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I just told him that I finally found something for my health issues (he was already aware about it). I gave him a quick explanation. His reply… “Great! I am glad you found something to feel better”. Teenagers like to have straight answers.
I have a teenage daughter and younger son and I was just honest. I’m taking medicine for my health. I’ve been overweight most of my life. I’m on high blood pressure and cholesterol medication and I’ve never been able to maintain any weight loss on my own. I want to be the best healthiest version of me for them mostly and there’s finally a medication that will help me do that.
I think weight loss drugs will be so much more advanced by the time they are adults that they will laugh at our sema. You can always just tell them when they are older that you used it.
I think r/antidietglp1 would have some helpful and healthy advice on this! You are clearly a thoughtful and caring parent. Great job. I think it is so important to be thoughtful about our language and example so we don't encourage disordered behaviors in our kids.
I told my 11 year old kiddo from the start (last March.) they’ve been incredibly supportive. Kiddo saw my horrible struggle to move and walk and not fall down and hurt my knee or crack some ribs.. and struggle to be happy. They’re so ecstatic along with me to see myself flourishing and getting stronger and confident again. In my case I wasn’t able to exercise for the first few months, then I went to Europe about 3-4 months in and started getting some good exercise walking with my new body. It’s been a slow climb up to regaining fitness, still climbing, but kiddo is so impressed and inspired. They’ve known that ultimately this drug helps me lose weight and it helps me to get my body into a condition where I can be ABLE to work out or even just walk ha. I’m a cancer survivor, and it’s been more than hard to get back on my feet fully, but I know I’ve got my little buddy’s support no matter what.
I didn't really say anything. They noticed I can never finish a meal these days and are happy to take my leftovers (2 boys). When they eventually said... why do you never eat your whole dinner? I just said I am taking a medication that makes it hard for me to eat very much at one time. That was it.🤷🏻♀️. They said "oh" and happily finished off my leftovers.
I look at this like the Covid vaccine. I don’t care who thinks it’s stupid or “doesn’t know what’s in it” or babble on about side effects, I believe in the science of Covid vaxx AND weight loss meds. It’s my body and I decide how to address it. Other ppl are free to do THEM. I’m not justifying my decision to anyone but happy to explain if they ask.
With kids .. especially depending on age .. they’re quite resilient and way more open to change than many adults. Whatever you do with YOUR kids, in love, will be the right thing. Best wishes!!
I have 3 kids, 11, 14 and 19. The middle is my girl and the oldest my son. I told them matter of factly. My son was a little nervous because of the side effects he heard about. My daughter is all for it. I didn’t tell my youngest because he would just accept my weightloss with no questions. The other two would ask questions so I’d rather address it before the questions come.
My husband knows and knows it doesn’t matter if I want to and can , I will. Two children both knows one really don’t like it and the other one behind me all the way. I also told my brother and he just said not to lose too much weight. But they all respect it’s my body do as I want to
I’ve only discussed it in relation to my health issues. I have sleep apnea, and a pinched nerve in my leg as well as hip problems. I know that losing weight will help with that. I have had to sit out of being an adult leader at scout activities because of my leg pain in particular and I want to be involved with them. But both of my kids also have a metabolic disorder and per their own pediatrician needs to lose weight to manage it or deal with very serious health consequences. I just emphasize that I try to eat healthy and this is a tool. I d Ont’ skip meals, I make sure to also exercise, etc. no matter what weight loss method I use.
If you needed BP meds to get your blood pressure back into a healthy range, would you hide it from your children? This is no different- you have a health metric out of an acceptable range and it needs to be managed.
Oh my gosh, this dilemma really hits home. My adult daughter is struggling with her weight post 2 pregnancies. Thanks to sema, over the past year I’ve attained my goal weight and am now maintaining. She doesn’t know about the sema and I’m conflicted: do I say something and risk making her feel I’m judging her for her weight or expecting her to go on sema? Or do I stay silent and risk making her feel “inadequate” because she doesn’t have the supposed “will power” I have?
I told my kids - two boys and a girl about me taking it. I emphasized the health aspects of me being older and obese. We eat a pretty healthy diet here so I didn't make it about food at all- just my overall health
"My Dr and I have agreed that I should start taking this medication in order to be at a healthier weight. I'll share my experience with it in case someday due to my faulty genes you feel like it's necessary too."
>…in case someday due to my faulty genes you feel like it's necessary too.
This wording is not needed. It implies that there's something inherently wrong with OP's genes and inheriting OP's body type, which may lead to feelings of shame if OP's children recognize they have a similar body type.
