Kym Whitley, the Emmy-nominated actor, comedian, and podcaster known for her roles in “Happy Gilmore 2,” “The Bay,” and “Young & Hungry,” has openly shared her experiences with weight management. For most of her adult life, Whitley struggled with her weight, often finding herself in a cycle of losing and gaining.
The Struggle with Weight Management
“I would lose weight and then I would gain weight, and after a while, I felt stuck," Whitley told Healthline. "I got frustrated and one thing I’ve [learned] is that obesity is a disease, it is not a lifestyle, it’s a disease, and I needed help.” This realization marked a turning point in her approach to weight loss.
Finding a Tool: Zepbound
After years of trying various diets and exercise regimens without sustained success, Whitley consulted her doctor to explore other options. Her doctor recommended Zepbound, a GLP-1 drug, to be used in conjunction with healthy eating and regular exercise. Zepbound is an FDA-approved anti-obesity medication containing the active ingredient tirzepatide.
Whitley credits Zepbound with providing her with the necessary support to manage her obesity. “Zepbound has given me the tool to manage my obesity, and that is just the truth,” said Whitley. She also emphasized the importance of incorporating physical activity into her routine, starting with just 15 minutes a day on the elliptical. “I’m not saying I go to the gym and kill myself, but I get on the elliptical and I started 15 minutes a day. That has been very helpful.”
More Than Just a Number on the Scale
Since starting Zepbound four months ago, Whitley has experienced weight loss. However, she emphasizes that her journey is about more than just the numbers on the scale. She has partnered with Eli Lilly, the drug manufacturer of Zepbound, to share her story and inspire others.
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“It’s a whole different journey for me,” she said. “I don’t think of this as a vanity thing - that I have to fit in this dress or that I have to look a certain way. When I learned about obesity as a disease, I know that I need this tool to manage it, so for me, using Zepbound is part of my life.”
Making Healthier Choices
Whitley shared that Zepbound has empowered her to make better choices both at work and at home. “I’m enjoying going to work and picking out healthy food because every TV show and movie [has] a spread. Having the tool to manage the obesity really helps me and makes me happy that I can go to the craft service table and make healthy choices,” she said.
A Healthier Lifestyle for Her Son
As a mother, Whitley is now more active with her son, enjoying activities like bike rides, pickleball, and tennis. “Being in Hollywood, easily it can be about vanity; it really can, and now that I have a son, it’s not about vanity for me. It’s about living a healthy lifestyle and showing my son how to do that and being able to enjoy things like going outside. If he wants to do something, [I’m like] OK, I can do it, let’s go,” she shared.
Putting Herself First
Whitley reflected on her past tendency to prioritize her son's needs over her own health. “[I] had to make a decision to put myself first, really, and just get unstuck, and I had to really, really come to grips that obesity is a disease and that I need a tool to manage it,” she said. She encourages others struggling with obesity or their weight to consult with their doctors. “If you are struggling with obesity or with your weight, go to your doctor and ask [questions].”
Expert Opinions on Tirzepatide
Karl Nadolsky, DO, director of the Endocrine Clinic at the Gym and professor at Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, suggests tirzepatide is most beneficial for individuals with severe obesity and related conditions such as type 2 diabetes and sleep apnea. “The research does show that tirzepatide is more effective for weight loss and blood sugar management compared to other GLP-1s for obesity and type 2 diabetes,” Nadolsky told Healthline.
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Kais Rona, MD, bariatric surgeon of MemorialCare Surgical Weight Loss Center at Orange Coast Medical Center, considers tirzepatide the most effective weight loss drug currently available. “Unlike other GLP-1 medications, Zepbound has a dual-action mechanism, which targets both the GLP-1 and GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) receptors,” he told Healthline. Rona explained that this dual action appears to enhance appetite suppression and fat metabolism. He cited the SURMOUNT trial, funded by Eli Lilly, which indicated that participants treated with Zepbound experienced an average weight loss of 20% of their body weight, compared to 14% in those treated with semaglutide.
Considerations and Potential Side Effects
The selection of the most suitable GLP-1 medication is a collaborative decision between the patient and doctor, considering individual needs and goals. Factors such as cost, insurance coverage, dosing preferences, specific comorbidities, and tolerance are taken into account.
GLP-1 medications like Zepbound work by reducing appetite through the regulation of hunger hormones. This can lead to a reduced caloric intake, potentially resulting in protein deficiency, muscle loss, and dehydration in some individuals. Gastrointestinal side effects, including nausea, vomiting, and constipation, are also possible. Therefore, a well-balanced diet rich in high-fiber foods is crucial while taking GLP-1 drugs.
Regular follow-up appointments with a physician are essential to monitor weight loss progress and promptly address any side effects. When used as directed for weight management, Zepbound and other GLP-1 drugs are generally considered safe and effective. However, it's important to discuss any concerns or potential risks with a doctor.
Kym Whitley and WeightWatchers (WW)
Kym Whitley also found success with WeightWatchers (WW), emphasizing the importance of accountability and community support. She initially felt skeptical about the program, but after seeing Tamela Mann's success as a WW ambassador, she decided to give it a try.
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With the support of friends and family, Whitley experienced significant weight loss. “When I’m able to put on a dress and I don’t have to put on a Spanx or some kind of girdle support and I just put it on, you feel good. You feel better,” she said. “I run up the steps now. My back feels better, my knees, too. I have more energy. I can do stuff with my son. You start thinking, ‘You know what? I want to do more.’ You can control you. You are the boss. That’s why it makes people feel so good, because I did this. I did this for me. I can control it."
Whitley highlighted the flexibility of the WW program, allowing her to enjoy social events and her favorite foods while still achieving her weight loss goals. “This is a lifestyle, not just a weight-loss program,” she explained. WW provides a personalized plan that allows you to go to birthday parties, enjoy holidays, and generally eat the things you love.
She also emphasized the importance of self-care and making time for her own health needs. “Showing up for yourself and realizing that you need self-care. And this is part of my toolbox. I take my makeup bag with me, right? So I got my makeup with me. I got my favorite shoes. When I go on the road, I have my standup comedy book. And I got my Zepbound. So this is part of my toolbox.”
Addressing the Stigma of Obesity
Whitley is passionate about dismantling the stigma surrounding obesity and encouraging open conversations about weight management. She emphasizes that obesity is a disease, not a personal failing, and that seeking help is a sign of strength.
“There’s a stigma about having obesity, but there’s nothing to be ashamed of. It is a disease. It is a chronic disease. And that’s what’s so important that people have to recognize. You cannot walk around being ashamed of something."