Seven Years and a World of Difference: My Journey with GLP-1 Injectables

It’s hard to believe, seven years in, that I was ever nervous—and maybe even scared—to try an injectable medication. When I started my first once-weekly GLP-1 treatment, I was incredibly anxious. I had never injected myself with anything before, and the process seemed so foreign.

The only thing that pushed me past that fear was the fact that I was at the end of my rope. At 59 years old, nothing else had worked. My doctor had explained that using an injectable weight loss medication would provide the medical support I needed for a real chance to not only lose weight but finally keep it off. For that promise, I was willing to do anything—including braving a needle.

Learning the ropes of self injection

For that first dose, the nurse in the office walked me through every step: how to attach the needle to the pen, where to place the injection, and the proper technique. She stayed with me for the first one so I could see, firsthand, that it wasn’t actually painful.

It only took me a few weeks to get comfortable doing it myself. I discovered that I could rotate between different injection sites, like my abdomen or my thigh. Week over week, I did not feel a thing, and my confidence grew.

The evolution of the "click" and autoinjector pens

When the technology advanced to autoinjector pens—where the needle is integrated and hidden—it was a massive improvement. Whether the GLP-1 dose was daily or weekly, not seeing the needle made the process feel less like a "medical procedure." Today, I truly don’t even feel the prick.

I did have a brief period during a medication shortage where I had to use a traditional needle and vial. Luckily, I’d had some practice giving myself blood thinner injections after a major surgery the year prior. I didn’t especially like the manual process, but I knew I could do it. Thankfully, it was only once a week, and the results made every second worth it.

Shifting your mindset toward medical support

The fact that the medication worked made adapting to this new routine completely worth the effort. To be honest, I never had any physical discomfort; the real challenge was just "getting my head around" the idea of an injection. For me, the biggest obstacles to anything new, different, or scary are usually in how I think about them. Once I actually start doing it, my mindset eventually aligns with my body—and my body was doing just fine.

Practical advice for the first-timer

If you’re thinking about trying GLP-1 injectables for obesity, or are about to start your first dose, know that it’s okay to be nervous. I certainly was. It’s a new experience for most of us. My best advice? Take your time and don’t rush.

I used to carve out a few quiet minutes, go into the bathroom, shut the door, and take a few deep breaths. I am a big believer in meeting yourself where you are. I would lay the instructions out in front of me; they are clear, simple, and full of helpful pictures.

I reminded myself of the lengths I'd gone to in the past to lose weight (I once even put liver in a blender for a weight loss program when I was 13!). Compared to that, I knew I could handle a tiny needle. And you can, too.

Looking forward to oral GLP-1 options

Today, I look at my body every single day and feel surprised, delighted, and unbelievably grateful. I am also closely watching the new oral GLP-1 options becoming available. These "pill forms" of life-changing medications will be more cost-effective, accessible, and definitely less intimidating for many. They will enable many more people to experience the health I am experiencing for the first time in over 50 years.

Will I switch to an oral medication? I’m not sure. I have had unprecedented success with my injectable weight loss medication, and it’s now an easy part of my weekly routine. I have no reason to change unless my doctor recommends it. Quite frankly, I’m a little nervous to mess with what’s working. For now, I’ll stay the course, follow the science, and continue braving the "scary stuff" to stay healthy.