Explaining Your GLP-1 Medication to Family and Friends

As you lose weight, people notice. Questions come. And you'll need to decide: what do you want to share, with whom, and how? There's no single right answer—only the answer that feels right for you.

You Don't Owe Anyone an Explanation

Let's start here: your medical decisions are yours. You're not obligated to disclose anything about your medication, your health, or your body to anyone. "I've been focusing on my health" is a complete and honest answer that requires no further details.

That said, many people find that some disclosure—to the right people—actually helps. Partners who understand can support you better. Friends who know can accommodate dietary needs. Family who get it can stop asking intrusive questions.

Who to Tell

Usually Worth Telling

• Your partner/spouse: They'll notice changes anyway, and support helps
• Close friends who are genuinely supportive: Can be a source of encouragement
• Healthcare providers: Should always know your medications

Case-by-Case

• Extended family: Depends on dynamics and how much they're in your life
• Coworkers: Often not necessary unless they're close friends
• Acquaintances: Usually unnecessary

Probably Not Worth It

• People who are judgmental about weight or medication: You don't need the grief
• Social media (generally): Opens you to opinions you didn't ask for
• Anyone you don't trust to be supportive: Protect your peace

Scripts for Different Situations

Handling Negative Reactions

"That's Cheating"

Some people view medication-assisted weight loss as somehow illegitimate. This says more about them than you. Managing a chronic condition with medical treatment isn't cheating—it's healthcare. You don't need to argue or justify.

"You Were Fine Before"

Some people feel threatened by others' self-improvement, or they're trying to be kind in a misguided way. A simple "I appreciate that, but this is important to me" usually suffices.

"Have You Tried Just Eating Less?"

Ah, the classic. "I have, many times. This approach is working for me where others haven't" is polite but firm. You don't owe a detailed history of your weight struggles.

Gossip or Judgment

Some people will talk behind your back. You can't control this. What you can control: who you tell, and your own confidence in your decisions. People who gossip about your health aren't people whose opinions matter.

When You're Not Ready to Share

If you want to keep things private, here are deflection strategies:

• "I've been making some lifestyle changes" — true and vague
• "Working with a doctor on my health" — also true and vague
• "Eating less, moving more" — technically accurate, no detail needed
• "Just focusing on taking better care of myself" — says nothing specific

You can be honest without being complete. Partial truth is fine when full disclosure doesn't serve you.

When People Keep Commenting

Weight loss invites comments—often more than people realize they're making. If ongoing commentary feels like too much:

With Your Partner

Partners deserve more information, and their support matters. Consider sharing:

• What the medication does and how it works
• Potential side effects and what to expect
• What kind of support would help you
• How your eating and social habits might change

Ask for what you need: less food-pushing, understanding about restaurant portions, patience with dietary shifts. Partners who are informed can be your best allies.

The Bottom Line

Your body, your health, your choice about what to share. Some people will be supportive, some won't. You get to decide who's in your circle of trust and who gets the polite redirect.

Whatever you choose, stand in your decision with confidence. You're doing something positive for your health. That doesn't require anyone else's approval.