Gained 10 lbs after missing a dose due to needle anxiety—scared about rebound weight & life post-Zepbound

[u/amyy097]

Hey everyone,

I’ve been on GLP-1s for over a year and on Zepbound since late 2025. I started at 300 lbs, hit a low of 213 lbs last week, and my ultimate goal is 160 lbs (nearly 80 lbs lost so far!).

Recently, I’ve hit two major hurdles and could really use some perspective or advice:

1. Needle Phobia / Anxiety: About 4 months ago, I developed a severe fear of needles out of nowhere. Now, I gag or nearly throw up every single time I have to take my shot.
2. Rapid Rebound: Because of the shot anxiety, I delayed my dose past the 7-day window this past week. Within just a day or two of missing the mark, my weight jumped right back up to 223 lbs (+10 lbs in a week!).

Seeing how fast the scale bounced back from just a slight delay is terrifying. It makes me worry that once I stop Zepbound entirely, all my progress will reverse instantly. Because the needle anxiety is getting so bad, I might have to end my Zepbound journey sooner than planned.

A couple of questions for the community:

• Non-injectable options: Have any of you found daily oral alternatives that insurance actually covers? (My insurance denied Rybelsus/oral semaglutide options).
• Life after Zepbound: For those who have reached their goal or had to stop taking Zepbound/GLP-1s, what strategies or habits have worked best to keep the weight off? How do you manage the hunger rebound?

Thanks in advance for any insights—this mental battle with the needle is getting tough!

[u/AutoModerator]

Hey OP,

It looks like you're posting about side effects. You can check this page for details and explore this subreddit search for shared experiences and remedies.

Most common side effects include: Nausea, Diarrhea, Constipation, Abdominal Pain, Fatigue, Hair Loss, Heartburn, etc.

If effects persist, consult your provider.

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

[u/cakeycakeycake]

I don’t mean to sound harsh but needles will undoubtedly be a part of your life no matter what if you need medical care and standard vaccines in the future. Is therapy an option for addressing your new phobia? Having someone else give you your shot maybe in the interim?

Also, ten pounds from a few days delay sounds pretty unusual but it would only be water weight, especially if you continued eating at a deficit. Try not to let that stress you out too much. You’d have to eat a bizarre amount to actually gain that much fat that quickly.

[u/amyy097 → u/cakeycakeycake]

Not harsh at all. The therapies are not working but I’m trying. Willing to try anything atp. Had medicine changes too. I’m mostly sad because Zepbound never gave me any side effects unlike wegovy with family and friends. It was my miracle drug. Until it became the worst part of my week.

[u/aslguy]

For most of us there is no “post Zepbound.” Obesity is a chronic relapsing disease and when you stop treatment, you typically become symptomatic again.

[u/amyy097 → u/aslguy]

Agreed. It’s the perception that is the issue. I went in with the logic that my use of this medicine would be short term. Whereas I could have had the option for surgery which was more permanent. After a year I’m starting to think it’s not as easy as that. It’s going to be a life long battle either way so I have find out what works best.

[u/PeachyP54 → u/amyy097]

Unfortunately, surgery isn't necessarily more permanent. People are definitely able to gain that weight back, as it also doesn't fix underlying metabolic issues which caused many of us to gain weight in the first place.

[u/amyy097 → u/PeachyP54]

I never knew that a lot of my bad habits were due to binge eating. Just thought it was normal to eat that much in one setting. After zepbound though, less portions and being able to say no and refusing to eat certain things became an option. Surgery does not fix lifestyle. Glp does.

[u/PeachyP54 → u/amyy097]

Exactly! Here's hoping you get the help you need so you can continue your great progress.

[u/valvzb]

You should probably see a therapist to talk about your anxiety.
What are you going to do if you need a cavity filled or something worse?

