Using a burner account for this post. I’m looking for some support and success stories from other residents who have managed to lose weight. I’ve gained roughly 50 lbs since the beginning of med school. Right now, I’m in a surgical subspecialty residency and currently in my research years. During my clinical time, I neglected my health—eating junk, skipping greens, and while I was active on my feet, I had zero energy for actual exercise. My stress levels were through the roof. I kept telling myself I’d fix it during research. My lifestyle has improved significantly lately; I’m training regularly, meal prepping, and consulting a nutritionist. I’ve even incorporated therapy and meditation. However, the weight isn’t coming off. I lost 10 lbs but have been stuck there. I’m worried my body is stuck in a permanent stress response and won’t let the weight go. It feels like my metabolism is broken after years of being in “survival mode.” While research has its own stresses, it’s much better than clinical rotations. Have any of you had success with natural weight loss during residency? Is it doable, or should I just wait until I’m an attending? Should I explore GLP-1s? How do I signal to my body that it’s safe to lose weight? I’m on a beta blocker for migraines. Update 07/05/2025: Thank you for all the kind words. After consulting my PCP, I’ve decided to continue my lifestyle efforts, maintain a strict calorie deficit with my nutritionist, use Lingo, and try a brief course of Phentermine (since GLP-1s aren’t covered by my plan). I’m also getting checked for sleep apnea since I snore. I’m taking a comprehensive approach to finish residency in good health. Wish me the best!
I gained about 70 lbs from medical school through residency. I could never get more than 10 lbs to stay off during training. I finally started a GLP-1 once I was an attending and lost 100 lbs, which has stayed off for about a year now.
I’m right there with you, struggling with the same issues even before my research years. I did manage to lose 20 lbs recently. One thing to check: how much sleep are you getting? For me, if diet and exercise are on point, sleep is the final factor. Getting at least 7.5 hours consistently might be what you need to break your plateau. Not an expert, just what worked for me.
Tirzepatide is the answer, friend.
Are you actually weighing your food and logging every meal? Usually, when you hit a wall, going back to basics is key. Tracking helps identify those hidden calories you might be overlooking. I’d also suggest talking to your doctor about potential metabolic syndrome. Keep going, don’t give up.
Definitely try tirzepatide. I lost 70 lbs in 6 months effortlessly. I had been struggling with yo-yo dieting my entire life before that.