There is nothing more frustrating than showing up for yourself day after day and not seeing any results. You stick to the plan. You lift weights. You walk 10,000 steps a day. You avoid processed foods. You even calculate your calories. But then the scale doesn’t move. Your clothes fit the same. You measure your waistline and see the same number staring back. You feel stuck and start to wonder: is something wrong with me?
For many women in their 30s, especially those from South Asia and with a family history of diabetes or other metabolic conditions, this is not just about vanity or chasing a number on the scale. It’s about health, prevention, and trying to stay ahead of a future that feels like it’s already mapped out. That’s exactly what makes the lack of progress so painful.
This is the reality for one woman, 35 years old, South Asian, and prediabetic in the past. She brought her A1C down from 6.0 to 5.4 last year, showing clear commitment. She’s now at 155 pounds, aiming to reach 135. Since 2023, she has been consistent with a calorie deficit, weight training four times a week, and walking daily. Yet, in spite of all this effort, she has not lost a single pound or inch.
Let’s take a deeper look at why this might be happening, what options are on the table, and what others going through the same thing should keep in mind.
When Effort Doesn’t Match Outcome
There is a kind of heartbreak in giving it your all and having nothing to show for it. When that happens in relationships, you question compatibility. When it happens at work, you consider switching jobs. But when it happens with your own body, the feelings are much more personal. It can feel like betrayal.
The problem here is not motivation. It’s not laziness. This woman is showing up, training hard, eating with intention, walking daily, and keeping her blood sugar under control. She has every right to expect progress. So when the numbers don’t change, doubt starts to creep in.
Is my metabolism broken? Do I have a hormonal issue? Am I secretly eating more than I think? These are fair questions, but they can quickly turn into self-blame.
In reality, weight loss is not always a straight line, and for many women with genetic risks like diabetes, the path is even more complex.
The Genetics Factor and South Asian Risk Profiles
When you come from a family where everyone has had diabetes: parents, grandparents, and even great-grandparents, it shapes how you view health. You’re not just trying to avoid gaining weight. You’re trying to prevent an illness you’ve seen destroy the energy, eyesight, and independence of the people you love.
For South Asian women in particular, this battle can be even harder. Studies have shown that South Asians tend to have higher levels of visceral fat even at lower BMIs. This means that the health risks often show up earlier and more aggressively.
On top of that, the standard weight loss methods promoted in Western health models may not always apply the same way. South Asians also have different insulin sensitivity levels and genetic markers for metabolic issues. All this means that weight loss may not only take longer, but also require different kinds of support.
So when someone with this background finds that their body is not responding to what should work, it might not be because they are doing anything wrong. It may be that the approach needs to be adjusted, or that medical support could be a helpful next step.
When Medication Enters the Conversation
The woman’s doctor has suggested a new weight loss drug called Zepbound. Like other newer medications that fall under the GLP-1 family, Zepbound is designed to help people lose weight by improving insulin sensitivity and reducing appetite.
For many people, medications like these have been life-changing. They’ve allowed people who previously struggled with stubborn weight gain or blood sugar control to finally see progress. But, of course, every medical intervention comes with questions. Is it safe? Will I gain the weight back after stopping it? Am I just giving up?
There’s no shame in considering medication. This isn’t about taking shortcuts. It’s about giving your body the support it needs when traditional methods are not enough. You wouldn’t ask someone to lower their blood pressure without help. So why is there still guilt around needing help with weight?
What matters most is the intention. If the goal is better health, stable blood sugar, and a stronger body, then using the right tools for the job is not a weakness. It’s wisdom.
Measuring Progress Beyond the Scale
One of the toughest parts of this journey is how much we rely on the scale. It’s so easy to feel defeated when that number doesn’t go down. But weight is just one measure. It doesn’t show your improved strength, your better endurance, your improved insulin resistance, or how much more energy you have.
The truth is, even if your weight hasn’t changed, your body may still be getting healthier. Muscle weighs more than fat, and strength training can lead to body recomposition that makes you smaller, firmer, and stronger, even if the scale doesn’t budge.
Also, the A1C came down from 6.0 to 5.4. That alone is a win. That’s what really matters in the long term: reducing your risk for diabetes, heart disease, and other chronic illnesses.
If your body is changing on the inside in ways you can’t yet see on the outside, don’t discount that.
The Key Takeaways Here
If you’re someone who’s reading this and feels like you’re in the same place, you’re not alone. There are so many women quietly battling the same thing, doing everything right, fighting for their health, and not seeing the results they deserve.
The emotional toll can be heavy. You start to question yourself. You feel discouraged. You might even want to give up.
But please don’t.
Your effort still matters. Even if you can’t see it yet, your body is listening. Your future self will thank you for not quitting. And if you need medication to support your progress, there is no shame in that.
This journey is not about looking a certain way. It’s about feeling better, living longer, and taking control of a future that is still yours to shape.
Whether it takes three months or three years, keep going. Keep asking questions. Keep seeking support. Because health is not just a goal. It’s a daily choice, and you’re already making it.
