2 years ago I was in agony every day. I had terrible endometriosis pain, uncontrolled IBS that made it nearly impossible to leave the house, high blood pressure that gave me terrible medical anxiety, uncontrolled asthma, an immune disorder that left me sick all of the time and reflux so bad that I had to sleep sitting up most nights. I was 43 and felt like my best days were behind me. I had always been fat and active. Suddenly I couldn’t be active any more and that was scary.

As someone who very much embraced (and still do!) the HAES movement, I struggled with the existence of GLP-1s. I had only ever seen them in the context of helping skinny people become skinniER. Strangely, watching a standup special (Jim Gaffigan’s The Skinny) changed how I saw these meds and I quickly started to rethink what was possible for me.

For the first 18 months I didn’t look at the scale. I weighed once a month, my husband dutifully put the number into the app on his phone and he would tell me how many pounds I was down (and because I weighed only once a month, it was always down). At some point I asked him what my starting weight was and he told me it was 299. That number was hard to hear (although I had surpassed it during and after both my pregnancies). I have had a lifetime of fatphobic nonsense, forced diets, weigh-ins, shame, tracking, obsessing and I consciously chose to do this differently. I would not obsess over a number- scale, or otherwise. I would not be tracking anything and that was such a strange feeling for me. At first, I would finish a workout and think “why did I do this if I don’t get credit for it?” Eventually that grew into a really healthy mindset- I’m doing it for the joy of movement and because I CAN. My body feels better when I move, that’s all the credit I need.

I am now 22 months in and 125 lbs down. My endometriosis pain is gone, asthma is nearly gone, IBS is gone, I was on blood pressure meds for 12 years (since the birth of my daughter) and I’m now off of them, I was on a PPI since my first pregnancy (17 years) and now my reflux is gone, despite my family getting sick multiple times, I haven’t had so much as a cold. This all sounds insane as I type it, but it’s my lived experience. The weight loss has slowed way down and I’m mostly ok with that. When I started I thought “250 would be amazing” and then I lowered it to “225 might be impossible, but what if???” and then “199 would be a dream”. My stretch goal is 150. Sometimes I still doubt that I will get there, but uncertainty has been a constant companion on this journey and that’s ok.

Things that worked for me:

Trying lots of new foods. I used to crave high fat, heavy dishes. If it didn’t have pasta, cheese or have a dipping sauce, I wasn’t interested. Those foods never agreed with me and it never occurred to me how bonkers it was that I craved food that made me sick. Think of your last stomach flu- do you ever eat the food that got you sick again?! No! Yet, I was having terrible reflux (sometimes including vomiting) and near constant IBS-D flairs and I was powerless to stop eating those foods. Now I am exploring seasonal veggies, lots of soups (I used to hate soup- not filling enough- it made me sad) and interesting salads.

Automating 2 meals a day. Breakfast and lunch are always the same (breakfast- coffee and an Almond Butter Kind Bar and lunch is a maple turkey sandwich with air fried kettle chips). I do have to remind myself to eat to avoid nausea and having the same easy breakfast and lunch takes the thought out of it.

Exploring new recipes for dinner. I have always been an avid cook, but I have had to say goodbye to most of my tried and true recipes. I now have a binder of all of my new tried and trues.

Popsicle flavor Liquid IV- I adore it (I probably would have hated it preZep) and I split one packet between 3x 40 oz bottles a day (with lots of ice!!).

Clothing Rentals- my size is in constant flux and after spending money on some beautiful things that I quickly undergrew, I decided to use a monthly clothing rental company for that shopping dopamine fix without the waste.

Visiting this Reddit! I’m making this post because I realized how important and helpful it was to read and watch all of your stories unfold. Seeing what was possible was incredibly hopeful to me. I hope I can be that for some Zep newcomer.

I'm only a couple weeks into my Zepbound journey. But even this early on, I've found it difficult to hit my daily protein goals.

The biggest challenge for me is actually taking the time to make something that's protein heavy for lunch and/or dinner.

Meal prepping is the obvious answer. So I wanted to share a quick tip on how I keep plenty of protein on hand for many weeks.

A couple small investments in your kitchen can make things a lot easier, and many of you probably already have at least 1 of them.

An Instant Pot, and a Vacuum Sealer.

I just got done prepping 7 lbs (cooked) of pulled chicken to stock my freezer. Here's how I did it.