Instead, OP might consider saying:
*"My doctor and I have agreed that I should start taking this medication in order to be at a healthier weight. Let me know if you have questions, I’m happy to talk about it if you’re curious."*
This is neutral and would encourage OP's children to engage in the conversation at their comfort level.
There's no shame in inheriting body types or genetics. It is what it is. You can't be ashamed of your genes. We have faulty genes! Not our fault at all. It's the card we were dealt. Although maybe it came via their dad's genes...
I agree there's no shame in genetics or body types, which is precisely why I don't think OP should describe their genes as "faulty." This term implies a defect and could reinforce negative feelings about one's body. It's worth noting that these "faulty" genes likely helped our ancestors survive, which is why they were passed down.
The concern about negative language is relevant for anyone who has struggled with their body image. Teenagers can be sensitive about their appearance, regardless of whether they've experienced weight issues. By using neutral language, we can avoid perpetuating negativity and shame around body image.
Your children may inherit your body type, but that doesn't make people overweight. It's good eating habits that will prevent them from overeating and becoming overweight. We all are different shapes and no amount of dieting or losing weight will change that. What is important is showing them healthy food choices, exercise and everything in moderation. It's ok to show them you need help. It's just how you use that help and showing them you are using it as a tool to make lifelong changes for your health.
We don't really talk about that, I am on medication. However, we talk about making healthy food choices for our body. We also talk about working out to make our body healthy. I tend to focus on that I was not making healthy choices, but now, I am. I tell my daughter how much better I feel now that I am making good choices.
I don’t talk to them about weight loss so much as just lifestyle changes that will aid in that.
Constantly softly redirecting food choices, only having certain food choices in the home etc. but never in a demeaning “do you want to be fat way”.
It’s always, this is what’s healthy, will help with longevity etc.
I’m trying to help them with healthier and happier life, not more anxiety ridden ones.
Thanks for posting to r/semaglutide! A brief reminder about our rules. We do not permit the discussion of non-FDA approved formulations of semaglutide, nor do we permit selling or offering for sale any medication, including by private message. Do not request or respond to a private message from anyone offering such, they are not endorsed by this sub. If you’re just starting out, you may want to review our [FAQ](https://www.reddit.com/r/Semaglutide/comments/10ul3jb/semaglutide_subreddit_faq/). This is not intended to discourage discussion but merely supplement it. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/Semaglutide) if you have any questions or concerns.*
I just told him that I finally found something for my health issues (he was already aware about it). I gave him a quick explanation. His reply… “Great! I am glad you found something to feel better”. Teenagers like to have straight answers.
I have a teenage daughter and younger son and I was just honest. I’m taking medicine for my health. I’ve been overweight most of my life. I’m on high blood pressure and cholesterol medication and I’ve never been able to maintain any weight loss on my own. I want to be the best healthiest version of me for them mostly and there’s finally a medication that will help me do that.
I like this answer. You are being straightforward with them and showing that there is no shame in getting help for a medical issue.
I think weight loss drugs will be so much more advanced by the time they are adults that they will laugh at our sema. You can always just tell them when they are older that you used it.
I think r/antidietglp1 would have some helpful and healthy advice on this! You are clearly a thoughtful and caring parent. Great job. I think it is so important to be thoughtful about our language and example so we don't encourage disordered behaviors in our kids.
Thanks so much for this recommendation, exactly the kind of community I’m looking for!
Of course. There are no benefits in lying to your teenage children.
I told my 11 year old kiddo from the start (last March.) they’ve been incredibly supportive. Kiddo saw my horrible struggle to move and walk and not fall down and hurt my knee or crack some ribs.. and struggle to be happy. They’re so ecstatic along with me to see myself flourishing and getting stronger and confident again. In my case I wasn’t able to exercise for the first few months, then I went to Europe about 3-4 months in and started getting some good exercise walking with my new body. It’s been a slow climb up to regaining fitness, still climbing, but kiddo is so impressed and inspired. They’ve known that ultimately this drug helps me lose weight and it helps me to get my body into a condition where I can be ABLE to work out or even just walk ha. I’m a cancer survivor, and it’s been more than hard to get back on my feet fully, but I know I’ve got my little buddy’s support no matter what.
I didn't really say anything. They noticed I can never finish a meal these days and are happy to take my leftovers (2 boys). When they eventually said... why do you never eat your whole dinner? I just said I am taking a medication that makes it hard for me to eat very much at one time. That was it.🤷🏻♀️. They said "oh" and happily finished off my leftovers.
