Behind the Curtain: My Weight Loss Journey with Wegovy

Have you ever looked in the mirror and barely recognized the person staring back at you? That’s how I felt after these past few years of pandemic isolation, grief, and stress eating. Life has a way of throwing unexpected challenges at us, and sometimes our bodies bear the physical evidence of those emotional battles.

So here we go. Yesterday marked the beginning of my weight loss journey with Wegovy. At 54, weighing 72kg, I finally decided it was time to take control of my health. But let me back up a bit and share how I got here.

Before the pandemic, my life looked quite different. I spent half the year in Bali, practicing daily yoga and naturally maintaining a healthy lifestyle. But life, as we all discovered, had other plans.

The pandemic changed everything for so many of us. Those endless days at home, the uncertainty, the anxiety — they all led to comfort eating. Then, as if dealing with a global crisis wasn’t enough, my mother was ill and eventually passed away in 2022. Anyone who’s lost a parent knows that grief has a way of manifesting in unexpected ways — including our relationship with food.

Stress eating became my constant companion. A quick snack here, an extra portion there, and before I knew it, the weight had crept up steadily.

After careful consideration, I decided to try Wegovy. Last night, I gave myself the first injection. I’ll be honest — it was both exciting and nerve-wracking. It’s also really, really uncomfortable to share. There are so many people quick to tell you “just eat more mindful” and ready to share more advice.

And I get it! I’m having very mixed feelings about taking this weight-loss drug. A big factor was curiosity! And honestly – frustration that nothing else seemed to work anymore to loose weight now that I’m in my fifties.

The effects were surprisingly quick. Within hours, I noticed a complete lack of interest in food. It was almost surreal. The nausea came too — a common side effect I’d been warned about — but somehow, it felt like a small price to pay for this new sense of control.

Wegovy isn’t a magic solution — it’s a tool, one that needs to be combined with lifestyle changes and a healthy relationship with food. The medication helps regulate appetite and food intake, working with your body’s own systems to help you feel satisfied with less food.

At 54, I know I don’t need to be as thin as I was in my twenties or even my forties. This isn’t about chasing an unrealistic ideal — it’s about feeling healthy, energetic, and comfortable in my own skin. It’s about finding a sustainable way to take care of myself.

What if this isn’t just about losing weight? What if it’s about healing our relationship with food and finding healthier ways to cope with life’s challenges?

I’m viewing this medication as a reset button, a chance to develop new habits while the medication helps control my appetite. It’s not about punishing myself for gaining weight during difficult times; it’s about taking care of myself moving forward.

The journey is just beginning, but already I feel different. Not just physically from the medication, but mentally too. There’s something powerful about taking action, about deciding to make a change.

Will it be easy? Probably not. Will there be challenges along the way? Certainly. But am I ready to face them? Absolutely.

Here’s to new beginnings, to taking care of ourselves, and to finding hope after difficult times. I’ll keep you updated on this journey — both the ups and downs — because that’s what friends do.

Have you started a similar journey? Are you thinking about it? Remember, there’s no shame in seeking help when you need it. Sometimes, the bravest thing we can do is take that first step toward change.

Let’s see where this path leads, one step at a time.