As an independent musician, poor health and sleep apnea were draining my creative energy. Discover how I went from 80.5kg to 69.5kg using Mounjaro (GLP-1) and the two simple daily habits that keep the weight off.
Watch the full podcast-style breakdown on my YouTube channel here:
As an independent musician and audio producer apart from my normal day to day works, my life revolves around the studio and office. Long hours sitting in front of computers in the office, GarageBand at home, late-night recording sessions, and irregular eating habits eventually took their toll.
By November 2025, my weight had crept up to 81kg. But the real wake-up call wasn't the number on the scale—it was how my physical health was silently destroying my creative energy and daily life.
I recently sat down to record a
The Wake-Up Call: Sleep Apnea and Plantar Fasciitis
My weight gain triggered two major health crises that made taking action non-negotiable:
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): I was constantly fatigued. After undergoing a sleep study, I discovered I was actually stopping breathing for several seconds at a time during the night. The doctor gave me two options: sleep with an oxygen machine for the rest of my life, or lose weight. For a vocalist and producer, chronic sleep deprivation is a career killer.
Plantar Fasciitis: I suffered from severe heel pain that made standing or walking agonizing.
It was clear that I needed a drastic intervention to reset my health. After consulting with my doctor, I was prescribed Mounjaro (a GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonist).
The Mounjaro Phase: Resetting the Baseline
Mounjaro was a highly effective tool. Because it controls insulin levels and slows gastric emptying, I naturally started eating less. But as I emphasize in my video, the medication is not magic—it is a window of opportunity to build better habits.
If you do not change your lifestyle while on GLP-1 medications, the weight will come right back the moment you stop taking them. During my months on Mounjaro, I completely revamped my diet, swapping heavy, carb-loaded breakfasts for high-protein options like yogurt and eggs.
By mid-2026, my weight stabilized around 69.5kg. My sleep apnea improved dramatically, my blood readings (cholesterol, uric acid) normalized, and the pressure taken off my feet allowed my plantar fasciitis to finally heal.
2 Golden Habits I Kept Post-Mounjaro
I eventually stopped taking Mounjaro, but I have successfully maintained my weight. How? By relying on two simple walking routines that are incredibly easy to fit into a busy musician's schedule.
1. The 10-Minute Post-Meal Walk (Insulin Control)
It is tempting to eat lunch and immediately sit back down at the mixing desk or scroll through social media. When you do this, your blood sugar spikes, and your body converts that excess energy into fat. The Fix: I now take a brisk 10-minute walk immediately after heavy meals. This simple movement blunts the insulin spike and forces your body to use the food as energy rather than storing it.
2. Zone 2 Walking for Visceral Fat Loss
You do not need to run marathons to burn fat. In fact, heavy cardio spikes your cortisol levels, which can sometimes signal your body to hold onto fat. Instead, I prioritize Zone 2 walking—a leisurely, consistent pace that keeps my heart rate in the optimal fat-burning zone. Combined with some light 5kg dumbbell training to build muscle, this daily walking habit helped me drop my visceral fat (the dangerous fat around your organs) to just 8%.
Health is the Ultimate Instrument
Taking care of your physical and mental health is just as important as mastering your DAW or practicing your instrument. This weight loss journey didn't just give me my old wardrobe back; it gave me the energy and clarity to be a better husband, father, and musician.
If you are struggling with your weight, considering a GLP-1 medication, or just want to know how to optimize your health with a busy schedule,
Have you ever struggled to balance your health with your creative passions? Drop a comment on the YouTube video—I’d love to hear your story!
Disclaimer: I am sharing my personal experience. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any weight loss medication or drastic diet change.