Deon Ramgoolam, a 56-year-old Montreal executive, has struggled with obesity his entire life. As a child, he was often sidelined from sports and social activities, and the negative self-talk and criticism he faced have stayed with him into adulthood.
Despite his success as a business executive and his master’s degree in politics, Deon has always felt self-conscious about his weight. He recalls feeling like he didn’t fit in with his health-conscious colleagues and would often blame himself for not being able to control his eating habits.
Living with Obesity
Deon’s experiences with obesity are not unique. Many people living with the condition face stigma and discrimination, which can have a significant impact on their mental health and self-worth. Deon notes that the constant criticism and negative self-talk can be overwhelming, making it difficult to feel confident and comfortable in one’s own skin.
Deon’s relationship with food was also complicated. He would often eat large portions and drink excessively, using food as a reward for a hard day’s work. However, this behavior would ultimately lead to feelings of guilt and shame, perpetuating a cycle of negative self-talk and low self-esteem.
It wasn’t until Deon met with Dr. Remi Rabasa-Lhoret, an endocrinologist in Montreal, that he began to understand the complexities of obesity and the potential benefits of medication. Dr. Rabasa-Lhoret introduced Deon to Ozempic, a semaglutide medication that was initially approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes but has since been shown to be effective in weight loss.
Deon started taking Ozempic in 2022, after his weight had climbed to almost 300 pounds during the pandemic. The medication had a liberating effect, releasing him from his addiction to food and allowing him to feel more confident and comfortable in his body.
For the first time in years, Deon started to feel good about himself. He would look in the mirror and smile, and his wife noticed a significant change in his demeanor. Deon credits Ozempic with changing his relationship with food and addiction, allowing him to enjoy meals without feeling the need to overeat.
Advocacy and Education
Deon has become passionate about helping others living with obesity understand that there are treatment options available. He joined Obesity Matters, an advocacy and support community, and has been working to raise awareness about the benefits of GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) agonists, which mimic the GLP-1 hormone and regulate blood sugar and appetite.
Deon emphasizes the importance of self-kindness and finding community for those living with obesity. He notes that it’s essential to understand that obesity is a chronic disease with a biological and psychosocial component, and that medication can be an effective treatment option.
Deon also highlights the need for education and awareness among clinicians and the general public. He points to the work of Canadian obesity experts, who have been instrumental in developing and promoting GLP-1 medications.
Deon’s story shows the effectiveness of GLP-1 medications in treating obesity. With the support of his healthcare team and the medication, Deon has been able to lose weight and gain confidence, improving his overall health and well-being. He still lives with chronic pain associated with obesity, including knee arthritis and back pain that comes from carrying an extra 100 pounds for decades.
Canada’s Leadership in Obesity Treatment
The pharma-economic modelling suggests that GLP-1s could add billions to Canada‘s wealth in the next 20 years. Deon is hopeful that this will lead to improved health outcomes for Canadians, with fewer heart attacks, strokes, and cases of cardiac rehabilitation.
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