How to Conquer the Emotional Struggle of GLP-1 Weight Loss: Body Dysmorphia

The Day I Didn’t Recognize My Own Reflection

“The emotional wounds no one is warning you about”

I knew I had lost weight on Mounjaro (Tirzepatide), but nothing prepared me for the day I walked past a mirror and didn’t realize it was me walking past. I was casually walking around Target, and as I strolled by the fitting rooms, I caught a glimpse of an unfamiliar stranger reflected in the glass.

I had thought, “Huh, HE kind of looks like me, but thinner.” I even did that awkward half-smile you give someone for being familiar but who you don’t really know.

…Then it hit me!

That “stranger” was me.

I just stood there, looking at the image in the reflection, in complete shock that my mind still had not caught up with my new body. Odd, slightly disturbing, yet way hilarious moment which showed how much losing weight actually also means you are going through mental transformation, as well physical when stepping on the scale.

So keep in mind that although weight loss injections like Zepbound and Mounjaro are magic for impacting weight loss, they do not come with a warning for emotional side effects like body dysmorphia, identity changes, and the oh-so UNUSUAL way that people treat you differently when you’re smaller.

Let’s talk about the challenging side of weight loss success, and how one copes when your brain is still insisting that you are still the “before” picture.

Body Dysmorphia: When Your Brain Doesn’t Get the Memo

You would think that after dropping some serious pounds you would feel instantly fabulous. In so many days, I can tell you from personal experience, you really do. For many individuals, the brain is still convinced that you are bigger than you really are. This disconnect, body dysmorphic condition, makes those who are unfamiliar with weight shedding, more confused than any of the resources could prepare them for.

Signs That You Might Be Suffering From Post-Weight Loss Body Dysmorphia:

• You Always get the biggest size when shopping for clothes
• You keep reaching for the biggest size at stores, even if it is too big.
• You still avoid taking full body pictures because your brain hasn’t caught up yet. Your reflection shock you (like my Target moment). You worry more about loose skin, stretch marks, or residual fat than your success.

How You Fix It:

• Snap some pictures of progress. Your eyes may lie to you, but the camera never does.
• Get some NOW-fitting clothes, rather than buying magnum opuses under which to hide your body.
• Say positive affirmations: “This is my body now, and I accept it.“
• Therapy or support groups can help if self-reflection in the most brutal way feels overwhelming.

Identity Shifts: Who Am I Now If I’m Not “The Big One” Anymore?

For years, you may have been the “funny big friend”, the “guy who could eat anything”, or the “one always struggling with weight”. It changes the picture of reality when you look at it in this context. It will be strange not to define yourself by your size anymore. Some people experience an identity crisis because they don’t know anymore where they belong.

Common Identity Struggles After Weight Loss:

• The emotional mourning of losing a part of yourself
• Struggling with confidence even when you thought that you would feel amazing.
• Wondering how am I going to define myself now that weight is not part of the equation?

How You Fix It:

• Bear in mind that your personality did not shrink along with your body. You are still YOU.
• Develop confidence in newly developing areas like fitness, fashion, or a new hobby.
• Give yourself the time to mourn the old you; it’s normal!

Social Reactions: After Weird People Start Acting Weird

Nobody gives you any warning about how weight loss can make others behave strange. Some support you, others weirdly envy you, and some provide outrageous backhanded compliments: “You look so much better now!”

Ummm….thanks, Karen?

Your Friends, Co-workers, family or strangers may fall into these types of social interactions.

Compliment Backhand Swat: “You look good! You used to be so big!”
Jealous Friend: “Must be nice… That could never be me!”
Food Pusher: “You are too skinny! Just eat the cake!”
The Attention Seeker: People who hardly noticed you now seem to be not just overly nice, but potentially flirting with you.

Tips To Handle It:

• Establish your own boundaries; no need to justify your own choices.
• When people act strange, remember it is about them, possibly their own insecurities or jealousy of your success. It is NOT about YOU!
• Start accepting compliments without all the analysis. Just say, “Thanks!” Move on,

How to Mentally Adjust to Quick Weight Loss

If you’re feeling emotionally unprepared for the rapid weight loss with GLP-1 Medications likeMounjaro or Zepbound, you are certainly not alone. Below are some tips that I have used, practiced and discovered on how to go through the mental side of weight loss success:

✔ Give some patience and grace during your train of thought; your brain needs to catch-up.
✔ Build a support system around you. It could be a therapist, online groups, or friends.
✔ Redefine confidence outside of weight-loss: Find something else to give yourself good and positive esteem.
✔ Give others time to readjust: People have become less self aware in society and awkward reactions can easily be explained. Most are malevolent and remember some people just have less desirable social skills or filters
✔ Last but not least-embrace it: They may be weird, but bottom line, you did the work and it is paying off, so YOU deserve it!

The “New You” Takes Time to Get Used To

Losing weight via GLP-1 Medications (Mounjaro, Zepbound, Wegovy) is a life-changing journey, but your mind will need time to catch up with your body. Body dysmorphia, shifts in identity, and changes in social dynamics can all challenge you as intensely as the physical transformation itself.  Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), or body dysmorphia, can evolve into a mental health condition where a person spends a lot of time worrying about flaws in their appearance.  There is a difference between accepting your changes and going down a dark path.  If that happens, do not hesitate to discuss with your healthcare provider if you have significant struggles.  But here comes the good news: You are not alone!  In those moments when you're striding past your reflection, questioning why the stranger looks somewhat familiar or is creepily staring right back at you, absorb this: It used to be you. And your brain will catch up.  Give yourself some grace, Love yourself and love your journey!  If you are interested in more helpful tips, try our 5-Minute Podcasts available on your favorite streaming services.