Quietly Viral: A Powerful Obesity Story Resonated Where It Mattered Most
NewsBreak Ignites a Viral Spark to “The Synergy of Phentermine & GLP-1 RAs for Healthy Weight Management,” Delighting Its Readers in the United States of America
Readers of Medium.com can read this story for free via my friend link. The NewsBreak version is publicly available.
A fascinating observation emerged in my writing journey. Interestingly, my first viral story on Medium was about weight loss, titled “Eliza Shed 30 Pounds In Six Months With Two Tips,” published on EUPHORIA on February 19, 2021, and also found remarkable success on NewsBreak back then.
However, the virality on these platforms differed significantly in reach, with an order of magnitude separating the two (20K vs. 2M readers). Surprisingly, despite significantly fewer readers, the Medium version generated twice the income initially and now yields ten times less compared to its earlier earnings.
This discrepancy is intriguing, as the Medium story received minimal claps and comments, yet its high readership translated to substantial earnings. This highlights the potential disconnect between engagement metrics and financial success for Medium writers.
Medium’s previous payment model, based on reading time, seemed to reward content that resonated deeply with readers, regardless of superficial engagement metrics. However, the shift towards a “vanity matrix” of claps and highlights, as the author aptly puts it, may have introduced vulnerabilities to manipulation and potentially skewed the earning potential for writers.
This observation prompts a broader discussion about the evolving landscape of content monetization and the potential impact of different metrics on writer compensation. It is a complex issue with implications for both creators and platforms alike.
While a deeper analysis of this phenomenon is a topic for another day, this anecdote serves as a compelling example of the nuanced dynamics at play in the digital content creation space.
Why I Wrote This Story Today
My motivation for writing this piece stems from my fascinating experience with content curation across platforms.
A few days ago, I penned an original article on Medium and subsequently adapted it for NewsBreak. NewsBreak’s editors promptly published the story, recognizing my track record with well-researched content on obesity. Although health isn’t NewsBreak’s primary focus, my metabolic health articles consistently get significant attention there. That’s why I restarted writing on NewsBreak in 2024 after two years of break.
This morning, I was greeted by a surprising sight on my website: thousands of messages flooding my NewsBreak inquiries folder, where I introduce NewsBreak to content creators through my website. It is my partnership with the company, and they pay me $50 for each writer I refer to and $200 for each writer who posts ten articles. It is a win-win position. Medium used to pay us $2.50 monthly for each successful referral, but they removed it last year.
When checking flooded messages on my website, initially, a wave of dread washed over me, fearing a repeat of the hateful backlash that my “Queer Organisms” story had tragically endured on NewsBreak. However, as I cautiously delved into the messages, a wave of relief and joy washed over me. Instead of vitriol, I found an outpouring of heartfelt support, encouragement, and genuine interest in my work.
One reader, a weight loss consultant and medical doctor, discovered my story on NewsBreak and promptly searched for me on Google, finding my Medium profile. Despite being a long-time Medium user, they hadn’t encountered my work before. This reader, who is a medical doctor with a private weight loss clinic in the US, expressed interest in collaboration, highlighting the power of cross-platform exposure.
Curiosity piqued, I dove deeper into the messages, losing myself for over an hour amidst the weekend tranquility. As I sifted through the responses, I found professionals and readers from all walks of life, each expressing a genuine eagerness to connect and engage with my work. The sudden surge in interest was both exhilarating and baffling, prompting me to investigate further.
With a mix of anticipation and apprehension, I logged in and checked my NewsBreak stats and was met with an astonishing revelation. The story I had submitted just two days prior had ignited a viral wildfire, its flames drawing many curious minds to my website — the sole digital gateway that NewsBreak graciously allows creators. They did not allow me to add my Medium profile, and I respected their choice. It was a blessing in disguise.
My NewsBreak dashboard transformed before my eyes. While last month had been remarkable, with three viral stories generating over 7 million views, today’s numbers sent shockwaves through my expectations. In a breathtaking surge, my monthly views doubled overnight, and the new story was trending and bringing many messages to my website.
