In May 2025, I reached a turning point when the scale crept near 200 pounds and I felt unhealthy, bloated, and exhausted. That’s when I began researching GLP‑1 medications, specifically Zepbound, and learned how it could quiet food noise and help balance insulin resistance. At first, I expected rapid results like the stories I saw online, but I soon discovered I was a slow responder.

 

Instead of giving up, I shifted my focus inward. I began hiking as both a physical practice and a metaphor for my journey — moving step by step, patiently, and treating my body with care. Along the way, I learned that success wasn’t just about medication or the number on the scale. It was about building sustainable habits, fueling my body with the right nutrition, practicing strength training, and celebrating milestones.

 

My journey has been slower than I imagined, but it has been richer, teaching me resilience, self‑awareness, and the importance of listening to my body. Each trail I hike reminds me that transformation is not a sprint — it’s a climb, and every step counts.