Melissa Baird, a health care executive based in Seattle, knows firsthand the stigma surrounding weight at work. As the COO of Hims & Hers Health, a telehealth and wellness pharmaceutical company, Baird has a personal stake in the matter of weight management. In May, the company began offering compounded GLP-1s, a type of injectable weight loss drug for people with obesity, which Baird became a customer of.
Baird’s journey with weight has been a lifelong struggle, influenced by her family history of high blood pressure and obesity. She made the decision to prioritize her health in 2022, seeking out various diets and exercise routines to help her lose weight. However, as she entered her 40s, she found it more challenging to maintain a healthy weight.
When Hims & Hers Health introduced the GLP-1 injections, Baird saw it as an opportunity to try a new approach to weight management. Over the past 11 weeks, she has lost 17 pounds on the medication and plans to continue until she reaches a healthier weight. Baird’s openness about her journey at work has helped break the stigma surrounding weight loss drugs and fostered a supportive environment among her colleagues.
Baird believes that taking medication for weight management should not be met with shame and hopes to change the fatphobic narrative, especially in the workplace. She is passionate about helping others access the resources they need to improve their health and well-being. Baird’s personal experience with weight management has fueled her commitment to her role at Hims & Hers Health, where she strives to make a positive impact on the weight management market.
As a leader in the health care industry, Baird is dedicated to bringing her whole self to the office and being vulnerable about her health journey. She believes that by sharing her story, she can help others feel empowered to seek the support they need for their own health goals. Baird’s ultimate goal is to reach a healthy weight and manage it through diet and exercise, with the hope of inspiring others to prioritize their health and well-being.
In conclusion, Melissa Baird’s journey with weight management is a testament to the importance of breaking the stigma surrounding weight in the workplace. By sharing her story and advocating for access to weight management resources, Baird is making a positive impact on the health and well-being of herself and those around her. Her commitment to her own health journey serves as an inspiration to others seeking to prioritize their well-being.