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This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

Here Is How Demi Moore Got Her Sexy-at-61 Body for "The Substance"

Here is everything the Golden Globe nominee does to look half her age.

Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

Celebrity, actress, Demi,Moore,At,The,Los,Angeles,Premiere,Of,'the,Substance'
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Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

Demi Moore is celebrating her Golden Globes nomination! In a new social media post, the 61-year-old star watches on as her name is read as a nominee for the Best Female Actor Motion Picture Musical/Comedy for her role in "The Substance." “The best news to wake up to — @trythesubstance was nominated for five @goldenglobes!! Truly honored to be nominated and so proud of this film,” she captioned the set of Instagram videos. In the film, Moore plays an aerobics celebrity who takes a black market serum to become a "younger, more beautiful, more perfect" version of herself – something she has managed to do in real life without injecting a cell-replicating substance. Here is everything we know about Demi’s approach to diet and exercise.


Earlier in Life She Biked 60 Miles Per Day

In a recent interview, Demi discussed her unhealthy approach to exercise when she was younger. “I put so much pressure on myself,” she confessed to CBS Sunday Morning. “I did have experiences of being told to lose weight. And all of those, while they may have been embarrassing and humiliating, it’s what I did to myself because of that.” She maintains that just months after giving birth to Scout, she was shooting Indecent Proposal. “So, I was feeding her through the night, getting up in the dark with a trainer, with a headlamp, biking all the way to Paramount, wherever, even on the location where we were shooting; then shooting a full day, which is usually a 12-hour day; and then starting all over again,” she said. It wasn’t uncommon for her to hike 60 miles per day. “Even just the idea of, like, what I did to my body, it’s, like, so crazy, so ridiculous.” Would she do it again? “You look back, and you kinda go, ‘Did it really matter that much?’ Probably not,” she said. “But at the time, I made it mean everything.”

She Had a Toxic Relationship with Exercise

In her memoir Inside Out, Moore details her toxic relationship with fitness. "I didn’t feel like I could stop exercising,” she wrote. “It was my job to fit into that unforgiving military uniform I’d be wearing in two months in 'A Few Good Men.' Getting in shape for that movie launched the obsession with working out that would consume me.”

She Broke Up with Disordered Exercise in 1997

After shooting G.I. Jane in 1997, Demi broke her pattern of disordered exercise after “bulking up enormously” for her role as a military officer. “My usual reaction would have been to start starving myself again, to begin an exercise regime designed to reduce the bulk, but I did neither. I had reached my limit,” she wrote in her memoir. “When I got home to Idaho, I had an epiphany in the shower one day: I just need to be my natural size.”

RELATED: Coach Drops 20 Pounds in 90 Days By Breaking Rules, “What I Didn't Know Was Working Against Me”

She Surrendered

She added to The New York Times that she "really experienced the gift of surrender” at that point in life. "I was so kind of worn down in this battle that I had been in that I finally surrendered. I just started to ask to be my natural size because I didn’t know what it was. I literally couldn’t go to a gym. I couldn’t control food in that way." In her memoir, she added that she had even gotten rid of her home gym. “I started by giving up hard exercise. I never went back into the gym in the house. Never. The room it occupied is now my office.”

She Lost 20 Pounds While Filming The Substance Due to Shingles

While filming The Substance, Demi contracted shingles, a “painful rash illness” caused by the reactivation of the virus that causes chickenpox, explains the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “To give you an idea of the intensity, my first week that I actually had off, where it was just Margaret working, I got shingles,” she told the Los Angeles Times. “And I then lost, like, 20 pounds.”

Emotional Sobriety

Demi added to the New York Times that she finally feels "emotionally sober," which impacts “the quality of how I interact with people, my ability to show up for others,” she said. “That’s all within my emotional sobriety... I can go into a room at a gathering, and if I’m uncomfortable, I don’t need to try to take the edge off it. I can actually just go: ‘Oh, wow. Isn’t that interesting? I’m a little uncomfortable right now.’” She focuses on what is in front of her, not chasing perfection. "That deep reminder of appreciating who you are, as you are, where you are, just resonated more as [filming The Substance] went along," she says. "And not just the external. Really, all of those internal things of who we are that we often can overlook. And the journey of what it’s taken to get where you are."

At-Home Workouts

While she might not have a home gym, Moore has revealed that she exercises using The Mirror. “Five minutes at level one, which is doable after not working out for over four years, right? I am stalling!” she wrote on Instagram. One of her favorites? Dancing.

RELATED: 58-Year-Old Fitness Coach Shows How to Take 3,500 Steps in 30 Minutes

Pilates

She also does Pilates with friends. Why is Pilates a good workout? According to the Mayo Clinic, there are many benefits to the workout, such as it “strengthens the body's inner core while increasing its flexibility, resulting in improved overall health.” It can also promote longer, leaner muscles, injury prevention, relief from stress and back pain, enhanced athletic performance, and heightened mind-body awareness.

Coffee and Energy Drinks

Demi has been sober for many years. However, she does enjoy getting her caffeine fix. Energy drinks – like Red Bull – and coffee are her go-to sources.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, there are several benefits of drinking coffee in moderation. “It acts on your brain to improve memory, mood, reaction times, and mental function,” they say, citing a study finding that caffeine can improve endurance and performance during exercise. It is also antioxidant-rich, can ward off diabetes, prevent neurologic disease, lower cancer risk, and ward off depression, they point out.

RELATED: Nutritionist Reveals How Many Meals Per Day You Should Eat to Lose Fat

Gut Health

Moore prioritizes gut health. She takes watermelon mint digestive tablets created by Wonderbelly. A gut antacid that is a “known and needed product on the most clean level.” And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

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Celebrity, actress, Demi,Moore,At,The,Los,Angeles,Premiere,Of,'the,Substance'
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Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

Demi Moore is celebrating her Golden Globes nomination! In a new social media post, the 61-year-old star watches on as her name is read as a nominee for the Best Female Actor Motion Picture Musical/Comedy for her role in "The Substance." “The best news to wake up to — @trythesubstance was nominated for five @goldenglobes!! Truly honored to be nominated and so proud of this film,” she captioned the set of Instagram videos. In the film, Moore plays an aerobics celebrity who takes a black market serum to become a "younger, more beautiful, more perfect" version of herself – something she has managed to do in real life without injecting a cell-replicating substance. Here is everything we know about Demi’s approach to diet and exercise.


