THE TRUTH ABOUT YOUR FUTURE with Ric Edelman
Episode: "Is Ozempic an Unmentionable?" (December 12, 2024)

Overview

In this thought-provoking episode, Ric Edelman addresses the rapidly rising popularity of GLP-1 drugs such as Ozempic and Wegovy, focusing on their transformative impact on health and society and raising questions about the new social norms surrounding weight loss and personal disclosures. Ric begins by responding to a listener’s crypto investing query before shifting focus to the wider implications of medical innovation, especially as it relates to the burgeoning use—and social perception—of medical weight loss drugs.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Crypto Investing and the Advisor Knowledge Gap

• Ric responds to listener Juanita, who struggles to find financial advisors knowledgeable about crypto assets.
• Emphasizes:
  • Most advisors still lack basic understanding of crypto and digital assets despite years of market evolution.
  • Importance of professional designations like “CBDA, Certified in Blockchain and Digital Assets.”
• Guidance on how to locate a qualified, trustworthy crypto advisor:
  • Search for CBDA-certified advisors.
  • Leverage brokerage firms (Schwab, Fidelity) and leading crypto asset managers (Bitwise, Franklin Templeton, State Street) for referrals.
  • Always verify credentials via FINRA (finra.org) and SEC (sec.gov) databases to avoid scams.
• Quote:
  • “It really, really bothers me that still today, 15 years after Bitcoin was invented...there are still so many advisors, the majority of them in fact, who know absolutely nothing about crypto, who refuse to ...even discuss it with clients.” (03:03)

2. Revolution and Controversy: The GLP-1 Drugs (Ozempic, Wegovy, et al.)

• Recaps prior episodes about the transformative impact of GLP-1 agonists for weight loss and broader health issues (diabetes, kidney disease, Alzheimer’s, heart disease).
• Staggering growth in prescription:
  • 600% increase among 18–25-year-olds in four years.
  • 6% of the U.S. population now taking these drugs; expected to surpass 10% by 2030.
• Observations of lifestyle changes:
  • Marked decrease in unhealthy behaviors (fast food visits down 77%, alcohol consumption down 62%).
  • Increase in healthy activities (hiking trips, biking, exercise excursions).
• Quote:
  • “These drugs are revolutionary. They are being hailed as possibly the greatest pharmaceutical breakthrough in history.” (12:39)

3. The New Social Dilemma: Discussing Weight Loss in the Age of Ozempic

• Ric raises challenging social questions:
  • Is it still appropriate to comment on someone’s weight loss, or to inquire if it’s due to these medications?
  • As usage becomes more common, does assumed association with drug-driven weight loss reduce the perceived effort or accomplishment?
  • Do these questions cross into "TMI" (Too Much Information) territory—should people be expected to disclose their use of weight loss drugs?
• Ric’s personal reflections:
  • Contrasts past pride in weight loss (via traditional effort) vs. current ambiguity with medical intervention.
  • Cites past social taboos (ex: the “C word” for cancer) and questions whether Ozempic will or should be an “unmentionable.”
• Quote:
  • “Is it okay to comment on someone's having lost weight? And if you are the one who has lost the weight...should you say how it is you did it?...Or is that TMI, you know, is that too much information?” (22:45)
  • “My personal view is that the drugs are not a cheat any more than insulin is a cheat for diabetics...That's the whole point of medical innovation. If we can fix a problem through medical intervention...wonderful.” (28:20)

4. Societal Evolution: Privacy, Disclosure, and New Norms

• Argues that as medical technology evolves, so must social norms and taboos.
• Encourages listeners to consider how to balance respect for individual privacy with supportive social engagement.
• Emphasizes the need for dialogue and self-reflection as a society adapts to rapid pharmaceutical and technological change.
• Invitation to provide feedback:
  • “What are the new social norms given the new medical technologies?...We need to turn it into a new social norm, and frankly, I'm not sure what the answer is, so I'm curious as to your viewpoint.” (33:00)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Advisor Education in Crypto:

  • “In my view, advisors who are failing to engage in crypto with their clients are failing to do their job correctly. They're doing it out of, I don't know what, laziness, out of bias, prejudice...” (03:50)

• On Social Shifts and Medical Advances:

  • “We are now finding ourselves with a new situation, a paradigm shift that we didn't have to deal with until now.” (31:55)
  • “We need to evolve as a society in what we are allowed to talk about and more importantly, how we talk about it, while respecting the individual preferences and needs of each person.” (33:47)

Timestamps for Major Segments

• Crypto Advisor Challenge and Due Diligence: 00:34 – 09:08
• Ozempic and GLP-1 Drugs: Health Revolution: 11:15 – 18:55
• The Social Question: Can You Ask About Weight Loss?: 19:00 – 32:00
• Societal Norms and Listener Feedback Invitation: 32:00 – 34:24

Conclusion

Ric Edelman uses his trademark candor and storytelling to explore a genuine societal shift: what happens when millions achieve rapid, visible weight loss thanks to pharmaceutical innovation? He dissects the evolving etiquette around health, privacy, and technological progress, inviting listeners to participate in setting new social norms. The episode is as much a call for empathy and open dialogue as it is informative about tangible changes in health and finance.

Listener’s Takeaway:
Whether confronting new technologies in finance or wellness, be proactive, be cautious, and participate thoughtfully in the wider cultural conversation. Society, like technology, is always evolving—often in ways that challenge our old assumptions and customs.