Natalie Wilgus, a certified personal trainer and fitness nutrition specialist, shares her inspiring weight loss story, detailing her struggles with hormonal imbalances, her journey with Mounjaro, and her commitment to maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
The Initial Struggle: Hormonal Havoc and Unexpected Weight Gain
Wilgus had always maintained a healthy weight through consistent exercise and a balanced diet. However, after the birth of her son in November 2019, her body underwent significant changes. Following three years of IVF treatments and hormone medications, she experienced a cascade of symptoms, including weight gain, loss of muscle mass, extreme mood swings, insatiable appetite, unusual cravings, and hair thinning. Initially, she attributed these changes to the typical "new mom" experience, but her symptoms persisted and intensified.
Despite adhering to a clean diet, monitoring her macros, and exercising daily, Wilgus found herself gaining weight instead of losing it. After several months without improvement, she realized that the issue extended beyond postpartum adjustments. While her physical health appeared normal, a doctor's visit revealed that her body mass index (BMI) had reached "obese" levels for the first time in her life. Although she had polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), weight gain had never been a prominent symptom.
The "obese" label on her medical chart was disheartening, but the most difficult aspect was seeing herself in photos. At her heaviest, she weighed over 185 pounds, exceeding her weight at nine months pregnant. Photos of her with her son at his first swimming lesson were particularly painful. During this period, Wilgus's mental health and self-esteem plummeted. Fortunately, her husband provided unwavering support and encouragement, which she credits with preventing an even greater decline in her mental state.
Seeking Answers: The Endocrinologist and a Last Resort
For two years, Wilgus consulted numerous doctors who dismissed her concerns, assuring her that her weight would eventually normalize. Finally, she found an endocrinologist who listened to her and acknowledged that something was amiss. Hormone testing revealed a deficiency in testosterone production. Although many women are unaware of its importance, testosterone plays a crucial role in overall health. The endocrinologist started Wilgus on low-dose weekly testosterone injections, which she administered herself after receiving proper training.
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After three months, there were no significant changes in her weight. In the fall of 2022, the endocrinologist suggested trying Mounjaro, explaining that it was an off-label, experimental treatment. Off-label prescriptions are legal when a licensed provider deems them appropriate. At the time, semaglutide and tirzepatide injections were not widely discussed. Wilgus and her doctor agreed that the potential benefits of Mounjaro outweighed the risks, making it a worthwhile option.
Wilgus paid for the medication out of pocket. Initially, she used a manufacturer's coupon to obtain four Mounjaro injection pens for $25. However, the coupon expired, and she began paying the full price, which started at around $575 for four pens and eventually increased to approximately $1,000 per month. Desperate for a solution after two years of consistent weight gain, Wilgus viewed Mounjaro as her last hope. Prior to starting the medication, her efforts with daily exercise, diet control, and testosterone treatment had been unsuccessful.
The Mounjaro Journey: A Turning Point
Before starting Mounjaro, Wilgus and her doctor established a goal weight of 140 pounds, which they considered a healthy and maintainable target. Once she reached this weight, she would discontinue Mounjaro and transition to a maintenance phase. She began taking Mounjaro at the beginning of November 2022, starting with a 2.5-milligram dose once weekly. Over the next six months, the dosage gradually increased to a maximum of 7.5 milligrams per week.
Wilgus's body responded positively to Mounjaro almost immediately. Within 48 hours, she felt a shift in her hormones and knew that the medication was working. Her cravings diminished, and her portion sizes decreased by more than half. Her doctor had prepared her for these changes, emphasizing the importance of eating at regular intervals, even when not feeling hungry. Wilgus stocked up on small, healthy snacks to maintain stable blood glucose levels and prevent hypoglycemia.
She also learned to avoid sugary and greasy foods, as they caused severe cramping and stomach pain. These symptoms were so intense that she compared them to contractions. Wilgus maintained her existing exercise routine, working out five to six times per week for 45 to 60 minutes, incorporating cardio, strength training, and Orangetheory classes. She believes that this contributed to her rapid weight loss. She was already doing the "right" things from a traditional weight loss perspective, but her body had not responded until she started Mounjaro.
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Success and Maintenance: A Holistic Approach
In the first two weeks, Wilgus lost over 10 pounds and continued to lose weight consistently, ultimately shedding over 55 pounds. She felt motivated and energized, experiencing consistent results for the first time in a long time. Her self-confidence grew as the numbers on the scale decreased, and she celebrated non-scale victories, such as her clothes fitting better or becoming too big. This positive mental shift further enhanced her results. She pushed herself to lift heavier weights in the gym and increased her protein intake to preserve muscle mass.
Many individuals on tirzepatide and semaglutide injections experience significant muscle loss, but Wilgus was determined to prevent this. Her training as a certified personal trainer and fitness nutrition specialist equipped her with the knowledge to adjust her macros, diet, and training style to meet her health goals. While she inevitably experienced some muscle loss, it was minimal compared to the overall fat loss.
