My GLP-1 Journey: From Struggling to Thriving

Hello there! Welcome to my very first Substack post. I'm thrilled you're here.

For those who don't know me, I've spent the last 16 months on an incredible health transformation journey that has changed everything about my life. After losing 90 pounds with the help of GLP-1 medications, proper nutrition, and exercise, I've found a new mission: helping others navigate their own path to better health

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My Story: The Before

For most of my life, I battled undiagnosed PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome), which caused significant insulin resistance. Despite my efforts with countless diets and exercise plans, my weight continued to climb. It wasn't until I was 55 that I finally received my PCOS diagnosis – an explanation for what I had been experiencing for decades.

The health consequences piled up: prediabetes (with adult-onset diabetes running in my family), high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and knee joints that had deteriorated to the point of needing replacement. I felt trapped in a body that seemed to fight against me at every turn.

After trying virtually every weight loss method available, I was ready to pursue weight loss surgery. It felt like my last resort.

The Turning Point: Finding GLP-1s

That's when my doctor suggested something that would change everything: trying Zepbound, a GLP-1 medication. Skeptical but desperate, I decided to give it a shot before committing to surgery.

The results were nothing short of transformative. After a month on Zepbound, I switched to a compound version due to cost considerations, but the effects remained consistent: for the first time in my adult life, the constant mental chatter about food – what I call the "food noise" – disappeared.

Beyond weight loss, I experienced benefits I hadn't even hoped for:

• Inflammation throughout my body decreased dramatically

• Depression that had lingered for years lifted

• Energy levels I hadn't felt in decades returned

• My relationship with food fundamentally changed

Documenting the Journey

Amazed by these changes, I felt compelled to share my experience with others. I started my TikTok account (@zenandmeow) to document my progress, struggles, and discoveries. What began as personal documentation evolved into something much bigger – I now go live twice daily to connect with and support others on similar journeys.

Along the way, I underwent two knee replacements – one five months ago and another in February. The weight loss made these surgeries and recoveries significantly more manageable than they would have been before.

What I've Learned

The most important lesson from my 16-month journey is that GLP-1 medications aren't magic pills – they're powerful tools that work best when combined with good nutrition and resistance training. Many people make the mistake of eating too little on these medications, which can lead to muscle loss and metabolic problems.

I've learned that:

• Proper protein intake is crucial for maintaining muscle while losing fat

• Resistance training preserves and builds strength during weight loss

• Managing stress impacts how our bodies respond to these medications

• The right supplementation can address nutritional gaps

• Having support and accountability makes all the difference

Why This Substack?

As my own journey progressed and my TikTok community grew, I realized there's an overwhelming need for reliable, experience-based information about GLP-1 medications, peptides, nutrition, and holistic approaches to health.

That's why I'm currently pursuing certifications in nutrition coaching and personal training – to complement my lived experience with professional knowledge.

This Substack will be a space where I share:

• Evidence-based information about GLP-1s and other peptides

• Nutritional strategies that work alongside these medications

• Exercise approaches for different fitness levels

• Mental and emotional aspects of weight loss journeys

• Tips for navigating healthcare systems and medication access

• Success stories from others who are transforming their lives

Whether you're currently taking GLP-1 medications, considering them, or simply interested in learning more about these groundbreaking treatments, I hope you'll find value in what I share.

Join Me

I believe we're at the beginning of a health revolution, with medications like GLP-1s offering hope to millions who have struggled with weight-related health issues. But with any medical breakthrough comes confusion, misinformation, and questions.

I don't claim to have all the answers, but I promise to share openly what has worked for me, what I'm learning, and the insights I gain from both my personal journey and professional training.

If you've made it this far, thank you for reading. I invite you to subscribe, comment, and join this community. Share your questions, experiences, and what you'd like to learn more about.

Here's to healthier, more vibrant lives – whatever path gets us there.

See you in the next post!