Ozempic - what I wish I read 15 months ago
Gained 20kg over four years, slower pace in first two years and then rapid gain in the fourth year (probably 10kg in 12 months, BMI was about 34). In that time I did everything. Went to a personal trainer, group personal training, cardio classes (like spin), regular walks. All on top of a job where I am constantly moving. My diet never changed, whole foods, nothing processed, no added sugar, no high fat foods. I went to a dietician, she was stumped as in between visits I would gain weight. I ate less and less and gained more and more. I convinced myself I had hidden calories. I was losing my mind. I never got any fitter or stronger. Was exhausted all the time, dragging myself through the day and wired awake at night. Awful sleep every night and rinse and repeat. Awful brain fog. Everything hurt, knees, legs, feet, lower back, I struggled to bend down (I’m in my early 30s) But bloods were always normal. Eventually I agreed with my doctor to go on Ozempic. After 8 weeks on the lowest dose I’d lost 8kg. I still ate, my diet stayed the same and at this stage bar walking I’d given up on exercise as I got nowhere with it. Fast forward 12 months and after being on 1mg I’ve lost 22kg. I’ve no pain, I sleep better, I can think, I’ve so much more energy and I’m back exercising and actually enjoying it 3 times per week. I feel “normal” again. I had no adverse side effects, I still enjoyed my food and had a drink when socialising. I fought hard to see endocrinology and they diagnosed insulin resistance, potential PCOS/PMOS - this was more mentally healing than anything as I could stop the blaming myself and the guilt over everything I ate.
I felt like I needed to write it all down to close the chapter and hopefully never look back and if it helps anyone in the process I’ll be glad to have shared.