Michele Shrem

The world of weight management is rapidly changing, with new treatments likeweight loss shots gaining attention. These medications contain GLP-1, glucagon-like peptide-1, a hormone thatplays a crucial role in regulating blood sugar levels, appetite, and digestion. The shots help control one’s appetite and metabolism, and offer what seems like an easier way to lose weight than just diet and exercise.

However, behind the headlines are many personal experiences, hopes, fears, and money worries. For every success story, there’s a tale of side effects, problems getting the medication, or a bigger discussion about what “healthy” weight loss really means. To understand what individuals really think about these modern weight loss methods I interviewed eight community members, each with their own unique story. Their insights reveal the promises, challenges, and personal feelings tied to this new approach.

Sarah, 42

“Before the shots, I felt stuck, constantly battling my body. Diets and exercise never worked long-term, and the hunger and cravings always brought the weight back. This cycle left me feeling hopeless. My weight affected my energy, joint pain, and confidence. I knew I needed a change, not just for looks, but for my health. My doctor suggested the shots, and though I was skeptical, I decided to learn more.

“She explained it wasn’t magic, but science, mimicking a hormone to make me feel full. This clicked, and nine months in, it’s been a game-changer. The nagging hunger is gone. I’m satisfied with less food, and my mind is free from constant food thoughts.

“I’ve lost 55 pounds steadily. My energy is high, my knees don’t ache, and I’m sleeping better. My confidence has soared, and I actually enjoy shopping again. There were initial side effects like nausea and constipation, but they subsided. The cost is a factor, but my insurance helps, and it’s an investment in my health. I’m learning mindful eating and enjoying exercise. These shots were a reset button, helping me build sustainable habits. It’s been transformative.”

David, 55

“I keep hearing about these weight loss shots – [like] Ozempic and Wegovy. And my wife’s friend had great success, so it’s hard not to be curious. I’m about 40 pounds overweight, my blood pressure is high, and my doctor wants me to make changes. I try to eat well, but consistency is tough, and fast food is just too easy to pick up after work. Plus, on top of that, exercise feels like a huge effort.

“A shot that reduces appetite and helps me lose weight quickly sounds appealing. But I’m worried about side effects like nausea and vomiting, especially since I already have stomach issues. Will the weight just come back if I stop? That’s a big fear, since I have seen family and friends regain weight after diets. Is it a lifelong commitment? The idea of indefinite injections is scary.

“Then there’s the cost. My insurance is good, but these can be incredibly expensive. Is it worth the financial strain? I also worry about judgment from others, thinking I took the ‘easy way out.’ A part of me still believes in willpower, even though it hasn’t worked for me. It’s a big decision, and I need all the facts before I can even consider it.”

Mary, 38

“I was so excited to start the weight loss shots. I’d seen amazing transformations and thought, ‘This is it!’ I’ve struggled with my weight for years, wanting more energy for my kids and to improve my health. My doctor was supportive, and insurance covered it. The first few weeks showed promise. My appetite lessened, and I started losing weight, and feeling hopeful.

But then, severe side effects hit. Constant, stomach-churning nausea made it hard to function, affecting my mood and focus. I also had severe constipation. Eating became a chore, and sometimes the thought of food made me feel worse. I tried to push through, believing it would be worth it.

After three months, I realized my quality of life was declining. I was losing weight, but constantly felt sick, tired, and irritable. I couldn’t enjoy family meals and withdrew socially. It felt like I was trading one problem for another. My doctor and I tried adjusting the dose, but the side effects persisted, so I stopped. While the nausea went away, the weight started to creep back on, despite my efforts to maintain healthy habits. It was disheartening. For me, it wasn’t the magic solution. These shots can be great for some, but the side effects can be debilitating.”

Alex, 30

“My first thought about weight loss shots was ‘another quick fix.’ I believe in consistent healthy eating, regular exercise, and mindfulness for long-term weight management. It’s tough, yes, but I feel it’s the most sustainable path. My initial concern was that these shots might prevent people from making deeper lifestyle changes, leading to dependence.

“However, I’ve seen remarkable results in friends and family, especially those with underlying metabolic issues. For these individuals, the shots can be a crucial tool, leveling the playing field when biological hunger signals are dysregulated. They can reduce the constant mental struggle with food, enabling people to adopt the very lifestyle changes I advocate.

“My worry remains about over-prescription or viewing them [the shots] as a substitute for effort. These medications should be combined with comprehensive programs – nutrition, exercise, and psychological support. Without a holistic approach, I fear rebound weight gain. So, while lifestyle change is my primary focus, I now recognize that for some, under medical supervision, these shots are a valid and life-changing intervention. It’s not one-size-fits-all.”

