How to Navigate GLP-1s while in Eating Disorder Recovery

With the prioritization of thinness on the rise, it can be really overwhelming to be someone in eating disorder recovery. With an uptick of skinny-tok, diet culture, and a regression of body liberation, we are evolving more and more into a culture that is emotionally unsafe for those trying to maintain recovery. While people have the right to do what they want with their bodies and GLP-1 prescriptions (or non-prescribed weight loss substances) are on the rise, there has been a substantial increase in critical rhetoric surrounding people who elect to not lose weight via these supplements, specifically those who exist in fat bodies. 

This type of harmful stigma isn’t new, culturally we go through waves of prioritizing different body types as the ‘ideal.’ However, many are taking note that though this isn’t new, it feels very different to them. With the increase of GLP-1 production, marketing, and distribution from providers, apps, and small businesses, it can feel inescapable to navigate the day without someone discussing weight loss, food noise, or anti-fat rhetoric. 

With the holidays coming up, being in disordered eating recovery can be challenging enough. It can be additionally daunting to think about how to navigate celebrations if you also have loved ones who are focusing on losing weight. Here are some suggestions that we’ve come up with. While it isn’t an exhaustive list, it might be a helpful place to start. 

1. Review a Recovery Plan

Regardless of how long you’ve been in recovery, reviewing a previous safety or relapse prevention plan can be helpful to ensure that you’re feeling confident in your mental health management. Reviewing coping skills and ways to regulate your thoughts and feelings can also be helpful. This can also be something to put into your phone if you feel like you might need it in the moment.

2. Choose an Ally

Navigating GLP-1s can be really overwhelming especially if it leads you to feeling isolated. Sharing our struggles and feelings with a trusted support can make a huge difference. Try to remember that asking for what you need isn’t burdensome, but a part of being a loved one. If you need them to help change the discussion, shut down conversation, or even to check in with you more, that is all okay. 

3. Naming Your Boundaries

If you know that you’re going to be in a group of people, trying to articulate what makes you uncomfortable prior can be helpful. Naming things that you feel open about and things that you won’t be discussing can also be a form of advocacy and expectation setting. 

4. Engaging in Therapy or a Attending a Support Group

With GLP-1s being heavily marketed, there can be a feeling of loneliness in recovery. That being said, there are several people who are trying to navigate the same issue. Seeking out a support group could be a really great way to find comradery, understanding, and feel alignment. Maybe you’re feeling a little burnt out and it’s taking a toll on your daily mental health. At that point, therapy might be helpful to seek out so you have a place to build coping skills for continued regulation and maintenance of your recovery. 

Challenges in recovery can almost be expected. However, it can be very draining when the challenge is a culture shift that is out of your control. Try to remember that you are allowed to articulate your needs, set boundaries, and engage in support even if it might mean asserting yourself more than usual. 

The information on this website is not intended to diagnose or treat any medical or psychological condition and is not a substitute for therapy. If you are experiencing an emergency please call/text 988 or go to your nearest emergency room.