Chrissy Metz says a GLP-1 brought surprising benefits after more than 100 pounds of weight loss

Chrissy Metz has spoken candidly about the unexpected benefits she says she experienced after using a GLP-1 medication for weight loss.

The 46-year-old actress said the drug helped quiet persistent “food noise” and also improved her mobility by easing inflammation.

She added that the medication has helped with knee discomfort and made it easier to perform eight Broadway shows a week as Angelique in & Juliet.

“Well, I think honestly being able to run around a stage eight shows a week was like really amazing,” she told Entertainment Tonight at the premiere of Apple TV’s Nocturne. “And the inflammation, that was really minimized.”

Metz, who has lost more than 100 pounds during her health journey, said the changes have also been helpful for the symptoms of perimenopause she had been dealing with.

“I got knee issues, like there’s things going on,” she said. “And I think just also the mental capacity to have other things to think about than obsessing about the food noise and all that.”

Metz has previously said she began exploring GLP-1 medication after a panic attack on her 30th birthday in 2010.

Speaking to People about her decision to start the treatment, she said: “I’m not getting any younger. I’m in perimenopause, and there were obesity issues within my family and with my father, and I felt like I’ve tried so many modalities, whether it was diets or therapy, and none of it really worked for me.”

She has also discussed her experience on Today with Jenna and Sheinelle, saying the prescription drug has helped reduce obsessive thoughts about food.

“There’s space for more creativity, more work, more being present in the moment,” she explained.

Her comments came after she revealed that she lost 100 pounds through strength training and dietary changes.

At the time, she said she had long been unsure about trying a GLP-1 because she did not believe it would work for her or feared unpleasant side effects.

After trying it, however, she said: “It’s been great! I’ve enjoyed the benefits that I didn’t think that would come, because I was very skeptical.”

She added, “I just vilified food for so long because I was taught that it was bad, and you shouldn’t eat this or that.”

Metz said the benefits of losing weight include greater mobility, less joint pain, and reduced inflammation.

The Broadway performer said the improvements have made it easier to move around onstage while appearing in & Juliet.

Reflecting on whether to use a GLP-1, she said her focus was on improving herself and putting herself first, something she described as difficult as a people pleaser.

She also said her blood work has already improved and that she feels she is getting ahead of health issues that needed attention.

Metz said she continues to prioritize fitness, noting that she works with a trainer, lifts weights, and is building muscle.

She added that her goal is not to reach a specific number on the scale.

“I really try not to have a number. I just want to feel strong and not have my morning ruined because I stepped on a scale and I’m several pounds above what I think I should be,” she explained.

Metz has previously said her feelings about weight loss drugs were complicated.

One year ago, she told People that while such medications can be important for people managing diabetes or high A1C levels, they can also be risky for anyone with a restrictive eating disorder because of appetite suppression.

“I never said I was the poster child for body positivity. I just want to do what I can do to live the longest, healthiest life,” she said at the time.

Speaking about her father’s death from sepsis following gastric bypass surgery, the Florida native said she does not want to face the same outcome.