Earlier in Life She Biked 60 Miles Per Day

In a recent interview, Demi discussed her unhealthy approach to exercise when she was younger. “I put so much pressure on myself,” she confessed to CBS Sunday Morning. “I did have experiences of being told to lose weight. And all of those, while they may have been embarrassing and humiliating, it’s what I did to myself because of that.” She maintains that just months after giving birth to Scout, she was shooting Indecent Proposal. “So, I was feeding her through the night, getting up in the dark with a trainer, with a headlamp, biking all the way to Paramount, wherever, even on the location where we were shooting; then shooting a full day, which is usually a 12-hour day; and then starting all over again,” she said. It wasn’t uncommon for her to hike 60 miles per day. “Even just the idea of, like, what I did to my body, it’s, like, so crazy, so ridiculous.” Would she do it again? “You look back, and you kinda go, ‘Did it really matter that much?’ Probably not,” she said. “But at the time, I made it mean everything.”

She Had a Toxic Relationship with Exercise

In her memoir Inside Out, Moore details her toxic relationship with fitness. "I didn’t feel like I could stop exercising,” she wrote. “It was my job to fit into that unforgiving military uniform I’d be wearing in two months in 'A Few Good Men.' Getting in shape for that movie launched the obsession with working out that would consume me.”

She Broke Up with Disordered Exercise in 1997

After shooting G.I. Jane in 1997, Demi broke her pattern of disordered exercise after “bulking up enormously” for her role as a military officer. “My usual reaction would have been to start starving myself again, to begin an exercise regime designed to reduce the bulk, but I did neither. I had reached my limit,” she wrote in her memoir. “When I got home to Idaho, I had an epiphany in the shower one day: I just need to be my natural size.”

RELATED: Coach Drops 20 Pounds in 90 Days By Breaking Rules, “What I Didn't Know Was Working Against Me”

She Surrendered

She added to The New York Times that she "really experienced the gift of surrender” at that point in life. "I was so kind of worn down in this battle that I had been in that I finally surrendered. I just started to ask to be my natural size because I didn’t know what it was. I literally couldn’t go to a gym. I couldn’t control food in that way." In her memoir, she added that she had even gotten rid of her home gym. “I started by giving up hard exercise. I never went back into the gym in the house. Never. The room it occupied is now my office.”

She Lost 20 Pounds While Filming The Substance Due to Shingles

While filming The Substance, Demi contracted shingles, a “painful rash illness” caused by the reactivation of the virus that causes chickenpox, explains the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “To give you an idea of the intensity, my first week that I actually had off, where it was just Margaret working, I got shingles,” she told the Los Angeles Times. “And I then lost, like, 20 pounds.”

Emotional Sobriety

Demi added to the New York Times that she finally feels "emotionally sober," which impacts “the quality of how I interact with people, my ability to show up for others,” she said. “That’s all within my emotional sobriety... I can go into a room at a gathering, and if I’m uncomfortable, I don’t need to try to take the edge off it. I can actually just go: ‘Oh, wow. Isn’t that interesting? I’m a little uncomfortable right now.’” She focuses on what is in front of her, not chasing perfection. "That deep reminder of appreciating who you are, as you are, where you are, just resonated more as [filming The Substance] went along," she says. "And not just the external. Really, all of those internal things of who we are that we often can overlook. And the journey of what it’s taken to get where you are."

At-Home Workouts

While she might not have a home gym, Moore has revealed that she exercises using The Mirror. “Five minutes at level one, which is doable after not working out for over four years, right? I am stalling!” she wrote on Instagram. One of her favorites? Dancing.

RELATED: 58-Year-Old Fitness Coach Shows How to Take 3,500 Steps in 30 Minutes

Pilates

She also does Pilates with friends. Why is Pilates a good workout? According to the Mayo Clinic, there are many benefits to the workout, such as it “strengthens the body's inner core while increasing its flexibility, resulting in improved overall health.” It can also promote longer, leaner muscles, injury prevention, relief from stress and back pain, enhanced athletic performance, and heightened mind-body awareness.

Coffee and Energy Drinks

Demi has been sober for many years. However, she does enjoy getting her caffeine fix. Energy drinks – like Red Bull – and coffee are her go-to sources.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, there are several benefits of drinking coffee in moderation. “It acts on your brain to improve memory, mood, reaction times, and mental function,” they say, citing a study finding that caffeine can improve endurance and performance during exercise. It is also antioxidant-rich, can ward off diabetes, prevent neurologic disease, lower cancer risk, and ward off depression, they point out.

RELATED: Nutritionist Reveals How Many Meals Per Day You Should Eat to Lose Fat

Gut Health

Moore prioritizes gut health. She takes watermelon mint digestive tablets created by Wonderbelly. A gut antacid that is a “known and needed product on the most clean level.” And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

celebrity, actress,,Lisa,Rinna,At,The,80
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Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

Lisa Rinna is steaming up the internet with her latest sizzling hot throwback snap. The 61-year-old Real Housewives of Beverly Hills alum shared a provocative photo on her social media this week, eliciting a major response from her followers. “@gregswalesart you are a master I forget just how great I looked,” she captioned the photo of her flawless figure. “Flawless appeal,” commented one. “Age-defying beauty,” added another. How does the star look better than most people half her age? Here are ten things the Body Network knows about Lisa Rinna’s approach to diet and exercise.


She’s Lived in “Moderation”

“I’ve been really fortunate to get to 60 and be healthy, knock on wood,” Rinna told Cosmo in January 2024. “I keep a very moderate lifestyle. I’ve worked out since I was 16 years old. I live in moderation, even though it seems like I live very loudly and largely. I get my rest. I eat mostly healthy. I’m moderate. I don’t go crazy with anything. So there’s no silver bullet. There’s nothing that I’m super challenged with.”

She Has Good Genes

Lisa admits that genetics have played a role in her longevity. “I’ve been very lucky with my health. My body maintains itself pretty well at this age,” she added to Cosmo. “People are like, ‘How the heck do you do that?’ Genetics. I have a good base of genetics and I got lucky with that. So it’s not that hard for me. And I still look good, so that’s fun, easy, nice. I enjoy it. I present it the way I want to. And when I can’t do that anymore, I won’t.”

She’s “Aging Disgracefully”

Lisa has stopped caring about other people’s opinions. “I just don’t care about what people think about me, and that has been a tremendous gift that I have learned,” she said. “I’ve gotten to that place where at 60, I am so much more confident than I was at 30,” she continued. “I love this age because I’m freer and more confident and more passionate than I’ve ever been ... there’s this whole thing about aging gracefully, and I’m like, ‘I’m going to age disgracefully.’”

