by Meredith Mani, AWC Amsterdam
GLP-1 medications like Ozempic® and Wegovy® have become popular treatments for obesity, but despite their success, there’s still a great deal of stigma and misinformation surrounding them. Many people hesitate to talk about their experiences, fearing judgment for “taking the easy way out” to lose weight. For decades, we’ve been taught that weight management is as simple as “calories in/calories out,” and that self-control is all you need to shed pounds. This mindset has been especially harsh on women, many of whom have spent their lives cycling through restrictive diets and battling body image issues.
I want to share my personal experience with GLP-1 medications for two reasons: First, the more we speak openly about using these treatments, the less stigma there will be. Second, it’s difficult to find honest, real-life accounts of how these medications work and what the side effects can be. I hope my story provides you with information and the confidence to take control of your health, without judgment.
What Are GLP-1 Medications?
GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide 1) medications, such as Ozempic®, Wegovy® and Victoza®, were originally developed for diabetes but have since proven highly effective for weight loss. They work by lowering blood sugar levels and slowing the movement of food through the stomach, helping you eat less and feel full longer. Beyond their physical effects, what many people don’t realize is that these medications can also quiet “food noise”—the constant mental chatter about food.
Before taking these medications, I didn’t recognize the extent of my own food noise. My thoughts were consumed with planning meals and navigating cravings, even though I didn’t think I had a food addiction. When I started the medication, that internal dialogue quieted, and for the first time, I felt free from the constant preoccupation with food.
My Journey with GLP-1 Medications
At 31, I was diagnosed with Stage 1 ovarian cancer after two years of infertility treatments, likely due to Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). After undergoing a hysterectomy and oophorectomy, I entered menopause immediately. My hormones, already out of balance, went into free fall and I gained 100 pounds almost instantly, despite my best efforts to control my weight.
Ten years ago, I considered bariatric surgery but decided to try one last time with the help of a weight-loss doctor. That’s when I was first prescribed Victoza®, and within a year, I lost 100 pounds. However, back then, doctors didn’t understand the need for maintenance doses, and without that support, I regained the weight within 18 months, despite fighting hard to maintain it.
Two years ago, I heard about Ozempic® and worked with an endocrinologist here in Amsterdam. In Europe, it’s not easy to get a prescription for GLP-1 medications, and most general practitioners (GPs) require patients to undergo a six-month program involving nutrition and exercise classes. Most women I know could teach these classes themselves—we’ve all tried countless diets like Weight Watchers, intermittent fasting, the carnivore diet, and more. Yet, so many of us still struggle to reach a healthy weight. Why?
For many, the answer lies in insulin resistance. This condition makes it difficult for your body to process glucose, leading to weight gain that feels impossible to shed. Hormonal imbalances, such as those caused by menopause or conditions like PCOS, only worsen the problem. The more weight you carry, the harder it is to lose—a frustrating and vicious cycle.
Accessing the Right Care
If you suspect GLP-1 medications could help you, it’s important to find a knowledgeable practitioner. Many physicians are still unfamiliar with these medications or reluctant to prescribe them due to supply challenges or a lack of understanding. However, with the right doctor, these medications can be life-changing.
Here in Europe, the maximum dose of Ozempic® is 1 mg (compared to 2 mg in the US), and the cost is around €100 per month—significantly cheaper than in the US, where prices can exceed $1,200 a month. Despite shortages, I’ve been fortunate to have continuous access, but it’s something that weighs heavily on my mind. The fear of losing access to these medications is real—they’ve given me back my health in ways I never thought possible.
What to Expect: Titration and Side Effects
If you decide to start GLP-1 medication, your doctor will likely begin with a low dose and gradually increase it over time. This titration process helps your body adjust and minimizes side effects like nausea, diarrhea, and constipation. Some people feel appetite suppression right away, while others may not experience it until they reach a higher dose. Patience is key; everyone’s journey is different, and weight loss isn’t always linear.
It’s Not Cheating—It’s Medical Treatment
There’s a misconception that using GLP-1 medications is cheating, but obesity is a chronic condition, not a moral failing. We don’t shame people for taking medication to manage high blood pressure, so why treat obesity any differently? GLP-1 medications are a tool to help your body function as it should, and they’re supported by research showing additional benefits beyond weight loss, such as reduced risk of heart and kidney disease.
A Healthier, Happier Life
I’m now 56 years old and feel healthier, happier, and more confident than I have in decades. Beyond the physical changes, these medications have given me the mental clarity to focus on what truly matters—without the constant distraction of food noise. I’ve even experienced unexpected benefits, like relief from inflammation and better overall energy levels.
One of the most profound moments for me was when I caught my reflection in a window and admired a woman’s outfit. It took a moment to realize that woman was me. Despite losing weight, I still struggle with body dysmorphia, but I’m working on it. In the meantime, I’m enjoying the confidence, health, and happiness that come with finally having my body work with me, not against me.
GLP-1 medications aren’t a miracle drug, but they are a powerful tool for those of us who need them. I hope my story helps reduce the stigma surrounding their use and encourages others to take control of their health without fear of judgment.
Information shared on this website is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult your physician or other qualified health care provider before starting any new medication.
Image from Canva.com