‘I Started Semaglutide At 52 After Struggling With My Weight During Perimenopause – Now I’m Down Over 30 Pounds’
I always had a huge appetite and for most of my life, I could eat what I wanted. I’ve never worried about my size, I have a fast metabolism to thank. But I am 45 years old perimenopause when I came knocking on the door, I started gaining weight every year. Now, during this epidemic, I put on about 20 pounds.
Food is my love language and I have always been a binge eater. And as a mother, wife, and business owner, food has always been my comfort and what brings my family together. The size part was not on my radar. I ate three times pasta for dinner and didn’t make eye contact. I honestly felt like my brain never told me I was full or told me to stop eating. Besides, I’ve never been much of an exerciser. I tried yoga, Pilates, runeven buy a Pelotonbut I’m always tired and I struggle to stay motivated. Instead, a daily walk with my dog is the way I go.
To put things in perspective, I’m about 5’5” and at my heaviest, I was 180 pounds. For some, this is not considered a big deal, but for me, it was more difficult than when I was pregnant with my daughter. I’ve always been naturally curvy, but now I seemed to carry a lot of weight around my midsection, face and arms. My calves were also thicker than ever because I could no longer wear some of my favorite boots.
Apart from the beauty, I was always out of energy and always tired. My doctor also expressed concern about my weight and high cholesterol. I was depressed and the weight kept coming. I didn’t feel like myself.
I started researching weight loss pills and thought about my options.
Last year, I saw a lot of ads for weight loss medication social media and hearing success stories through friends. I was amazed, so I started researching medical weight loss drugs and considering my options. I wanted any medication to be effective and safe, but I also had to stay financially viable as many options are not covered under my insurance.
The other day, I saw an Instagram post for a new weight loss clinic in my area. The monthly price was within my budget, and I knew that the head nurse felt comfortable with the procedure and trusted her expertise. I signed up right away and made an appointment.
Pilar before starting semaglutide
After a physical, blood work, and a thorough medical history, my nurse practitioner and I decided in late April 2023 that I would start on 0.25 milligrams of the generic version of. semaglutidethe active ingredient of Ozempic and Wegovy. (FYI: Wegovy is FDA-approved for long-term weight management, while Ozempic is FDA-approved to treat type 2 diabetes but is often prescribed off-label for medical weight loss.)
My doctor discussed possible risks and side effects such as nausea, constipation, abdominal pain, and even pancreatitis, but explained that starting with a low dose of semaglutide it would be good to keep the side effects and see how my body reacts.
Weekly the medication is administered by injectionbut the first dose was easy and painless.
I had some side effects, but my body changed quickly.
Side effects are common when taking semaglutide, and for the first few weeks I had a headache. Fortunately, they were tolerable and easily controlled with Advil.
I also immediately noticed that I had no appetite. I wasn’t hungry and nothing sounded good. The only food I occasionally craved was cottage cheese, but after a few bites, I was full.
Mentally, this was a surprise to me. I have always loved food and take pride in cooking three meals a day for my family. I don’t cook anymore, I plan meals. Now, I couldn’t even think about food without feeling overwhelmed.
After about three weeks, my dose was increased to 0.5 mg, and I soon had more side effects. I used to get nauseous and get really sick when I ate anything when I wasn’t hungry. One afternoon, I split a chocolate chip cookie with my daughter and after one bite, I was so nauseous that I was in bed for the rest of the day.
As a result, I became more aware of what I put in my mouth. Instead of eating delicious food and mindlessly eating when I wasn’t hungry, food became fuel. I prioritized moderate portions of fresh, whole foods (in addition to cottage cheese, I sometimes craved meat) and ate to strengthen my body.
Pilar prepares dinner for her family
I also cut down on alcohol a lot. Before my weight loss journey, I drank wine every day. Now, my cravings for alcohol are completely gone, and I’m honestly almost hydrated.
I started working out with a personal trainer and realized how much stronger I was.
As mentioned, exercise has never been my problem. Anyway, I know the importance of exerciseespecially at my age. My nurse practitioner has been telling me that lifestyle changes are very important while on semaglutide, and weekly exercise is a must to maximize the effects of the medication. So, I signed up for personal training at my local gym as they were offering 30 minute sessions. I told myself I could do anything in 30 minutes and I was willing to do two sessions per week.
I didn’t know (or think) that I was strong, but after a few exerciseI feel stronger and more confident than ever. In the past, I lacked self-discipline and couldn’t stick to a regular workout routine on my own, but finding a trainer I like and connecting with is huge. My coach, Lyndsay, is all the motivation and extra motivation I need. He holds me accountable.
Pilar to lift weights
I still love walking my dog, but I’m learning new ways to walk that make my mind and body feel good. So far, I’m really enjoying the process and have just signed up for another month.
I continued to increase my dosage until I reached my goal weight.
Along with a healthy diet and weekly exercise, I continued to increase my dose of semaglutide every few weeks, with the guidance of my medical provider. At my peak, I was taking 1.5 mg a week, and at the end of August, I officially hit my goal weight. I had lost 30 pounds.
Pilar after hitting his goal
Today, I’m about 147 pounds and I feel like myself. My face and midsection are small, I can exercise without panting, I’m strong, and my shoes fit me! Besides the nausea and reduced appetite, my other side effects also subsided and I feel much better.
The goal is to finally work off of semaglutide, so my nurse practitioner has just reduced my dose while I go through alternative care. I am now taking 1.0 mg every two weeks and the plan is to slowly reduce the dosage as I get weaker. I’m a little nervous about putting the weight back on, but I’m definitely more aware and appreciative of the changes in my life. I will continue to exercise, cut back on alcohol, and focus on portion control and healthy eating.
Semaglutide has changed the way I nourish my body – and I have never felt better.
Personally, I believe this medicine is a miracle. I am so thankful that I had the opportunity to find semaglutide, and I am blessed that my body has changed. I feel like myself again and couldn’t be happier.
In addition to losing weight, semaglutide has taught me to pay attention to how I warm up and hold my body. After years of dieting and trying to lose weight all over the world, semaglutide gave me the chance to lose weight without feeling restricted.
Instead of giving up my love of food to lose weight, semaglutide changed my attitude. I’m learning that it’s okay (and healthy!) to eat the foods I love and lose weight doesn’t have to be a punishment. By prioritizing whole foods, paying attention to portion sizes, reducing alcohol and learning to embrace fitnessmy weight loss journey has been a huge success.
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