Family
Why I Lost Friends When I Got Skinny
On a positive note, I like myself a whole lot better.
Kiersten Essenpreis
In the last year, I’ve lost a whopping 65 pounds.
You’d think my family and friends would be happy for me. Guess what? They weren’t.
Back then, I knew my knees were rubbing together and my stomach was like baked bread fortified with extra yeast. But I didn’t care. Later, during my work life, I gained weight with lots of slushy, green margaritas at almost daily happy hours in Louisiana, where I lived.
It was in my genes as well as my diet. My entire family was mostly overweight with Type 2 diabetes. I soon developed the disease and was cautioned to lose weight. I tried diet plans, pills and herbal teas along with working out incessantly. In the end, I lost about five pounds.
Then my endocrinologist put me on a GLP-1 receptor agonist, and within a year, I went from 180 pounds at 5’3” to 129 pounds.
There was one problem that many of us on the GLP-1s talk about and that is hair loss. Despite trying hair vitamins and shampoos that promise to stimulate new growth, it remains a problem.
Even though I’m a trim 67, the new me may not be supermodel material, but I think I look pretty darn good! Still, some of my friends would discreetly touch my arm and ask, “Are you sick?” Then, as my weight continued to drop, there were lots of other sly comments, like “Where has your butt gone?” I noticed negativity about my weight had turned into full-blown jealousy.
“Dare I say you’re an anorexic?” my sister pointed out, nearly forcing me to finish my hefty plate of food. While I feel good about my increasingly svelte self and my stylish new wardrobe, I did become distraught and consulted my endocrinologist. I thought people would be happy for me, but they weren’t.
“Am I too thin?” I asked him.
“Your numbers are all good,” he responded.
“People are telling me I’m too thin,” I told him.
“Are these people fat?” he countered.
Well, yes, I thought to myself.
Get the Must-Read Newsletter for Older Women
Sign up for the free, weekly newsletter with the latest stories, expert advice, community updates, and more.
He reaffirmed that friends and family members can get envious when a person they know drops dozens of pounds. Beyond an improved appearance, this drug plan is good for my health. For me, it was a lifesaver – I couldn’t climb stairs or take long walks without feeling exhausted or faint.
I’m certainly not alone. Statistics for Americans taking GLP-1 drugs for weight loss are up nearly 600% over the past six years, according to a report from FAIR Health that was first published by Axios. As with any new drug regimen, it is essential that anyone considering this route discuss risks, benefits and best brands with their doctors. I plan on staying on my medication for weight maintenance. It’s a choice that has literally transformed my life.
Valerie Moloney, like me, went from a size 14/16 to a size 8 on these drugs. She’s thrilled with the transformation. “It’s about power,” she says. “You want to give yourself the best feelings of confidence so you can tackle the world and be healthier for your family.”
There are women in my circle who lost weight by diet alone who have encountered the same hurtful comments as those on GLP-1 receptor agonists. One friend peeled off the pounds because of a stressful divorce and wanted to stay slim when she started a new romantic relationship.
“People often say I’m too skinny,” she says. “But I like my new size and genuinely feel better.”
Yesterday, I was in my doctor’s office and two women cornered me to discuss my overall experience with the medication.
“I’m trying to get them, but they’re too expensive and my insurance doesn’t cover them,” one of them complained.
I told them to keep looking for prices that fit their pocketbooks. There are many different outlets offering lower prices for the medications. Forbes Health published a 2026 review of prices and online sources to obtain a variety of brands in this category of drugs.
When I first lost weight, it was common to hear from friends who were very worried about me. One even said she thought I had cancer. Recently, I met them for lunch and they were relieved to see my weight had settled. I plan to stay where I am, just under 130 pounds. It feels great to eat less and be intentional about my healthy diet of vegetables, protein, carbohydrates and lots of water.
What really feels good is buying clothes in small sizes when before I often didn’t fit into extra-large. The benefits are huge in boosting mind, body and spirit.
If this is a path you choose for a healthier life and improved self-image, don’t expect everyone to like the new you as much as you do. Though really, at this age and stage, it’s okay for this to be all about us.
More from The Ethel
Relationships
Relationships
Relationships
More for you, from AARP
We are a community from AARP. Discover more ways AARP can help you live well, navigate life, save money — and protect older Americans on issues that matter.