The drugs changed more than weight

Guardian readers on Wegovy, Ozempic and Mounjaro describe how the weight loss reshaped their closest relationships, sometimes for the better and often for the worse.

Users hide the needle

Many keep their prescriptions secret because they feel the drug undercuts the achievement. The private verdict is that they cheated, or that they are being dishonest about how they got there.

“I don't want people to think I've cheated. I guess there is still fat shame somewhere.”

A daughter found out

One parent hid Wegovy from their 20-year-old, who reacted with worry, anger and jealousy. Food was central to family life, and the parent kept asking what message the secrecy was sending.

“What kind of signal am I giving her and her brothers?”

Thirty pounds, still guilty

That same parent feels mostly positive about losing nearly thirty pounds, yet cannot shake the sense of cheating. The insecurity did not go away, it just moved.

“So much of my insecurity about my weight and appearance is offloaded on to an injectable pen.”

Partners who won't listen

One woman stopped telling her husband about the drug at all. He scoffs at obesity as a chronic disease and thinks people should just make better choices, which tells her exactly how he sees her.

“This has been a life-changing drug so far, and I can't share it with the person I'm closest with.”

Why couples wobble

Big weight loss has long been linked to divorce. Psychologist Lindsey Berisha says relationships settle into an equilibrium, and even a good change can unsettle both people in it.

“When one partner undergoes a significant change, it can shift that equilibrium.”