If you had asked me a year ago if I would ever turn to medication to help with weight loss, I pI would have said you were crazy. Like many women in their 40s, I’ve spent much of my life dieting. Holding onto hope that each new fad diet would help me lost that extra weight I’ve been battling the majority of my adult life. After years of discouragement and frustration, I was ready to try something new—something that I hoped would really work and offer me the results I’d be yearning for. 

When my doctor first mentioned Ozempic, I was intrigued. It geniunely does sound too good to be true at first! I had heard bits and pieces about it online and through friends, but I hadn’t seriously considered it, or really every researched it to be honest. Ozempic, was originally  designed to treat type 2 diabetes, has become a popular choice for weight loss in recent years. The idea that a medication could help control my appetite, eat less and hopefully help me shed some pounds was a very exciting prospect. So, I decided to give it a shot (no pun intended, ha!).

Starting the Ozempic Journey

I remember feeling both excited and nervous when I picked up my first prescription. What if this was the literal magic “pill” I had been searching for? Could it really be this easy? Actually, I’d be lying if I said shots were easy for me. Getting shots is something I still loathe. But what about the side effects? Surely there had to be a catch right? My doctor explained that Ozempic works by slowing down your digestion, which helps keep you full longer. It seemed simple enough, but I was still knew there was the bigger picture to consider.

The first few weeks were… interesting. Ozempic definitely curbed my appetite. I wasn’t nearly as hungry, and was eating significantly less. Food was hardly on my mind, and I felt a lot more freedom to focus my energy else where, instead of constantly obsessing about food. It felt like a huge weight (pun intended) was lifted off my shoulders. But it wasn’t all smooth sailing.

Side Effects and Struggles

I’d be lying if I said there weren’t some uncomfortable side effects. First off, I hate needles, but that is probably because I am a baby. It is getting easier, and I am getting braver! Secondly, one of the first things I noticed was a lingering feeling of fullness, sometimes bordering on nausea. I would eat a small meal and feel like I had just finished Thanksgiving dinner. This was great in terms of reducing calorie intake, but it did take some getting used to. My eyes and mouth was still wanting more! But, my digestion slowed, and there were definitely days when I felt bloated and uncomfortable. I started reading up on Ozempic’s side effects, and it turns out this is actually pretty common.

I also experienced some fatigue, especially in the beginning. It wasn’t debilitating, but I definitely had less energy than usual. My body was adjusting, and I had to remind myself that it was all part of the process. I chose to embrace the extra naps when I needed them.

One concern I had heard of was that there could be the potential loss of muscle if you don’t stay on top of what your ARE consuming. I found a great article from Dr. Layman that touches on this issue exactly. His notes that while Ozempic helps with weight loss, our bodies can struggle to differentiate between fat and muscle when experiencing any kind of significant/sudden weight loss. And as someone who’s not getting any younger, I know how important it is to maintain muscle, especially for metabolism and overall health. Losing muscle can slow down your metabolism, making it harder to keep the weight off long-term. I didn’t want to sabotage myself in the process.

Protecting My Body During Weight Loss

I really wanted to be proactive and go about this whole process in the healthiest way possible. Not just taking the shots and not giving any thought to what I was putting into my body. I knew I needed to address my eating as well and learn how to better fuel my body. That’s where my focus on nutrition and strength training came into play. I wasn’t about to let my hard-earned muscle disappear, so I started researching how to protect it. Dr. Layman emphasizes the importance of a high-protein diet to support lean tissue during weight loss. I made sure to include plenty of protein in my meals—whether it was through lean meats, dairy, eggs, or even various protein shakes designed to maintain muscle. There’s a particular meal replacement shake called the Metabolic Shake that helps reduce muscle loss during weight loss, which I’ve found really helpful. It was a perfect way to ensure my body was getting what it needed while I lost weight.

I also made a point to stay active. Even though I wasn’t doing intense cardio, I stuck to light strength training, walking, hiking and yoga. This helped me maintain muscle mass, and to my surprise, I started feeling stronger even though I was shedding pounds. It was a reminder that weight loss isn’t just about the number on the scale—it’s about overall health. I truly wanted this process to be about finding healthier habits and patterns for living to completely make a turnaround on my overall health. 

Real Success: The Weight Loss

Now, let’s talk about the good stuff—my actual progress. I started noticing changes in my body within the first couple of weeks for sure. My clothes fit better, and I felt lighter. By the three-month mark, I had lost about 20 pounds. It wasn’t just the number that made me happy, though. It was how I felt. I was genuinely feeling so. much. better inside and out. I was taking care of myself like I never had before. 

For the first time in years, I wasn’t obsessing over food. I didn’t have to white-knuckle my way through cravings or feel like I was depriving myself. Ozempic made it easier to eat less without constantly feeling like I was missing out. While also giving me the freedom to explore others ways to care for myself and my body. I was finding a new consistency in the habits I was picking up in what I was eating and in staying active. 

I can’t overstate how freeing that is. I had been trapped in a cycle of overeating, over exercising, feeling guilty, and then restricting myself for so long. It is a vicious cycle that I know I am not alone in! Ozempic helped break that cycle for me. It allowed me to focus on nourishing my body rather than punishing it for not being a certain size.

Adjusting to the New Normal

As I continue on my journey, I’ve learned to manage the side effects. The nausea has lessened, and my digestion has improved. I’ve found that eating smaller, more frequent meals helps a lot. I also drink plenty of water and focus on high protein and fiber-rich foods to keep things moving smoothly.

I’m still working on my goals, but I feel more confident than ever that I’ll reach them in a healthy way. My body composition is changing, and I’m seeing more muscle definition while losing fat. I feel stronger, more capable, and—dare I say—more youthful than I have in years.

Final Thoughts on My Ozempic Experience

Looking back, starting Ozempic was one of the best decisions I’ve made for my health. It hasn’t been perfect, and there have been challenges along the way, but the positives far outweigh the negatives. I’m not only losing weight, but I’m also learning how to support my body through this process.

If you’re considering Ozempic, I think it’s important to go in with your eyes open. It’s not a magic potion, but it’s a powerful tool that, when used correctly, can lead to real, lasting results. Pairing it with a healthy diet, plenty of protein, and some light exercise has made all the difference for me. I’m excited to see where the rest of this journey takes me.

This is just my story, but if you’re struggling with weight loss and feeling like you’ve tried everything, maybe it’s time to look into a new option. Just remember to take care of your body along the way—it’s the only one you’ve got!