After six months on Mounjaro, Wilgus reached her goal weight of 140 pounds and decided to stop taking the medication. She implemented a rapid weaning process, reducing her dosage from 7.5 milligrams per week to 5 milligrams every two weeks. She continued this for two months, stretching her supply of four injections over the entire period. Fortunately, she experienced no negative side effects during the weaning process. She did notice a three-pound weight gain, which she attributed to muscle gain from her continued gym workouts.
Several factors contributed to her decision to stop Mounjaro. Primarily, she had reached her goal weight and could maintain it without medication. She also wanted to avoid further weight loss and maintain a healthy and sustainable weight range. Additionally, she was aware of the potential for body dysmorphia and wanted to choose a weight that was healthy and sustainable for her overall well-being. The high cost of Mounjaro, which was not covered by insurance, also played a role. While she was fortunate to be able to afford the medication in the short term, the significant increase in cost motivated her to reach her goal weight quickly.
Long-Term Strategies: Habits, Balance, and Perspective
Wilgus emphasizes that weight loss is a lifelong journey with inevitable ups and downs. One of the most important lessons she learned while weaning off Mounjaro was the importance of maintaining the habits and portion sizes she developed while on the medication. This has been crucial to her success in maintaining her weight. She immediately portions her food when she sits down to eat. At restaurants, she asks for a to-go box at the beginning of the meal to avoid overeating. When preparing food at home, she pre-portions her meals and stores the rest for later.
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Wilgus believes in balance and refuses to deprive herself of certain foods. She has also changed her perspective on using medications alongside traditional weight loss methods. She appreciates living in a world where such options exist and encourages open conversations about them. She feels stronger, more empowered, and more in control of her health than ever before. She is completely satisfied with her decision to pursue Mounjaro as a weight loss option.
Currently, if her weight increases by more than 10 pounds, she takes five-milligram maintenance doses of Mounjaro for two weeks to keep her body in check. She has only had to do this twice since ending treatment, in October 2023 and April 2024. This approach was recommended by her doctor, and using only two Mounjaro pens for the maintenance doses makes it more affordable.
Wilgus stresses the importance of consulting with a healthcare professional to determine a healthy and maintainable weight. Everyone is different, and what works for one person may not work for another. As a muscular person, she can sustainably maintain a weight of around 140 to 145 pounds with a healthy body fat percentage. Today, she weighs 143 pounds and feels healthy, lean, and strong.
Non-Scale Victories: Beyond the Numbers
Wilgus also highlights the significance of non-scale victories. These are indicators of fat loss or muscle gain that are not reflected on the scale. She recounts an experience where she stepped on the scale after two weeks of dieting and was disappointed to see only a one-pound loss. However, when she tried on a skirt and dress pants, she found that the skirt was too loose and the pants were too big. This realization emphasized that the scale does not capture the full picture of progress.
Non-scale victories can include changes in how clothes fit, increased energy levels, improved mood, and enhanced physical performance. Wilgus encourages people to focus on these victories and avoid solely measuring success by the number on the scale. Scales do not measure inches lost or muscle gained.
Recipes for a Healthy Lifestyle: Wilgus's Culinary Creations
Wilgus shares several of her favorite recipes that align with a healthy lifestyle:
Taco Salad Lunch Bowls
These bowls are a delicious and healthy alternative to fast food. The recipe includes ground turkey, garlic, onion, chipotle pepper, adobo sauce, tomato sauce, and various toppings.
"Almost" Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough
This egg-free alternative to traditional cookie dough is a guilt-free treat. The recipe includes melted coconut oil, Shakeology, gluten-free flour, maple syrup, and flax seed.
Cashew-Crusted Chicken
This recipe involves crushing salt-free dry roasted cashews and using them to crust boneless chicken breasts marinated with tomato powder and dried basil.
Spaghetti Squash with Tomato Sauce
Spaghetti squash is a low-calorie, nutrient-rich vegetable that can be used as a substitute for pasta. This recipe involves roasting the squash and topping it with tomato sauce, tomato paste, and seasonings.
Chicken and Broccoli with Olive Oil & Vinaigrette Drizzle
This recipe features baked chicken breasts topped with cheese and served with broccoli and rice. The olive oil and vinaigrette drizzle adds a flavorful touch.
Turkey Meatball Subs
This recipe includes homemade turkey meatballs served in containers and topped with tomato sauce and shredded mozzarella cheese.
Bowflex TreadClimber TC20 Review
Wilgus also provides a review of the Bowflex TreadClimber TC20, a compact and effective cardio machine. She highlights its ease of assembly, low-impact workout, and unique treadle design. She also mentions the sensitivity of the emergency stop and the lack of a built-in fan as minor drawbacks.
The Importance of Losing Fat, Not Weight
Wilgus emphasizes the distinction between losing weight and losing fat. She points out that the goal should be to lose fat while preserving muscle, skin, bones, and organs. She shares her personal experience of gaining fat after a knee surgery in 2014 and how she successfully transformed her body through the 21-Day Fix Extreme Program from Team Beachbody.
She also discusses the potential side effects of rapid fat loss, such as acne and hormonal imbalances. She advises consulting with a healthcare professional if any concerns arise.