Pat yourself on the back! Celebrate the effort and wins people don’t see in your weight loss journey
Ed Milner | Last update: 17th May 2025
Losing weight with the help of GLP-1 weight loss drugs, such as Mounjaro or Wegovy, is often dismissed as “the easy way out.” But we at SlimrChat know the truth: there is nothing “easy” about transforming your health and body. People see the slimmer waist or looser clothes, but they don’t see the grit, effort, and sacrifice behind every pound lost. It’s worth taking a moment to reflect on why you should feel incredibly proud of your journey and celebrate the hidden effort that got you here.
What they don’t see
No one sees the effort you have to put in, even with weight loss drugs. It’s hard work and none of it is easy!
1. Mindset shifts
Changing your relationship with food, your body, and your health takes courage and discipline. Overcoming emotional eating, recognising triggers, and building healthier habits requires ongoing effort.
SlimrChat recognises the boost the new weight loss drugs give our mindsets, giving us more of a guarantee of success. SlimrChat member Jade’s experience is similar to what many of us have managed. She shared,
“Before starting my journey, I’d reach for a drink and crisps whenever I was stressed…and even when I wasn’t! It was difficult at first, but when I started to see the weight loss and the speed of it I put myself in control and it has been much easier than ever before to control the bad habits. It wasn’t easy, but each small decision built up over time.”
2. The sacrifices
Behind every “no” to a tempting dessert or takeaway is a story of strength. People don’t see the moments you’ve turned down junk food or the hours spent meal prepping to stay on track.
What to remember: Each choice you’ve made is a step towards a healthier you. Those “no’s” add up to a big “yes” for your goals.
3. Side effects and persistence
Weight-loss medications can come with side effects like nausea, constipation, or fatigue. Managing these while staying committed to your plan is no small feat. It’s a testament to your determination to prioritise your health.
4. The emotional challenges
Let’s not forget the stigma. From unsolicited comments about “cheating” to dealing with fat-shaming or weight-loss judgment, your journey likely hasn’t been free of emotional hurdles. But you’ve persevered — and that’s worth celebrating.
What to focus on instead
1. Non-scale victories
The scales don’t tell the whole story. Your progress can be measured in many other ways:
- Clothes: Are your jeans fitting better or that jacket zipping up with ease? Celebrate it!
- Energy levels: Feeling less out of breath on a walk or having more stamina for daily activities? That’s a win.
- Confidence: Are you holding your head a little higher these days? Take note of how far you’ve come emotionally.
2. Your overall health
Shedding extra pounds profoundly benefits your overall health, longevity, and quality of life…and that has to be worth celebrating! Check out our article on the hidden ways weight loss is transforming your body and your future, It’s not just what you see in the mirror; your weight loss has a hugely positive impact on your body and your life.
3. The strength you’ve built
Every workout completed, every healthier choice made, and every challenge overcome has contributed to your transformation. You’ve developed habits that will support you for life.
4. Inspiring others
Your journey isn’t just about you. By sharing your story and staying committed, you’re inspiring others who might be starting their weight-loss journey. Your hard work is proof that change is possible…and we all need that support and motivation.
Why you should feel confident
Weight loss is not just about shedding pounds. It’s about reclaiming your health, building resilience, and proving to yourself that you’re capable of change. The next time someone comments on how great you look, remember all the unseen effort and hard work that got you here. Let their compliment boost your confidence, but also take a moment to acknowledge yourself for the countless decisions, challenges, and moments of perseverance that made it possible.
SlimrChat member, Tom, summed it nicely when he told us, “When someone said, ‘You look good; what’s your secret?’ I smiled but felt guilty, the weight loss drugs feel like a dirty secret, don’t they? But then I thought of all the meal preps, the skipped snacks, and the workouts I didn’t feel like doing and realised the effort I’ve put in and how I’ve showed up for myself every day. I’ve done this. Me, myself…and there is nothing easy about it!”
Share your hidden victories, celebrate your hard work and effort to inspire others on SlimrChat — click the button below and join the chat now!