I started with 11lbs of boneless skinless chicken breasts. They were on sale at my local grocery store for $1.99/lb. This is probably the max I'd put into my Instant Pot. The manual recommends only 8lb max, but 11 worked! 11lbs yielded about 7lbs of cooked chicken.

I seasoned the chicken breast with just salt and pepper. I wanted it neutral flavor so I could season it later for whatever I was making.

Once it's all seasoned, drop it into the instant pot, ensuring you do not go above the 2/3 fill line. I added 1 can of low sodium chicken broth as well. You can use water if you want. You just want to cover about 2/3 of the chicken.

Pressure cook on high for 10-12 minutes. I did 12 only because I had so much chicken in there. If you're not completely stuffed full, 10 is fine. Once the timer goes off, let it sit for 5 minutes (natural release) before flipping the pressure valve open.

Once the instant pot unlocks remove the chicken breasts, and transfer the juice you have in the pot to another container with a lid, and put it in the fridge.

Transfer the chicken back to the instant pot and shred with 2 forks. I found it easier to do in smaller batches. You can also use a hand mixer with only one of the blades on it to help out.

Once all the chicken is shredded, transfer to a cookie sheet (or 2) and put it in the fridge uncovered for about an hour. You want to make sure it's cooled down before sealing it.

After it's cool, create (or buy) some 10-12" long vacuum bags. I place 1lb of chicken in each bag, and about a 1/4 cup of the juice we saved. You can adjust this if you want larger or smaller portions. I found 1lb works well for me as it'll last a couple days in the fridge once thawed.

Vacuum seal the bags on the "wet" setting. Be sure to label the bags with a date so you know when it was cooked. Toss it in the freezer!

You can then pull these out as needed. Drop them in some warm water for about 10 minutes to thaw, then use them how you choose! I've made salads, burritos, rice bowls, sandwiches, etc. And don't forget you can add additional seasonings at this point as well!

Sorry for the novel, but I hope this helps someone!

I started my journey on 6/30 at 244 lb and am 16.5 weeks in and down 33lb. I did 2.5 mg for 12 weeks and then titrated up. The first pictures were a week in.

For the first time in my adulthood, I am loving my body and what it can do; so many things feel new and different and exciting. My journey hasn't been perfect but it's been pretty darn good. For anyone nervous to take the leap, do it!

I found this post by Plus Sidez Podcast to be really interesting and I would love to hear from people here who have been on the medication for a longer time as to whether this is also their experience- having the meds not work as well and even experiencing re-gain.

I know many doctors in the space when asked about this will say "We do not have data to support it". However- I am not sure anyone will be doing a study to support or deny it- so in many ways we are the long term study.

https://kimcarlosplussidezpodcast.substack.com/p/the-glp-1-year-5-problem-no-one-is?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=web&utm_content=embedded-post

i’ve lost a little over 26 lbs and i feel like i don’t look any different. i’m 5’1 so i feel like it’s going to take ages to see a physical change or for my brain to recognize that there’s a difference there. it’s so frustrating to feel like i’ve been putting in the work and like nothing is changing 😭

I go to gym 3/4 times a week. I have tried everything from slim fast to contrave to sonobello. Zepbound works ! I went from 206 to now 150 after 4 years on it. I have PCOS, fibromyalgia, lipedema, IBS-D and ankylosing spondylitis.

For me, this has helped tremendously. I recommend to anyone. I had to fight for it with my insurance through appeals but it was worth it. If you can’t do shots try the pill version. My mom did the pill -Wegovy and lost 40 lbs in 6 months.

Since this drug slows food, I've asked pharmacists, doctors, in here, etc., if pills also slow, and everyone says no.

That is incorrect.

I need strong sleep medication to get my 4 to 6 hours of sleep at night, and used to take my first meds 3 hours after my last meal, but suddenly on Zepbound they weren't working.

Last night I took them before my last meal. That would usually mean I'd wake up at 3 in the morning and that would be the start of my day. But on Zepbound I slept 8 hours! It was wonderful.

I haven't lost any weight after a month, but I also haven't had to use my rescue inhaler (asthma) in that month, and the inflammation in my joints is gone.