RELATED:She Lost 49 Pounds at 43 Without Dieting, Here Are 10 Foods She Buys to Keep It Off

She Is a Believer in Hormone Replacement Therapy

Lisa is a fan of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to treat menopause symptoms. “Everything you can go through, I was going through it. I couldn’t sleep, the hot flashes, everything, and I was anxious and angry and just a mess,” she said about her experience with menopause. “If I’m going to have a better life by taking [hormones], I’m going to do it. If you took my hormones away, I would kill you, probably. I really think they’re helpful in so many ways.”

She Accepts that Aging Is Inevitable

Lisa has accepted that she is getting older. “I think it is about passion. You can’t fight aging. Aging is going to happen. How do I do it so that I feel good and I’m happy? That’s what I’m looking for, and I’m still passionate, and I’m still curious about life,” she told Cosmo. “I don’t necessarily need to look like I’m 20 years old, though that’s fun if you can get it. But you know what I’m saying? It’s about how do you morph yourself into this era and still feel good, be curious, be passionate, and be happy?”

Jazzercise

Lisa has been dancing her way to a hot body since she was a teen. “I’ve had the same fitness routine since I was 16,” she told Us Weekly. “It started with Jazzercise, and I’ve been consistent about working out ever since.”

RELATED:10 Micro Habits Made Her Lose 20 Pounds While Being a “Busy Worker Mom"

Yoga

She also gets her zen on. “Yoga has been my life savior for 26 years I’ve been practicing now,” she added to Us. “It’s my consistent … you know, I do many workouts and I go through lots of different things, but I think most consistently practicing yoga has been the most helpful in keeping myself grounded and somewhat space … somewhat…”

She Follows a “Dirty Vegan” Diet

While Lisa eats some animal products, she tries to fill her plate with plant-based foods and produce. “I tend to call myself a dirty vegan," she told People. “I’m mostly plant-based—but if I do need to eat some meat, I’ll have it.”

Exercise Makes Her Feel Better

Lisa tries to focus on how exercise makes her feel, instead of just her looks. “I’m always doing something. I just do because I feel better,” Lisa told OWN. “If I feel better, I’m nicer. If I’m nicer, my life goes better.”

RELATED:3 Core Exercises You Need to Do to Tighten Your Abs, According to a Fitness Trainer

She Mixes Up Workouts

"My one piece of advice though is finding more than one form of exercise that you love to do and then mixing it up," Lisa explained on her website. "One day do the Pilates, and then the next day you play tennis. Maybe you can even incorporate a Friday night salsa dancing class with your girlfriends!" And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

Don’t let menopause be an excuse for not getting into shape. Annie Murray (@anniesfitnesssteyning) is a 54-year-old fitness trainer whose mission is “empowering mid-lifers to get strong, build healthy habits, and be the best version of themselves.” She regularly offers fitness, motivation, and nutrition tips to her followers on how to be the healthiest version of themselves through and beyond menopause. In a recent viral post, she reveals how she got into the best shape of her life and the changes she made to get there.


In the First Photo She Was 42 and Perimenopausal

Annie shares before-and-after images of herself during the perimenopausal stage and after menopause. “The photo on the left was taken when I was 42 years old. At the time, I was perimenopausal with low Tmuscle mass, low body weight, and low energy. I was constantly ill, experiencing bouts of shingles and chest infections,” she says.

This Was Her Training Routine and Diet

Home training concept. Smiling senior woman doing elbow plank on yoga mat in living room. Positive mature lady doing her workout routine, exercising indoors, strengthening her core musclesShutterstock

Her nutrition and exercise routine consisted of:

- Hours of cardio

- Bodyweight exercises

- Cutting out food groups

- Yo-yo dieting

- Eating too much convenience food, processed sugar and refined carbohydrates

- Drinking alcohol regularly

She Is Healthier at 54 Than She Was at 42

“The photo on the right was taken last week when I turned 54,” she continues. “I am currently post-menopausal, with high muscle mass and low body fat. My body weight has increased, I eat more, I have higher energy levels, and my immune system is strong. My metabolic age is 36, with a visceral fat rating of 2.”

Strength Training

One woman mature caucasian female slim hands hold dumbbell while training at home or fitness center real people healthy lifestyle concept copy spaceShutterstock

She then goes on to detail her “nutrition and exercise” routine. She starts off by revealing she does strength training three times a week.

Cardio

Shot of athlete woman exercising on assault air bike.Shutterstock

She also makes sure to get cardio in, but doesn’t do as much. She does “cardio training 2-3x\week,” she writes.

Walking

woman walking towards unknown placesShutterstock

She also makes sure to get her steps in. “Walking daily” is part of her routine.

Nutritious Whole Foods

Happy vegan woman smiling at the camera while eating a vegetable salad from a bowl. Senior woman enjoying a plant-based breakfast after a home workout. Mature woman taking care of her ageing body.Shutterstock

As for her diet, she tries to keep it clean. “Eating nutritious whole-food,” is her focus.

Protein

Raw chicken breast sliced or cut pieces on wooden cutting board with herbs and spices on dark slate, stone, concrete background. Raw chicken meat. Top view with copy space. Mock up.Shutterstock

She also understands the importance of fueling up with protein. “Eating a minimum of 100g protein a day,” is key, she says.

No Processed Sugar or Refined Carbohydrates

Unhealthy Chocolate Cookies with Vanilla Cream FillingShutterstock

One of her biggest no-nos when it comes to diet? “No processed sugar or refined carbohydrates,” she writes.

No Alcohol

Group of happy friends toasting and drinking fancy cocktails at bar terrace-Three Young girls drink mojito and clinking glass together at pub enjoying happy hour at summer party- Life Style conceptShutterstock

There is something else she avoids: Drinking her calories. “No alcohol” is her other major, don’t.

She Discovered Weights at 48

Fit mature woman in sportswear lifting a dumbbell during a strength training session at the gymShutterstock

“At the age of 48, I became a personal trainer and started to incorporate lighter weights into my fitness routine. At 50, I started to strength train in the gym using the progressive load technique (increasing the weight or number of reps over time). That’s when I discovered the power of lifting weights and the importance of having lean muscle mass,” she says.

