The Benefits of Losing Weight Slowly on GLP-1 Medication
Diet culture often pushes the idea that losing weight faster is better, and after years of struggling with my weight (think ‘Slimmer of the Week’), so the thought of losing weight quickly has always been appealing. However, when I decided to try a GLP-1 medication, I made a promise to myself that I would do it in a healthy and sustainable way - not only including the food that I like to eat, but also with the mental strategies that I adopted. I’ve come to truly value the benefits of a slower, steadier approach to weight loss and have been losing at a rate of 1.2lb per week (which after years of not being able to lose anything feels like a lot!).
Adopting this slower approach has given me the chance to break free from unsustainable patterns, focus on building lasting habits, and protect my overall health. Taking it slow has helped me create meaningful change, and I now see this journey as about more than just the number on the scale.
It’s About Sustainability
In the past, I turned to quick fixes to lose weight. While they worked temporarily, the results never lasted and I never learnt how to nourish myself. This time, I wanted a different approach - one that focused on lasting change. By losing weight gradually, I’ve got the opportunity to develop habits I can stick with for the long term. Using a GLP-1 medication has been a great tool, helping me manage cravings and stay on track with my goals. However, the real success lies in building a sustainable lifestyle. It’s not just about the weight coming off; it’s about creating a foundation for healthier choices that will support me for years to come.
Protecting My Muscle Mass
One thing I hadn’t fully appreciated before starting my journey was how rapid weight loss can lead to muscle loss, which can negatively affect both your metabolism and overall health. Losing weight too quickly often focuses only on the number on the scale, but it can overlook the importance of maintaining muscle mass. By taking a slower, more deliberate approach, I’ve been able to prioritise eating enough protein and incorporating gentle movement into my routine. This combination has helped me preserve muscle while focusing on fat loss. It’s a balance that feels not only healthier but also much more sustainable. For me, it’s about building habits that support long-term health, rather than chasing short term results that don’t last.
Listening to My Body
Losing weight gradually has allowed my body the time it needs to adjust and adapt, which has made a big difference. In the past, rushing weight loss often left me feeling fatigued and overwhelmed, which wasn’t sustainable. Taking a slower approach has been kinder to my body and my mental health. With the support of GLP-1 medication, which helps stabilise my blood sugar and reduce food noise, I’ve been able to focus on truly listening to learning what my body needs. This clarity has made it easier to make healthier choices and build habits that feel natural and maintainable, setting me up for long term success.
The Mental Shift
Taking a slower approach to weight loss has been a mental shift for me, teaching patience and self-compassion. It’s helped me realise that weight loss isn’t just a physical process - it’s emotional too. By moving at a slower rate, I’ve had the time to reflect on and improve my relationship with food. This approach has given me the space to prioritise the bigger picture of my overall health and wellbeing. It’s been about progress, not perfection, and that mindset has made all the difference in my journey.
It’s a Journey, Not a Race
I’ve come to realise that there’s no finish line when it comes to health. It’s about creating a life that feels good, not just hitting a number on the scale. Slow, steady progress has helped me celebrate the small wins - better energy, improved confidence, and even simple joys like feeling more comfortable in my clothes.
If you’re on a similar journey, my advice is this: trust the process. GLP-1 can be an incredible tool, but the magic happens when you pair it with lasting habits and a focus on overall wellbeing.
This isn’t about perfection. It’s about progress, one step at a time. And for me, that’s been the most empowering part of all.
