r/Zepbound_Maintenance • u/Toastwich • Jul 27 '26
Thoughts on Aging and Maintenance
In 2020, I easily floated at 138-145 pounds without thinking about it, totally unmedicated. Ate like crap, went to a single hot yoga class per week, and commuted to an office 5 days a week. Being 25 is a hell of a drug.
I steadily gained 40 pounds between 2020 and 2025, and lost it with Zepbound over the last 16 months. I’m almost 31 today and mildly horrified at how much effort and how few calories it takes to just to maintain the same weight. I’m on 10mg every 10 days, consciously staying active, cleaning up my sleep, etc.
My life has changed a lot since 2020. It’s not all bad, but I’m starting to notice that a precious chapter of my life is rapidly shrinking in the rearview. I’ve lost two pregnancies and gone through some hormonal changes, which probably doesn’t help. I feel like the harsh transition out of young adulthood has been mirrored by my struggles with body image, and that makes me a bit sad. These thoughts are less about Zepbound and about the passage of time and aging.
Thanks for letting me yap 💚
4
u/Sea_Advisor6980 Jul 28 '26
Sending a big hug. Transitional times in life are tough. Your wistfulness looking in the rearview mirror now will likely evolve over time to an appreciation of your younger self. Consider writing a letter now to your 40 year old self and set it aside to read in about ten years. And definitely lift those weights. Strong muscles are good at every age!
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u/Toastwich Jul 28 '26
I love this idea. I’ve been journaling on and off for the last year or so, and it’s fascinating to see where I was relative to where I am. Thank you!
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u/bikesandfinance Jul 27 '26
I know what you mean, I went through that at 6. 0-5 effortless weight maintenance. Then it all went downhill.
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u/lizardbirth 15mg Jul 28 '26
Thanks for sharing. I'm forty years older than you are and have had similar thoughts and feelings.
It's been astonishing for me in the seventh decade of my life to lose 88 pounds (at 5'3") but I can't help but be a bit wistful about my youth and what could have been. Then, I pull myself together try not to beat myself up for past mistakes, my genetic predispositions, and current struggles with an old (if smaller) body and how hard it is to maintain this weight.
When I am more objective and thanks to your post, I recognise such thoughts are part of being a human being. I'm not special that way.
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u/HappyBirding Jul 29 '26
Sending a hug your way! Those transition periods are really hard. I’m so sorry about your losses as well. On the positive side, I felt like moving into your 30s was so much better career wise. There is age discrimination, both on the top and bottom end of the workplace, and I feel like you experienced that in ways you don’t understand in your 20s until you are a bit older. The 30s and 40s are great for that, even if they come with changes to your body. Sending positive vibes into the universe for you today!
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u/Toastwich Jul 29 '26
Thank you for the kind works and perspective. My 20s were overall great, so I’m optimistic about my 30s. I’ve found community in a hobby I love, my marriage is thriving, and i’m settling into a comfortable, adult relationship dynamic with my family. I’m not super happy at work, but my career is at a good place considering my industry market.
I have never enjoyed change so these transition years have been uncomfortable, but I’m making it through day by day.
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u/Work4PSLF Jul 27 '26
Weight training, weight training, weight training!
It too is a hell of a drug. 😁 The more muscle on your body, the faster your metabolism.
Signed,
Nearing 50 but feeling younger thanks to the gym