Started my Zepbound journey in January at 195lb and I’m not exactly sure what I weighed last October though so I only use my known starting weight. I’ve come a long way and I’m looking forward to this Halloween, although I am a little sad that these costumes don’t fit anymore.
What are y’all dressing up as this Halloween??? Husband will be Mario, I’ll be Luigi, 3 year old will be peach and 1 year old will be Yoshi.

I was diagnosed with Stage 3 Chronic Kidney Disease five years ago. When my current doctor prescribed Zepbound, she didn't mention anything about kidney effects... just weight and insulin management. However, my labs have improved so much in the past year that not only did I improve my status from Stage 3 to Stage 2 kidney disease at my last set of labs, and my most recent ones show improvement to point that my doctor said I no longer qualify for a CKD diagnosis! Amazing!

Side note: insurance companies that won't pay for GLP-1 medications are so short-term focused it's unreal. These miracle drugs are deeply affecting long-term health in so many ways, and the long term impact on insurance claims will be much lower.

Just glad to be where I am now vs. where I was 3 years ago. This medicine saved me.

Good or bad, I’d love to hear them.

I was personally astonished every time I discovered I could feel a new bone.

Being able to roll over in bed without feeling like I was hefting a sack of potatoes in my midsection was amazing!

Last night, I discovered a lump in my lower back that I likely had for years. I’m seeing the doctor on Wednesday to have it checked out, but I’m expecting it to be a lipoma.

I'm on the Medicare GLP-1 bridge program and did my first 2.5 mg injection July 11. After 15 injections (currently on 5 mg) and 20 lb loss later, it was time to see my PCP for my 6 month checkup. I got my blood panels results yesterday and just amazed at the results.

Fasting Glucose dropped 18% from moderately high to normal range
Total Cholesterol dropped 30% in normal range
Triglycerides dropped 52% from high to acceptable range
VHDL dropped 56% from moderately high to normal range
LDL dropped 32% in optimal range
A1C dropped from 6.2 to 5.5

HDL dropped 7% but still in normal range. I will increase cardio & strength training to hopefully help this number go up for next blood panel.

My blood pressure has also dropped from mid-130s to low-140s over mid-80s to low-90s before zep to averaging 113/70.

My PCP was astounded at my results while on Zepbound treatment. He has given approval to stop taking high blood pressure, statin, & metformin drugs. I still need to continue to monitor BP and will do another lipid & A1C panels after 90 days to ensure numbers don't rise. Tirzepatide is truly a medical miracle drug!

The difference a year makes. I can't believe how different I look. This is wild! I still have a little bit left on my journey before I switch to maintenance mode.

I picked up my pens today, and I’m going to inject for the first time sometime this week. (I’m unsure on which day, I run an elementary school clinic so I need to feel good when taking care of 600 babies lol). What is something you wish you knew before you started? Would you do anything differently?

PS. I have horrible health anxiety and I’m terribly scared of bad side effects. But I’m desperate to get healthy.

Started Zepbound in April of 2026. I am 53lbs down and counting, moving up to 10mg here in about 3 weeks.

Did a complete blood work up at my doctors office. The results have been amazing! Not only have I almost completely eliminated one BP med, my bloodwork has taken a complete 180 too! My A1C which was on the low end of pre diabetes is now 5.0, my glucose levels are normal, my liver enzymes are normal, my triglycerides are normal. I was almost shocked to see hardly any color alerts on my blood work at all!

This drug has truly been a miracle and I’m so excited to continue on this journey to hopefully one day hit my goal!

I’ve been at the hospital caring for my dad for three weeks. Just took my weekly shot last night and Ive only been able to get a few bites in today and a protein drink. Everytime I get to the hospital I lose my appetite within minutes. When I get back to the housing for families I just watch tv and fall asleep. Eating even a carrot sounds unbearable to me. Any thoughts? Ice cream?

Sitting here thinking. I’ve lost 30 pounds - 17% of my body weight so far maybe more after this trip… I’m on 10mg has anyone needed to titrate down once they got closer to goal do to weight ratio/dose? Or does it not work that way?

I was on 7.5 for three months. First month went fine, second month, I randomly got sick- diarrhea and dry heaving all night. The third month I got sick once more, stomach pains and vomiting. I even went to the ER.