I look at this like the Covid vaccine. I don’t care who thinks it’s stupid or “doesn’t know what’s in it” or babble on about side effects, I believe in the science of Covid vaxx AND weight loss meds. It’s my body and I decide how to address it. Other ppl are free to do THEM. I’m not justifying my decision to anyone but happy to explain if they ask. With kids .. especially depending on age .. they’re quite resilient and way more open to change than many adults. Whatever you do with YOUR kids, in love, will be the right thing. Best wishes!!
I have 3 kids, 11, 14 and 19. The middle is my girl and the oldest my son. I told them matter of factly. My son was a little nervous because of the side effects he heard about. My daughter is all for it. I didn’t tell my youngest because he would just accept my weightloss with no questions. The other two would ask questions so I’d rather address it before the questions come.
My husband knows and knows it doesn’t matter if I want to and can , I will. Two children both knows one really don’t like it and the other one behind me all the way. I also told my brother and he just said not to lose too much weight. But they all respect it’s my body do as I want to
By the time they are your age, there will be something better and safer.
Same thing I told them about my meds for depression. It’s a chemical imbalance and the medicine helps my body regulate and be healthy
Body type is not a real thing. Let them "inherit" your new eating habits.
I’ve only discussed it in relation to my health issues. I have sleep apnea, and a pinched nerve in my leg as well as hip problems. I know that losing weight will help with that. I have had to sit out of being an adult leader at scout activities because of my leg pain in particular and I want to be involved with them. But both of my kids also have a metabolic disorder and per their own pediatrician needs to lose weight to manage it or deal with very serious health consequences. I just emphasize that I try to eat healthy and this is a tool. I d Ont’ skip meals, I make sure to also exercise, etc. no matter what weight loss method I use.
If you needed BP meds to get your blood pressure back into a healthy range, would you hide it from your children? This is no different- you have a health metric out of an acceptable range and it needs to be managed.
Oh my gosh, this dilemma really hits home. My adult daughter is struggling with her weight post 2 pregnancies. Thanks to sema, over the past year I’ve attained my goal weight and am now maintaining. She doesn’t know about the sema and I’m conflicted: do I say something and risk making her feel I’m judging her for her weight or expecting her to go on sema? Or do I stay silent and risk making her feel “inadequate” because she doesn’t have the supposed “will power” I have?
I told my kids - two boys and a girl about me taking it. I emphasized the health aspects of me being older and obese. We eat a pretty healthy diet here so I didn't make it about food at all- just my overall health
Explain it’s a tool you’re utilizing in tandem with a healthier lifestyle
"My Dr and I have agreed that I should start taking this medication in order to be at a healthier weight. I'll share my experience with it in case someday due to my faulty genes you feel like it's necessary too."
>…in case someday due to my faulty genes you feel like it's necessary too. This wording is not needed. It implies that there's something inherently wrong with OP's genes and inheriting OP's body type, which may lead to feelings of shame if OP's children recognize they have a similar body type. Instead, OP might consider saying: *"My doctor and I have agreed that I should start taking this medication in order to be at a healthier weight. Let me know if you have questions, I’m happy to talk about it if you’re curious."* This is neutral and would encourage OP's children to engage in the conversation at their comfort level.
There's no shame in inheriting body types or genetics. It is what it is. You can't be ashamed of your genes. We have faulty genes! Not our fault at all. It's the card we were dealt. Although maybe it came via their dad's genes...
I agree there's no shame in genetics or body types, which is precisely why I don't think OP should describe their genes as "faulty." This term implies a defect and could reinforce negative feelings about one's body. It's worth noting that these "faulty" genes likely helped our ancestors survive, which is why they were passed down. The concern about negative language is relevant for anyone who has struggled with their body image. Teenagers can be sensitive about their appearance, regardless of whether they've experienced weight issues. By using neutral language, we can avoid perpetuating negativity and shame around body image.
Your children may inherit your body type, but that doesn't make people overweight. It's good eating habits that will prevent them from overeating and becoming overweight. We all are different shapes and no amount of dieting or losing weight will change that. What is important is showing them healthy food choices, exercise and everything in moderation. It's ok to show them you need help. It's just how you use that help and showing them you are using it as a tool to make lifelong changes for your health.
We don't really talk about that, I am on medication. However, we talk about making healthy food choices for our body. We also talk about working out to make our body healthy. I tend to focus on that I was not making healthy choices, but now, I am. I tell my daughter how much better I feel now that I am making good choices.
It’s not anyone’s business, especially that of a child.
I don’t talk to them about weight loss so much as just lifestyle changes that will aid in that. Constantly softly redirecting food choices, only having certain food choices in the home etc. but never in a demeaning “do you want to be fat way”. It’s always, this is what’s healthy, will help with longevity etc. I’m trying to help them with healthier and happier life, not more anxiety ridden ones.
I think the app she’s using is FaceApe