Health and Wellness
52 Pounds Down | But Not Without a Fight
It’s been over two months since my last weight loss update, and a lot has happened.
As of today, I’m officially 52 pounds down since August, and 22 pounds down since December 15th. Seeing that number feels surreal. But if I’m being honest, these last few months have been some of the hardest yet.
This hasn’t been a smooth, aesthetic “fitness journey.” It’s been messy, painful, and at times deeply discouraging.
When Medication Becomes the Problem
Shortly after starting my blood pressure medication, I developed a horrible cough. My sinuses constantly drained down the back of my throat, disrupting my sleep and making it difficult to function at work. It felt like I had a permanent cold.
After weeks of frustration and getting nowhere, I did my own research and discovered that some blood pressure medications, particularly certain beta blockers, can cause respiratory and sinus-related side effects. When I brought this up to my doctor, my medication was finally changed. I’m slowly improving, but it’s been exhausting advocating for myself.
It’s scary when the thing that’s supposed to help you starts hurting you instead.
January: Ambulance Ride
Then “January” hit.
My reproductive health issues flared up severely enough that I had to be transported to the hospital by ambulance. It’s humbling. It’s terrifying. And it’s a reminder that my body is still navigating multiple chronic conditions while I’m trying to rebuild my health.
Sometimes it feels like I take one step forward and two steps back.
The Fall (Literally)
Last week, I slipped and fell. Super embarrassing, but more importantly, painful.
It disrupted my usual workout routine, and I haven’t been able to train the way I normally do. I’m slowly recovering and not sleeping due to the pain is not helping my situation. I’m hesitant to go to urgent care because I’m afraid they’ll say nothing is wrong. But the fear of being dismissed again is real.
When fitness becomes part of your identity, being sidelined feels like losing momentum, even if logically you know healing matters more. And sleep is a must for weight loss and healing.
The GLP-1 Balancing Act
One of the biggest struggles has been learning how to eat enough while on a GLP-1.
At the beginning of February, I realized I was losing weight too quickly. My calorie intake, around 1,400 calories, wasn’t enough to sustain proper nutrition. The appetite suppression is real, and if I’m not intentional, I can unintentionally under-eat.
When I tried to increase my intake and stabilize things, I hit a plateau for the entire month of February. I fought the same five pounds, bouncing between 217 and 222 pounds, feeling like my body and I were in a standoff.
Then on Monday, February 23, 2026, the scale finally shifted.
215 pounds!!!
Coming off that plateau wasn’t just about the number, it was proof that my body is responding to proper fuel, not starvation.
Because here’s the truth: weight loss from a GLP-1 still requires a calorie deficit. But it also requires adequate nutrition, strength training, and patience. Starving isn’t sustainable. Nourishment is.
The Non-Scale Victories
Even during the setbacks, something beautiful has been happening.
- My clothes are hanging looser.
- I’ve lost 6 inches around my waist.
- I’m lifting heavier weights than I ever have before.
Those victories matter more than the scale.
Because this journey isn’t just about shrinking, it’s about becoming stronger.
When It Feels Like the Universe Is Against You
There have been moments lately where it feels like every system in my body is fighting me, medication reactions, reproductive illness, injuries, plateaus.
But I’m still here.
Still adjusting.
Still lifting.
Still fueling.
Still learning.
Still advocating for myself.
52 pounds ago, I wouldn’t have believed I could handle this much and keep going.
Now I know I can.