The weight came off and the harder part started, which is not what any of the material I read had prepared me for.
The narrow version of the question is how people separated a drug effect from the ordinary consequences of a large deficit and disrupted sleep, because I cannot.
I have searched first, so if this is covered somewhere point me at it and I will read it.
DadBodDave said:The weight came off and the harder part started, which is not what any of the material I read had prepared me for.
Positive side effects of mental health that surprised me:
- Clearer skin — inflammation reduction improved my rosacea
- Better sleep — weight loss resolved mild sleep apnea
- Improved libido — better body image + improved cardiovascular health
- Less joint pain — obvious mechanical benefit
- More energy — metabolic improvements across the board
Not everything about GLP-1 therapy is a struggle. There are genuinely wonderful changes too. ✨
Dr.PeteFamMed said:Positive side effects of mental health that surprised me: Clearer skin — inflammation reduction improved my rosacea Better sleep — weight loss…
Before/after narrative for mental health — one year in:
Before (276 lbs): Winded climbing stairs, chronic back pain, pre-diabetic, on 3 medications, dreaded mirrors, avoided photos, social anxiety about my weight.
After (186 lbs): Run 3 miles regularly, pain-free, A1C normal, down to 1 medication, bought a swimsuit for the first time in a decade, actually enjoy being photographed.
Total weight lost: 91 lbs. Total life gained: immeasurable. This isn't just about weight — it's about reclaiming your identity.
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View ResultsDadBodDave said:The weight came off and the harder part started, which is not what any of the material I read had prepared me for.
Same experience, arrived at from the opposite direction. Posting only so the count is not one.
Adding the clinical framing, because it changes how the question reads.
Recovering from an eating disorder and using mental health: this is a complex situation and I want to be transparent about it.
I have a history of binge eating disorder. My psychiatrist, therapist, and prescribing doctor all collaborate on my care. The GLP-1 agonist has actually been therapeutic — it removes the biological urgency of binge impulses without relying on restriction.
This is NOT appropriate for all ED patients. Anorexia, bulimia, and restrictive EDs require different approaches. But for BED specifically, the evidence and my personal experience are positive. Always involve your mental health team.