Jessica, 27

“These weight loss shots really intrigue me. I want to lose about 30 pounds for more energy and to feel healthier. I’ve tried diets and gyms, but progress is slow, and I get discouraged. Seeing social media posts about big weight loss with injections gives me hope for real results.

“But the cost is shocking. My insurance doesn’t cover it for weight loss, only for diabetes. So, it would be hundreds, maybe even a thousand dollars a month, out of pocket. That’s a huge amount, more than my car payment. It feels unfair that something so helpful is only for those who are already comfortable financially. Health shouldn’t be a luxury.

“I’ve looked into cheaper, compounded versions online, but then I worry about safety. The thought of choosing between rent and a medication that could genuinely improve my health is frustrating. It leaves me feeling stuck, trying diet fads while others have a path I can’t afford. I wish these medications were more affordable and accessible.”

Michael, 60

“My doctor is fantastic. For years, she helped me manage type 2 diabetes and hypertension, but my blood sugar and weight stayed high. It was frustrating and scary. She suggested weight loss shots, not cosmetically, but as a critical part of my health plan – to control blood sugar, reduce appetite, and aid weight loss, directly impacting my conditions.

“This focus on medical necessity was key. It was about preventing complications and improving my quality of life. We started slowly, monitoring reactions. My doctor thoroughly explained side effects and how to manage them, stressing it wasn’t a magic bullet. I still had to commit to healthy eating and activity; the shot just made it easier. Reduced appetite meant no constant cravings, and fullness meant smaller, healthier meals without [feeling] deprivation.

“The results are remarkable. My A1C [results] (a blood test that diagnoses and monitors diabetes) and blood pressure are much better, and I’ve lost 70 pounds. I feel healthier, more energetic, and in control. Regular check-ups ensure safe, effective use. For people like me with real medical needs, these shots are truly life-changing under professional care.”

Chloe, 24

“Honestly, the hype around weight loss shots makes me wonder. It feels like another wave of pressure to fit an unrealistic body ideal. We’re flooded with ‘perfect’ body images, then offered an ‘effortless’ solution, implying our bodies aren’t good enough. I’ve worked for years on body positivity, believing health isn’t just a scale number, and all bodies deserve respect.

“My concern is these shots might continue unhealthy dieting and body image issues. Are we fixing the root causes of weight gain – like stress, emotional eating, or genetics – or just masking them? What happens when people stop the shots? Will the weight return, leading to more shame? It feels like we’re promoting quick fixes over sustainable, holistic health that addresses mental well-being. I believe true health comes from nourishing your body, some form of movement, and self-acceptance. I respect medical necessity for some, but I wish the focus shifted more to body acceptance, intuitive eating, and exercise, rather than just weight loss as the ultimate health goal.”

Ben, 48

“I’ve been on a weight loss shot for two years to manage my weight and metabolic health. The initial phase was incredibly successful; I lost 80 pounds, and my blood work greatly improved. It was a breakthrough after years of struggle. The medication quieted food noise and made healthy choices easier.

“However, long-term maintenance is different. It’s not a ‘take a shot and forget it’ situation. I hit a plateau, which meant I had to double down on diet and exercise even with the medication. It’s a tool, not a magic bullet. I stay vigilant about injections and managing mild nausea from overeating. “Maintenance is the biggest ongoing concern. My doctor and I discuss staying on it indefinitely or tapering off. The fear of regaining weight is always present. It’s a long-term commitment, not just for the medication, but for the lifestyle changes it helped initiate. I’ve built a healthier relationship with food and exercise, but the medication helps maintain that. The financial aspect is also ongoing, requiring regular check-ups and continuous supply. It’s not cheap. While grateful, I’m realistic about the sustained effort and considerations of long-term use. It’s a continuous journey with my healthcare provider.”

The diverse perspectives reveal that the conversation around weight loss shots is far from simple. What emerges is a clear consensus on one point: these shots are powerful pharmaceutical tools, not standalone miracles. Their efficacy is often maximized when coupled with dedicated lifestyle changes, including nutritional guidance, increased physical activity, and psychological support. The importance of medical supervision cannot be overstated, as healthcare professionals are crucial in assessing suitability, managing side effects, and guiding long-term strategies.

As this field advances, the dialogue will evolve. However, these personal stories emphasize the need for a nuanced understanding beyond simple claims. For many, weight loss shots offer a new path to health, but taking the shots demands informed decisions, personal commitment, and continuous care.

