As GLP-1 use continues to rise in the US and the UK, people’s bodies are being reshaped – as are their relationships. These users often develop more self-compassion, she says, as they realize what they previously interpreted as a failure or lack of self-control was a legitimate biological drive and food preoccupation that made life harder for them. But these changes can elicit mixed reactions from partners, family and friends, says psychologist Dr Rachel Goldman, ranging “from being supportive to feeling insecure, left behind, or worried that the relationship itself is changing”.
None of these reactions mean there is a problem with the medication or the relationship, Goldman emphasizes: “The goal is to recognize those shifts, communicate about them, and find new ways to connect rather than assuming the other person knows what you’re experiencing.” Below, 11 Guardian readers share how GLP-1 use has shaped their relationships. My husband is unsupportive. He’s afraid of long-term, currently unknown side-effects and likens GLP-1s to Fen-phen.
As a result, I don’t discuss my experience with him. This has been a life-changing drug so far, and I can’t share it with the person I’m closest with. I can’t share the wins, the way I’m amazed and thrilled with how I feel, and I certainly can’t share any concerns or worries.
It’s contributed to a distance between us. I’ve struggled with obesity for my entire adult life, and my family and personal health history put me at very high risk of dying young due to complications from the disease. But my husband scoffs at characterising obesity as a chronic and recurring disease.
Instead, he thinks people should just make better lifestyle choices and stop making excuses – which tells me a lot about how he views me, too. – Anonymous I have been on Wegovy for six months and have lost over two stone (28lb; 13kg). The biggest impact has been on my 20-year-old daughter. I didn’t tell her I was on it and she found out when one of her friends went in the fridge and spotted it.
I didn’t deliberately hide it in the fridge, but I also didn’t make it easy to find. We had discussed weight, identity and GLP-1s, but I was so ashamed of going on it that I didn’t want to tell anyone. My daughter felt worried, angry and jealous.
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