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Obesity affects about 42% of all U.S. adults, according to the CDC. However, a Pew Research Center survey found that about 65% of Americans think that willpower alone is not enough to lose weight. Since hitting the market in 2017 as a treatment for type 2 diabetes, semaglutide (the active ingredient in Ozempic, Rybelsus, and Wegovy) has skyrocketed in popularity. In 2021 alone, there were 8.2 million prescriptions written in the United States. That more than quadrupled the number from just two years earlier. Even though these drugs are very effective, people are still conflicted about their experiences! They can struggle with self-perception, social expectations, and mental health challenges along the way. Losing weight can be an emotional journey!
For people using GLP-1 medications like Ozempic or Wegovy, it can also come with an unexpected struggle - weight loss imposter syndrome. This is a phenomenon where people feel like they have not “earned” their weight loss. They might not even recognize themselves in their new body. Let's dive into what this syndrome is, how it comes about, and how to come to terms with your progress.
Losing Weight Comes with Complicated Feelings
Some people might think of weight loss as the ultimate key to happiness. For many however, shedding pounds does not solve all of life’s problems! We constantly link self-worth to appearance and can make people feel ashamed if they lose weight in a way that people think of as effortless. Instead of diet and exercise, a medication can help? That must be cheating. Social media can make this worse, with people dismissing GLP-1 users for not losing weight "the right way."
When someone loses weight on a GLP-1, there is also the question of how it impacts them emotionally. Many people tie their problems to their weight. They think when they lose the weight, all of their problems will be solved. The issue is this is often not the case! Underlying problems to mental or physical health are not always fixed by weight loss. If you go on a GLP-1, lose pounds, and then find yourself no different than you were before, that can cause tension. Many people end up feeling like their problems should have been solved but weren't, leading to anxiety and stress. There is also the potential for how it effects a romantic partner! A 2013 study by North Carolina State University found that when one partner lost weight, their relationship often suffered. The non-dieting partner could feel insecure or jealous, which led to tension.
Less Weight Can Bring More Attention from Others
GLP-1 medications can also change how people treat you. People taking these drugs regularly report feeling anxious about newfound attention. We live in a world filled with weight stigma. People who are overweight are often seen as lazy, irresponsible and having less self-control. On the other hand people who are "fit" are often seen as energetic, resilient and clear-minded. This physical difference is much more visible than an underlying health condition or mental health disorder, making it easy to judge. The reality is these personality traits exist independent of weight.
But what people on GLP-1s have found is that when they lose weight, they get more attention! While before they may have faced negative comments and judgements from others, they now experience a different kind of interaction. Compliments, flirting, increased social engagement - all of it can be overwhelming to someone who is not expecting this change. A patient was quoted in this Healthline article saying:
I am both invisible and highly visible at the same time."
Weight loss is emotionally complex. People worry that if others find out their weight loss was helped by medication, they will be judged or viewed differently. If you are taking a GLP-1, you should prepare for changes in how you are perceived and treated. Anticipating these changes can help with the transition.
Extreme Weight Loss May Influence Body Dysmorphia
For some, rapid weight loss can trigger body dysmorphic disorder (BDD). This is a mental health condition where people obsess over perceived flaws in their appearance. While anyone can develop BDD, it is especially common in teenagers and young adults. Some people describe feeling like they are living in a body that doesn’t feel like their own. This is a phenomenon sometimes called “phantom fat syndrome.” Despite the number on the scale, they continue to see themselves as overweight. This can lead to compulsive behaviors like excessive mirror-checking or comparing themselves to others.
But why does this happen? While weight can be measured objectively, self-image is shaped by experiences, beliefs, and cultural influences. If how you see yourself has not changed with your weight loss, you may still struggle to accept your new appearance. BDD is relatively rare, affecting about 3% of people who experience significant weight loss. However, many people still may experience milder forms of body dissatisfaction or insecurity.
Staying Mentally Well After Weight Loss
Mental health is just as important as physical health when losing weight. Try to focus on ways to reduce your stress, challenge negative self-talk, and get enough sleep. Stress can make it hard to adjust and get through the day. Relaxation techniques like meditation and deep breathing can help lower anxiety. If you catch yourself thinking that you do not deserve the weight loss or that you will never be enough, make sure to challenge those thoughts! Do not let them run loose. Your weight loss journey is valid, and any improvement you choose to make is worth celebrating. We all need sleep to regulate ourselves physically and emotionally. Shoot for between 7-9 hours each night.
Therapy can help you process your emotions, address insecurities, and build a healthier self-image! Alma is a platform that connects people with licensed mental health professionals. With over 24,000 in-network providers, Alma makes it easier to find a therapist who accepts major insurance plans, including Aetna, Cigna, and UnitedHealthcare. Unlike traditional therapy services, Alma allows clients to start care within three days rather than waiting months for an appointment. Try it today by clicking the link below!
Losing weight with GLP-1 medications is not just a physical transformation, it is an emotional one, too. Many people struggle with self-doubt, societal judgment, and the fear of being seen differently. It is important to acknowledge these feelings and get support when needed. Remember: your weight loss journey is valid, no matter how you achieved it. You can navigate this change with confidence and self-acceptance.
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