This Is Us star Chrissy Metz is opening up about her weight loss journey and the unexpected changes she has experienced since starting a GLP-1 medication.
The 46-year-old actress, who has lost more than 100 pounds throughout her health journey, says the medication has done much more than help her manage her weight. She has also noticed improvements in her mobility, joint pain and overall well-being.
Metz admitted that she was initially skeptical about trying weight loss medication. However, she now says some of the benefits have been surprisingly positive.
Chrissy Metz Reveals Unexpected Health Improvements
During an October 20 interview with Entertainment Tonight, Metz discussed how taking a GLP-1 medication has helped her stay active, particularly while performing on Broadway.
One of the biggest changes has been a reduction in inflammation, which she says has made physical activity easier.
“Well, I think honestly being able to run around a stage eight shows a week was like really amazing,” Metz explained. “And the inflammation, that was really minimized.”
The actress played Angelique in the Broadway musical & Juliet, a demanding role that required her to remain active throughout performances.
Metz also revealed that she has struggled with knee problems and symptoms associated with perimenopause, the transitional period leading up to menopause.
She said the changes she experienced while taking the medication have helped her manage some of those challenges.
Medication Helped Quiet Constant Thoughts About Food
Another unexpected benefit Metz described was a reduction in what she calls “food noise.”
Food noise refers to frequent or distracting thoughts about eating, cravings and food choices.
During an appearance on Today with Jenna and Sheinelle, Metz explained that the medication helped quiet those thoughts, allowing her to focus on other parts of her life.
“There’s space for more creativity, more work, more being present in the moment,” she said.
For Metz, this mental change has been just as important as the physical benefits.
She previously admitted that she had spent years struggling with her relationship with food and often felt guilty about what she ate.
“I just vilified food for so long because I was taught that it was bad, and you shouldn’t eat this or that,” she explained.
Why Chrissy Metz Decided to Try GLP-1 Medication
Metz previously told People that she began seriously considering weight loss medication after years of trying different approaches to improve her health.
She also recalled experiencing a panic attack on her 30th birthday in 2010, which became an important moment in her health journey.
In an August interview with PEOPLE, Metz explained that her age, family medical history and experiences with perimenopause influenced her decision.
“I’m not getting any younger,” she said.
She also revealed that obesity-related health concerns run in her family.
Although Metz had previously tried dieting, therapy and other approaches, she felt she needed additional support.
She was initially concerned about possible side effects and questioned whether GLP-1 medications would work for her.
However, her experience changed her perspective.
“It’s been great! I’ve enjoyed the benefits that I didn’t think that would come, because I was very skeptical,” she said.
Actress Says Weight Loss Is About Health, Not a Number
Despite losing more than 100 pounds over the course of her health journey, Metz says she is not focused on reaching a specific weight.
Instead, she wants to feel stronger, healthier and more comfortable in her body.
She has also incorporated strength training into her routine and works with a personal trainer to build muscle.
Metz emphasized that medication alone is not a complete solution.
“I know it’s not a magic wand, and I need to change other things,” she explained.
The actress also said her blood work has improved, which has encouraged her to continue making healthy lifestyle changes.
Her concerns about long-term health are especially personal. Metz previously spoke about losing her father to sepsis following gastric bypass surgery.
That experience has influenced her desire to take care of herself and avoid serious health problems.
While Metz has described positive changes during GLP-1 treatment, individual results vary, and these medications can also cause side effects.
Who Is Chrissy Metz?
Chrissy Metz is an American actress and singer best known for playing Kate Pearson on NBC’s hit family drama This Is Us.
Born on September 29, 1980, in Homestead, Florida, Metz spent part of her childhood in Japan before her family returned to the United States.
She rose to fame when This Is Us premiered in 2016. Her emotional performance earned her Emmy and Golden Globe nominations.
Before becoming a household name, Metz appeared in television shows including American Horror Story: Freak Show and My Name Is Earl.
She also starred in the 2019 inspirational drama Breakthrough, playing a mother whose faith is tested after her son suffers a life-threatening accident.
Beyond acting, Metz has pursued music and released her memoir, This Is Me: Loving the Person You Are Today, in 2018. The book explores her childhood, career struggles, relationships and journey toward self-acceptance.
Throughout her career, Metz has spoken openly about body image and the pressures women face regarding their appearance.
She continues to encourage others to focus on their health and happiness rather than a number on the scale.
As she previously told People, “I just want to do what I can do to live the longest, healthiest life.”
