In my thirties, my body began to “betray” me. After years of running marathons, working out, and eating well, I found myself struggling with unexplained weight gain, fatigue, joint pain, and digestive issues. I didn’t realize at the time that these were symptoms of deeper, interconnected health issues, including Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and celiac disease. My experience with GLP-1 weight loss drugs has been part of a broader journey toward navigating the challenges of chronic illness with a supportive health care team.
It was a slow and circuitous process to receive the diagnoses of PCOS and celiac disease. In hindsight, I had symptoms for years, but they were often chalked up to the typical stress of adult life. First, I was diagnosed with PCOS, a hormonal disorder that can cause insulin resistance and metabolic disruptions, which made it difficult for me to maintain a healthy weight. I was prescribed Metformin to manage insulin resistance, but I wasn’t given the additional education I needed to fully understand the broader implications of PCOS. The metformin “held off the wolves” long enough for me to get pregnant, although it was a long two-year process. Then, after giving birth, I developed significant digestive issues and fatigue, which eventually led to my diagnosis of celiac disease, an autoimmune condition in which the ingestion of gluten causes damage to the small intestine.
My weight gain struggles postpartum accelerated. After having my baby, I faced the harsh reality that the stubborn weight I had gained during pregnancy didn’t come off easily—in fact, I was gaining weight, despite continuing my regular exercise routine and attempting to maintain a healthy diet. The joint pain, fatigue, and brain fog persisted, making it clear that my body was not responding to the same strategies that had worked for me before.
This period was particularly frustrating because, as someone who had always been active, I felt like I was doing everything right but still wasn’t seeing the results. I felt dismissed by doctors, and at times, I was made to feel like I wasn’t doing enough to manage my health. That’s when I realized that there were underlying issues making weight management far more complicated than I had previously understood.
One of the most pivotal moments in my health journey was finding a new primary health care team, who truly listened and offered a holistic approach. My primary care doctor referred me to an endocrinologist who specialized in PCOS and metabolic health. This endocrinologist played a crucial role in helping me understand the connection between my hormonal imbalances, insulin resistance, and the challenges I was facing with weight and energy. I also worked with a dietician who helped me navigate a gluten-free diet to manage my celiac disease, ensuring that I could still get the nutrients I needed while avoiding foods that triggered my autoimmune symptoms, and while managing my weight. I sought out personal training and physical therapy to address my chronic joint pain, as well as education on new ways to exercise that would work for my changing body. I also worked with a counselor who used cognitive behavioral therapy to address stress, anxiety, and depression.
Having a health care team that addressed all aspects of my health—physical, nutritional, and mental—was key. This integrated approach allowed me to make more informed decisions about my care and to feel supported at every step of the process.
Considering GLP-1 medications as a viable treatment option was something that took me a long time to come around to. I didn’t consider obesity a disease, and taking the medications felt like cheating, especially with all of the judgmental press about improper use by celebrities.
However eventually during my visits with my endocrinologist, the discussion turned to the use of GLP-1 weight loss drugs, as I simply was not making forward progress with lifestyle changes alone. My doctor helped me understand that as someone with insulin resistance due to PCOS, using GLP-1 agonists was another tool to improve my insulin sensitivity and manage my weight. We discussed the differences between metabolically healthy and metabolically unhealthy obesity. My endocrinologist emphasized being an informed patient, encouraging me to research the medications on my own and come back with any questions. This approach gave me the agency to learn more about the drug’s benefits, potential side effects, and what to expect. I came to the informed decision that without medication, despite lifestyle interventions, I was likely on my way to diabetes and other more severe persistent health issues.
I think the most important part of this conversation was setting realistic expectations and addressing the long-term commitment that comes along with taking GLP-1 medications. I was made aware that they were not a permanent fix for weight loss. In order to address insulin resistance and maintain metabolic health, there would still need to be a long-term commitment to diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes. It was also possible that I would need to be on the expensive drugs indefinitely, and that we lack information about the long-term impacts of the drugs. Additionally, we discussed what would happen if I chose to stop taking the medications in the future, including regaining the weight. We also reviewed the potential side effects of GLP-1 medications, particularly in the initial phases. I was prepared for possible gastrointestinal discomfort and was given strategies for managing these side effects. While these conversations were scary, the understanding that GLP-1 medications were part of a larger, ongoing effort to manage my health, rather than a quick fix, made it easier to commit to this treatment path.
It has now been over 24 months since I began taking GLP-1 medications, and I have lost nearly 70 pounds or approximately 38.8 percent of my original weight. My response has been on the more dramatic end of the spectrum, but I am confident that is because I had the appropriate lifestyle habits in place before I started taking the medications. It also gives me confidence that I actually needed the medication—I was sick. It wasn’t a shortcut or “cheating” to use them to reclaim my health.
While the weight loss has been a significant improvement, the most profound changes have been in how I feel day-to-day. The chronic pain that once dominated my joints has diminished, my digestive issues are better managed, and I no longer experience the debilitating fatigue and brain fog that once made daily tasks a struggle. I feel more present in my life, more engaged with my family, and more confident in my ability to manage my health in a sustainable way. I have developed a deeper understanding of my conditions and how they affect my overall well-being, and I now feel equipped to make informed decisions about my ongoing care.
Based on my experience, I am a firm believer in the value of integrated care, patient education, and honest doctor-patient dialogue. The comprehensive care I received—from my endocrinologist and dietician to my physical therapist and cognitive behavioral therapist—was essential in addressing the full scope of my symptoms and conditions. GLP-1 medications played an important role in managing my insulin resistance and supporting weight loss, but they were most effective when used as part of a broader, holistic plan.
I hope that my experience can serve as a reminder to health care providers that weight management is rarely just about diet and exercise—it often involves complex, interconnected health conditions that require a multifaceted approach. Supporting patients with education, resources, and a collaborative care team can make all the difference in helping them manage their health and achieve long-term success.
This article was published as part of a series for Obesity for World Obesity Day, March 4, 2025. View the full Special Series for more articles and messages from the editors regarding language and content.
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About the author
The author of this article wishes to remain anonymous.
**Feature photo obtained with a standard license on Shutterstock.
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