Watching the stunning new adaptation of Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein on Netflix this week, I was struck by the choice to cast a super handsome young actor (Jacob Elordi) as the monster. Very short transformation video above.
Much has been made of Elordi’s 10-hour sessions in make up before filming every day.
This got me thinking.
Isn’t there something utterly irresistible in the idea of beauty transforming into ugliness? Look how it is not just 100% reversible, but reversible quickly??? (The movie is followed by a making of documentary where we see the cast talk about their roles. Look! part of us marvels. There’s Jacob, youth and perfection restored).
The rise of weight loss medications (Ozempic, Mounjaro, Wegovy and so on) has fuelled this over-simplistic confidence that we should all be able to reverse our excess weight (Fat has become code for ugliness). The thinking goes: If Jacob can get up for work at 2am, then the rest of us – in some grotesque mirror image logic – should take the magic injection.
Never mind the side effects (nausea, vomiting, mental health issues and pancreatitis for starters), the cost, availability, dangerous pirated versions, and in some cases, the fatalities. The list goes on.
Don’t get me wrong. I am absolutely not against these weight loss jabs. I know someone who gets on very well with hers and whose health is being transformed because of it.
Good for her.
But it is so important to understand that weight loss jabs are a tool, not salvation we passively receive. They are a tool – one that many people cannot cope with.
The Exciting Opportunity
Come on, Harriet. This is all a bit depressing. Haven’t you got anything more positive to say?
Indeed I have. Because alongside all the issues around Wegovy and co – which concern me deeply – there is a hugely exciting opportunity that carries much less risk and cost than medication.
What is that opportunity? Well, I’ll let the meds themselves do the talking – read this post If Weight Loss Jabs Could Speak
Cheers now
Harriet
P.S. I’m looking to talk to anyone who has tried weight loss jabs and has found them problematic. I’m offering a £10/$10 Amazon voucher in return for their time. If that’s you, watch this video now.
P.P.S. Do watch the film, because it’s really, really good!