Weight loss for pre-empty nester women who don't like working out

“Your blood pressure is high and so is your cholesterol. With your family history, I think you should try semaglutide", the doctor said to me.

I replied that that was not possible because I was a health coach and I was afraid of how that would look to those I help. I walked out of the room once again discouraged.

I went home and told my husband what my doctor had suggested and he agreed with the doctor. 

My husband has watched me over the years as I’ve tried to coach myself with our programs, and seeing few results even though they had worked in the past. He watched as I tried to find answers from functional medicine doctors, my gynecologist, nutritionists, and physical therapists. 

Even after hormone replacement therapy, the weight continued to creep up to be the same as when I had my children. I’d gained 40+ pounds since 2019. Me, the health coach!

There is a ton of stigma around semaglutide, and other GLP-1 drugs. It’s being called the “quick fix” or the “easy way out”. But to me, it wasn’t the easy way out.  It was actually a hard decision and I had massive feelings of shame to get to this point of needing to take this drug.

I come from a long line of obesity and diabetes. I’d been able to keep that at bay since becoming a BODi Partner (formerly Beachbody Coach) 17 years ago. But then my genetics caught up with me through peri-menopause and now menopause. It had a tight grip and despite my trying, my genetics were winning.

My husband and I decided to not go public with the fact that I was taking the drug. To me, I’m an open book so it felt even more shameful having to keep it a secret but I didn’t know what the drug was going to do for me or to me. I also didn’t want the backlash I’d watched others live through.

Those first couple of months were difficult with the side effects but the weight very, very slowly started to come off. Because I had done so much mindset work around loving my body at any size, I wasn't focused on losing weight quickly but more focused on just being a healthier version of myself and being patient with the process.

What I did notice was the food noise was quiet.

Food noise is when your brain constantly thinks of food. It’s common for those who struggle with their weight. It’s like when you are finishing breakfast wondering what you are going to eat for dinner. Or when you can’t stop thinking about pizza after you see it on the commercial and you want pizza. 

The other thing I noticed is my stomach was finally telling my brain when it was full, something that never happened before. Again, this is why so many people gain weight. Their brains don’t know when to stop eating so they overeat.

It was crazy that these two things, something I didn’t expect, were happening to me. It felt like this was a miracle drug! Not because of the weight loss but because of the quieting of the food noise and sensation of when I had eaten enough. 

I have continued to do the work. I drink my superfood shake daily, I walk, I do strength training at-home workouts, I also focus on protein, fiber, and water intake. 

It’s been 9 months since I started the shot and my weight is down. I also haven’t had a cold or illness this whole time, which is unusual for me since I’ve had Covid over 4 times as well as the flu almost every year.  My blood pressure is lower and so is my cholesterol. I still have weight to lose but I’m not worried about the timeline.

In person, I tell people what I’ve been doing and am open about it. I just haven’t publicly shared it until now. 

Why am I sharing it publicly now?

I want to help those who are on the drug to not feel shame. If you have tried all the things and this was your last resort, as it was mine, there is no shame! Let’s stop shaming people for wanting to be healthy! 

I want to help those who are on the drug find a fitness and nutrition plan that will help them not lose muscle and keep the weight off once they are off the drug, two very real side effects of this drug. I have first hand experience on how to help you and totally get where you are coming from.

Here is how I see it: 

The GLP-1 is to aid weight loss like anti-depressants are to help mental health.

When you begin healthy habits with a fitness/nutrition program while on a GLP-1, it is like going to a therapist for mental health, it helps heal instead of putting a band-aid on the problem. 

If you are on a GLP-1, let me help you find a program that will work for your needs.

I’m just a girl, trying to change the trajectory of my health and be a positive example to those around me. 

That is my confession.