I'm down 45 pounds. People are starting to notice. And with the "Wow, you look great!" compliments come something I didn't expect: a lot of unsolicited opinions about how I'm losing weight.

Specifically, judgment about the fact that I'm using medication.

The Comments

Here's a sampling of what I've heard in the past few weeks:

"That's cheating. You're taking the easy way out."
"Those drugs are dangerous. Don't you know about the side effects?"
"I could never do that. I want to lose weight the natural way."
"You're just going to gain it all back when you stop."
"Why don't you just try eating less and moving more?"
"My cousin's friend's sister tried that and got really sick."
"You don't even look that overweight. You don't need medication."
"That's so expensive. Isn't it cheaper to just go to the gym?"

And my personal favorite: "I'm just worried about you."

Where the Judgment Comes From

I've thought a lot about why people feel entitled to comment on my medical decisions. A few theories:

1. Weight loss is seen as a moral achievement

In our culture, losing weight through diet and exercise is virtuouS. It's discipline, hard work, dedication. Using medication is seen as cheating—like you're getting results you didn't earn.

People who lost weight "the hard way" sometimes resent that others have an easier path. It feels unfair.

2. Misinformation and fear

There's a lot of scary stuff floating around about GLP-1s. Some of it based on real risks, much of it exaggerated or taken out of context.

People genuinely think they're helping by warning you about dangers they heard about on TikTok or from their aunt who read an article.

3. Discomfort with medical intervention for weight

Society is weirdly comfortable with cosmetic procedures, supplements, and all kinds of interventions. But prescription medication for weight loss crosses some invisible line for many people.

It forces them to acknowledge that obesity might be a medical condition rather than a personal failing. And that makes them uncomfortable.

4. Projection of their own insecurities

Sometimes the judgment isn't really about you. It's about them processing their own relationship with weight, body image, and whether they should consider similar options.

My Responses (External vs. Internal)

What I actually say to these comments vs. what I want to say are very different things.

"That's cheating."

What I say: "I'm working with my doctor on what's best for my health."

What I think: Is it cheating for a diabetic to take insulin? For someone with depression to take antidepressants? Why is medication only "cheating" when it's for weight loss? Also, who made you the referee of my medical decisions?

"Those drugs are dangerous."

What I say: "I've discussed the risks with my doctor, and we're monitoring my health closely."

What I think: You know what else is dangerous? Being 100 pounds overweight. High blood pressure, diabetes, joint problems, heart disease—those are all dangerous. I'm choosing my risks carefully with medical supervision.

"You should just eat less and move more."

What I say: "I tried that for 20 years. This is what's working for me now."

What I think: Oh wow, eat less and move more? Why didn't I think of that?! It's not like that's the first thing anyone tries. It's not like I've spent two decades restricting calories and hating myself. Thanks for the revolutionary advice!

"I'm just worried about you."

What I say: "I appreciate your concern. I'm in good hands with my doctor."

What I think: Were you worried about me when I was 100 pounds overweight and my blood pressure was creeping up? Or are you only "worried" now that I'm doing something effective about it?

The Ones That Hurt Most

Strangers being judgmental? Whatever. I don't care what random people think.

But when it's family or close friends, it stings.

My sister made a comment about how I'm "taking the easy way out." A friend asked if I'd considered "just working harder at diet and exercise." My mom keeps sending me articles about the "dangers of Ozempic."

These are people who love me. Who've watched me struggle with weight my entire adult life. And their response to me finally finding something that works is... skepticism and judgment.

That hurts.

How I'm Handling It

1. I've stopped explaining myself

I used to feel like I needed to justify my choice, explain all my reasoning, list every diet I'd tried and failed. Now? I just don't engage.

"I'm working with my doctor" is a complete sentence. I don't owe anyone more detail than that.

2. I'm selective about who I tell

Early on, I was open about using GLP-1s. Now I'm more careful. If someone asks how I'm losing weight, I give a vague answer: "combination of things, working with my doctor."

Only people who are genuinely supportive and non-judgmental get the full story.

3. I've set boundaries

When someone persists with unwanted medical advice or criticism, I shut it down: "I appreciate your concern, but my health decisions are between me and my doctor. I'm not open to discussing it further."

Firm but polite. Most people back off.

4. I'm working on not internalizing it

This is the hardest part. Other people's judgment can trigger my own doubts and shame. Am I taking the easy way out? Am I weak for needing medication? Should I have tried harder on my own?

I have to actively remind myself: No. I tried for 20 years. I'm not weak. I'm not cheating. I'm treating a medical condition with appropriate medical intervention. That's smart, not shameful.

5. I've found my people

Online communities of people on GLP-1s have been a lifesaver. People who get it. Who understand the struggles, the side effects, the judgment, and the victories.

Having people who support you unconditionally makes dealing with the skeptics so much easier.

The Irony

Here's what's wild: the same people who judged me for being overweight are now judging me for losing weight.

When I was 285 pounds, I got unsolicited advice about diet and exercise. "Have you tried keto?" "You should really walk more." "My trainer could help you."

Now that I'm losing weight with medication, I get different unsolicited advice. "That's not healthy." "You're doing it wrong." "You should do it naturally."

It's almost like people just enjoy having opinions about other people's bodies regardless of what those people are doing.

What I Wish People Understood

If you have a friend or family member on GLP-1 medication for weight loss, here's what I wish you knew:

1. They didn't make this decision lightly. Nobody wakes up and thinks, "I'd love to inject myself weekly with expensive medication that might make me nauseous!" This was likely a difficult decision made after exhausting other options.

2. Your "concern" might feel like judgment. Even if you genuinely care, expressing doubts about their medical choices can feel critical and unsupportive.

3. They're probably already anxious about it. Most people on these medications have their own doubts and fears. Your skepticism amplifies that anxiety.

4. It's not actually easier. Yes, the medication helps. But they're still dealing with side effects, lifestyle changes, insurance battles, and the mental work of changing their relationship with food. It's not a magic bullet.

5. The best thing you can do is be supportive. "I'm proud of you for taking care of your health" goes a lot further than "Are you sure that's safe?"

Moving Forward

I'm 45 pounds down with 55 to go. The judgment hasn't stopped, and I don't expect it will.

But I'm getting better at not letting it derail me. My health, my body, my choice. Everyone else can keep their opinions to themselves.

If you're dealing with similar judgment, remember: you don't owe anyone an explanation. You're not required to justify your medical decisions. And anyone who truly cares about you will support you regardless of how you're choosing to get healthy.

The rest? They can mind their own business.