One Door Closes, and Another Opens
While Medium didn’t curate my story, NewsBreak’s platform proved to be an effective channel for reaching a broader audience, especially those interested in practical health information.
This experience highlights the impact of content curation on different platforms and how it can dramatically amplify reach and engagement.
It also highlights the potential of cross-platform promotion and how it can introduce your work to new readers and potential collaborators.
Let me explain why this story is important for society and why NewsBreak distributed it to a broad audience in the United States.
Importance of the Story
While the NewsBreak version gained significant traction, I have decided to use the identical Medium version of this story as a link here to ensure that the traffic remains within the platform where it originated. It feels more equitable to me to support the community that cherishes my content here.
The Synergy of Phentermine & GLP-1 RAs for Healthy Weight Management & in Addressing Obesity
Comparison of an old appetite suppressor/metabolism enhancer and GLP-1 receptor agonists with their combined potential…medium.com
The story discusses the potential synergy of combining phentermine, an older appetite suppressant, with newer GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) like Semaglutide and Tirzepatide for weight management and addressing obesity.
It is important because it addresses a pressing public health issue: the obesity epidemic. The story explores a novel approach that combines established and newer medications with healthy lifestyle choices, potentially offering a more effective solution for some people struggling with obesity.
Feedback from a NewsBreak Expert
I got curious, so I contacted my content strategist mentor, an accomplished writer and long-term contributor to Newsbreak living in the US, to ask for his assessment. I summarize what he wrote to me today.
NewsBreak likely curated this story in the US due to:
Relevance: Obesity is a significant concern in the US, affecting a large portion of the population. NewsBreak likely recognized the potential impact of this information on their audience.
Novelty: The combination therapy discussed in the story is a relatively new concept, making it newsworthy and potentially intriguing to readers.
Scientific Rigor: Your background as a researcher and your reliance on scientific evidence and case studies adds credibility to the story.
Public Interest: There is a strong public interest in this topic. NewsBreak likely recognized this interest and chose to curate the story to cater to its audience’s preferences.
The story likely went viral due to a combination of factors:
Timeliness: The obesity epidemic is an ongoing and worsening problem, making any potential solutions a topic of great interest.
Hope: The story offers a potential new avenue for weight loss, which can be a source of hope for those struggling with obesity.
Shareability: The story's combination of scientific information, personal anecdotes, and practical advice makes it engaging and easily shareable across social media platforms.
Accessibility: Your clear and concise writing style makes the complex topic of pharmacology understandable to a broad audience.
In summary, this story highlights a novel approach to combating obesity by combining phentermine with newer GLP-1 receptor agonists, offering a potentially more effective treatment alongside healthy lifestyle choices. Featured on NewsBreak, it resonates with a broad American audience grappling with obesity, backed by your scientific expertise and evidence-based approach. Its viral success shows significant public interest, driven by its timely relevance, hopeful outlook, and clear, accessible writing style. This makes it a catalyst for further discussions and research in the field of weight management.
How did this story perform on Medium.com?
The performance of this story on Medium.com presents a curious contrast to its success on NewsBreak. Historically, my articles have gained substantial views and often received organic boosts, but the last seven weeks have seen a noticeable absence of such boosts, raising concerns about the platform where I have invested so much time and effort.
Seeking an unbiased perspective, I consulted a mentor with a significantly larger audience on Medium. When asked about the discrepancy in distribution between NewsBreak and Medium, despite the identical content (barring cover photos), their evaluation highlighted several potential factors contributing to this outcome.
Here is the summary of my mentor’s evaluation.
Feedback from a Medium.com Expert
There could be several reasons why this story on the synergy of phentermine and GLP-1 RAs for weight management didn’t get curated on Medium and received fewer views compared to NewsBreak.
