Hey, friends!
Let me start by saying this: midlife weight loss is a whole different beast. If you’re here, chances are you’re either trying to lose weight or thinking about it, and you know the struggle is real. If you told me a few years ago that I’d be writing about losing nearly 100 lbs at 47—while navigating perimenopause, medication changes, and a busy life—I’d have laughed. But here we are. And if I can do it, so can you. Let me take you through my journey—a mix of trial, error, growth, and, most importantly, self-love.
The Beginning: How I Got Here
Weight gain slowly crept up on me over the last 15 years. Medication for anxiety and depression played a big role in that. The meds kept me sane (thank you, science!), but my physical health took a hit. At the time, though, raising my son on my own, working full-time, and making sure bills were paid took priority. My son’s education, life responsibilities, and mental health came first—everything else, including my weight, was on the back burner. Sound familiar?
Despite the weight gain, the medication helped me feel mentally strong, and honestly, that mattered more than anything. But over time, my body was sending some serious red flags—aches, exhaustion, shortness of breath. Physically, I was falling apart.
It wasn’t until late 2022 that I seriously thought about doing something about my weight. Enter Wegovy, a medication I heard about through my doctor. I was referred to a Bariatric Institute to try non-surgical options, and, with insurance coverage, I began my journey on Wegovy.
The Wegovy Phase: A Shot and a Win… for a While
At first, Wegovy felt like magic. 40 lbs melted off without much effort. Honestly, it felt surreal—I just had to take a shot every Sunday afternoon, and voilà, the pounds disappeared. Easy, right?
Here’s where I dropped the ball: I didn’t change my eating habits or get active. Looking back, I wish I had used that early weight loss momentum to build better habits. But hindsight is 20/20, right?
By January 2023, the weight loss hit a plateau, and by March, I was only maintaining. Then the kicker: insurance changes. Suddenly, I had to pay out of pocket for Wegovy, and I just couldn’t justify the cost anymore.
Enter Phentermine, Topamax, and New Habits
In April 2023, I switched to Phentermine and Topamax—a cocktail I hoped would keep the momentum going. I also made some big lifestyle changes that I probably should have started earlier. But hey, better late than never.
With these small but meaningful changes, I lost another 40 lbs—even while navigating perimenopause (which is no walk in the park, let me tell you).
The Weight Loss Pause: January 2024
By January 2024, I hit another plateau. This one was frustrating, but I reminded myself that plateaus are part of the journey. Instead of quitting, I doubled down.
In August 2024, I switched to Zepbound. This wasn’t an easy decision because, again, insurance didn’t cover it. Out-of-pocket expenses are no joke. But I knew I needed to keep pushing. This time, I approached things differently.
Getting Serious: Movement, Nutrition, and Strength
I kicked things into high gear in June 2024 by joining a gym and hiring a personal trainer. Strength training became my new best friend. I started with two sessions a week, eventually working my way up to three.
Here’s what my new routine looks like:
Since June of 2024, I’ve lost an additional 25 lbs. That brings my total weight loss to 105 lbs and counting!
The Joy in Small Wins: Celebrating Progress Along the Way
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that this journey isn’t just about numbers on the scale—it’s about the victories along the way.
These little wins are what keep me going. It’s not just about reaching the final goal—it’s about learning to enjoy the process and celebrate every milestone, no matter how small.
Nutrition: My Favorite Subject
If you’d told me five years ago that I’d become someone who loves learning about nutrition and healthy eating, I wouldn’t have believed you. But here I am, a total sponge for knowledge. I experiment with different approaches to see what works best for me.
The beauty of this process is realizing that it’s not a diet—it’s a lifestyle. I’m in this for the long haul, not just to lose weight but to live a longer, healthier life. I want to be here for my son, my family, and my friends. I want to reinvent myself, discover new passions, and thrive in this next chapter.
The Challenges of Midlife Weight Loss—and How I Overcame Them
Losing weight in midlife, especially with perimenopause in the mix, is challenging. Studies show that hormonal changes during menopause can slow metabolism and increase fat storage, especially around the belly. It’s not just about “calories in, calories out” anymore—it’s about strategic nutrition, strength training, and patience.
I’ve also learned that mental health plays a huge role. Research supports the idea that being kind to yourself and practicing self-compassion can make a big difference in weight loss success.
My Advice to You
If you’re reading this and thinking about starting your own journey, here’s my advice:
Final Thoughts: This Is Just the Beginning
I still have more weight to lose, but I’ve never felt more motivated, focused, and excited. This journey has taught me that it’s not about being perfect—it’s about progress. Every step forward, no matter how small, is worth celebrating.
If my story inspires you to start or continue your wellness journey, know that you’ve got this. And if no one has told you lately—you are worth every bit of effort and love you put into yourself.
Here’s to health, happiness, and reinvention—one step, one meal, and one win at a time.
Sources to Back It Up:
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