The Weight of Judgment: Breaking the Stigma Around Weight, Shame, and Medication

Carrie Woodcock
Oct 22
5 min read

Progress isn’t perfection - it's honesty, effort, and grace. No shame, just awareness and growth.

Let me start with a confession: I’m stubborn. The good kind (most of the time). Determined, headstrong, and fiercely loyal to the underdog. I like doing things the hard way, and if there's a way to power through without medication, you better believe I’ll give it everything I’ve got first.

So, when my doctor recently brought up weight-loss medication during a follow-up visit, I was shocked. Not because it’s a taboo suggestion—though for many people, it still is—but because it hit a nerve I didn’t even fully realize was raw. My instinct was to say, “Nope. Not for me. I’ll figure this out on my own.” And that’s exactly what I said.

But here’s the thing: I haven’t stopped thinking about that conversation since.

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Let’s Talk: What Do You Think?

Before I dive deeper into my story, I’d love to hear from you. These are the real, raw questions that so many of us think about—but rarely say out loud.

Take a moment to reflect and vote anonymously in the poll below. Your honesty helps create a space where more of us can feel seen, supported, and understood.

POLL: The Weight of Judgement — Your Take

Do you believe taking weight-loss medication is “cheating” when it comes to health and fitness?

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Would you hesitate to tell people if you were taking weight-loss medication out of fear of being judged?

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Do you think society places more value on “doing it the hard way” rather than just getting healthy by any means necessary?

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If your doctor recommended weight-loss medication, would you feel ashamed or embarrassed to consider it?

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Do you believe people who take weight-loss medication should disclose it if they’re in the wellness or fitness space?

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And here’s where things got really personal for me...

The fifth question in that poll hit like a punch to the gut:Do you believe people who take weight-loss medication should disclose it if they're in the wellness or fitness space?

Oof. As a health coach and fitness professional, that question cut deep—because it speaks directly to something I wrestle with constantly.

I’ve always felt like I’m held to a higher standard. Like, if I can’t “do it the hard way,” how can I expect anyone else to? And if I don’t look the part—whatever that even means—then why would anyone want to sign up with me?

It’s a tough, quiet pressure that lives in the background of everything I do. On one hand, I know health isn’t one-size-fits-all. I preach that daily. On the other hand, I still catch myself thinking: If I’m not the walking poster child of “fitness,” does that make me less credible? Less trustworthy? This is when imposter syndrome starts to creep in.

These questions don’t have easy answers, but I’m being honest about them here—because chances are, someone else is feeling this way too. Whether you're in the industry or just watching it from the outside.

In an upcoming episode, Britt and I will be talking with an MD about weight-loss medication and everything you need to know. If you have any questions you'd like us to ask, just send me a message using the contact form on the homepage!

Thanks for sharing your thoughts—truly. Now, let me take you back to where this journey has led me recently…

The Weight of Injury, Change, and Recovery

I’ve always been someone who relies on movement—not just for physical health, but for mental clarity, emotional balance, and personal empowerment. So, when I had my knee replaced, and suddenly couldn’t move the way I used to, it was disorienting on every level.

The knee surgery was the first domino. Then came hip issues, a pulled calf muscle, a strained shoulder—my body, once so strong and reliable, felt like it was falling apart piece by piece. I was trying to push forward, trying to bounce back, but progress was slow and incredibly frustrating.

And as all of this was happening, my weight crept up. Not dramatically, but enough that I noticed. Enough that it bothered me. Enough that it brought shame—something I thought I had worked through a long time ago—sneaking back in like an unwelcome guest.

Medication: Temptation or Tool?

I don’t like taking medication. Never have. Not for weight loss, not for sleep, not even for headaches unless I absolutely have to. I believe in the body’s ability to heal. I believe in lifestyle over quick fixes. And, if I’m being honest, I fear the side effects—both physical and emotional.

What if it makes me sick?
What if I lose even more muscle and strength than I already have?
What if I gain all the weight back once I stop?
What if, after everything I’ve fought through, I feel like I’ve taken the easy way out?

These are real fears. And I know I’m not alone in them.

The Shame No One Talks About

In this week’s Complete Wellness Podcast, “Beyond Judgment: Breaking the Stigma Around Weight, Shame, and Medication,” my co-host Britt Kelso and I talk about all of this—openly, honestly, and from different sides of the fence.

Britt and I don’t agree on everything when it comes to this topic, and I was a little nervous going into this episode because of that. But that’s exactly why we needed to talk about it. Because this stuff is messy. Life is messy. And we can’t keep pretending that it’s not.

What struck me most in our conversation was how many people are taking weight-loss medications—but keeping it a secret. Ashamed. Embarrassed. Afraid of judgment.

Why?

Why do we still carry this narrative that taking medication means you’re weak, or lazy, or cheating?

Since when did we decide that there’s only one “right” way to work on your health—and if you veer off that path, you're somehow less than?

We’ve got to stop doing this to each other. And to ourselves.

My Current Plan: Keep Showing Up

Right now, I’ve chosen not to take weight-loss medication. I’m focusing instead on a full-body, whole-life reset—one that I just wrote about in my latest blog, Back to Basics: Simple Steps to Reset. Sleep. Hydration. Gentle movement. Stretching. Nutrition. Meditation. I’ve gone back to the core habits that ground me.

I’ve also got one final Foundations 8-Week Program left in my calendar, running through December 21st—which happens to be exactly one year since my knee replacement. So, I’ve committed to showing up fully for these eight weeks. Not perfectly. Not without challenges. But with heart, grit, and a clear goal: Give it everything I’ve got one more time before making any decisions.

Let’s Talk About It

I know we're not alone in this. Maybe you’ve taken the medication. Maybe you're considering it. Maybe you've been silently struggling with shame, guilt, or judgment—either your own or someone else's.

Let me ask you:

Have you felt pressure to keep your choice quiet?
Have you been made to feel like you were “cheating” or taking the easy way out?
Has the medication helped you? Hurt you?
Did it give you the boost you needed—or did it come with regrets?

Your experience matters. Whatever you decide, whatever path you choose—there is no shame in choosing your health.

Let’s keep talking. Let’s keep breaking the stigma. And let’s remember that doing what's right for you—even if it looks different from what others might choose—is a decision that deserves nothing but respect.

🎧 Listen to this week’s episode of the Complete Wellness Podcast: “Beyond Judgment: Breaking the Stigma Around Weight, Shame, and Medication” to hear Britt and I talk through all of this—and more.

And if you’re in the same season I’m in, come join me for these last 8 weeks of the year. Let’s finish strong—together.

You’re not alone.

💬 Leave a comment below or DM me—wherever you are on your journey, I’d love to hear from you.

#BeyondJudgement #CompleteWellnessPodcast #BackToBasics #WeightLossJourney #NoShame #StigmaFree #YourHealthYourWay #FoundationsProgram #KneeReplacementRecovery

In the mess & the magic,

Carrie

Complete Wellness is about showing up for yourself — mind, body, and soul — with honesty, compassion, and the courage to find beauty even in the mess.