This Is Us star Chrissy Metz has revealed why she eventually decided to try a GLP-1 medication in 2026, after years of being sceptical about the drugs and struggling with weight, dieting and the stigma surrounding larger bodies.
Metz, 45, said her decision was not solely about losing weight. She described years of reflecting on her relationship with food, concerns about her health and the impact of health problems experienced by members of her family as factors in her decision to try the medication.
Chrissy Metz Was Once 'Very Sceptical' About GLP-1s
Metz has been unusually open about her complicated relationship with weight throughout her career. In an August 2026 interview with E! News, she said she had been 'very sceptical' about starting a GLP-1 for a long time. Her hesitation came despite having spent much of her life trying different approaches to managing her weight.
'I've been on diets for a very, very long time, since I was a kid,' Metz explained. She said she knew she could lose weight, but had not understood that there could be other factors affecting her relationship with food.
One of those factors, she said, was what is commonly described as 'food noise', the persistent thoughts or preoccupation around food. For Metz, learning more about that aspect of weight management helped shift the way she viewed GLP-1 treatment.
A Friend's Research Helped Change Her Mind
Metz has said she did not make the decision overnight. According to her account, a friend carried out extensive research into GLP-1 medications and presented her with what Metz described as a 'very thorough' case. That encouraged the actress to investigate the treatment for herself rather than dismissing it outright.
She also discussed her father's health problems as another factor in her decision. During an appearance on TODAY in August, Metz explained that complications involving her father's health made her think more seriously about taking control of her own health. She stressed, however, that the treatment was a personal decision and that it would not necessarily be right for everyone.
Her Weight Struggles Started in Childhood
Metz's has previously spoken about being teased about her size and developing a difficult relationship with food while growing up. In her memoir and earlier interviews, she described experiencing emotional and physical abuse from her stepfather, including criticism related to her weight.
She has also recalled being placed on Weight Watchers at 11, illustrating how early weight became something she was expected to monitor. Those experiences followed her into adulthood. Metz has previously discussed emotional eating, body image and the pressure she felt around her size, while also making clear that her goal was not simply to chase a number on the scales.
Metz Says GLP-1s Have Changed More Than Her Weight
Since beginning GLP-1 treatment, Metz has described several changes that she considers important beyond weight loss. Speaking to E! News, she said the medication had helped with inflammation, her overall health markers and her sense of mental space. She also said that quieting the constant 'food noise' had given her more room for creativity and everyday life.
Her current work schedule has also influenced how she views those changes. Metz is performing eight shows a week in the Broadway musical & Juliet. In an interview with TODAY, she said she did not think she would be able to manage that demanding schedule in the same way without the benefits she associates with her treatment.
Her Journey Has Also Included Lifestyle Changes
The actress's weight loss story did not begin with GLP-1 medication. In 2025, Metz spoke about previously losing around 100 pounds through changes including a 2,000-calorie diet and regular walking. She has also discussed strength training and focusing on health rather than becoming fixated on a particular number on the scales.
Her account represents another stage in a much longer journey rather than a sudden transformation. The medication is also discussed alongside lifestyle changes, rather than as a replacement for them. Metz has encouraged people considering GLP-1 treatment to educate themselves and make informed decisions about their own health.
Why Metz Says the Decision Was Personal
The actress has faced criticism since publicly discussing her use of GLP-1 medication. In September 2026, she responded to the criticism by saying that people are entitled to their opinions, while emphasising that different approaches work for different people.
Her comments reflect the broader debate surrounding GLP-1 medications, which have become increasingly prominent in conversations about obesity and weight management. 'I was like, "I'm never going to take one of these things",' she recalled.
Chrissy Metz later came to believe that the treatment could be beneficial for her. After years of dieting and uncertainty, the actress says the biggest change has been understanding that weight management may involve more than willpower alone.
