GLP-1 journeys explained: Maxine Laceby on weight loss, stigma & support

Why more women are turning to GLP-1 medications.

GLP-1 medications are becoming more widely used, but for many women, the experience still feels private.

Despite how common they are, there’s often a sense of stigma or judgement attached. That means many women go through the journey quietly, without open conversation or shared understanding.

As Absolute Collagen co-founder Maxine Laceby explains, this silence is something that needs to change.

“A lot of women are navigating GLP-1s in silence,” says Maxine.

“I was one of them. We shouldn't have to do this quietly anymore.”

The reality behind the decision.

For many, choosing to use a GLP-1 medication isn’t a quick or easy decision.

Maxine describes years of fluctuating weight and an ongoing effort to build a healthier relationship with food. Like many women, it was never simply about appearance, but about feeling well and in control.

The decision to begin a GLP-1 journey often comes after long-term challenges, not as a short-term fix.

“For most of my life, I've struggled with food and a cycle of weight gain and weight

loss. Up 2.5 stone, down 2.5 stone, over and over again. For me, it's never about being skinny. It's about building a good relationship with food to support my health and my wellbeing,” explains Maxine.

Breaking the stigma around GLP-1 use.

One of the most consistent themes in Maxine’s experience is the stigma surrounding GLP-1 medications.

She describes feeling unable to share her decision openly at first, even with those closest to her.

“When I decided to go on a GLP-1, it wasn't an easy decision,” she admits.

“In fact, I felt ashamed. It took me a year to admit it to my family and my close friends because of the stigma and judgement. And I don't think it should be like that for people that have constant food noise or are on a GLP-1 journey.”

This highlights a broader issue. Many women feel they need to navigate this experience alone, when in reality, it’s far more common than it appears.

Open, honest conversations are key to changing that.

What a GLP-1 journey can feel like.

While every experience is different, one of the most significant shifts Maxine describes is a sense of freedom. Freedom from constant food noise. Freedom to make calmer, more considered decisions around eating.

Rather than feeling restrictive, the experience can create space for a more balanced relationship with food. Alongside physical changes, this can also impact emotional and mental wellbeing.

“Being on a GLP-1 gave me something I'd never truly had before: freedom and choice,” says Maxine.

“Freedom from constant food noise and the opportunity to make calmer, more considered decisions around eating. didn't just lose weight. I feel better physically, emotionally, and mentally. I'm open about my experience now because I believe women deserve honest, complete information - not fear, secrecy or scaremongering. This journey isn't right for everyone, but empowerment comes from understanding all the

Facts,” she says.

The challenges women still face.

Even with positive outcomes, many women experience challenges during rapid weight loss.

Through conversations with friends and the Absolute Collagen community, common concerns include:

• Low energy levels
• Changes in skin
• Reduced muscle tone
• Hair shedding
• Digestive discomfort

In many cases, women try to manage these changes by taking multiple supplements , often without clear guidance.

Why better support matters.

These shared experiences highlighted a clear gap. Women were not just looking for weight loss. They were looking for support throughout the process. Support that considers:

• Nutritional needs during reduced intake
• Changes in skin, hair and muscle
• Digestive health and energy levels

As Maxine explains, this is what led to the development of a more considered solution, created with real women and expert input.

“When I started talking to my friends and our community that were on the GLP-1, I realised so many women were struggling with energy, skin, muscle tone, hair shedding, digestion - the list was endless and they were taking so many supplements just to cope. That's when I asked Darcy and the team to help create a better solution – one designed specifically for women like me. As with everything we do at Absolute Collagen, we co-created Sculpt Pro with real women and our team of experts and addressed those needs using clinically aligned, proven ingredients,” says Maxine.

A more open and informed approach.

GLP-1 journeys are not the same for everyone, and they’re not the right choice for everyone. But access to clear, honest information allows women to make informed decisions about their own health. Moving away from secrecy and towards open conversation helps create a more supportive, realistic understanding of what these journeys involve. Because ultimately, empowerment comes from understanding the full picture.