My friends suggested a GLP-1 for my weight gain. I found my answer on the dance floor.

I'm petite, have a small frame, and have never had to struggle with weight issues. I regularly went to the gym six days a week, and have done so for years taking a combination of strength training and boot camp-style classes in addition to walking. Despite my efforts, I started adding on weight — just over 10 pounds in about 24 months.

My BMI wasn't high enough for my doctor to prescribe medication, and I didn't want to override my provider's advice. But despite all of my effort, I wasn't seeing the results I wanted.

After that class, I tried to think of an activity that might bring me more joy. Wasn't there something else that could be more fun? That's when I decided to take more dance classes, instead of just the one I was already taking on Saturdays.

I always felt sadness and disappointment about quitting. I had continued dancing on and off as an adult, but I had never really returned to it in a meaningful way. I thought about how much I loved to dance as a little girl, grinning ear to ear even when I forgot all the steps. Research has shown that the surprising benefits of dance extend beyond physical fitness.

Now I take four to five dance classes a week, a combination of modern, and West African.

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This article is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your qualified physician or healthcare provider.