Trisha Paytas, the 38-year-old internet personality, has recently shared her transformative weight-loss journey, describing it as “liberating.” In an exclusive chat with PEOPLE, she opened up about her experience with a GLP-1 medication, a treatment she hopes will inspire others in their personal struggles.
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Paytas, who has gained notoriety on social media for her entertaining Mukbang videos, embarked on her weight-loss journey after grappling with overeating and a significant weight increase linked to her pregnancies. She accumulated 80 pounds through back-to-back childbirths, prompting a need for change. “I grew up on fast food and processed foods, always overeating,” she explained, adding that the pressure intensified once she became a mother to three children.
Before resorting to medical intervention, Paytas attempted to shed the weight through natural methods, giving herself six months to achieve results. Unfortunately, her efforts yielded little success. She recalls feeling desperate, having tried various diets, from extremely restrictive plans to exercise regimens that left her exhausted. “I was starving myself and killing myself in the gym, but nothing worked,” she lamented.
Seeking a different approach, Paytas decided to try a GLP-1 medication. She partnered with Ro, a direct-to-patient healthcare provider, to start her weekly injections of Zepbound on May 11. The results have been remarkable—she reports a loss of 26 pounds in less than two months, bringing her from 243 to 217 pounds. “It’s truly life-changing,” she stated, noting that the treatment significantly reduces her cravings and allows her to enjoy the foods she loves in moderation.
Addressing the body-shaming comments she has faced in the past, Paytas clarified that her motivation extends beyond physical appearance. Despite her public persona, she has always been confident, focusing instead on how her weight has affected her performance and energy levels. “I always heard weight comments, and while they weigh on you, my motivation was about my health and energy, not how I looked,” she explained.
Since starting the medication, Paytas has noticed a significant boost in her energy levels, especially when interacting with her children—Malibu Barbie, 3, Elvis, 2, and Aquaman, 11 months. She fondly remembers a recent trip to the park where she was finally able to engage in activities like running and pushing them on swings, an experience she joked about as being a ‘park bench mum’ before.
In addition to her medication, Paytas has increased her physical activity, exercising daily and incorporating cardiovascular workouts and Pilates into her routine. She aims to achieve a weight below 200 pounds, a milestone she hasn’t reached in over ten years. Looking ahead, she expressed aspirations of running a marathon next year, underlining her commitment to a healthier lifestyle.
Paytas envisions the use of GLP-1 medication as a long-term solution in her journey toward wellness. “I can see myself continuing with this for life. It’s a normal amount of eating now, without the obsession that has defined so much of my existence,” she remarked.
As a new Ro Body ambassador, Paytas feels compelled to share her experience candidly. She wants to normalise the conversation around GLP-1 medications, stating that many people who successfully lose weight often hide their reliance on such treatments. “I wish more individuals were open about using GLP-1. I want to be transparent so that others with similar food-related issues can understand their options,” she said, concluding that her journey is merely the beginning of a lifelong commitment to health and well-being.
Through her weight-loss journey, Trisha Paytas has not only aimed for personal improvement but also seeks to uplift and support others who battle similar challenges, making her story one of hope and determination.