My doctor dropped me down to 5 again, and its been a few months. 5 isnt working anymore and she gave me the okay to go back to 7.5

She was suspicious those two times I got sick that it was the medicine. But I hae such a hard time believing it. I was already on that dose for 4 weeks. Why get sick then? And why only once each month? It also didn't happen right after injection day. But if it wasn't the medicine, i have no idea what it could've been.

I don't know. I really am afraid, though. I have a phobia of throwing up, so it was really scary for me.

I have IBS so the stomach pains arent really new for me. Ive gotten my IBS in a good spot lately and just feel like im ready to try again but im still so scared.

Has anything similar happened to anyone else? Randomly getting sick once a month? I guess im just texting into the void my fears 😭

There’s this idea that when you lose a massive amount of weight, you’re destined to lose muscle along the way and can’t build it back until you’re done losing weight. But that’s not necessarily true. With consistent strength training, adequate protein, and proper nutrition, it’s possible to build muscle while you’re still losing weight.
I’ve been quietly putting in the work, and I’ve actually gained muscle throughout my own weight-loss journey. It’s taken time, consistency, and learning how to properly fuel my body, but I’m proof that the scale isn’t the only thing that can change. Still a work in progress, but proud of how far I’ve come. 🖤💪🏼 (before picture is listed in the comments.)

I’m down about 35 lbs, and for the longest felt like
I still hovered in the same size range of M-L depending on fit. Suddenly, I’m finding myself in size S m, that at times look baggy on me. I’m still about 10 lbs from goal of 135. I’m technically overweight at 145 and 5’3”. 140 puts me at the minimum for not being overweight, so I just want a slight buffer. How can I be a size S and still overweight though? The vanity sizing is throwing me. Like if I’m normal weight but at the top of my BMI I’ll be an XS? Doesn’t compute for me. I’m having a hard time shopping and feeling a bit like an imposter.

I’ve lost 18lbs in nearly 2 months (I have one dose of 5mg left before I increase my dose) and I was feeling pretty encouraged by that and I was pretty proud of myself. I have changed my whole entire lifestyle with the help of Zepbound (something I never thought I’d be able to do).

However, someone close in my life (my MIL) always seems to turn things negatively or make backhanded unhelpful comments that make me feel incredibly discouraged or like I’m not doing enough.

Does anyone else go through this? How do you deal with this? I’m scared it’s causing a thing for me lol.

I have been taking shots for 7 weeks now and eating non processed foods and logging what I eat for 4 weeks (this has made a huge difference for me). I had a bite of my wife’s chicken patty sandwich with Miracle Whip on it and one bite of her Kraft Mac and cheese.at lunch today. It was like I was eating at Michelin star restaurant. It tasted SOOO good. But the weird thing was, I had no desire to eat more. I’m hoping that’s the meds. I need to learn the art of seasoning. I never needed that cause I always had high calorie sauces and condiments with it. It kind of scares me seeing all the terrible things I put in my body for so long. The first 3 or 4 weeks I felt like a drug addict craving things and I’m sure I was going through a form of withdrawals.

Anyone else having food issues being better with your nutrition?

I learned about this trend called the winter arc where you scale back your social media use and really start focusing on your goals that you want to be doing.

I'm really feeling that right now, and I'm feeling it in several aspects of my life thanks to zepbound. I'm losing weight again; I'm back in the gym. But it's other more subtle things like my mental health is surviving the election without freaking out, and I was hospitalized last time. It could be coping skills; it could be the conspicious lack of Russian bots this go around. It could be a lot of things. But I'm doing ok right now.

But, even more still, I'm doing stuff that isn't focused on food as it gets colder. I'm saving up a little money and am working on my finances and budgeting for little indulgences like I bought some makeup to try and work on my appearance and plan on getting better on it over the winter and playing with different techniques.

All this because I don't indulge in take out as much, or do things like indulge in other toxic behaviors like impulsive habits as much. It's like everything just fell into place for me and I feel calmer somehow.

I'm doing yoga every day too for at least half an hour.

How are you spending the next three months? Have you heard about the winter arc?

For me it’s always brain, and honestly it can be a little maddening. My stomach is hungry but my brain will literally say “NO MORE, STOP” and it’s really hard to push past. Even if it’s been only a few bites. I recently increased my dose after about 9 months on 2.5 so I know it’ll level out but damn.

I am not asking for dosing advice. I know I’ll get someone saying that my dose is too strong if I can’t eat, but I am eating it’s just different right now.