Here Is Why Muscle Is Important

Fitness woman in sportswear trains shoulder muscles, doing dumbbell press while sitting on bench in gym. Back viewShutterstock

According to Annie, muscle is the “key” to:

✨ better body composition

✨ burning fat

✨ driving your metabolism

✨ protecting against disease

✨ regulating blood sugar

✨ controlling hunger

✨ increased mobility

✨ better mood

✨ increased energy

She Is “Fitter, Stronger, and Healthier” Than She Was in Her 20s

Mature lady in white shirt holding hands behind her head and expressing positive emotions while spending time outdoors.Shutterstock

Overall, she is happy where she is today. “I can safely say, I am fitter, stronger and healthier now, than I was in my 20’s,” she says.

Having Lean Muscle “Is Key”

Middle age sportswoman smiling happy training at the park.Shutterstock

“If you’re serious about staying healthy whilst you age, then having lean muscle is key. The only way to build and maintain muscle is to lift weights and don’t stop. Combined this with good nutrition and that’s the formula that’s worked for me,” she says.

She Adds That “It’s Never too Late”

Beautiful mature senior woman at home, domestic life and leisure moments - 50-60 years old pretty female adult wearing sportswear eating healthy food after fitness workoutShutterstock

Her final words of wisdom? “If I can do it, so can you. It’s never too late, and you are never too old to start,” she says. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss these 20 Superfoods for People Over 50.

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Lindsay Lohan is showing off her washboard abs in the latest issue of Flaunt magazine. In a new post shared by the star, she looks ab fab in a white tank top and low-slung jeans – but that’s not all people are talking about. The star of the Netflix hit Our Little Secret has experienced a recent glow-up, looking younger than she did a decade ago. Here is everything you need to know about the diet, workout, and wellness routine responsible for her ageless beauty, body, and overall happiness.


She Does Pilates

LOS ANGELES - MAR 15: Lindsay Lohan at the Clarins New Product Launch Party on the Private Residence on March 15, 2024 in Los Angeles, CAShutterstock

When describing her day to Flaunt, Lohan reveals that her mornings in Dubai, where she lives with her husband and son, involve a certain workout. “I do anything that anyone else does in their daily life. I’m up with my son in the mornings, I do breakfast with him, go to my pilates, come home for lunch, and go to the park, the same things that any normal mom would do in their daily life,” she says.

She Loves Fried Chicken

In 2020, on her podcast The Lohdown with Lindsay Lohan, she and her sister Aliana discussed their favorite snacks and fast food restaurants, playing "This or That" regarding their food favorites. When asked to choose between KFC or Popeyes, she couldn’t. However, she did cop to preferring KFC's coleslaw and chicken but mashed potatoes and gravy from Popeyes.

She Likes Starbucks Green Tea

Lohan is a tea drinker. Her choice between Starbucks and Dunkin'? The former, due to the fact that their iced green tea lemonade is her favorite.

RELATED: Coach Dropped 100 Pounds Using These 9 Daily Habits

She Snacks

LOS ANGELES, USA. March 10, 2024: Lindsay Lohan at the 30th Vanity Fair Oscar Party.Shutterstock

Lohan loves to snack. On her podcast she revealed that one of her go-tos is wasabi peas. She is also a fan of shopping in the prepared food aisle to make healthy eating convenient.

She Maintains That “Everyone’s Getting So Thin Now,” Because of Ozempic

In an interview with Bustle, Lindsay discussed the Ozempic ear. “Everyone’s getting so thin now. I feel like everything always comes full circle again, so this is that moment, and this, too, shall pass. But it does seem like there’s pressure,” she says.

She Didn’t Pressure Herself to “Snap Back” After Childbirth

Lindsay told Bustle that she is proud of her body after having a baby and didn’t cave to the pressure to “snap back” when her son was born. “I was so attached to [Luai] that my last thought was going on a treadmill. I feel like we put so much pressure on ourselves to have to look ‘good’ so soon, but you look so beautiful [postpartum]. Give yourself time,” she said.

She Sticks to “Positive Manifestation and Baby Foods” on Social Media

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caption="" photo_credit="Shutterstock" title=""]Shutterstock

Lindsay carefully curates what she is exposed to online, avoiding fashion for the most part. “My stuff is positive manifestations and baby foods,” she told Bustle. She likes to be surrounded by “positive people,” she added. “People, places and things I’m a big believer in, and that definitely has shaped more of who I am today.”

RELATED: Coach Reveals Why You Will Never Burn Fat Until You Get These 4 Habits Right

She Exercises for Mental Health

Lindsay focuses on the mental health aspects of working out. “People forget about that part of it and will often just focus on the physical benefits. But when you work out, you're also getting endorphins that make you feel good, you sleep better, and you don't seem to stress out as much. I also like the idea that when you work out, you're taking time for yourself. It's self-care,” she told Health.

She Runs

Having “a routine” is key when it comes to exercise, she says. “That's really important to me. I work out three or four days a week. I'm not an outdoor runner, but I love the treadmill. I'll just put my headphones on, put the treadmill on an incline, and alternate between speed walking, jogging, and sprinting,” she told Health.

She Focuses on “Balance” with Her Diet

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 05, 2019: Lindsay Lohan on Lexus Melbourne Cup Day at the 2019 Melbourne Cup Carnival at Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne AustraliaShutterstock

What is her diet? “I try to focus on balance. I love cooking and looking at recipes, so that's something that helps me incorporate healthy foods. And I don't have a sweet tooth. Sometimes I do crave fast food. When I do, I'll go for a kids' meal—that's my trick. My fiancé and siblings all make fun of me for it. I really only do that once in a blue moon. Again, it's about balancing those things with lots of other healthy, nutritious options,” she told Health.

RELATED: She Has Instagram-Famous Abs and Here Is What She Eats in a Day to Achieve Them

She Meditates Daily

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 05, 2019: Lindsay Lohan on Lexus Melbourne Cup Day at the 2019 Melbourne Cup Carnival at Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne AustraliaShutterstock

She also gets her zen on. “I meditate daily. Once a day, I take 10 to 15 minutes, and I do some breathing work paired with some spiritual prayers. It gives me time to focus,” she told Health. “I will actually go into the bathroom to meditate. I turn on the shower and leave it running while I do it. It may sound weird, but the sound of the water calms me—it's cozy and feels like no one can bother you.” And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Lyndsey_Getty1
Lyndsey Getty
FACT CHECKED BY Alek Korab
Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

Losing weight doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, sometimes all it takes is making a few simple lifestyle changes. Lyndsey Getty, founder of Thought Method, was in her twenties when she decided that she wanted to get in shape. Within a year, she dropped six dress sizes, going from a 12 to a 6, and has managed to keep the weight off ever since. She recently opened up about her weight loss journey in an interview with Body Network.


