Subjected to bullying in middle school due to her stature, Shaelyn Weaver often at lunch in a teacher’s classroom or sometimes abstained from eating until she returned home.
At 19, the dental student attempted to reduce weight independently by restricting her intake to supper or by engaging in distractions to “forget” to eat.
“Engaging in all those efforts proved ineffective,” says Weaver, who reached a maximum weight of over 300 lbs. “It exacerbated the situation.”
In 2020, Weaver’s mother sought assistance from the pediatric weight clinic at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg, Florida. Weaver received a diagnosis of pre-diabetes and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a hormonal disorder that complicates weight loss. She began administration of Metformin, a medication that reduces blood glucose levels; nonetheless, the advancement was gradual.
She received a prescription for Ozempic in December 2022. Her mother expressed reluctance, however Weaver said, “This is an endeavor I wish to pursue.” She implemented lifestyle modifications, including a weightlifting regimen, exercising portion management, and augmenting frequent walks with her grandma.
Weaver dropped around 150 pounds in eight months. She remembers the joy she had while seeing her wardrobe filled with several size tiny clothing. She appreciated strolling into Target without the sensation of being observed. Most significantly, she qualified for the breast reduction surgery she ardently desired.
“No term surpasses ‘awesome’ in expressing my feelings,” she states. “I ultimately perceived myself as the woman I aspired to become.”
The path was not inherently simple, however. Weaver elucidates instances when her weight reduction sometimes plateaued, or she would “regress” and regain weight. However, she accepted it with composure. “There will always be fluctuations,” she adds.
The first obstacle arose in August 2024 when her insurance ceased to cover Ozempic due to her not being classified as pre-diabetic any more. The expense escalated from $27 to over $800 each month. Weaver was required to discontinue the medicine.
Since that time, she has regained over 50 pounds, and her food cravings have reemerged. However, she will not relent. She adheres to her exercise regimen and states, “rather than consuming junk food, I fill my diet with fruit.”
I am endeavoring to use my utmost efforts in resistance. It resembles a physical altercation.
