Would not trade Ozempic For Anything
lglnurse1
Posts: 3 Member
I started in March and am down 20#, but am doing Factor meals and little snacking. I have never felt as good as I do now, and to see a number on the scale below 275 made me cry. If I have to go to Canada to get it I will, but Medicare covers most of it 9 months out of the year. My blood sugars have never been better and I am taking 2/3 less of the insulin that I used to take. I take it when I eat to prevent a spike in sugar vs using it to treat a spike throughout the day. I eat regular meals and normal portion sizes. Life changing. I was widowed at age 47 in 2016 and had just had a kidney transplant 2 months earlier from my brother. In August it will be 7 years and my brother and I are doing amazing. It would have been my 25th wedding anniversary on 6/20. My son just graduated from college and is going to grad school in the fall. There was a contestant on AGT (Nightbird) who was dying of cancer. She said “ you cannot wait for life to stop being hard to be happy”. I am finally getting back to a place of happiness, and it feels so good!
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#kidneytransplant #widow #widowlife #youngwidow #emptynest #ozempic #ozampic #weightlloss1
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Good for you. Ozempic is providing hope for many people.1
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Yeah, it's a game changer for some people, but the bottom line is it's pretty much a last resort lifeline for those that can't seem to lose weight by other means which has it's own set of circumstances that will be challenging going forward into old age. Cheers.2
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Reads to me that OP is taking it for diabetic control as much as weight loss.
If your blood sugar control has improved that is really good.
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I started on Wegovy on April 1 and have lost 16 lbs. This stuff is miraculous. ALSO, and I believe it will eventually be prescribed to people for this; it causes me to drink way less alcohol. I have also heard it helps people stop smoking. I will wean off it once I hit my desired weight.
Starting weight 170
current weight 1544 -
@SunnyDays930 Did you also change your diet, lifestyle, exercise habits etc when you started it?4
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Just make sure you figure out how to eat and transition to when you won't be on this drug. There are already several studies showing some negative side effects for this drug (i.e., increased muscle loss) which will impact long term sustainability.
So when you do eat, make sure it's protein based and if you haven't, look into adding exercise. Good luck with your journey7 -
I’ve been on Mounjaro since November. Down 83 pounds, about 60 to go. It has helped me change everything … low fat, low starch, high fruits, veggies, dairy and fish diet, with daily workouts (stationary bike, lap swimming, weight machines). The drug has eliminated the repetitive thinking and intense binge urges, leaving ordinary challenges of deciding to eat right or head to gym, like normal people with normal challenges. I know my new habits must be lifetime habits, and sine it will take a year or more to reach or near my goal weight, I have every hope the new habits will be ingrained. Getting the drug is a challenge every month, due to shortages, so at some point I’m likely to see what happens when I’m trying to eat and live this way without access to it.2
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I know that drugs are necessary for some to keep health in check, but bottom line is it's a aid to coping with a problem. IMO, drugs shouldn't be the solution to the overall issue. Now I DON'T know if OP is type 1 diabetic, but if not, then keep losing the weight so you can get to where you don't need drugs for good health.
I'm very fortunate that unlike a lot of my relatives, many who pay no attention to their health and eating, that I take no medication for anything but an inhaler for asthma when it bothers me occasionally (usually during allergies and super cold weather).
Good luck and keep working towards a normal bodyweight.
A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
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re diabetes - Ozempic is not for type 1 diabetics.
Type 2.
some people with type 2 diabetes can lose weight to the point they no longer need medication - but this certainly doesn't work for everyone.
weight loss will certainly be good for type 2 diabetics - but many will still need medication even at healthy weight range.0 -
There are already several studies showing some negative side effects for this drug (i.e., increased muscle loss) which will impact long term sustainability
Cite a few please. I am skeptical that there are "several" study's that show a primary outcome of semaglutide use are negative.
All meds have potential side effects, but there is real clarity in the efficacy of some drugs in the prevention and treatment of disease while acknowledging potential side effects.
I can bloviate on not taking SSRIs for depression, yet they save lives. Who am I to tell someone which treatment to pursue.
And to put down your sword and unruffle your feathers because "well, you have diabetes." That's absurd.
Tell us about the proven and primary treatment of hypertension using viagra, and dismiss all this other off label use? No.
For those of us who have mastered and embraced the new lifestyle of discipline, CICO, keto, strength training, et. al. Good for you, nobody is stopping you.
Some person pouring out their life changing gratitude.... let them have it. It's not harming anyone else.9 -
chris_in_cal wrote: »There are already several studies showing some negative side effects for this drug (i.e., increased muscle loss) which will impact long term sustainability
Cite a few please. I am skeptical that there are "several" study's that show a primary outcome of semaglutide use are negative.