Lyndsey Could Barely Fit in a Size 12

Pink women's t-shirts hang on wooden hangers with indexes of the XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL sizes on a light background.Shutterstock

Getty explains that she was motivated to embark on her weight loss journey after seeing a photo of herself and her friends during a night out. “I barely recognized myself,” she told us.

She Had Been Buying Larger and Larger Sized Jeans

Woman struggling to squeeze into tight jeans while lying on bed at home, closeupShutterstock

“That was just the tip of the iceberg, though. I had been buying larger and larger jeans for a while and had to unbutton my pants when I sat down to sit comfortably. I had a lack of energy and just felt heavy and bloated a lot. Something needed to change.”

Lyndsey Dropped Down to a 6 and Has Been the Same Size for a Decade

point of view - closeup feet for asian woman measure weight on scaleShutterstock

She doesn’t remember her exact weight at the time but struggled to fit into a size 12. “5’9, now I am a size 6 in the same type of pants and aim to stay between 145 to 150 pounds,” she says. She has managed to keep the weight off for a decade.

She Started to Exercise

Group,,Sporty,Women,,Men,Training,,Exercise,Bikes, class, instructor,trainerShutterstock

Lyndsey started exercising, focusing on building muscle. “I am part of the camp that believes that there is no ‘toning,’ there is building muscle and a woman building muscle will not make her bulky,” she says.

Lyndsey Focused on Building Muscle

Fitness woman doing clamshell exercise for glutes with resistance band on gray backgroundShutterstock

“I focused on an overall body workout and would do upper and lower body days. I love the shape of my glutes and my back looks amazing, men have asked me for my routine.”

She Boxes, Jump ropes, and Does Lots of Strength Training Exercises

Fitness woman jumping rope in cityShutterstock

Her go-to workouts include boxing and jump roping. “You burn the most calories in the shortest amount of time with jump roping so it makes logical sense and boxing is great for several reasons. It is exciting to see yourself getting better at something,

Lyndsey Feels More Empowered

Winning, success and life goals concept. Young woman with arms in the air giving thumbs up.Shutterstock

I feel more empowered, worked through a lot of emotions and felt like I came back to myself and my body. It was very cathartic. I also do bench press, glute bridges, deadlifts and then single leg exercises like sidekicks and clamshells,” she says.

She Follows the 80/20 Diet

Neapolitan,Pizza,With,Spices,,Tomatoes,And,Cheese,Mozzarella,On,DarkShutterstock

In terms of diet, she follows the 80/20 diet. "So I will eat simple whole food around 80 percent of the time and then have pizza, burgers, fries, etc., and sweets the other 20 percent,” Lyndsey says. Some weeks, it's 70-30. If I start to gain weight, I correct.”

Here Is What Lyndsey Eats for Breakfast

A Scoop of Rolled OatsShutterstock

Lyndsey starts her day with a filling breakfast, steel-cut oats with cinnamon and blueberries, greek yogurt with raspberries, or eggs with cottage cheese and avocado.

Rainbow Salads for Lunch

Delicious vegetable salad on a white plate, vegetables are in the colors of the rainbow.Shutterstock

“For lunch I love rainbow salads. You take 5 veggies of different colors and layer them in a bell jar with some dressing in the bottom. I make 5 at a time, store them in the fridge and when it is time to eat I take one out, shake it and grab a fork,” she says.

She Has a Sweet Tooth

Banana and chocolate smoothie in the glass jarShutterstock

“I have a sweet tooth so I also love banana, oat milk and cocoa powder smoothies for a snack. For dinner I will do some type of protein with lentils and broccoli for a few days and then take-out the rest.”

Lyndsey Eliminated Fast Food and Processed Meats

KIEV, UKRAINE - MAY 2019: Domino's Pizza Box detail. Domino's, is an American pizza restaurant chain founded in 1960, in 2018 the chain became the largest pizza seller worldwide in terms of sales.Shutterstock

She also stopped eating a few things. “I eliminated fast food and barely eat any processed meats,” she says. “They are low nutritional value and have a lot of connections to cancer, so if I want a sandwich, I will make a turkey and slice it,” Lyndsey says.

She Loves Her Body Unconditionally

Woman, stomach and hand with heart in outdoor for exercise, diet, fitness and closeup. Female tummy, gut health and self love for wellness and training in the summer for healthy workout outside.Shutterstock

Her biggest achievement when it comes to her body? “That when I look at my body, instead of picking it apart, I love it unconditionally, and I appreciate all it does for me. My body is fascinating. All of the systems that work intricately together are utterly remarkable,” she says.

People Compliment Her

Cheerful diverse young girls sitting together in sports studio before starts training giving high five feel happy and healthy, close up focus on hands. Respect and trust, celebration and amity conceptShutterstock

“I’ll always be annoyed by my belly bulge, but I have learned to accept it. I started by telling myself that I love myself when I look in the mirror and working to accept my body as it is. People responded positively to me with this new confidence, and it felt really good to come back to myself, so that validation kept this perspective alive.”

Working Out Will Not Make You Bulky, She Maintains

fitness, sport, training, people and lifestyle concept - group of women with barbells flexing muscles in gymShutterstock

One fitness or nutrition myth she once believed but wants to debunk? “That working out will make me bulky or manly, and therefore, men will not be attracted to me,” she says. Even when she could deadlift 265 pounds, “men definitely did not lose interest, and I am annoyed I was encouraged to focus on external validation in the first place,” she says.

She Was Just More Compact

Back view of strong sporty girl showing muscles at the beach during sunset.Shutterstock

“When I was at my most muscular, I was just more compact and, honestly, kind of annoyed because I worked so hard for these muscles, and you could barely see them unless I flexed,” Lyndsey says.

If Her Pants Fit, She Is Happy

top view sport wear concept with Gym Outfit, running shoes, smartphone, Sport Sweatband and sport run accessories on black wooden background.Shutterstock

These days, she doesn’t use a scale to reach her body goals. “If my pants fit,” is her goal. “Size 6 is the size I like to be at because I noticed when I am a size 6 I am eating mainly healthy and nutritious foods while also indulging enough that I am not restricting myself,” she says. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

 Brittany Ainsworth britts_getting_fit_
She Lost 115 Pounds on Ozempic After Experiencing These 8 Surprising Side Effects
Copyright britts_getting_fit_/Instagram
Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

Are you standing in your own way of losing weight on a GLP-1 weight loss drug? Brittany Ainsworth is a weight loss warrior who has dropped 116 pounds on a weight loss drug. In a new social media post, she reveals a few mistakes people make while on them, which prevent them from losing weight. “7 surefire ways to derail your Ozempic/Mounjaro, GLP-1 journey. Speaking from experience as someone down 116 pounds on one so far.”

