GLP Bullies

Here’s some things to consider that have always existed but have a new expression with GLP1s.  GLP1 Bullying.  Here’s the thing Bullying has always happened.  No one likes bullying, not even a bully.  Most bullies don’t even think they are bullying. 

Here’s a scenario that I heard about:

A new client in our program has been doing great work.  She lost 10 pounds in her first month!!  She’s pretty close to an awesome goal weight and building muscle and feeling more energy and stamina.  Well, she ran into a friend of the same height who has been using GLP1s this friend in my opinion is already under weight and wants to lose 10 more pounds. She said something along the lines of “you worked so hard and you only lost 10 pounds in a month.” 

There are several talking points here:

#1 – Weight loss is addictive.  Talk to anyone who has battled anorexia.  My wife Sarah at about 5’8” tall got down to about 88 pounds in high school.  I’m super glad she didn’t die!  (it was close!  Kidneys, liver, heart, all about to give out).  Even at 88 pounds she still wanted to lose some more.  It takes over your mind like a hijacking.  If you see this in someone, talk to them and those closest to them and try to get them some doctor and psychological help. It will take both. 

Sarah and I are both worried about mom’s of teens taking GLP1s and getting lighter than their daughters.  At this level it is medication assisted anorexia.  Anorexia without the pain.  If you go low enough it can be life threatening.  Also, this can push a daughter into anorexia to try to avoid feeling fat because mom is fixated on this.  This person in the scenario above is in trouble.  There is a point you need to stop losing weight and instead focus on what your weight is made out of.  Building muscle should become top priority not more pounds lost.  I hope her Doctors can keep tabs on this and make the adjustments needed. 

In my opinion GLP1s should not be used for the last 10 pounds.  As a trainer I of course prefer the “old fashioned way” for weight loss.  However, I do see obesity is such a threat to life and happiness that if you don’t have the strength to tackle it the classic way then GLP1s can be helpful for getting momentum started.  I’m more a fan of using them to go from obese to merely overweight than for getting “bathing suit ready”. 

#2 – Bullying  (also, known as not seeing it from the other point of view) – In this scenario this woman is doing something very natural and almost compulsive.  It is not exclusive to GLP1s.  When you decide to do something you naturally begin to think it’s the best way to do it.  And you feel everyone should do it that way.  And you are helping others when you work to convince them of this.  They help you by talking down about your current methods and up selling the benefits of their method.  This could be just as true for someone losing weight without GLP1s shaming someone using GLP1s for “cheating” or “taking the easy way”.  Both of these situations are not acceptable. 

Many times when someone is doing something better than us we might need to discount their success or else we feel diminished because we do not share the same accomplishment.  So this woman says things like, “you have to work so hard.”  She’s not trying to convince you as much as keeping herself convinced she’s doing it “right.”  Sometimes we only feel “right” when we can make the other person “wrong.” 

In many of these scenarios we need to live and let live.  Both of us could be “right” for our scenario.  Let people make their own choices and if they are moving in a healthy direction (even if imperfect in our eyes) we need to focus on encouraging and supporting and that is all. 

If someone asks for your feedback or opinion you can give it carefully focusing on “this is my experience” type language vs. “this is what’s right” language.  If they don’t ask we should probably keep our critiques to ourselves. 

It’s important when discussing bullying that we do not label a person a bully.  (even though that was my shocking headline).  We need to be real and honest that we all can be bullies at times.  And usually as we protect our fragile egos.  So this person isn’t “bad” in this scenario they just selected an inappropriate action when they shamed our very successful client in an attempt to protect themselves. 

Wrapping up…

My hope is that you can take away from this a caution of anorexia behaviors because we need to look out for each other and a desire to focus on the best choice for you.  Also, hopefully a better understanding for those around you and more immunity to people when they act out a little.  Whether you use GLP1s or not we support you in your efforts to get healthier and will keep working with both groups to get stronger, eat healthier, reach a healthy weight, bend and move better, and have more energy for living LIFE!

God Bless,

Stay strong, Get Stronger!

Jeremy “tall trainer” Biernat

P.S.  We have our new classes starting up in September 7^th & 8^th with full fitness and weight loss or strength training only to match your goals.  Contact us ASAP before the spots are filled. https://www.talltrainer.com/get-started