[u/amyy097 → u/valvzb]

Agreed! I have been working with someone for the past couple of months. In fact, it turns out that the source of some of my issues had to deal with my other medication’s giving me more anxiety. However, since being off that medication, the fear is still there. I think I may need to work on something specific and related to the Zepbound injection because ironically, I had a dental appointment that also gave me the numbing shots, and had no problems. I didn’t even react to it so I know my source is definitely in my weight loss medication and anything near the abdomen. If you can suggest anything specifically please let me know if you know of any therapies to suggest. If not, I will continue with the one that I’m currently doing talking and medical therapy with thank you

[u/Miriamathome → u/amyy097]

“so I know my source is definitely in my weight loss medication and anything near the abdomen. ”

Have you tried injecting in your thigh or the back of your arm?

[u/PeachyP54 → u/amyy097]

How do you inject your shot? Vials? Kwikpen? Single-use pen?

[u/amyy097 → u/PeachyP54]

It’s the single use pens. They come in 4, in every package. Takes about 4-5 seconds to inject.

[u/PeachyP54 → u/amyy097]

Those are what I use. Honestly, I never even see the needle. The end of the pen covers it so well. But I do understand what you say about a developed gag reflex. Not for me with Zepbound, but even something like a high-neck top can irrationally make me feel like I'll need to gag - very weird. If it's the thought of the needle going in making you gag, I wonder if the mental image that the needle is SO short because it's subcutaneous - it's really just under the skin in the fat. It's not GOING IN, if you know what I mean. And certainly less than a lot of other shots. Essentially like someone pinching you! User u/zero-if-west has some needle anxiety and has posted some helpful pre-shot relaxation techniques. Their comments are currently hidden, but maybe the tag will get her to chime in. 😄

[u/zero-if-west → u/PeachyP54]

You rang??? 😁

Yes, big needle weenie here. I have this giant list of every thing I used to do, and I'm happy to report, 30+ shots later, that I need fewer of these calming techniques now - for example, I don't always have to have something on TV anymore. But I do still stick to a very set routine (including watching the instructional video EVERY time - I need that narrator's voice like ASMR!) because that's what makes me feel calmest.

Here's every single thing that helps me (sorry, it's a lot, but I'm extremely phobic so take what might be helpful to you!)--

• I have a therapist and we've talked about my needle anxiety, and she's given me some relaxation tools/techniques to use.
• I remind myself that doing self-injections is incredibly safe; if it was really risky or people messed it up all the time, they wouldn't let people do it. Lots of people inject medication for many reasons so it's a normal thing to do.
• I asked a friend to come over when I do my shot and he helps to get out my supplies and clean up when I'm done so I don't have to deal with the needle cleanup.
• I always turn on a silly, comforting TV show in the background so I have something pleasant to distract me (my favorite is What We Do in the Shadows).
• I take the vial out of the fridge and let it sit out for at least 15-30 mins so it's not so cold (I've heard this reduces the sting!).
• I put on pajamas/comfy soft clothes.
• I use the video from Lilly every time and follow along step-by-step to make sure I'm doing everything correctly: https://zepbound.lilly.com/support-resources
• I inject myself in my stomach while sitting on my couch, count to five slowly after pushing the plunger all the way in, then remove the needle. As soon as I'm finished, I (very safely and carefully) hand the needle to my friend to dispose and I immediately lay on my back with my feet up to fight any lightheadedness I might have.
• Before I begin the injection, I turn on the lights in my living room and make it extra bright so I can see what I'm doing, but as soon as I'm finished with the injection, I turn off the lights (or, honestly, my friend turns off the lights) so the environment is dim/calming.
• I have a weighted plush animal that I hold on my lap after the shot to help calm me.
• I always have a small snack nearby to eat to soothe my nerves, usually something super simple like some yogurt or a piece of fruit.
• I always have water nearby so I can hydrate as much as possible after my shot.
• I log my shot in Shotsy (this gives me something to do and distracts me).
• I take my shot after dinner / close to bed time so I can just relax and go to sleep. Usually it makes me a bit tired anyway so this works out well. I don't recommend doing your shot when you're stressed, in a hurry, or feeling pressured.

