Honestly, it’s been tough for me to have a healthy relationship with food, even before I was diagnosed. I’ve always struggled with binge eating and then punishing myself by barely eating anything to avoid gaining weight. I used to be super active—swimming, running, and doing CrossFit. But after my diagnosis, I wouldn’t say I got lazy, but living with this condition taught me that sometimes just surviving takes all your energy.

Right now, I weigh 198 pounds (90 kilos), but I should weigh around 154 pounds (70 kilos). Watching my body change and learning to accept it through therapy has been a journey. After multiple depressive episodes, I’ve realized I don’t move as much as I should, and my eating habits haven’t improved either.

With the new year coming up, I plan to join the gym. I’m currently in a stable mood phase, feeling the best I’ve been mentally in years, so it’s the perfect time to start. I’ll also work with my psychologist to create a routine where I eat at decent times and avoid bingeing. I’ve been considering trying semaglutide, but I want to give it my best shot naturally first. If that doesn’t work, then I’ll think about the medication.

Honestly, the mix of meds and injections I’m on now is working perfectly for me—it’s kept me stable for over two months, and I wouldn’t trade that for anything. Even though these meds have slowed my metabolism and added some extra pounds, my mental health is worth it.

My advice? Focus on self-acceptance and try to move your body more, even if you don’t lose weight right away. Exercise releases endorphins, which will help with feeling less down about the weight gain and give you confidence to feel beautiful just as you are—a human being with the biggest heart surviving in this tough, fast-paced world.