Overeating

If you are eating the same amount of food while on a weight loss drug, it will prevent you from dropping pounds. “Relying solely on Ozempic while continuing to overeat with the assumption that the medication will handle everything can seriously stall your progress,” she says.

Skipping Meals

Alternately, if you miss meals, it will have repercussions. “Skipping meals or drastically undereating may seem like a shortcut to faster weight loss, but it can actually slow your metabolism and leave you feeling fatigued and unmotivated,” she says.

Not Exercising

Failing to exercise is another common mistake. “Avoiding regular physical activity limits the overall effectiveness of Ozempic, as exercise plays a crucial role in weight management and metabolic health,” she writes.

Not Following Directions

Make sure to follow directions. “Disregarding our healthcare provider’s instructions—such as skipping doses, missing follow-ups, or adjusting the medication on your own—can lead to poor results and unwanted side effects,” she adds.

Not Eating the Right Food

Not eating healthy food can also derail your progress. “Consuming too many processed or high-sugar foods can overwhelm your body’s ability to regulate blood sugar and diminish the appetite-control benefits of Ozempic,” she says.

Drinking Alcohol

You might want to put down the botte. “Drinking alcohol excessively not only affects blood sugar balance but can also lead to impulsive eating and poor dietary decisions,” she says.

Not Being Patient

The last way to derail your weight loss experience? “Expecting instant results from Ozempic can set you up for disappointment, making it more tempting to quit before the medication has had time to work effectively,” she says. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss20 Incredible Ozempic Success Stories of All Time.

Dr. Becky Gillaspy
7 Tips for Losing Weight After Age 50
Copyright Dr. Becky Gillaspy/YouTube
Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

In recent years, Ozempic has become one of the most talked-about weight loss solutions on the market. While effective, it comes with a hefty price tag and potential side effects that many find uncomfortable. But what if you could trigger similar weight-loss benefits naturally through your diet? Dr. Becky Gillaspy, with over 24 years of experience teaching college courses from Anatomy to Nutrition and certified as a health and wellness coach, offers a compelling alternative. Read on to discover how specific foods can naturally boost the same hormone that Ozempic mimics—without the injections or side effects.

Understanding How Ozempic Works

Ozempic works by mimicking a naturally occurring hormone in your body called GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1), Dr. Becky explains in her post. "GLP-1 is a hormone naturally produced in your small intestine in response to food intake," she notes. This important hormone helps bring down your blood sugar after meals and increases feelings of fullness. By acting as what scientists call an "agonist," Ozempic essentially tricks your body into thinking there's more GLP-1 present than there actually is.


RELATED: 15 Things to Know Before Requesting Ozempic for Weight Loss

Your Body Already Makes This Weight-Loss Hormone

Eating and drinking image of a young woman eating mixed nuts​Metabolic ImprovementsShutterstock

The good news is that your body naturally produces GLP-1 after you eat, according to Dr. Becky. "Its responsibility is to help bring your blood sugar level back down after the meal and ensure you feel full," she explains. This means you can strategically choose foods that enhance your body's natural GLP-1 production. The hormone offers three key benefits: it triggers a robust insulin response, slows digestion, and increases fullness—all contributing to better blood sugar control and weight management.

Start Your Day With Yogurt

Healthy Greek yogurt bowl with fresh berry​Breakfast Bowls: Berry Yogurt Power BowlShutterstock

Beginning your day with yogurt can naturally boost your GLP-1 levels, Dr. Becky advises. "The prebiotics and probiotics in fermented foods like yogurt can enhance gut health by influencing the gut microbiota, which plays a role in GLP-1 secretion," she says. As a fermented food containing both protein and calcium, yogurt offers a powerful combination for stimulating this important hormone. The protein triggers GLP-1 release as your body metabolizes amino acids, while calcium enhances this process for an even stronger effect.

Choose Your Yogurt Wisely

Greek,Yogurt,I,Bowl,Spoons,food,dairy,dietEating Too Little at a Time​Shutterstock

When selecting yogurt at the grocery store, Dr. Becky recommends avoiding low-fat varieties with added sugar. "Added sugar spikes your blood sugar," she cautions. Instead, opt for unsweetened Greek yogurt (higher in protein) or regular yogurt (higher in calcium). Either way, you're getting the benefits of fermentation plus that powerful protein-calcium combination. For flavor without the sugar spike, add berries to your yogurt for natural sweetness and additional health benefits.


RELATED: 5 Things to Know Before Taking a GLP-1 Drug, According to a Nurse Who Takes It

Boost Your Breakfast With Berries

Fresh Berries at the Farmers Market​BerriesShutterstock

Adding berries to your morning yogurt doesn't just make it taste better—it actually enhances its GLP-1-boosting effects. "By stirring in some sweetness in the berries, you boost the meal's polyphenol content, giving yourself a third GLP-1 advantage," explains Dr. Becky. Polyphenols are beneficial compounds that give colorful plants their vibrant hues, and they positively influence gut microbiota, supporting GLP-1 production. This is why eating a "rainbow" of foods each day can be so beneficial for your health and weight management goals.

Don't Forget Your Daily Coffee or Tea

Woman drinking coffee in the sun, outdoor in sunlight light, enjoying her morning coffee.​CoffeeShutterstock

Good news for coffee and tea lovers—these beverages contain polyphenols that can help boost GLP-1 production. "Polyphenols are also found in coffee and green tea, so feel free to enjoy a cup or two with your yogurt," Dr. Becky suggests. This means your morning ritual might already be supporting your natural weight management efforts. The polyphenols in these beverages work similarly to those in colorful fruits and vegetables, positively affecting your gut microbiome and enhancing GLP-1 secretion.

Make a Daily Salad Your Secret Weapon

Woman, diet and person eating salad in her home kitchen and is happy for a meal with nutrition or healthy lunch. Smile, food and young female vegan in her apartment or house and eat vegetablesChoosing Salad Over Steak​Shutterstock

A daily salad is one of the most powerful tools in your natural GLP-1-boosting arsenal, according to Dr. Becky. "Non-starchy vegetables like leafy greens, cucumbers, onions, peppers, and tomatoes are going to build on your polyphenol intake for the day and also provide fiber," she explains. This fiber not only slows digestion but also feeds beneficial gut bacteria, which produce short-chain fatty acids that stimulate GLP-1 release. Plus, the volume of vegetables physically stretches your stomach, activating receptors that signal fullness to your brain.

