What No One Tells You About Taking a GLP-1 Medication: My Personal Experience

I would love to sit here and say that taking a GLP-1 medication was the ‘easy way out’ for weight loss. But like anything in life, nothing comes for free. Taking a GLP-1 medication has been more of a slow, steady ride, with a few unexpected twists along the way. If you’ve just started your GLP-1 journey, you might be brimming with excitement for what lies ahead (and justifiably so). But there are a few things that no one really warns you about and as I’ve learned, it’s important to talk about them so you’re fully prepared.

1. The Hunger Games – But in Reverse

Let’s start with one of the most common things people expect when they begin a GLP-1 medication: appetite suppression. They tell you that you’ll feel less hungry and for the most part, that’s absolutely true. But what no one tells you is that the lack of hunger can sometimes feel a bit weird. If like me, you’re used to either constant physical hunger or the yearning for food; when it suddenly stops… it feels eerily quiet.

It’s also goes beyond the lack of hunger – you may find yourself forgetting to eat at times or not feeling as connected to your meals. This is when I realised that my relationship with food wasn’t just about hunger – it was also about habits, emotions and routines. Relearning how to eat mindfully and not just as a response to hunger has been one of the more surprising lessons along the way.

2. Patience – It’s Not Just a Virtue, It’s a Necessity

I see so many people complaining about not losing weight ‘fast enough’ when taking a GLP-1 medication. Unfortunately, you won’t wake up tomorrow and have the body of your dreams (spoiler alert: that’s not how it works). But that’s not a bad thing.

The progress you make on GLP-1 medication will be incremental, and often, those small wins add up to bigger changes. And while it might not seem like much in the moment, those consistent steps forward are the ones that will build up over time and lead to long lasting results.

For me, I am averaging a loss of 1.2lb per week. But the thing is, I didn’t lose anything for over 3 years, so I am incredibly grateful for every lb I lose.

3. A Journey of Self-Discovery

If there’s one thing I didn’t expect, it’s how much I’d learn about my relationship with food. GLP-1 medications don’t just help with appetite – it also forces you to reflect on why you’re eating in the first place. I didn’t realise how many food rules I’d embedded over the years, and slowly but surely, the medication is allowing me to review each food rule and identifying how much I’ve been restricting without even realising it.

4. The Support You Never Knew You Needed

No matter how prepared you think you are for the journey, there will always be moments when you feel a little lost. GLP-1 medications are a personal journey, and while it’s helpful to hear about other people’s experiences, no one can fully prepare you for how it will feel for you. That’s why it’s so important to have a support system. Whether it’s friends, family or a community online, having people to share your ups and downs with can make all the difference.

Taking a GLP-1 medication is not about following a one-size-fits-all approach. What works for me might not work for you, and that’s perfectly okay. The key is to take things slow, listen to your body, and ask for help when you need it. You don’t have to go through this alone.

5. Progress is Progress – No Matter How Small

Throughout my journey, I’ve had to remind myself that progress is progress, no matter how small. Some days are better than others. Some days, I feel like I’m on top of the world; other days, it feels like I’ve taken two steps back and all my hard work is unravelling. And that’s okay. We’re all human, and this is a journey, not a race.

Even on the days when things don’t go as planned, I’ve learned to celebrate the little victories – like sticking to my healthy meals or choosing to take a walk instead of binge-watching Netflix for hours. These moments matter. They’re part of building new habits, and they count just as much as the big wins.

Taking a GLP-1 isn’t always a smooth ride, but it’s an incredibly rewarding one. It’s not just about seeing physical changes, but about understanding yourself and your relationship with food in ways you never expected. Whether you’re just starting or already a few months in, remember this: the bumps in the road are part of the journey and you’re doing better than you think.

Stay patient, stay kind to yourself and remember: even on the toughest days, you’re still making progress.