Woman Claims She Experimented with GLP-1s for 2 Years, but Did Not Experience Weight Loss: 'Trapped in This Body'

Sabrina Chazen meticulously followed every guideline. She reduced her carbohydrate intake, tracked her calories, and committed to daily walks. Yet, after four months of strict adherence, the scale barely budged. "I may have lost a single pound," the 39-year-old content creator told TODAY.com. "Nothing really changed."

Seeking a solution, Chazen consulted her doctor, who suggested an injectable medication designed to suppress appetite and support weight reduction. "I thought, 'This is the miracle I've been waiting for,' she recalls. However, after two years on the treatment, Chazen had only shed about 20 poundsfar below the average 15% weight loss promoted on the medications website. It didnt feel magical at all, she adds.

The limited results left her feeling defeated despite her dedication. "I did everything right, but the weight never came off. Im trapped in this body while it seems like everyone else succeeds," she said.

The type of drug Chazen tried belongs to a class called GLP-1 agonists, which includes Wegovy and Ozempic. These medications imitate the naturally occurring hormone GLP-1, which is released after eating, to help reduce appetite. They are FDA-approved to treat obesity, Type 2 diabetes, and other weight-related conditions.

When Medications Dont Match Expectations

A former Division 1 water polo athlete, Chazen found she could out-eat the drug. Although it slightly reduced cravings, her long-established eating habits remained unchanged. "Food is joy and comfort for me," she explained. Even small suppressions in appetite couldnt override her tendency to eat mindlessly when food was present.

Dr. Jennifer Manne-Goehler, an infectious disease and obesity specialist at Brigham and Womens Hospital, highlighted that public perception often assumes dramatic results from GLP-1 medications. People respond very differently to these drugs, she said, emphasizing that some patients feel guilt or shame if they dont achieve expected results. "The stigma around weight never ends," she added.

Chazen observed minor changes initially. "Maybe the cravings were a little quieter, but Id still eat fries or dessert in front of me even if I wasnt hungry," she said.

In an Instagram reel last October, Chazen shared her journey with followers who often recommended GLP-1s. She candidly admitted, "I lost 10, 20 pounds, which is great, but I could literally out-eat it." Observing others around her slim down added emotional strain, as she felt pressured by unrealistic expectations and pervasive fat-phobia. "People assume everyone can be thin now," she noted.

Understanding Different Responses

Clinical trials show that many users of Wegovy experience meaningful weight loss, but not everyone achieves dramatic results. Some participants lose minimal weight despite consistent usage, and as prescriptions have surged since 2020, more people encounter unexpected outcomes. "Just as individuals respond differently to blood pressure medications, people respond differently to GLP-1s," Dr. Manne-Goehler said. Weight loss can plateau after about 60 weeks, and some users experience a resurgence of appetite over time.

She advises that medication should complement lifestyle changes. "Obesity often behaves like a chronic condition. Patients may need nutrition guidance and sustainable exercise to manage triggers for overeating," she explained. Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Wegovy and Ozempic, also emphasizes the importance of combining medication with behavioral changes for long-term results.

Ultimately, Chazen decided to discontinue the drug due to the challenges with insurance and the minimal weight loss. Sharing her experience led to an outpouring of messages from others who had similar struggles, confirming that GLP-1 medications do not produce the same results for everyone. "I realized I wasnt alone," she said.

Author Commentary: The Reality Behind GLP-1 Weight Loss Medications

After following every guideline and investing years into GLP-1 treatment, my experience shows that these medications are not a guaranteed solution. Despite strict diet, exercise, and medical supervision, my weight loss plateaued far below the expectations promoted online.

The reality is that responses to GLP-1 agonists like Wegovy and Ozempic vary widely. Clinical trials may report average results, but individual outcomes depend on long-established habits, metabolism, and lifestyle. Even small appetite reductions cannot always overcome ingrained patterns of eating for comfort or pleasure.

Equally important is the emotional impact. Observing others lose weight easily can create pressure and guilt for those who respond differently, highlighting the pervasive stigma around body size. Weight management is rarely a linear process and requires a combination of sustainable nutrition, physical activity, and realistic expectations.

My conclusion is clear: GLP-1 medications are a tool, not a miracle. They may support some patients, but they cannot replace the complexity of behavior, environment, and biology. Sharing experiences openly helps normalize the wide spectrum of responses and reduces the isolation many feel when results do not meet publicized expectations.

Sources:

• Woman Says She Tried GLP-1s for 2 Years, But the Weight Loss 'Never Came': 'Stuck in This Body'