> Click here for the original article by Dr. Dennis Ballwieser (Apotheken Umschau).
Overweight is not a failure. Not a question of willpower. Not a moral weakness.
It is – and Dr. Dennis Ballwieser shows this in his impressive self-experiment – a chronic disease that deserves appropriate medical treatment. His report makes visible what many overweight people have experienced for years: appetite regulation, hunger signals, and satiety simply function differently physiologically. And no matter how much you know, how much you try, or how hard you fight – the body prevails.
For the first time, however, there is a tool that addresses the problem at its source: medications that regulate metabolism – not a guilty conscience.
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The three relevant preparations – clearly classified
1. Wegovy® (Semaglutide) – officially approved for obesity
- weekly injection
- regularly requires a prescription
- highly effective for weight reduction
- medically intended for people with obesity
2. Ozempic® (Semaglutide) – officially a diabetes medication
- the same active ingredient as Wegovy, but
- approved only for type 2 diabetes, not for obesity
- sometimes used off-label, but is not the standard solution for overweight
3. Mounjaro® (Tirzepatide) – the most modern active ingredient
- GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist (new generation)
- very highly effective
- (depending on the country) primarily approved for diabetes
- shows exceptional effect in studies and in Dr. Ballwieser’s self-experiment:
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For the first time in decades, he does not feel constant hunger.
The medical key point is:
These medications do not rely on willpower – they address the biological problem.
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How do I determine my own overweight?
Many doctors still argue with old patterns. That’s why it helps to be prepared – with clear, medical data.
1. Calculate BMI
BMI = weight (kg) / height (m)²
- BMI ≥ 30 → obesity
- BMI ≥ 27 + comorbidities (e.g. high blood pressure, prediabetes) → also eligible for therapy
2. Measure waist circumference
- Men: > 102 cm
- Women: > 88 cm
These values are clear and medically relevant.
This means every affected person is well prepared for the conversation.
Why many doctors block – and how to remain confident
Dr. Ballwieser’s report shows a well-known problem:
Many affected people are not taken seriously. They are accused of being lazy, stupid, or undisciplined. As if being overweight were a character flaw.
Such attitudes can prevent overweight people from seeking medical help for years. All the more important to go into the conversation with knowledge and clarity.
Communication guide for the doctor’s appointment
Goal: appear respectful, prepared, medically sound – not justify.
1. Start confidently
“I would like to have my obesity treated medically and ask for an evidence-based assessment.”
2. State data
“My BMI is ___.
My waist circumference is ___.
Additionally, the following risks/complaints exist: ___.”
3. Clear request
“I would like to check whether therapy with a GLP-1 medication such as Wegovy, Ozempic, or Mounjaro would be medically indicated.”
4. Stay calm if rejected
“Could you please explain to me what medical reasons speak against it?
If you do not wish to prescribe yourself, could you refer me to a specialized practice?”
No pressure – but clear, informed self-advocacy.
Because every person has the right to serious medical treatment.
What we learn from Dr. Ballwieser’s self-experiment
- Despite massive knowledge and decades of sports, he did not lose weight.
- His body sent false hunger signals – and the medications correct exactly that.
- 20 kilograms less in six months.
- For the first time in decades: no constant thought of food.
His conclusion is both courageous and realistic:
Obesity is treatable – and this medical progress can give many people years of health.