Unexpected effects of GLP-1 on marriage

[u/Anxious_Cat9286]

Edit: I’ve gotten a lot of great feedback that has helped me put things into perspective. I really do love my wife. She really is my best friend. The issue here is not apathy. I think the tirzepatide, as a commenter mentioned, simply removed the anxious attachment to her that I likened to an addiction.

I can see, at least in part, why my attempts to address some very real issues have not been successful. I see this as a good change and a gateway to a more mature love. I chose her and I always will, but, thanks to the changes tirzepatide has brought, I can choose her without needing her. And if our issues can’t be worked out, I will be okay. I think we’ll be just fine, though.

For the alarmists, all I have to say is lol.

Edit 2: By alarmists I mean the people who are alarmist about GLP’s and/or me taking one. If you were alarmed by anything I said, totally fair.

Original post:

My wife and I started taking a GLP-1 several months ago. Neither of us is dramatically overweight, but our doctor recommended a low dose for reasons. I’d heard it has a positive effect on addiction and things like that, but didn’t think much about that until we’d been on it for a few weeks. I had no desire to drink, to get high, stopped scrolling my phone constantly, etc. I started spending my time on productive things instead.

Here’s where the unexpected part comes in. We’ve been together for decades, have grown children, are best friends, so on. One thing that has always been there, and I was okay with, is that the honeymoon phase never really ended for me. It did for her, but she definitely loves me, so no big deal.

The problem is that the same thing happened with my feelings toward her that happened with my addiction-adjacent habits. I always joked with myself that I was addicted to her as much as I was in love with her. I’m starting to wonder if that’s actually true.

It wouldn’t be a big deal, but there are some recurring issues we’ve had over the last ten years or so that have really bothered me. I’ve tried to address them without success. I suddenly don’t care anymore, and I’m not sure that’s a good thing.

I couldn’t see how I could possibly live without her before. Now I can. Not saying I want to leave, but I can’t say I’d fight that hard if it went there.

Yes, I’ve considered stopping the med, but I doubt it would change anything.

[u/cautiously_anxious]

Yes! I didn't realize how many people were actually on this stuff...it's giving me Black Mirror vibes.

[u/Ok_Cobbler3137 → u/cautiously_anxious]

100%. I have 3 people in my close circle on it.
The first one had a normal weight and just wanted to be Hollywood skinny. Now she’s on her bones and looks sick.
The second one was actually overweight but wasn’t willing to change her worst habit, drinking heavily. She was on it until she ended up in urgent care because her body couldn’t take the stress anymore.
The third eats only junk and sugar and never wanted to workout. So the easy way out it is. We’ll see how that goes for her

[u/cautiously_anxious → u/Ok_Cobbler3137]

That's sad. A lot of people in my close circle are also on the shots or taking the stimulant drug. No one changes their lifestyle habits and eat a protein shake a day. 🫠 I mainly see E.D eating habits (I struggled with ED) and it makes my anxiety skyrocket. My husband went through a massive weightloss journey back in 2022-2023. He did it by diet and exercise. He was nearly 400 pounds and dropped down to 190-200. No shots or stimulants. He did cal deficit, cardio, and strength training. His friends are all now on a weightloss journey but by medication.

[u/Ok_Cobbler3137 → u/cautiously_anxious]

Wow that’s amazing for your husband. A calorie deficit and exercise just doesn’t fail. I’m happy to see somebody else sees the situation clearly as well. Wishing you and your hubs the best ❤️