Topic Focus and Audience: Medium’s curation focuses on personal essays, thought leadership, and niche topics. While health and wellness are popular, the story’s specific focus on pharmacological treatments for obesity might not have aligned with the broader interests of Medium’s curators or its general audience. NewsBreak, on the other hand, might have a larger audience interested in health news and practical tips.
Curation Algorithm: Medium’s curation algorithm is complex and considers various factors like engagement, reading time, and topic relevance. It's possible the story didn’t meet the specific criteria for curation at that time. NewsBreak’s algorithm might have different priorities, potentially favoring timely and informative health news.
Competition: Medium has a vast amount of content published daily, making it highly competitive to get curated. The story might have been overshadowed by other articles on similar or more popular topics. NewsBreak might have less competition in the health news category, giving the story more visibility.
Timing and Promotion: The timing of publication and promotional efforts can significantly impact a story’s reach. It’s possible the story wasn’t promoted as effectively on Medium compared to NewsBreak. Additionally, the story’s topic might have been more timely or newsworthy for NewsBreak’s audience.
Platform Bias: Each platform has its unique audience and preferences. Medium’s audience is more interested in personal narratives and in-depth commentary, while NewsBreak might prefer scientific and news-oriented content.
My mentor concluded that while the story might not have gained traction on Medium, its success on NewsBreak highlights the importance of tailoring content to specific platforms and audiences. By understanding the preferences and algorithms of different platforms, you can increase your chances of reaching a broader readership and achieving your desired impact.
Conclusions and Takeaways
this story is a testament to the dynamic nature of content creation and distribution in the digital age. While the Medium version of this story might not have received the same level of attention as its NewsBreak counterpart, it still holds significant value for writers and readers.
For writers, this story highlights the importance of understanding platform-specific audiences and tailoring content accordingly. The success of the NewsBreak version highlights the potential of reaching a broader audience by adapting content to suit different platforms and their algorithms. Moreover, it emphasizes the power of cross-platform promotion in expanding reach and fostering collaborations.
For readers, this story offers valuable insights into the evolving landscape of obesity treatment, highlighting the potential synergy of combining established and newer medications with healthy lifestyle choices. By presenting a comprehensive and accessible overview of this topic, it empowers readers to make informed decisions about their health and well-being.
This story also reminds us of the importance of perseverance and adaptability in content creation. While the Medium version might not have reached viral status, its impact on a smaller, more targeted audience shouldn’t be underestimated. It still contributes to the obesity conversation and offers valuable information to those seeking it.
Ultimately, the story’s success on NewsBreak and its potential to spark further discussion and research on Medium demonstrate the power of storytelling and the importance of sharing knowledge across different platforms to reach and empower diverse audiences.
If you are interested in health weight management, you might find my stories in the attached list. I focus on a healthy lifestyle and only mention pharmacology as a supplementary solution for weight loss.
Weight Loss / Muscle Gain
Thank you for reading my perspectives. I wish you a healthy and happy life.
I wrote 60+ stories about significant health conditions. They are published in various publications, but you can find them easily in the following list.
List: Major Health Conditions | Curated by Dr Mehmet Yildiz | Medium
To inform my new readers, I wrote numerous articles that might inform and inspire you. Some of my topics include brain, mental health, cognitive function, significant health conditions, longevity, nutrition/food, valuable nutrients, ketogenic lifestyle, self-healing, weight management, writing/reading, including 100+ Insightful Life Lessons from My Circles for the Last 50+ Years.
I publish my health and wellness stories on EUPHORIA and share distilled versions on SUBSTACK. My posts do not include professional or health advice. I only document my reviews, observations, experiences, and perspectives to provide information and create awareness.
If you are a writer, you are welcome to join my publications by sending a request via this link. I support 30K writers who contribute to my publications on this platform. I also have another profile to write and curate tech stories. Friend Links to My Sample Boosted Stories for Non-Members of Medium. Originally published on Substack for free.
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Importance and Value of Medium Friendship for Writers and Readers
Congratulations on finding ways to get eyes on your important research and writing!!! 💙Anneliese