Kristen Gryskevich’s weight loss journey has been a battle, but she’s finally found a solution that works for her. At 51, Kristen had struggled with her weight for much of her life. Despite trying various diets and exercise plans, it wasn’t until after a breast cancer diagnosis in 2021 that her health journey took a more focused turn. After her battle with cancer, she made the decision to undergo gastric bypass surgery (SADI-S) in December 2023, but her road to success also included a new ally—Zepbound, a weight loss medication that changed her approach to health.
In an exclusive interview with SELF in March 2025, Kristen opens up about the frustrations she faced with weight loss medications, how Zepbound helped her shed 55 pounds, and how she’s finally feeling like she’s in a good place with her health. Here’s everything Kristen had to say about her transformation.
Struggles with Diets and Weight Loss: A History of Yo-Yoing
For years, Kristen was trapped in a pattern of yo-yo dieting. After giving birth to her two sons in 2001 and 2005, she had struggled to shed the baby weight. At 5’9″, Kristen’s weight reached 220 pounds, and no matter how hard she tried, the weight didn’t stay off. She began running and even completed six and a half marathons in an attempt to maintain a healthy weight, but the demands of her life and the toll on her knees made it hard to sustain.
“The weight slowly crept back on,” Kristen recalls. Traveling for her son’s baseball tournaments and trying to keep up with a busy life made it difficult to stick to a routine. By 2019, Kristen found herself attending Orangetheory classes multiple times a week and losing 30 pounds. But when the pandemic hit, and workout studios closed, she struggled to keep up with her previous routine. This led to a frustrating cycle of weight loss and gain—nothing seemed to work long-term.
The Breast Cancer Diagnosis and New Challenges
In August 2021, Kristen was diagnosed with breast cancer, a moment that changed everything. She underwent a lumpectomy and full reconstruction surgery in September 2021. As part of her cancer treatment, she was prescribed Tamoxifen, a medication used to block estrogen and prevent the cancer from coming back. However, Tamoxifen led to weight gain, making it even more difficult for Kristen to lose the pounds she had worked so hard to shed.
“With Tamoxifen and no hormones, it made losing weight impossible,” Kristen explains. Despite trying fasting, eating a high-protein diet, and walking daily, she couldn’t make the scale budge. She was frustrated and struggled to find something that worked for her.
Turning to Zepbound: A Life-Changing Solution
After months of unsuccessful attempts to lose weight, Kristen found out about Zepbound, a medication that could help with weight loss. Zepbound, which contains tirzepatide, is a dual-action GLP-1 receptor agonist that works by affecting both the GLP-1 and GIP hormones to regulate appetite and energy balance. “I made an appointment with my doctor and was prepared for him to say no because of my history with cancer, but he agreed to try,” Kristen shared.
Her doctors carefully monitored her progress, and Kristen started on 2.5 mg of Zepbound. After two months, the dose was increased to 5 mg and then to 7.5 mg. By October 2024, she had plateaued and increased the dose to 10 mg every two weeks. Since starting Zepbound, Kristen has lost 55 pounds.
How Zepbound Works: A Breakthrough in Weight Loss
Zepbound is designed to support weight loss by mimicking the body’s natural hormonal processes related to weight regulation. “Zepbound helps you feel full longer, curb your appetite, and reduce food cravings,” explains Christina Aungst, a PharmD and Senior Pharmacy Editor at GoodRx. It also helps lower blood sugar and reduces the amount of sugar produced by the liver, all of which support weight loss.
Kristen found that Zepbound also helped reduce the “food noise”—those constant cravings and emotional eating tendencies that often plague those trying to lose weight. “It really helped me quiet that constant chatter in my head about food. I could finally make better decisions without feeling like I was constantly battling my own desires,” Kristen says.
Dietary Changes: A New Way of Eating
In addition to taking Zepbound, Kristen made significant changes to her diet. She now focuses on whole foods, prioritizing protein, vegetables, and fruit, while maintaining a calorie deficit. She enjoys a variety of nutritious meals, such as protein shakes with yogurt, berries, and granola for breakfast, and high-protein chicken soup with vegetables and fruit for lunch.
“It’s not about depriving myself,” Kristen says. “It’s about making choices that nourish my body, and that’s been the easiest part with Zepbound—my cravings are under control.” She does allow herself some indulgences, such as pizza in moderation, but she has cut back on fried foods and other high-calorie options.
Staying on Track: Building a Sustainable Fitness Routine
With her weight loss on track, Kristen is now focusing on building a sustainable fitness routine. “I feel great and finally something has worked for me,” she says. Kristen plans to increase her physical activity this summer, aiming to establish a more consistent workout regimen. She admits that the journey hasn’t been easy, but with the combination of Zepbound, a healthier diet, and a clearer mindset, she’s finally in a good place.
“I would consider myself now a perfect healthy weight,” Kristen says confidently, embracing the progress she has made while recognizing that the journey is ongoing.
Empowering Others to Find Their Own Path
Kristen Gryskevich’s weight loss journey is a powerful reminder that everyone’s path to health is unique. After struggling with weight loss for years, including battling with binge eating and the effects of breast cancer treatment, Kristen has found success with Zepbound and a new approach to eating and exercise. Her story encourages others to seek what works for them—whether it’s medication, diet changes, or exercise—and embrace their journey toward better health.
“It’s about finding balance, and for me, Zepbound was the tool that finally helped me get there,” Kristen says. “I feel healthier, stronger, and more in control of my life than ever before.”
For those struggling with their own weight loss, Kristen’s story offers hope and inspiration. If you or someone you know is struggling with eating disorders or weight management, consulting a healthcare professional is always the best first step.