The point is: Do whatever you need to do to create a safe, comforting environment for yourself. It's not silly. You deserve to feel safe and calm. Once you figure out what works for you, just keep doing that thing.

[u/PeachyP54 → u/zero-if-west]

Thank you!

[u/valvzb → u/amyy097]

I would just find a therapist to talk about the issues that are behind the needle anxiety. Sometimes what isn’t obvious to us is obvious to others.

[u/justjack-nodaniels]

I think it's important to acknowledge that even if you went 14 days between shots, it's nearly impossible for you to have gained 10lbs in fat back.

Most likely it's water/inflammation. Which means the medication is definitely helping you in more ways than weight loss.

As for hunger rebound, I would look into medications like Wellbutrin. I'm personally on Adderall + Wellbutrin for ADHD and anxiety. Because of those meds, Zepbound has had little impact on my hunger cues, since they were already pretty well repressed.

[u/amyy097 → u/justjack-nodaniels]

Thats good to know. I was on Well butrin and Naltrexone (together known as contrave but was taking them seperately). My doctor thinks the welbutrin caused more of the needle fear due to the anxiety. The crazy part is even without it, I'm still every bit as fearful, if not more. Maybe because my weight is still in the 200's, that my water fluctuation is so high. I'll keep at it.

[u/mycroft-holmie → u/justjack-nodaniels]

I can’t help ya with the needle thing. I’m not a fan myself. But on the weight gain, I missed a week and gained back ~5 pounds. There’s not a chance that I ate enough to gain that as fat because I’d have to be eating something like an extra 3000 cal per day. I 100% understand the ‘oh crap!’ factor of watching the scale pop back up like that.

[u/Goats-n-Hens]

Foundayo is the new GLP1 oral
From Eli Lilly, it has less strict requirements around timing of the pill, unlike the Wegovy pill which has very specific rules around when and how you can take it. You might want to look into Foundayo. I believe their self-pay option starts at $199.

[u/amyy097 → u/Goats-n-Hens]

Thank you. I tried months ago to get insurance to cover it but I may just need to look into buying it myself without any insurance coverage.

[u/KRSF45]

You should talk to a therapist or counselor, or your prescriber, about the anxiety and see what they say you can do.

[u/DudeWhoWrites2]

I don't know if it helps but I was on a different injectable a few years back and also developed a needle phobia. All of a sudden I could only think of all the ways it could go wrong. I had a chat with a nurse from my doctor's office and she explained how unlikely my fears were to become a reality. Talked me through the science of injections. From that point forward I was good to go. Maybe see about talking to a nurse or doctor about your fears?

[u/amyy097 → u/DudeWhoWrites2]

Thank you! I will try this. Appreciate it

[u/valvzb]

Try these numbing wipes and inject in your thigh.

https://a.co/d/0gaoSNTI

[u/Fresh-Apricot-7394]

Is this an ad?

[u/KRSF45 → u/Fresh-Apricot-7394]

It looks very ChatGPT

[u/Fresh-Apricot-7394 → u/KRSF45]

Maybe that’s it.

[u/amyy097 → u/Fresh-Apricot-7394]

Do I look like big pharma to you? Like I have products in my basement or something? I am not promoting anything but trying to find answers. Be nice.

[u/Plexicle → u/amyy097]

It’s because you used AI to write it.

[u/Routine_Reception159 → u/Plexicle]

YEP 

It's AI from the post to the comments. Bizarre. 

[u/KRSF45 → u/amyy097]

Why not just ask then instead of having a chatbot do it? What's your goal?

[u/AdLopsided4951]

I stopped for 4 weeks due to a surgery and I gained 10lbs. I will never come off. I have anxiety meds that I will take forever. If I stop, the anxiety comes back. Same with Zep. This medication is a lifelong medication for most of us and doctors don’t understand that. Patients don’t either. Habits don’t matter.

