Exploring the harmony of self-acceptance and Ozempic usage, not for weight loss, but for pain management. Here's my personal experience.

Exploring the harmony of self-acceptance and Ozempic usage, not for weight loss, but for pain management. Here's my personal experience.

A remarkable transformation has taken place in the life of an unapologetically fat endurance rider, who has been making waves in the cycling community. This individual, an advocate for size inclusion, embarked on a journey with GLP-1 receptor agonists – a class of medications originally developed to treat Type 2 diabetes, but now increasingly prescribed for weight management.

After months on GLP-1s, the individual noticed significant changes in their body and riding performance. Clothes began to feel looser, and for the first time, they saw their collarbone. Chronic joint pain and inflammation reduced, and their period improved. These changes were not just cosmetic; the individual also experienced a notable improvement in their endurance cycling. They were able to climb hills that they had previously walked up and consistently hit personal records on segments they rode frequently.

However, the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists by endurance athletes like cyclists can lead to nutritional challenges. The medications suppress appetite and slow digestion, which can result in unintentional caloric deficits. Without proper nutritional support, this can lead to muscle loss, a concern for endurance athletes as it reduces strength, metabolic rate, bone health, immune function, and training capacity.

Moreover, common side effects like nausea, heartburn, constipation, and bloating can further complicate the management of endurance training demands. Hydration and electrolyte management also become crucial, as GLP-1 medications can alter normal hunger and thirst cues.

It is essential to note that the impact on endurance performance is not uniform. Some athletes report feeling better and able to perform well post-weight loss, while others may be compromised. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) is currently investigating these drugs for possible performance-enhancing effects, though consensus on their regulation is not established.

Despite these challenges, the individual found ways to navigate their journey. They used a Wahoo Elemnt Bolt, one of the best bike computers, paired with a heart rate monitor to receive reminders to eat after every 100 calories burned on the bike. They also ensured they were fueling their body properly with liquid calories, small frequent snacks, and protein-dense meals.

However, the individual's story serves as a reminder that health is not one-size-fits-all, and the decisions we make about our bodies and medical care are deeply personal. Navigating the social and personal ramifications of a visibly changing body was intense, including unsolicited cat-calling and people being nicer.

The individual was recommended weight loss by an orthopedic surgeon due to chronic pain and was diagnosed with insulin resistant PCOS, a hormonal disorder that affects metabolism and weight. Despite trying various diets in the past without success, the individual found success with GLP-1s. They did not take the medication to become thin or fit into a narrower mold of what an athlete looks like, but to manage chronic pain and stay active.

In May 2025, the individual was off the medication and experienced a return of joint pain and inflammation, along with an increased appetite. This underscores the need for ongoing medical oversight and careful management of these medications.

The individual has led a nonprofit organization called All Bodies on Bikes, which is dedicated to size inclusion. Life as a bigger bodied athlete can be challenging, from needing seatbelt extenders on airplanes to ongoing knee pain. But the individual continues to advocate for plus-size riders and size inclusion, inspiring many in the process.

Elite athletes should be aware that semaglutide, a popular GLP-1 receptor agonist, is currently on the WADA Monitoring Program. As research continues, alternative drugs that mimic exercise benefits without causing muscle loss are being explored, highlighting the current limitations of GLP-1 receptor agonists for athletic populations.

1. Science has a revolutionary impact on various aspects of life, such as weight management and endurance cycling.
2. The advocacy for size inclusion in the cycling community comprises a key part of the unapologetic fat endurance rider's mission.
3. GLP-1 receptor agonists, initially designed for Type 2 diabetes treatment, are increasingly used for weight management.
4. The individual's body underwent significant changes after months on GLP-1s, including weight loss and improvements in joint pain.
5. The individual's riding performance experienced a substantial boost, enabling them to conquer hills they previously walked up.
6. Nutritional challenges arise when using GLP-1 receptor agonists due to appetite suppression and slowed digestion.
7. Unintentional caloric deficits can lead to muscle loss, potentially impacting an endurance athlete's strength, metabolic rate, bone health, immune function, and training capacity.
8. Common side effects associated with GLP-1 receptor agonists include nausea, heartburn, constipation, bloating, and altered hunger and thirst cues.
9. Hydration and electrolyte management become critical when taking GLP-1 medications.
10. The impact of GLP-1 receptor agonists on endurance performance differs among athletes, with some experiencing improved performance and others a reduction in capabilities.
11. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) is examining these drugs for potential performance-enhancing effects, but no consensus has been reached on their regulation.
12. Utilizing a Wahoo Elemnt Bolt bike computer and heart rate monitor helped the individual manage their caloric intake during endurance cycling.
13. Proper nutrition, such as liquid calories, small frequent snacks, and protein-dense meals, played a crucial role in the individual's health and riding performance.
14. The transformation of the individual's body sparked intense social and personal ramifications, including unsolicited cat-calling and increased niceness from others.
15. An orthopedic surgeon recommended weight loss to alleviate the individual's chronic pain, and they were diagnosed with insulin resistant PCOS.
16. The individual successfully managed weight loss using GLP-1 receptor agonists, not to fit a mold of athletic appearance, but to address chronic pain and stay active.
17. The individual's health deteriorated when they stopped taking the medication in May 2025, emphasizing the importance of ongoing medical oversight.
18. The individual launched All Bodies on Bikes, a nonprofit organization dedicated to size inclusion in the cycling community.
19. As a bigger-bodied athlete, the individual faced numerous challenges, including the need for seatbelt extenders on airplanes and ongoing knee pain.
20. Elite athletes need to be aware that semaglutide, a popular GLP-1 receptor agonist, is being monitored by the WADA.
21. Research efforts are focusing on developing alternative drugs that offer exercise benefits without causing muscle loss, highlighting the limitations of GLP-1 receptor agonists for athletic populations.
22. Health and wellness encompass a range of aspects, including weight management, fitness and exercise, mental health, eye health, hearing, digestive health, cardiovascular health, and skin conditions.
23. Entrepreneurship, small business, investing, careers, housing market, venture capital, personal finance, banking and insurance, fintech, real estate, commercial, residential, climate change, renewable energy, manufacturing, environmental science, transportation, public transit, leadership, diversity and inclusion, automotive, and finance are significant industries that impact our daily lives.

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