Top Your Salad Strategically

Healthy Salad - spinach baby leaves and boiled eggs cut in a half on wooden table.Shutterstock

The toppings you choose for your salad can significantly enhance its GLP-1-boosting power. "Load up your salad with protein and healthy fats such as meat, salmon, cheese, hard-boiled eggs, avocados, nuts, seeds, and an olive oil-based dressing," recommends Dr. Becky. While she's already discussed the benefits of protein for GLP-1 production, healthy fats provide additional advantages. These fats stimulate the secretion of cholecystokinin, a hormone that slows stomach emptying and enhances digestion, keeping you fuller longer.

Design Your Dinner for Sustained Fullness

Farmer woman holding wooden box full of fresh raw vegetables. Basket with vegetable (cabbage, carrots, cucumbers, radish, corn, garlic and peppers) in the hands.​Fundamental 3: Prioritize Whole FoodsShutterstock

To maintain elevated GLP-1 levels throughout the evening, Dr. Becky suggests structuring your dinner around non-starchy vegetables and protein. "Serve a healthy portion of non-starchy vegetables alongside a protein-rich entree like meat, chicken, or fish," she advises. This combination creates a meal that digests slowly, producing a steady blood sugar response that helps you avoid evening snacking. Including healthy cooking fats like butter, avocado oil, or high-quality olive oil adds to the meal's satisfaction factor.

Why Timing Matters for GLP-1 Production

Smart watch on the woman's hand​It's Now Part Of My LifeShutterstock

The timing of your meals can impact your natural GLP-1 production and weight loss results. "Eating too close to bedtime elevates blood sugar and insulin overnight, blocking fat loss," warns Dr. Becky. This means that allowing several hours between your dinner and bedtime can enhance your body's natural fat-burning potential. A well-timed, GLP-1-promoting dinner helps you move comfortably through the evening without the urge to snack, supporting your weight management goals even while you sleep.

The Mediterranean Keto Connection

Food products representing the Mediterranean diet which may improve overall health status​Natural Booster #7: Mediterranean DietShutterstock

Many of the GLP-1-boosting foods highlighted by Dr. Becky come from the Mediterranean Keto approach. "The foods I highlighted in this video are from my Mediterranean Keto Cookbook," she mentions. This eating style emphasizes fermented foods, protein paired with calcium, polyphenol-rich plants, fiber, and healthy fats—all key nutrients for enhancing your body's natural GLP-1 production. By following this approach, you can experience improved hunger satisfaction while potentially achieving similar benefits to GLP-1 medications without the cost or side effects.


RELATED:20 Possible Ozempic Side Effects

Simple Daily Habits for Natural Weight Control

Young,Woman,Eating,Salad,Organic,Vegetables,happy,eating,food​Track MacrosShutterstock

Dr. Becky recommends incorporating her "0123 strategy" into your daily routine for enhanced weight management. This approach outlines four daily habits that support weight loss naturally, including the daily salad she discussed for GLP-1 production. By focusing on these simple, sustainable practices rather than restrictive dieting, you can create an eating pattern that naturally enhances your body's GLP-1 production. These habits work with your body's natural systems rather than fighting against them, making weight management more comfortable and sustainable. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Carolin Tyler RNY carolin_rny
Copyright carolin_rny/Instagram
Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

Weight loss journeys rarely follow a straight path. Carolyn (@carolyrny) knows this firsthand, having lost an impressive 225 pounds through a combination of gastric bypass surgery and GLP-1 medication. At 28 years old and standing 5'7", she's transformed from 401.6 pounds to 125 pounds today. "I totally, totally altered my whole life when I had gastric bypass surgery," Carolyn shares. Through her YouTube channel, she documents her health journey to help others facing similar challenges. Discover the unfiltered reality of GLP-1 medications that most doctors won't tell you about.

Your First Steps With GLP-1 Medications

"I started Monjaro back in September of 2022. I had heard about it that summer," Carolyn explains in her post. Her timing proved fortunate: "I was very lucky and downloaded the savings coupon in August of 2022, when the terms and conditions were still allowing people to get the medication when it wasn't covered by insurance at only $25 a month."

Like most patients, she began at the lowest dose. "I started at the lowest dose, 2.5 milligrams, and I was on that dose for just one month. That's the loading dose. It's kind of a way for your body to get adjusted to the medication." For medical supervision, Carolyn chose a virtual option: "I use the Weight Watchers Clinic. I have used them from the start with my GLP-1 medication journey."

Finding Your Ideal Dosage

"I moved up to the five milligram dose. And I was at five milligrams, I wanna say for three or four months," Carolyn shares. Her experience at this level was positive: "I had really, really great results with five milligram. And had it not been for the medication shortages at the time, I think I would have stayed and should have stayed at the five milligram, just because I was losing."

She emphasizes an important principle: "If you're still losing at a good rate, you really shouldn't need to go up in dose." Unfortunately, circumstances forced changes: "Because of the shortages and the mess that that was, I had to move up to the 7.5 dose because that was what was available."

Navigating Medication Shortages and Insurance Hurdles

"The savings card ran out in June of 2023, but I had started sort of stockpiling, and I was only taking the medication every two weeks," Carolyn reveals. The timeline became complicated: "In September of 2023, somehow my insurance covered Monjaro without a prior authorization. And I was able to get a three-month supply."

This didn't last: "The beginning of this year in 2024, I started, you know, I needed a prior authorization for Monjaro. And I ran out of the medication at the end of December." Persistence eventually paid off: "I put in prior authorizations for Monjaro, Saxenda, Trulicity, Ozempic, Wigovi, and they were all denied. I finally was able to get Ozempic."

Later came better news: "ZepBound, which is the same medication as Monjaro, it's just FDA approved for weight loss... I have a prior authorization approval for ZepBound until January of next year, which is great."

Managing Potential Side Effects

"Initially starting out the medication, I experienced headaches and insomnia. Mainly insomnia with the five milligram dose," Carolyn reveals. The sleep disturbances were striking: "I would wake up at like three or four in the morning and feel wide awake. Wide awake. It was the craziest thing." Fortunately, this wasn't permanent: "But I think as I got used to being on the medication, that subsided and I don't experience insomnia anymore."

Other side effects varied by dosage: "I experienced the most amount of nausea on the 7.5 milligram dose. That for some reason, that dosage, I don't know. I just experienced nausea on it to the point where I asked my doctor for Zofran." Looking back, she considers herself fortunate: "I've been very, very lucky with side effects. And I know that's not the case for everyone."