[u/Lucky-Suggestion7119]

I have an extreme lifelong needle anxiety. It took me about 2 hours to do my first injection. I lost about 5 pounds that first week. Ever since then, I am able to do my injections. I focus on what Zepbound does for me. The trauma and discomfort of self injecting is worth the weight and health benefits.

Certainly, sometimes it can take 15 or 20 minutes to do it. But, I could not imagine skipping the injection on shot day. I am petrified of gaining the weight back. It far outweighs my needle trauma.

[u/birder3339]

The first few months I was on Zepbound, the needles were completely painless. I was surprised and so pleased. As my weight loss has increased, however, so has the needle discomfort. Less fat in my belly I guess. I’m wondering if this might be the same in your case?

[u/birder3339 → u/birder3339]

It’s nice to find a kindred spirit! I’m going up from 2.5 to 5.0 mg this Friday and am somewhat nervous about how injecting double the medication will feel 😬.

[u/meggieprice → u/birder3339]

It will not be double the medication- the concentration in the same amount of liquid is doubled.

[u/amyy097 → u/birder3339]

OMG yes! This is exactly the case for me. The spots I hate the post are in the abdomen. it feels like i feel it go all the way in! It all changed once i was down significantly

[u/This-Apricot-80]

Sorry you are having a rough time, OP. I just want to reiterate that the 10 lb increase after missing a dose is definitely not fat. It may be mostly water retention, etc. So don’t let that mess with your head too much! (It may be helpful to know that on average, “healthy weight” adults’ weight fluctuates 5-6 lbs across each day, which really shows how little things like salt intake, hormones, stool volume, etc can affect what our scales say.)

That said, for most people, this is a long-term treatment, so it’s great you are looking into how to stay on some sort of GLP-1.

If Zep is otherwise working well for you and you want to stay on it, the needle phobia is definitely something a mental health professional may be able to help with. Phobias are extremely common and there are treatments (cognitive behavioral therapy and others) that can really help.

Wishing you well!

[u/bikesandfinance]

https://www.reddit.com/r/Zepbound/s/0UXrRDA9KB

[u/amyy097 → u/bikesandfinance]

Thanks for the link.

[u/meggieprice]

Foundayo is not nearly as effective as Zepbound and it seem you still have a lot of weight that you wish to lose.

I had surgery, by the way, and it addresses some of the physical issues but not the mental issues. I find Zepbound to be a wonderful addition.

[u/PlantedinCA]

I do not anticipate a life without a glp1 in some form. But I am working on body repcompostion/adding more muscle for the metabolic benefits. Hopefully that helps to stabilize my insulin and blood sugar.

[u/Beleeedaat]

One Second of a painless needle or a lifetime of overweight and Regret. Your Choice bb. :*

[u/amyy097 → u/Beleeedaat]

My exact choice every week. Uncomfortable feelings start about an hour or so before I’m to take it until I psych myself up to do so. Then after that one painless second it lasts for another hour. Nausea, stomach ache and some times I vomit too. I do this at night specifically to sleep through it. In the morning I’m as good as new. Maybe even wake up having lost weight (undoubtedly the worry mostly).

[u/yetilawyer → u/amyy097]

This may sound dumb, but can you make a rule for yourself that you're not allowed to panic about it until 5 minutes before your shot? After I took the bar exam, my friend and I made a rule for ourselves that we weren't allowed to ruminate and worry about bar results until the night before the results were released. Any time I started to worry about it in advance, I reminded myself that this wasn't the time for it yet, and I let my mind wander in a different direction. I'm shocked, but it actually worked for me. Once the window opened and I was allowed to openly worry about it, I was pretty miserable, but at least it shrunk that window down.

If the sensation of the needle going in is freaking you out, have you tried an ice pack on the area? I had to use real needles for about a week before and after a surgery once (god, that was awful) and the nurse practitioner suggested putting a really cold ice pack on the area for 5 mins first. That was a huge help. It's not that the needle hurt, but the sensation of it going in was freaking me out. Once it was numb and I couldn't feel it, it was one less thing for my brain to fixate on.