Actress Chrissy Metz has shared the unexpected positive side effects she has experienced since beginning a GLP-1 medication regimen to aid in her weight loss journey. Metz, who has lost over 100 pounds, stated that the medication has not only helped quiet persistent "food noise" but has also reduced inflammation, leading to improved mobility.
Speaking about her experience, Metz noted that the reduced inflammation has eased concerns about her knees. This improved mobility was particularly beneficial for her role as Angelique in the Broadway musical "& Juliet," where she was able to perform eight shows a week. "And the inflammation, that was really minimized," she told Entertainment Tonight. "I got knee issues, like there's things going on."
Metz also revealed that the GLP-1 medication has been helpful in managing symptoms of perimenopause. Beyond physical benefits, she described a significant improvement in mental clarity, stating that the medication has lessened obsessive thoughts about food, creating more "space for more creativity, more work, more being present in the moment."
Previously, Metz expressed hesitation about trying GLP-1 medications, anticipating they might be ineffective or cause uncomfortable side effects. However, she found the reality to be positive, sharing, "It's been great! I've enjoyed the benefits that I didn't think that would come, because I was very skeptical."
Her decision to explore GLP-1s was influenced by a panic attack on her 30th birthday and a desire to prioritize her health, particularly given family history of obesity and her own experiences with various unsuccessful weight loss methods. "I'm not getting any younger," she told People in August. "I'm in perimenopause, and there were obesity issues within my family and with my father, and I felt like I've tried so many modalities, whether it was diets or therapy, and none of it really worked for me."
Metz has emphasized that the medication is not a "magic wand" and that she continues to prioritize fitness, working with a trainer and focusing on building muscle. She aims for a feeling of strength rather than a specific number on the scale, wanting to avoid the morning disappointment that can come from weighing herself. "I just want to feel strong and not have my morning ruined because I stepped on a scale and I’m several pounds above what I think I should be," she explained.
The actress has also reflected on past reservations regarding weight loss drugs, acknowledging concerns about their potential misuse, especially for individuals with a history of eating disorders. "If you’re diabetic and need to lower your A1C, these are things that are important to take care of. But if you already have a restrictive eating disorder and take something that minimizes your appetite, it can become a very slippery slope," she told People a year ago. She aims to live the longest, healthiest life possible, partly motivated by her father's death from sepsis following gastric bypass surgery.