Comparing Different GLP-1 Medications

When it comes to different GLP-1 options, Carolyn has clear preferences. "A lot of people ask me what I thought was more effective or what I liked better, Manjaro or Ozempic. And I preferred Manjaro," she states. She backs this with her understanding of research: "I think the studies show that terzapotide is much more an effective GLP-1 agonist. And I definitely experienced that."

Her experience switching medications wasn't ideal: "When I was on Ozempic for a few months earlier this year, my weight slowly, slowly started to creep up, which was very difficult. And it just felt like I was more inflamed and it felt like I was back in that place of struggling to keep my weight off." The difference was noticeable when she returned to her preferred medication: "Now back on terzapotide, I feel much better and I'm very happy about it to be on ZepBound for the next however long."

Tracking Your Results Realistically

"I started my GLP-1 journey at 230 pounds even. And today I'm sitting at 180. So I've lost a total of 50 pounds," Carolyn shares. She's experienced some fluctuation: "My lowest I've gotten down to is 175. I was 175 back in November of last year when I was taking the 12.5 milligram of Monjaro." Her upcoming wedding influenced recent choices: "I didn't wanna lose more because of my wedding dress."

She reflects on her current state: "I'm very happy here at 180. I think I look really good. I feel really good at this weight." Like many, she considers future goals: "I've always had in my head the number 170 to get down to, and I don't know, 170, 160, I don't know. I'm kind of in that like, do I attempt, do I try, or do I just kind of be happy where I am and focus on getting plastic surgery next year, hopefully."

Combining GLP-1 With Proper Nutrition

"I like to have a protein shake in the morning just to get in a good amount of protein before I start my day," Carolyn explains. She sees clear benefits from this approach: "It's really helped me on my GLP-1 journey because you really wanna focus on protein to build muscle. It helps so, so much, not only with maintaining your muscle mass, but also I've noticed it helps just make sure that I'm full a lot longer."

The strategic focus on protein serves multiple purposes: "By prioritizing protein, I'm less tempted to like grab, you know, sweet treats or things like that that don't always serve me best when I'm trying to lose weight." She emphasizes this nutrient above others: "My GLP-1 journey has been over the past almost two years, and I have really made sure to focus on protein. It's really the most important macronutrient when you're on a GLP-1 journey or a weight loss journey."

Building a Sustainable Exercise Routine

Even with medication, lifestyle changes remain crucial. "I still diet and exercise. I still am very mindful of my diet and I work out. And those things are very important to me," Carolyn emphasizes. She connects this to her broader transformation: "I totally, totally altered my whole life when I had gastric bypass surgery."

The medication doesn't replace these foundational habits: "Those things work hand in hand. It's not, you take this medication and the weight magically falls off, quite the, you have to put in the work. It's the same with bariatric surgery. It's only a tool. And the only way to work, to get it to work, is if you put in the work."

Planning for Pregnancy While on GLP-1

Family planning affects medication decisions. "We're getting married, and we are hoping to start having kids in about two or three years," Carolyn shares. This timeline shapes her GLP-1 strategy: "So over the next two or three years, I'm probably going to work my way down in dosage and figure out a good spot there, and then eventually come off of it completely to get pregnant. You can't be on it when you're pregnant."

She's practical about the future: "I am not opposed to getting back on it after having kids. If I need to, if I feel like I need to get back on it after kids, I will." This approach aligns with her understanding of obesity treatment: "I went into this knowing this was a long-term solution, that it was a long-term medication for maintenance, and I'm perfectly okay with that."

Treating Obesity as a Chronic Condition

"My obesity is a chronic illness, and these medications are revolutionary," Carolyn affirms. "They are truly, have changed the game when it comes to treating obesity." She compares this to other health conditions she manages: "I have other chronic illnesses. I have psoriasis that I take an injection for four times a year. I have hypothyroidism that I take medication for every single day."

This perspective shapes her approach to long-term treatment: "I went into this knowing this was a long-term solution, that it was a long-term medication for maintenance, and I'm perfectly okay with that. That doesn't bother me."

She sees GLP-1 medications as valuable additions to surgical options: "Bariatric surgery is still the number one treatment that we have with studies and stuff. You're going to lose the most amount of weight and keep it off with that. But these medications are such great adjunct treatments for people like me who never got down to the weight they wanted to, or who struggled to just stay where they are."

Creating Your Long-Term Maintenance Plan

Long-term planning is essential for sustained success. When asked about staying on medication, Carolyn explains: "Do I plan to stay on it long-term? Like, what are the long-term effects? Do you gain weight back? Statistically, you do gain some weight back if you go off of it, cold turkey, I think, but you're supposed to wean down and wean off of it."

She's already considering her future approach: "My plan, so we're getting married, and we are hoping to start having kids in about two or three years. So over the next two or three years, I'm probably going to work my way down in dosage and figure out a good spot there." She remains flexible about post-pregnancy treatment: "I am not opposed to getting back on it after having kids. If I need to, if I feel like I need to get back on it after kids, I will."

Addressing Access and Stigma Barriers

Broader issues affect many GLP-1 users. "The biggest issue we have is accessibility. Insurance coverage, which I have struggled with, and just being able to get them. There are so many shortages right now," Carolyn points out. She envisions positive change: "I hope that over time, in the next five years, I really hope we see a huge shift in how not only the accessibility, but also the stigma towards people who struggle with obesity and who live in larger bodies and who want help and who want to lose weight or want to be healthier."

This includes changing perceptions: "That that stigma changes from, well, they're just lazy and fat to, no, they have an illness, they have a disease that's preventing them from being compliant with the diet and exercise." Her enthusiasm for these medications is evident: "I'm a huge, huge advocate for these medications."

The Reality Check: GLP-1 Is a Tool, Not Magic

"It's not, you take this medication and the weight magically falls off, quite the, you have to put in the work," Carolyn emphasizes. She draws a parallel to bariatric surgery: "It's the same with bariatric surgery. It's only a tool. And the only way to work, to get it to work, is if you put in the work." Beyond physical changes, she values the mental benefits: "It has helped so much with the food noise to the point where I don't feel like I'm obsessing about food or feeling consumed by thoughts of it. It feels very manageable to live my life on a day-to-day basis."

For Carolyn, this psychological relief outweighs even the weight loss: "Honestly, if I never lost another pound, or if I never lost a pound to begin with, I would stay on this medication." Her perspective is both realistic and hopeful: "These medications are revolutionary. They are truly, have changed the game when it comes to treating obesity." And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.