How Ozempic Is Changing the World: Learnings from a Human-in-the-loop
- Paola Greiser
- Jun 17
- 3 min read
A recent Sunday Times article, “All the Ways Ozempic Will Change Our World”, presents a striking vision of the future: empty lines at fast food restaurants, smaller grocery baskets, and even declining alcohol sales — all thanks to GLP-1 based medications like Ozempic and Mounjaro.
But while this article focuses on global trends and economic implications, I kept thinking about the messages we see every day at nymble — a messaging companion that offers people practical, expert support as they navigate their weight management in real life. As a physician behind nymble’s human-in-the-loop model, I read these messages firsthand — stories from individuals facing a drastic life change with a mix of hope, confusion, and vulnerability. I, like our users, am not a faceless organism, but a real person with real experiences — and that humanity is at the core of how we support people on this journey.
What’s missing from the article is what this experience actually feels like for the people taking these medications.
GLP-1s Aren’t a Way to “Avoid the Gym” — They’re a New Starting Line
One quote from the article stood out: “Going to the gym makes me want to shoot myself”. It echoes a narrative I’ve heard before — that GLP-1s are a way to skip hard work, avoid the gym, or take the “easy way out”.
But I’ve seen that most people don’t want to skip healthy habits; their bodies are fighting against them being able to achieve those behaviours, especially long-term. These medications are tools —although they might reduce appetite, they don’t build a routine. It doesn’t help you figure out what to eat when nothing sounds good. It doesn’t teach you how to maintain muscle or stay energized. And it certainly doesn’t prepare you for social situations — when food and drink are central, and suddenly, you’re unsure how to participate without feeling out of place.
That’s where nymble comes in. We meet people where they are, whether that’s reminding them to get enough protein, suggesting a 10-minute walk, or helping them rethink “success” as something more than a number on the scale.
We’re there for moments that no one talks about — like how comments about your weight loss can leave you feeling exposed, misunderstood, or even judged.
These moments can catch people off guard and lead to setbacks if unprepared. At nymble, we offer support for both physical and emotional journeys — the aspects often overlooked when talking about how the markets are changing or which new medication is coming out in the pipeline!
Emotional Shifts Are Real — And Often Ignored
Another part of the article impacted me: the story of Anna, who lost weight but felt like she’d lost part of herself in the process. Food used to bring her joy and connection; now it felt like a chore.
I’ve heard variations of that story from our nymble users: not feeling hungry, losing interest in social outings, struggling to feel “like themselves.” GLP-1s affect more than just appetite; they shift mood, motivation, and even identity.
That’s why having a trusted, consistent, nonjudgmental companion to talk to matters. At nymble, we help people process these changes, find new routines that feel good, and stay grounded in their goals. Behaviour change is hard. Doing it alone is even harder.
Misuse Is Inevitable — Unless We Get Ahead of It
The article touches on a serious concern: What happens when people stop taking the medication? Appetite often comes back, with it, confusion, weight regain, and a sense of failure. But there are other risks too, like undernourishment, muscle loss, or extreme fatigue when people “let the meds do the work” without having the ability to make sure their bodies are supported along the way.
This is why I believe so strongly in empowering through education. When we give people the tools, knowledge, and encouragement to make informed choices — even small ones — they’re less likely to end up in crisis later. And when they do feel lost, nymble is there to support them.
Why This Work Matters to Me
I joined nymble because I care deeply about helping people feel seen, supported, and safe in their health journeys. I monitor how users interact with the AI, ensuring accuracy and safety, and I see its impact.
Making these medications accessible is only part of the equation. We also need thoughtful, scalable support systems that honour the complexity of real-life change, grounded in empathy, respect, and patient-centred care.
GLP-1s may be the spark. But at nymble, we’re helping build the fire — one conversation, one habit, one person at a time.
Thanks for reading!
Sincerely,
Human-in-the-loop, aka HITL, aka Paola
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