeping<\/p>\n

Go for it and try that for yourself.<\/p>\n

\"\"\/ <\/p>\n

Joseph, 63, Md., Democrat, Black, driver<\/p>\n

If you\u2019ve tried everything else and nothing seems to work, give it a shot.<\/p>\n

\"\"\/ <\/p>\n

Kathryn, 65, Ohio, Libertarian, white, accountant<\/p>\n

I agree with what people have been saying. I think some people do act like it\u2019s a lazy way out, and that is just not true.<\/p>\n

\"\"\/ <\/p>\n

Leo, 46, Texas, Republican, Latino, logistics<\/p>\n

Just jump on in and test it out.<\/p>\n

\"\"\/ <\/p>\n

Navin, 54, N.Y., independent, Asian, consultant<\/p>\n

I would say consult with your endocrinologist or whoever your physician is, and tell them what you\u2019re shooting for. And if they say go for it, I would say go for it. Listen to your doc.<\/p>\n

\"\"\/ <\/p>\n

Virginia, 56, Mich., Democrat, Latino, disabled<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t listen to the people that think that the only way to lose weight is by being Rocky Balboa, running up the stairs. That\u2019s so not correct.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"What is going well in your life right now? What is going well inyour life right now? \u201cMy…\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":455577,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[35],"tags":[2509,208730,210,1141,23531,1142,5704,67,132,68,6925],"class_list":{"0":"post-455576","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-health-care","8":"tag-diet-and-nutrition","9":"tag-glp-1-ras-drug","10":"tag-health","11":"tag-health-care","12":"tag-health-insurance-and-managed-care","13":"tag-healthcare","14":"tag-polls-and-public-opinion","15":"tag-united-states","16":"tag-unitedstates","17":"tag-us","18":"tag-weight"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/pubeurope.com\/@us\/115740760517196257","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/455576","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=455576"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/455576\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/455577"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=455576"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=455576"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=455576"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}