How I Mentally Prepared Before Starting a GLP-1 Agonist for Weight Loss
Starting a new weight loss medication such as Ozempic, Wegovy, or Mounjaro can provoke a range of emotions, especially if you use food as a tool to regulate emotions. For me, the decision to begin this journey wasn’t just about weight loss, but about setting myself up for long term health and wellbeing.
The combination of working in healthcare during the pandemic and becoming the primary carer for both of my parents following serious health events – including a stroke, pulmonary embolism, and sepsis – took a significant emotional and physical toll on me. In response to this stress, I turned to food for comfort, which led to a weight gain of over 50 pounds. Despite my efforts to ‘balance my meals’, my hunger felt insatiable and my weight continued to climb.
In the midst of processing the challenges surrounding my parents' health, I sought therapy through BetterHelp. This support gave me the tools to develop healthier coping mechanisms and helped me shift my perspective. I began to realise that overeating was not an act of self-care, no matter how comforting it might feel in the moment. This understanding was pivotal in my journey towards better managing my health.
Following therapy, I started to look for the solution to regain control over my health. With a history of heart disease and osteoarthritis in my immediate family, I could see I needed to take steps to hopefully change the trajectory of my future health.
Understanding My Why
Before anything, I needed to take a step back and really think about why I was choosing to start a GLP-1 medication. For me, it wasn’t just about shedding pounds to feel confident in a mini skirt or meeting a specific number on the scale. I wanted to feel better physically, have more energy, and create lasting changes to my overall health. I knew that GLP-1s could help with appetite regulation and weight management, but I also knew that these medications are just one part of the puzzle. My goal was to make sustainable changes, both in terms of my eating habits and mindset.
This step was crucial. I had to be clear on my motivations so that I could approach this process with patience and a long term perspective. GLP-1 medications would support my progress, but I also had to address other factors in my life to make sure I was building healthier habits for the future.
Setting Realistic Expectations
I wanted to be realistic about what starting GLP-1 medication would mean for me. I wasn’t expecting immediate miracles or dramatic weight loss overnight (despite what the Reddit forums promised me). I understood that there could be side effects like nausea or digestive discomfort as my body adjusted, and that it might take some time for the medication to work effectively. Setting these expectations was important for managing any frustration or impatience that might arise.
More importantly, I needed to be realistic about my journey as a whole. GLP-1 medication could support my weight loss by helping to reduce hunger, but it wouldn’t solve everything on its own. I needed to commit to making healthier food choices, moving more, and working on my mindset. This wasn’t going to be a quick fix – it was going to be a lifestyle change.
Addressing Emotional Eating Through Therapy
One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced in the past is emotional eating. When I’m stressed or anxious, I’ve often turned to food as a way to comfort myself and to suppress the butterfly sensation in my stomach. I knew that GLP-1 medication could help curb some of my physical cravings, but I also knew that I needed to address the emotional side of eating if I wanted to truly succeed.
Going to therapy wasn’t something I took lightly – I knew that dealing with my emotions in a healthier way was crucial if I was going to make lasting changes. During therapy, I learned about my emotional triggers and developed healthier coping strategies. We worked through why I used food to soothe negative emotions, and I gained insight into my patterns of thinking and behaviour. This was one of the most transformative parts of my preparation.
Therapy helped me develop tools to manage stress, anxiety, and other emotions without turning to food. I learned mindfulness techniques, such as self-compassion, which helped me address cravings in a healthier way. It also gave me the confidence to tackle the emotional side of eating head on, so I wouldn’t be relying solely on medication to manage my hunger.
Visualising Success and Anticipating Challenges
As I mentally prepared to start my GLP-1 medication, I made sure to visualise what success would look like for me. I imagined feeling more energetic, being able to make healthier choices, and gaining more control over my eating habits. But I also spent time thinking about the potential challenges I might face – whether it be side effects or dealing with emotional cravings. By visualising both the successes and the hurdles, I felt better equipped to handle whatever came my way.
Educating Myself About GLP-1 Medications
I have a diagnosis of epilepsy so I spent considerable time researching GLP-1 medications before I contacted a pharmacy. I needed to fully understand how they worked, what to expect, and how to incorporate them into a broader weight management strategy. I read articles, spoke with a healthcare professional, and connected with others who had experience using GLP-1s. The more I understood, the more confident I felt. Knowledge gave me control and helped me separate fact from myth.
Combining GLP-1 Medication with Healthy Lifestyle Changes
I knew that starting GLP-1 medication wasn’t an excuse to ignore the basics of healthy living. I was committed to pairing the medication with a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and a focus on my mental wellbeing. It was important to me that I didn’t rely solely on the medication, but used it as part of a holistic approach. I set myself up for success by preparing to make lasting changes, not just short-term fixes.
