Rachael Narins, a 53-year-old trained chef and recipe developer, has been taking a daily Wegovy pill for five months to manage her weight. Despite her constant exposure to food through her job, the pill has helped her eat less and reduce the mental preoccupation with food, known as 'food noise.'
Struggles with Weight Gain
Rachael's career involves developing recipes, cooking, tasting, and visiting restaurants to keep up with trends. While she maintained her weight through exercise in the past, aging led to gradual weight gain. 'My clothes got tighter, and I didn’t feel good. In a very short amount of time, I suddenly couldn’t wear anything I owned,' she said. The inability to fit into her wardrobe became distressing, especially during public events where she is often photographed.
Choosing the Pill Over Injections
Rachael was aware of Wegovy injections but hesitated due to potential side effects like extreme nausea and the weekly dosing schedule. When the Wegovy pill launched in the U.S. in early 2026, she decided to try it. 'I didn’t like the idea of taking something on a weekly basis in case it didn’t agree with me,' she explained. She obtained the pill through a Zoom consultation with a physician and paid via insurance.
Side Effects and Adjustments
The pill caused nausea and vomiting, especially during the first two days after starting and after dosage increases. 'For the first two days, I was sick in the morning for about two hours; and every time my dosage increased, it would happen again,' Rachael recalled. She started at 1.5mg, which had no impact, but after increasing the dose in the second month, she began losing weight and feeling mental benefits.
Impact on Eating Habits
The pill reduced her appetite significantly. 'I have a quarter of what I used to, and I’m full, I’m satisfied, I’m happy,' she said. The 'food noise' in her head stopped, allowing her to test recipes without overeating. 'When I make a dozen doughnuts, I’m not compelled to eat all of them and then feel terrible about myself,' she added.
Daily Routine and Monitoring
Rachael takes the pill daily, which she prefers over weekly injections as it allows her to stop anytime if needed. She monitors potential drug interactions and uses an app to track water intake, as the pill reduces thirst. 'At no point during the day do you think, “Gosh, I’m thirsty”; and then you realise you’ve not had a sip of water,' she noted.
Weight Loss Goals and Stigma
Rachael aims to lose 18% of her starting body weight and is satisfied with her progress. She plans to discuss stopping Wegovy with her doctor once she reaches her goal, focusing on maintaining a healthy lifestyle. She is open about taking the pill, despite some negative reactions. 'There’s no stigma to being overweight, as far as I’m concerned, but I’m never going to be ashamed of using the tools provided to me to make a positive difference in my life,' she said.