Michele

A Legislative Look 

The rapid rise of weight loss shots like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, etc. has vastly helped many, buthas also ignited legislative and regulatory activity across the U.S. As demand grows, policymakers, healthcare providers, and insurance companies face new challenges related to cost, access, and safety.

Insurance coverage is a hot topic for legislators. Historically, Medicare has been prohibited from covering medications prescribed solely for weight loss. The Biden administration proposed a rule that could potentially allow Medicare Part D to cover anti-obesity medications starting in 2026. This proposal recognizes obesity as a chronic disease, making its treatment, including medication, eligible for coverage. This rule signals a growing bipartisan recognition in Congress that covering these drugs could reduce long-term healthcare costs associated with obesity-related chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease.

Employer-sponsored health plans and Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace plans are also navigating the complex landscape of GLP-1 coverage. Most employer plans cover these drugs for diabetes treatment, however, coverage for obesity alone is less common.High prices – ranging from $1,000 to $1,400 per month without discounts – remain a significant barrier. Legislation is being considered at state levels to mandate Medicaid coverage for FDA-approved chronic weight management drugs, to improve healthcare accessibility and address the obesity epidemic.

A new issue is regulating compounded and counterfeit versions. Due to high demand and, at times, supply shortages of FDA-approved drugs, a market for compounded Semaglutide and Tirzepatide has emerged. However, the FDA, has issued strong warnings and implemented stricter bans on these compounded versions. The FDA prohibited the large-scale sale of many compounded versions of Ozempic, Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Zepbound. Safety is the concern, since compounded drugs are not FDA-approved. Reports of problems linked to dosing errors and the use of different active ingredients in compounded products highlight the risks. Legislation aims to protect public health by channeling patients towards regulated, FDA-approved medications.

The Inflations Reduction Act (IRA) also plays a role, as drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus have been selected for Medicare’s direct price negotiation program. The program aims to reduce the high out-of-pocket costs for Medicare enrollees, potentially saving billions of dollars for taxpayers in the coming years.

The legislative and regulatory environment surrounding weight loss shots is rapidly evolving. As the understanding of obesitycontinues to grow, further legislative changes are expected to shape how these transformative medications are prescribed, covered, and accessed.

Most of what we were hoping to experience from the trip was canceled. There was no Kotel, no Tel Aviv, no hike up Masada… But we did spend four days together and five nights in the bomb shelter… There was basically nowhere to go and not much to do. And yet, somehow, it is still one of the best trips I have been on.

The trip was not perfect by any means. We missed so much. But, still I believe we gained so much more than we missed. This trip was unforgettable and I would never change a thing about it.

SCA’s Birthright Trip in the Line of Fire:

A Journey Through War and Resilience

Linda Dayan

On June 12^th  2025, Israel launched a targeted attack on Iran’s main nuclear sites. That same night, Iran retaliated with ballistic missiles of their own, leaving 30 dead, over 5,000 homeless, and causing a series of sleepless nights for Israelis around the country.  The constant barrage of rockets also shut down all air travel to Israel, leaving many thousands of Israelis stranded abroad. Anyone planning to fly out of Israel suddenly could not leave the country for the foreseeable future. Among the stranded outbound travelers were many Birthright groups, including my group, an all-girls trip run by SCA, the Sephardic Community Alliance.

After that Thursday night, our group spent the following four days restricted to the area extending no more than a five-minute walk from our hotel. We were staying at the Spirit of Herzl Hotel in downtown Jerusalem on Ben Yehuda Street. The main topic of conversation became how and when we would be able to get home. The answer turned out to be a cruise ship bound for Cyprus, which was arranged by Birthright in collaboration with the Israeli government. This arrangement facilitated Birthright groups to get out of the country and Israeli citizens waiting in Cyprus to get back home. From Cyprus, SCA organized our flights. Within 24 hours, we were on our way to JFK airport with a seven-hour stopover in Milan. We spent about 70 hours in transit, nearly three days. Whenever I relay the experience, I am often asked the same question: was it worth it?

Birthright’s Itinerary Cut in Half

Birthright was designed to show young diaspora Jews all that Israel has to offer. The itinerary is carefully planned to showcase both the hidden and the well-known and loved gems of Israel. Clearly, this trip was cut too short. Friday the 13^th was meant to be a day at the shuk (the outdoor market), and many dreamed of the Kabbalat Shabbat at the Kotel as promised in the itinerary. But those dreams never came to fruition.

