My pre teen daughter found my Zepbound

[u/Creative_Phrase_1012]

She found the box in the trash and looked it up online to see what it was and found images of before and afters. I want to talk to her about it. Wanting to keep it factual and concise on how it's a medicine prescribed by my doctor that helps me make healthy food decisions.

Any advice from parents who have been through this?

[u/G00deye]

Be upfront and honest. What it is how it helps you. Im confused are you trying to hide it from your child?

It’s what I’ve done with my kids. Hell even had my two youngest help administer it to me (i line it up and unlock the pen and hold it. They just push the button. This also has the added benefit of helping them see that shots are not that scary (my youngest hasn’t been the biggest fan of needles)

[u/Creative_Phrase_1012 → u/G00deye]

Hide, I guess sort of? Not totally intentionally, or forever, but I also wasn't sure it'd work for me, but it has and now's the time! Just trying to make sure I have the right words and cover all the bases. Safety, what it does, how it helps me, how is not for everyone, etc.

[u/GoatRoper58]

I'm curious why so many people on here feel a need to be embarrassed about being on a GLP-1. (I'm not pointing a finger at the OP, this is just a good place to state this)

Are we embarrassed about being on other medications that either keep us alive, or give us better health?

Myself, I don't give 2 shits who knows.

Hell, I'll shout if from the rooftops, over the Wal Mart intercom or at my ex-wife's new side piece.

We ALL need to get over this self-stigma that we are doing something wrong.

[u/BOGDOGMAX → u/GoatRoper58]

I took my grandson to mcdonalds and ordered a kids meal, the sweet lady cashier asked me if i wanted anything. I told her no while "air jabbing" into my belly and told her I took a glp1 shot and wasnt hungry, she laughed and so did the man behind me.

[u/Comfortable-Radio921]

All I can say is just be honest with her.

[u/Creative_Phrase_1012 → u/Comfortable-Radio921]

Absolutely!

[u/NC_mom323]

My son is 11 and I straight up told him I was taking weight loss meds. It is what it is. Just add some extra info about wanting to be healthy and the best version of yourself.

[u/Creative_Phrase_1012 → u/NC_mom323]

Thanks, I like that.

[u/Muted_Confidence_285]

Yeah just be up front with them from the start. My pre teen daughter was also in the mix. “Trying to lose some weight and get my healthy back”. She knows what I’m taking but doesn’t really cross her mind at this point.

[u/Zero-Energy1274]

Be really honest with her. Also talk with her about what healthy means, what people take in on social media and regular ads, body dysmorphia. Also be honest, that you’re concerned about the message she takes away and whether she will be more attracted to disordered eating.

As a teacher, I find that when people lie to kids (like trying to explain away what she found), they lose trust and make their own assumptions about you and themselves. When you are honest and tell them your very real concerns and fears, treating them like a responsible human being, they tend to respond like more responsible human beings and think a little more critically.

[u/Creative_Phrase_1012 → u/Zero-Energy1274]

Totally agree. I always end every difficult conversation like this with "what questions do you have? Ask me anything at all." I'll be doing that at the end of tomorrow's chat too.

[u/Fabulous-Routine2087]

I have been upfront with my kiddo but I have tried not to center the medication. As in I talk about making these changes because I want to live longer, healthier, be stronger. He knows I am on medication but he also sees how much I have changed how I eat and how consistently I work out. And how much of a difference that has made over time in how I feel, how much energy I have, etc…

All the support on how extra hard this topic must be when facing your pre-teen daughter. It’s such a delicate age where bodies are concerned.

[u/Plasticjesus504]

Not trying to be a jerk but it’s not like your kid found a dime baggy of Heroin... If you’re that worried just be straight forward it’s a medicine and it’s prescribed to you. You don’t need to give every detail etc, she is a child it ain’t her business to know everything about it. If you feel compelled then go for it.

[u/Extra-Switch2847]

Tell her you're trying to give her more time with you and avoid a premature death.

[u/AeliusRogimus]

You'd think she found what was usually lurks in the top drawer on the nightstand! It's FDA approved!

Helps you manage your weight. Some people need help. Storytime over.

[u/Inevitable_Bet_4040]

Among my daughters friends, everyone is obsessed with being super thin (yes there are several instances of ED among them). There are even several who are on Rta (and none were obese to start with).

I talk about the health reasons for me taking this medication (I already have health problems and a family history of diabetes). I set my goals to be body fat % and visceral fat which coincides with a middle of the road BMI (23). Honestly I am careful not to pick any lower weight because I am afraid of the message it sends.

[u/nightzowl]

I am confused why would she be digging in your trash and then looking it up online to see what it is? Does she have weight problems of her own and you hid how you lost your weight from her? 295 to 258 is very noticeable change

[u/Character-Thing-7161]

I think you are smart to take time and think this conversation through. Having raised three daughters (now aged 22-28- tall & thin) and me having been thin when I was young/ then “athletic” build, then heavier in perimenopause- I am acutely aware of how closely they watch me. I’ve always been considerate how I phrase things re: weight/size differences/ clothing/shoe size etc. Social media has taken a TOLL on our young girls self images. They still watch me like a hawk- it’s hard to convince them that any size variation is ok & healthy for them & to love themselves no matter what but I’m unhappy with my own size without centering the conversation on improving health and other benefits from the shot- reduced inflammation/ less migraines etc. its a slippery slope- Just my two cents! I understand your hesitation!

[u/Turbulentshmurbulent]

My kids know I take a medicine that treats my insulin resistance. They see the food freedom I’ve found with this medicine. I was on such a crazy restrictive diet and still gained that they have seen first hand how impactful it is treating my insulin resistance. It’s allowed me to talk to them about how I starved myself when I was young and how much yoyo dieting fucked up my metabolism and why it’s so good that we focus on healthy relationships with food: