Other cautionary story I’ll share! If you are capable of getting pregnant, don’t necessarily attribute nausea and fatigue to the meds if you haven’t ruled out pregnancy. Some people on these meds have PCOS so have irregular periods anyway. Have had some abortion cases where people didn’t realize they were pregnant cause they though their pregnancy symptoms were from the meds.
Well this is certainly making my decision on whether to replace my IUD when it expires in October easier! Thanks for the heads up.
Other cautionary story I’ll share! If you are capable of getting pregnant, don’t necessarily attribute nausea and fatigue to the meds if you haven’t ruled out pregnancy. Some people on these meds have PCOS so have irregular periods anyway. Have had some abortion cases where people didn’t realize they were pregnant cause they though their pregnancy symptoms were from the meds.
I was also warned that Mounjaro makes my birth control pill (Seasonale) less effective. I’m mostly on it for period regulation, but I was warned to use backup protection while on Mounjaro.
So I've been on Wegovy for quite awhile now, I lost around 55 pounds and would like to lose another ideally but I seem to be at a plateau. I have been tossing the idea around of supplementing it with phenteramine but haven't made the jump yet. The side effects come and go, I was on and continue to be on anti-depressants. I have not had ideations of really anything although I do think I'm a little more anxious than before but I have had some personal life issues to combat so I don't know if it is the medicine or the personal issues, I guess I'll find out as my personal issues resolve themselves. I really don't drink a lot anymore and it could be the medicine or not, just don't know but I wasn't a big drinker to begin with. All in all, I do like it, side effects and all, I think it has been a positive in my life.
I am not on it, but my only concern would be that this is something you would have to keep doing to keep the weight off. I think that would be something to really consider. Either way, I know this is hard. I am struggling with the 40+ pounds I have put on.
Yes, long term maintenance is something to consider, but this is no different than losing weight any other way. If you are able to lose weight through diet, you will gain if you stop the diet.
GLP-1 drugs aren’t just appetite suppressants, they’re helping treat insulin resistance, PCOS, etc that make weight loss difficult. These are chronic conditions like high blood pressure. You wouldn’t stop taking blood pressure meds just because they’re working. Same with these drugs.
True, but my understanding is there are plenty of people getting these drugs who do not have those conditions. I get taking them for those reasons and the purpose of GLP-1 drugs.
Post by Patsy Baloney on Jul 12, 2023 13:38:55 GMT -5
I’m not sure I see what the big deal is if people who want to lose weight (and are taking this class of drugs or similar for weight loss only and no other condition) continue to use these long-term for maintenance of their weight loss/lower weight.
It’s skewing into sort of a yucky place for me, like one form of weight loss or maintenance is prized over the other. It’s ok to restrict calories and work out and avoid food, etc., forever but not ok to utilize a drug for a similar result? Or only ok if you have PCOS, diabetes, etc.?
Fat people/people who want to or have lost weight just can’t win. Nothing passes the purity test except being naturally the size that society tells us we must be.
I started Mounjaro last night, and I’m blown away. It’s 2 pm, and I have had zero desire to snack. I am a major stress snacker and work right next to the kitchen so I usually grab multiple small snacks per day (like a bite or two at a time, but it’s always still too much). Not one bite today. I ate a small breakfast and a normal lunch. I have not given food one single second of thought. Omg. My head space feels so peaceful today. Is this what it’s like to be “normal”?! It’s a delight.
No nausea or diarrhea, but I was so tired this morning, I could barely drag myself out of bed.
I’m not sure I see what the big deal is if people who want to lose weight (and are taking this class of drugs or similar for weight loss only and no other condition) continue to use these long-term for maintenance of their weight loss/lower weight.
It’s skewing into sort of a yucky place for me, like one form of weight loss or maintenance is prized over the other. It’s ok to restrict calories and work out and avoid food, etc., forever but not ok to utilize a drug for a similar result? Or only ok if you have PCOS, diabetes, etc.?
Fat people/people who want to or have lost weight just can’t win. Nothing passes the purity test except being naturally the size that society tells us we must be.
This is why it's hard to have a measured conversation on the internet. I don't think ANYONE in this thread has this intention at all. When the drug was first released, there was absolutely no discussion about what happens if you need to get off this class of drugs. In part because weightloss is an off label side effect. Now we're learning, as it generally happens when new pharmaceuticals are released, what happens if you stop taking it for any reason. There is no indication that people are maintaining their weight loss after they come off the drug. In fact, they gain the weight back quickly. We absolutely know how that jacks up your body, metabolism, and mental health.
I remember having this exact same conversation when people were doing the HGH diet. "So only people who have IF can take the drug?" No one wanted to discuss that people were losing weight because they were restricting themselves to 500 calories a day, but that was "fat shaming".
It's ok to have a conversation about these things. No one is shaming people for taking it. Having a full picture of what long term success looks like is a good way to set yourself up to achieve your goal.
Post by Patsy Baloney on Jul 12, 2023 14:28:57 GMT -5
Ok. I think people mentioning folks taking it long-term without a diagnosable disease skews that direction, which has happened in this thread. Im not in the business of limiting convos and have participated in this thread with my own experience.
I took Mounjaro from March until June. I had horrible nausea, no appetite and horrible inflammation. I did not realize that I had horrible hip pain/bursitis that was caused by it. I have been off of it for a month now and my hip pain is finally decreasing and my nausea is gone and appetite is back. I lost 10 lbs and am gaining it back but I am going back on trulicity which I was on before to get my sugars back down because I just couldn't deal with the side effects, particularly the hip pain and inflammation
Post by picksthemusic on Jul 12, 2023 16:00:19 GMT -5
I took the dive and talked to my insurance about coverage. They cover Mounjaro. I have pre-diabetes, high fasting glucose, PCOS, likely have insulin resistance, and strong family hx of diabetes. I've been over 40 BMI most of my adult life since having kids. I'm 4'11 so while it looks like I have a lot to lose, realistically I'd only like to lose 40-50lbs. I'm hopeful my rx will go through no problem because if this works for me, I think this will be life-changing. My doctor said she'd prescribe it for me, so hopefully I'll have it to start by next week.
Post by lizlemon19 on Jul 12, 2023 16:25:24 GMT -5
I was on Saxenda but was getting rashes at injection site. Switched to wegovy with good effect. Haven’t had it in two months due to the shortage. My doctor switched to ozempic but waiting on insurance approval. There are some stock issues with that as well.
Post by sofamonkey on Jul 12, 2023 16:41:54 GMT -5
I’ve been taking a compounded semaglutide since last August. I hate posting too much about here because as pony pointed out, it frequently goes awry. I have what some consider not enough medical reasons to be on it at all. As a person that has been fat and fat shamed a good portion of my life, it’s only a matter of time before that happens here again
That being said, I do take it. I’ve lost 86 pounds so far. It’s been very nice to have that constant food/diet plan worry from my head. I eat when I’m hungry, I eat a variety. It’s just not a big deal anymore. I snack less because I’m not always hungry anymore. I’ve stopped drinking most of the time because I don’t crave that anymore, but sometimes it does and I’ll have something. Shrug emoji. I haven’t replaced my drinking with anything else, which I was mindful of.
I’ve benefited greatly from the effects. My blood sugars are normal now, as is my BP. And I’m fine taking a low dose for the rest of my life.
Post by nuggetbrain on Jul 12, 2023 16:45:13 GMT -5
I've been taking Mounjaro since last September and I'm down 90 pounds. Luckily no side effects or anything aside from mild nausea the first shot after I move up a dose.
Yes, long term maintenance is something to consider, but this is no different than losing weight any other way. If you are able to lose weight through diet, you will gain if you stop the diet.
GLP-1 drugs aren’t just appetite suppressants, they’re helping treat insulin resistance, PCOS, etc that make weight loss difficult. These are chronic conditions like high blood pressure. You wouldn’t stop taking blood pressure meds just because they’re working. Same with these drugs.
True, but my understanding is there are plenty of people getting these drugs who do not have those conditions. I get taking them for those reasons and the purpose of GLP-1 drugs.
Okay? Medical decisions are probably best made between the patient and the doctor. Why should anyone other than those two people be deciding whether a drug is needed?
Sure, some people are going to medspas and being prescribed compounded semaglutide just to lose a few pounds, but honestly who cares? These drugs are seriously life changing for people who have been struggling and what is seen as “abuse” by some shouldn’t invalidate it for everyone else.
Post by EvieEthelGarland on Jul 12, 2023 17:13:30 GMT -5
I have been on ozempic for almost 2 years. I've had T1 diabetes since childhood and as I've gotten older, I've become insulin resistant. My control was always reasonably good which is why I think I never got any pushback on my weight from any doctors. But now my A1C is in almost non diabetic range. I will stay on this for the rest of my life for that alone. what's one more injection in my life?
I lost 20lbs in the first 4 mo and then another 20 after a tummy tuck (not in flesh removed, but it seemed to give a boost). I am still technically overweight, but I am happier with my body than I ever have been, both in appearance and in my health.
True, but my understanding is there are plenty of people getting these drugs who do not have those conditions. I get taking them for those reasons and the purpose of GLP-1 drugs.
Okay? Medical decisions are probably best made between the patient and the doctor. Why should anyone other than those two people be deciding whether a drug is needed?
Sure, some people are going to medspas and being prescribed compounded semaglutide just to lose a few pounds, but honestly who cares? These drugs are seriously life changing for people who have been struggling and what is seen as “abuse” by some shouldn’t invalidate it for everyone else.
You are correct and I am entitled to my opinion, just as you are to yours. I don't need to be scolded for voicing it nor am I saying people are bad for trying it. I have been struggling the last four years with my weight and have done other types of injections to try and help, but have not had the best results. Hence my first comment regarding the need to be on it long term to keep the weight off.
Other cautionary story I’ll share! If you are capable of getting pregnant, don’t necessarily attribute nausea and fatigue to the meds if you haven’t ruled out pregnancy. Some people on these meds have PCOS so have irregular periods anyway. Have had some abortion cases where people didn’t realize they were pregnant cause they though their pregnancy symptoms were from the meds.
This is so interesting because I’ve said a few times that the medication gives me flashbacks to my pregnancy. I feel exactly the exact same as I did when I was pregnant, it’s a little scary sometimes. I am 100% without a doubt not pregnant but I can definitely see how early pregnancy symptoms get mistaken as a side effect of these drugs.
Okay? Medical decisions are probably best made between the patient and the doctor. Why should anyone other than those two people be deciding whether a drug is needed?
Sure, some people are going to medspas and being prescribed compounded semaglutide just to lose a few pounds, but honestly who cares? These drugs are seriously life changing for people who have been struggling and what is seen as “abuse” by some shouldn’t invalidate it for everyone else.
You are correct and I am entitled to my opinion, just as you are to yours. I don't need to be scolded for voicing it nor am I saying people are bad for trying it. I have been struggling the last four years with my weight and have done other types of injections to try and help, but have not had the best results. Hence my first comment regarding the need to be on it long term to keep the weight off.
I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to come across as scolding. It’s not you, but the stigma in general around these drugs is very exhausting.
No one says, you mind as well not take that blood pressure med because you’ll have to take it forever. Of course people will stop for various reasons, but no one should be shocked when the benefits of a drug stop when you stop taking it.
Another positive side effect I’m just realizing is I’m being more productive at work, particularly this week (week 3 on Wegovy.) I think it’s either brain fog being lifted and/or my addiction to checking my phone/social media has abated.
Another positive side effect I’m just realizing is I’m being more productive at work, particularly this week (week 3 on Wegovy.) I think it’s either brain fog being lifted and/or my addiction to checking my phone/social media has abated.
I would love to hear if this continues! I have just been lurking in this thread because IDK if I'm ready to go this route but more and more it is sounding very tempting. I struggle a lot with brain fog/distraction at work and nothing has helped so far to prevent that, but if this is a side effect then it sounds like these drugs could solve multiple problems for me.
I have 60-70lbs to lose (more if I actually want to be slim) and although I have not tried very hard in recent years to lose weight, it's been beyond frustrating that my H and I made some small changes to our diets and he lost 20+ lbs and it seems like I may have gained 1 lb, lol. I wonder if I have some insulin resistance going on. I know men lose weight more easily but I would have though mine would have gone down at least a little... My bloodwork is very borderline right now where some small changes might be enough to keep me healthy, but carrying around less weight would likely be good for my overall wellbeing, even if my bloodwork isn't bad. Like I always have aches and pains and I'm always tired. Anyway, this all gives me a lot to think about, so thank you all for sharing.
Do all of these meds have the depression side effect? I already struggle with that and as much as this weight needs to go, I'm not ready to risk my mental health stability.
I think there isn't enough data to link it at this point - during clinical trials, they record everything reported by study participants and they usually need to list everything as a possible side effect. But personally, my mental health improved because I didn't feel crappy all the time (I have had depression for 20 years). I have PCOS and developed insulin resistance. I would fall asleep after eating and feel shitty. I couldn't eat lunch before driving to pick up my daughter because I was so tired. Once I started on Ozempic, I felt so much better. I would stay on it even if it was weight neutral.
I’m not sure I see what the big deal is if people who want to lose weight (and are taking this class of drugs or similar for weight loss only and no other condition) continue to use these long-term for maintenance of their weight loss/lower weight.
It’s skewing into sort of a yucky place for me, like one form of weight loss or maintenance is prized over the other. It’s ok to restrict calories and work out and avoid food, etc., forever but not ok to utilize a drug for a similar result? Or only ok if you have PCOS, diabetes, etc.?
Fat people/people who want to or have lost weight just can’t win. Nothing passes the purity test except being naturally the size that society tells us we must be.
I agree. I also believe that there are underlying physiological explanations for weight issues (over or under) in every person, even if they haven't been diagnosed with something officially. Whether it's insulin resistance or a brain chemical or inflammation from something else. I went from being underweight with non-insulin-resistant PCOS to overweight with IR PCOS. I did everything "right" in terms of diet and exercise, but just felt crappy and kept gaining and dealing with muscle weakness. Luckily I already had an endocrinologist who listened to me and tested me again for IR and I didn't have to struggle for another 10 years until I became prediabetic.
I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to come across as scolding. It’s not you, but the stigma in general around these drugs is very exhausting.
No one says, you mind as well not take that blood pressure med because you’ll have to take it forever. Of course people will stop for various reasons, but no one should be shocked when the benefits of a drug stop when you stop taking it.
True. I also think anything that has a relationship to food becomes a far more complex problem. We need food to live, but when that relationship becomes an issue for a variety of reasons, it can be really, really hard to get the right balance. I am including myself in this. For me, the psychological and emotional part is where the biggest challenge lies.
I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to come across as scolding. It’s not you, but the stigma in general around these drugs is very exhausting.
No one says, you mind as well not take that blood pressure med because you’ll have to take it forever. Of course people will stop for various reasons, but no one should be shocked when the benefits of a drug stop when you stop taking it.
True. I also think anything that has a relationship to food becomes a far more complex problem. We need food to live, but when that relationship becomes an issue for a variety of reasons, it can be really, really hard to get the right balance. I am including myself in this. For me, the psychological and emotional part is where the biggest challenge lies.
Yes, that is definitely part of it. The interesting thing for me being on these drugs has been learning that no amount of self discipline would have ever overcome the hormonal and metabolic issues I have. I know this isn’t universal and is just my experience.
Overweight people are so often looked at like they just have no self control, as if it’s a willpower issue. Like they’re just lazy. Naturally thin people aren’t more emotionally stable or have more self control - they have properly functioning metabolic systems.
You are correct and I am entitled to my opinion, just as you are to yours. I don't need to be scolded for voicing it nor am I saying people are bad for trying it. I have been struggling the last four years with my weight and have done other types of injections to try and help, but have not had the best results. Hence my first comment regarding the need to be on it long term to keep the weight off.
I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to come across as scolding. It’s not you, but the stigma in general around these drugs is very exhausting.
No one says, you mind as well not take that blood pressure med because you’ll have to take it forever. Of course people will stop for various reasons, but no one should be shocked when the benefits of a drug stop when you stop taking it.
As an aside, many people aren't on blood pressure medication for life. I need you to pick another example because it's driving me crazy. Lol!
I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to come across as scolding. It’s not you, but the stigma in general around these drugs is very exhausting.
No one says, you mind as well not take that blood pressure med because you’ll have to take it forever. Of course people will stop for various reasons, but no one should be shocked when the benefits of a drug stop when you stop taking it.
As an aside, many people aren't on blood pressure medication for life. I need you to pick another example because it's driving me crazy. Lol!
Okay, high cholesterol meds, thyroid meds, etc… insert whatever chronic condition you want!
Another positive side effect I’m just realizing is I’m being more productive at work, particularly this week (week 3 on Wegovy.) I think it’s either brain fog being lifted and/or my addiction to checking my phone/social media has abated.