Jacqueline Halabi, another girl on the trip says, “It hurt in my soul to be stripped of the opportunity to pray by the Kotel. Visiting Israel without experiencing that holiness was unfathomable to me, so much so that I was anxiety ridden as soon as the war broke out. Being a short drive away for days, yet confined to the hotel … I felt powerless.” Most of what we were hoping to experience from the trip was canceled. There was no Kotel, no Tel Aviv, no hike up Masada, and no night spent in Bedouin tents. But we did spend four days together and five nights in the “bomb shelter,” which was just the dining room on the hotel’s lowest level. Instead of traveling the country we were only allowed to stray five minutes walking distance from the hotel. There was basically nowhere to go and not much to do. And yet, somehow, it is still one of the best trips I have been on.

Worried Family Members Call

Throughout our stay at the Spirit of Herzl Hotel, I got many phone calls from concerned family members asking about the safety of my sister and me. “Are you okay?” “Do you feel safe?” “Are you hoping for the next flight out?” My answers were always yes, we are safe and okay, and if we have to stay in Israel an extra week since the skies are closed, so be it.

Most callers responded,  “You are only so calm because you don’t truly understand the situation.” But, how could we not? SCA was doing everything they could to keep us informed and in the loop. Our chaperones, Sonny and Lauren Setton, and our tour guide, Ido Reuven, made sure to share with us anything they heard to make us feel less lost. We were confined to the hotel and the immediate surrounding area, alerts from the phone ap “Tzofar-Red Alert” were constant, and we could not even visit the Kotel, which was only a 30-minute walk from the hotel, because there is no bunker there. Of course, we understood the danger, but we also had things that my family outside of Israel did not. The news is a constant barrage of the worst. They flood our feeds with death, destruction, and horror stories. While unfortunately those things do happen you cannot wallow in it.

Keeping our Cool

While the country was at war the streets around us were never empty and never quiet. The piano in Zion Square was constantly in use, the restaurants were not deserted. While the foot traffic was less than it usually would be, there were always people out. Being in Israel taught us that while it is important to recognize the tragedies that occur, and to sit with them, it is also important not to drown in them and to recognize that we must also hold close what joy we can.

We were we surrounded by Israeli culture and we also had ten soldiers join us on our trip for five days. We became fast friends. Within the first day we already had new shared jokes and shared experiences we would never forget. And Thursday night, when most of us experienced our first rush to the bomb shelter at 2:30am, our soldier friends helped keep it light. If anyone had a question about what was happening, there was an answer. And while we were made aware that since the attack was from Iran it would be more intense than missile attacks from Gaza (which has much less sophisticated weapons), we were told so in a way that kept panic at bay. And since the time in the shelter became every night occasion, we grew to expect it and adapted to the situation. Although it was impossible to guess exactly when the alarms would sound, they typically sounded at night, so many of us made a point to shower early, and wear pajamas that we would not be embarrassed to wear if we had to run to the shelter.

The sirens created a routine, and routine creates stability, no matter how unstable the situation was in reality. A key factor as to why we felt this stability was because of the soldiers’ presence. They were only scheduled to stay with us for five days, meaning that unfortunately, that Sunday they had to leave us to go back to their base.

Heading Home

Once the soldiers  left the air shifted. They had become a big part of the group and were crucial to the positive atmosphere created at the hotel. With their absence, where we were stared us in the face again, and the number of the requests from group members to move from the hotel grew.

That Sunday, morphing into Monday, we began to hear of groups leaving Jerusalem for Eilat.  One of the groups staying with us left for Eilat that Sunday night. We began to grow antsy. No one knew what was happening or when we would be allowed to further explore the country or the city. In those four days after our soldiers left the group grew extremely close. Girls who I have known my whole life but had never spoken to became my close friends. But long conversations and longer games of Jungle Speed could not keep away the feelings of anticipation and uncertainty.

Our chaperones tried their best to keep our spirits up. Ido led us on a walking tour of our surrounding area. Sonny and Lauren let us walk to the bakery farther up the street. Ido tried to find us sushi to take a break from the hotel’s meat buffet, but sadly the sushi restaurant was closed. These were seemingly little things, but they made a huge difference.

We were told that by 9pm that night (Sunday) we would be taking a cruise from Haifa to Cyprus, and from there we would make our way home.

Was It Worth It?

So, back to the question everyone loves to ask: was it worth it? The short answer is yes. I asked my friend Esther Shaab the same question, and she said the following: “Growing up I would always hear stories from my father about how amazing Israel is and how every Jew needs to go there at least once in their life. I took this advice and signed up for Birthright not knowing how my trip would inevitably turn out. As it was my first time in Israel, I was excited to do anything and everything Mayanot [Mayanot is one of the organizations that organizes and runs Birthright trips, and is affiliated with the Mayanot Institute of Jewish Studies] and SCA had planned for us.

