Valerie Gill’s decision to start taking Contrave, a prescription weight-loss drug, 11 months ago was driven by health issues she couldn’t control through diet and exercise alone. Like many Americans turning to weight-loss medications such as Ozempic and Wegovy, Gill’s experience has impacted her health in unexpected ways — especially in her relationship. She describes it as “an exhilarating relationship nightmare.”
While Gill’s boyfriend has been supportive, their relationship has faced challenges. “We’ve had longer conversations about body image, pressures, and how this journey affects us as a couple,” she says. The experience has brought them closer in some ways, requiring them to embrace new changes, but it’s also introduced uncertainty. Gill’s partner has expressed concern that she’s becoming more focused on her appearance and the pills, rather than her health.
For Gill, the weight loss has brought feelings of insecurity, particularly as she begins to wonder if her boyfriend’s affection is tied to her progress. She started noticing his praise as she lost weight, and it made her question whether there was pressure to keep changing. Even small shifts in weight led to tension and awkward conversations, though Gill does feel her self-esteem has improved.
Weight-loss drugs can also affect partners who aren’t on the medication, says Rachel Goldberg, LMFT. As one person undergoes significant physical or mental changes, the dynamics of the relationship often shift. Goldberg explains that if one partner improves their self-esteem through weight loss, it can create feelings of insecurity in the other, particularly if food and dining out were once key bonding activities. Partners may also worry about being left behind or abandoned as the other person changes.
Side effects from weight-loss drugs, such as nausea and fatigue, can also impact romantic plans and intimacy. Leanna Stockard, a marriage therapist, notes that medications can bring emotional side effects like anxiety, depression, or irritability, further complicating the relationship dynamic.
However, for some couples, weight-loss drugs have had positive effects. Anne-Marie Zanzal and her wife, Tonda McKay, found that their weight-loss journeys boosted their energy and strengthened their bond. Zanzal, who took semaglutide after being unable to qualify for it through her doctor, experienced fewer side effects after switching to a new provider. McKay, who started Ozempic in December, has become more active, allowing them to engage in more activities together.
While McKay deals with some side effects, like gastric distress, both women feel more attractive in their bodies and support each other’s progress. Zanzal emphasizes how much easier the journey has been with her wife by her side, illustrating how weight-loss medications, when approached together, can enhance a relationship.
Ultimately, weight-loss drugs can drastically shift relationship dynamics, requiring partners to navigate both the physical and emotional changes that come with such transformations. Open communication and mutual support are key to adapting to these changes and maintaining a strong bond.
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