Embracing body positivity while using Ozempic? Here's my experience, utilizing it for pain management rather than weight loss.
In a world where health and fitness often come with strict expectations, one unapologetically fat endurance athlete is challenging the status quo. This individual, who has completed five Unbound Gravel races and leads a nonprofit organization named All Bodies on Bikes, has been candid about their journey with GLP-1 receptor agonists, a class of medications typically used to treat Type 2 diabetes but increasingly prescribed for weight management.
The athlete was diagnosed with insulin resistant Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), a hormonal disorder that affects up to 1 in 10 people with ovaries and can impact metabolism and weight. As a bigger bodied athlete, they faced challenges such as needing a seatbelt extender on airplanes and ongoing knee pain.
In an effort to manage chronic pain, they were prescribed GLP-1 receptor agonists. These drugs work by reducing appetite and caloric intake, primarily through slowing gastric emptying and activating pathways that increase calorie expenditure. However, the strong appetite suppression caused by these medications was not beneficial for the athlete's performance as an endurance rider.
Despite the initial challenges, the athlete noticed small changes in their body and riding. They lost nearly 20% of their starting body weight, clothes felt looser, they saw their collarbone for the first time, chronic joint pain and inflammation receded, and they were able to climb hills that they had previously walked up.
To manage their appetite and ensure proper nutrition, they used a Wahoo Elemnt Bolt, one of the best bike computers, paired with a heart rate monitor to send reminders to eat after every 100 calories burned on the bike.
However, the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists comes with risks. Up to 39% of the weight lost on these drugs can come from skeletal muscle, which is concerning for endurance athletes who rely on muscle mass for performance and metabolism. Maintaining muscle mass through careful exercise and nutrition while using these agents is critical.
The drugs may also cause gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea and diarrhea that can interfere with intense training schedules. The potential muscle loss and GI side effects require careful management to avoid diminished endurance or strength.
Despite these challenges, the athlete's story serves as a reminder that health is not one-size-fits-all and it's never just about the number on the scale. Their first public appearance in a noticeably smaller body was at Mid South 2024, and they received unsolicited cat-calling from men and people being way nicer after their visibly changing body.
However, the side effects of GLP-1s, including nausea, fatigue, gastroparesis, and appetite suppression, eventually led the athlete to stop using the medication in May 2025. Since then, their joint pain and inflammation have come roaring back into their life, along with their appetite.
Elite athletes should be aware that semaglutide, a type of GLP-1 receptor agonist, is currently on the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Monitoring Program. As with any medical decision, it's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional and consider the potential benefits and risks.
The athlete's journey underscores the complexities of making decisions about our bodies, medical care, and well-being. It's a journey that is unique to each individual, and one that should be approached with care, respect, and understanding.
- The athlete, despite experiencing gastrointestinal side effects and potential muscle loss while using GLP-1 receptor agonists, acknowledged their benefits in terms of weight management, improved metabolism, and reduced chronic pain.
- The unapologetically fat endurance athlete, who completed five Unbound Gravel races and founded All Bodies on Bikes, advocates for mental health and well-being in the world of fitness and sports, emphasizing that health is not a one-size-fits-all concept.
- The athlete's use of a Wahoo Elemnt Bolt bike computer, paired with a heart rate monitor, helped them maintain proper nutrition and energy levels during their endurance rides, enabling them to achieve impressive improvements in their performance and body composition.