The first few days of the trip were amazing and then the war began. At first this was not something I was happy about. How could I be? More than half my trip was now obsolete. Things like the Kotel, Tel Aviv, climbing Masada, experiencing the shuk, were all things I would not be able to do. But even though I missed out on most of my trip, I wouldn’t change a thing.

“The people I met including all of the girls and the Israeli soldiers that joined us for a couple days are some of the most amazing people that I now consider some of my best friends. The relationships I have gained outweighs any negatives I experienced on the trip. People have asked me since I got back,‘Did it ruin Israel for you?’‘You’re never going back, right?’They couldn’t be more wrong. This experience actually made me want to go back more than ever. This trip will always hold a special place in my heart and I will never forget it.” The trip was not perfect by any means. We missed so much. But, still I believe we gained so much more than we missed. This trip was unforgettable and I would never change a thing about it.

Message from the Simha Health Organization

As the lazy days of summer wind down, a familiar mix of excitement and anticipation, perhaps with a touch of dread, starts to bubble up. Back-to-school season is almost here! Getting our kids ready for academic and social success involves more than just new backpacks; it requires preparation, communication, and a strong partnership between home and school.

Isaac Setton of the SIMHA Organization hosted a valuable discussion with esteemed school psychologists Mrs. Rose Lee Pifko of Magen David Yeshivah, Dr. Nicole Yossef formerly of Yeshivah of Flatbush and now of Yeshivah Prep Elementary School, and Dr. Simone Hidary of Barkai Yeshivah, who shared their expert insights on navigating this critical transition.

Embrace Challenges and Learn from Mistakes

A powerful takeaway was the importance of shifting from being “fixers and protectors” to “empowerers.” As Mrs. Rose Lee Pifko noted, allowing children to tackle challenges and even make mistakes is crucial for development.

“The growth zone, just outside their comfort area, is where real learning happens,” Mrs. Pifko explained. When children tolerate discomfort and push through challenges, they build skills like grit and resilience. This means gently nudging them to try new things, whether it’s a new club or a tricky social situation.

The experts highlighted the value of teaching children how to fail. By reframing failure as “just one possible outcome,” parents can alleviate the pressure. Share your own experiences with mistakes and challenges, show empathy, and use these moments as opportunities to teach problem-solving. This approach cultivates a crucial life skill: learning from setbacks.

Re-establishing Routine: The Foundation for Success

After summer’s relaxed schedule, getting back into routine can feel daunting. Dr. Nicole Yossef provided practical, actionable steps to ease this transition, emphasizing that consistency is key for children of all ages. The goal isn’t perfection, but consistent effort. The more regulated parents are, the more children will mirror that behavior.

The Power of Partnership: Home and School as a Unified Front

“When parents and schools work as a unified team, children receive consistent messaging,” Dr. Simone Hidary explained. This reinforces that they are supported and believed in. Parents offer invaluable insights into their child’s personality, while school staff provide expertise in child development and education. This synergy creates an “unbelievable partnership.”

Tips for a strong parent-school partnership include communicating with teachers and staff about any concerns, and approaching the school with the intention to collaborate with them respectfully.

Isaac Setton emphasized that the goal is “school plus parents,” not “school versus parents.” When children see that parents and school are on the same page, they receive consistent messages, understand expectations, and recognize that everyone is on their side.

Finally, the experts discussed balancing support with parental boundaries. Dr. Hidary highlighted that effective parenting involves both love and limits. Providing love and support while setting clear boundaries is essential for a child’s self-regulation and success. Children understand that rules are for their best interest, even if they don’t like them. As September approaches, let’s embrace these insights to empower our children and ourselves for a successful, fulfilling, and well-supported school year. By fostering open communication, building strong routines, and strengthening the vital partnership between home and school, we can set our children on a path to thrive.

Dr. Yossef’s Top Tips for a Smooth Gear Shift

Adjust Sleep Schedules: Gradually shift bedtimes and wake-up times earlier (20-30 minutes each day) to reset internal clocks.

Foster Independence: Involve children in choosing outfits the night before and packing healthy snacks. This gives them control and streamlines mornings.

Promote Healthy Eating: A balanced diet impacts mood and focus. Involve children in snack preparation for easier healthy choices.

Encourage Physical Activity: Aim for at least 20-60 minutes daily. Walking to school, playing outdoors, or joining a team improves focus and reduces stress.

Manage Screen Time: Set clear boundaries for screen use, explaining these rules are for their well-being. Encourage alternatives like reading.