All meds have potential side effects, but there is real clarity in the efficacy of some drugs in the prevention and treatment of disease while acknowledging potential side effects.
I can bloviate on not taking SSRIs for depression, yet they save lives. Who am I to tell someone which treatment to pursue.
And to put down your sword and unruffle your feathers because "well, you have diabetes." That's absurd.
Tell us about the proven and primary treatment of hypertension using viagra, and dismiss all this other off label use? No.
For those of us who have mastered and embraced the new lifestyle of discipline, CICO, keto, strength training, et. al. Good for you, nobody is stopping you.
Some person pouring out their life changing gratitude.... let them have it. It's not harming anyone else.
First, I don't plan on turning this thread into an argument and/debate as that is what the debate section is for. Second, you are over analyzing my post. I certainly understand that medical intervention can and is needed in cases. But even in those cases, they are rarely lifelong (out of autoimmune/automatic/etc...). Third, just like any medical intervention, there still needs to be a robust strategy for long term sustainability. Unfortunately, that isn't often the case, which can be seen with other interventions like lap bands. I recognize that a person like me is within the 1-2% of people who has maintained weight loss over 2 years (in fact, I am going on 13).
So I do hope the OP continues to work with a trained medical staff to see long term success. In fact, the more traits that can incorporate early on of those who are successful (i.e., frequent exercise, measurement (either scale, pictures, and/or tape measure)) and a support team, the more likely they can get diabetes in remission and improve their health.
OP, for added support and/or knowledge look into Dr. Spencer Nadolsky. He is an obesity specialist and lipid specialist who has done some research on these topics5 -
Update: I have been on Wegovy since March 31 and have lost 20 lbs but when she raised the dosage last month it did a number on my stomach. Intestinal distress and tummy aches sometimes. I lowered the dosage this week and we will see how it goes. No problems so far but it's only day 2 on the lower dose.0
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Third, just like any medical intervention, there still needs to be a robust strategy for long term sustainability....
....look into Dr. Spencer Nadolsky. He is an obesity specialist and lipid specialist
Thanks for the Nadolsky referral, he has a very nice piece in "Women's Health" that's free to read on the net.
As for your #3, that's where you could be losing the plot. It is not always a "need." Triage for instance. If it lead to a weak long term strategy it could still be a best option.
Thanks again for the Nadolsky referral.
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I'm glad that Ozempic is working for many people, but I cannot help but worry about some things. What's going to happen when people stop taking the drug or when a shortage hits? Since they've become so reliant on the drug and may not have learned to eat in moderation, the pounds could pack right back on. Also, there have been recent studies that have shown that there are some terrible side effects that are showing up. We still don't know everything, so hopefully people are prepared for what may come later on down the road. Is it really worth the risks?5
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thesawyerbunch wrote: »... may not have learned to eat in moderation, the pounds could pack right back on.
Before the meds appeared this happen to the VAST majority of people who lost weight anyway. Why deny a person the significant benefits from reducing their excess weight because there is some lesson that hasn't been learned?
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chris_in_cal wrote: »Third, just like any medical intervention, there still needs to be a robust strategy for long term sustainability....
....look into Dr. Spencer Nadolsky. He is an obesity specialist and lipid specialist
Thanks for the Nadolsky referral, he has a very nice piece in "Women's Health" that's free to read on the net.
As for your #3, that's where you could be losing the plot. It is not always a "need." Triage for instance. If it lead to a weak long term strategy it could still be a best option.
Thanks again for the Nadolsky referral.
This is where you are wrong. There is always a need for a strategy to sustain long term. Otherwise, you will relapse. There is still question of long term efficacy of these drugs. Triage is short term and it's to stop the current symptom. After triage, there is always follow up with medical professionals to address the underlying causes. And trust me man, my wife was in and out of hospitals for 10 years. She had 10 surgeries and an automatic disorder which almost killed her multiple times. I fully understand the medical system and the specific adjustments needed to support the individual person. I know because I have done all the research for my wife, set up her specialized lifting program (to include training her) and even cook/meal prep for her.
Glad you like Nadolsky, but he data is the one that points to muscle loss. Dr. Peter Attia is always a good resource, especially for longevity.
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Glad you like Nadolsky, but he data is the one that points to muscle loss. Dr. Peter Attia is always a good resource, especially for longevity.
Try reading Nadolsky's Women's Health article. I think it points to nothing but support for the OP's current path. Just last week I listen to Attia talk for an hour on the 10% Happier Podcast. Again, I gather he too would not object to her success. He mentioned going through a big transformation in the last year or two from being a very unhappy zealot juiced up on ketosis to a wiser and happier practitioner.
Search MFP, I posted about it in the "Peter Attia" thread last week.
Glad things are working out for your family.
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I have been on ozempic for 4 months . My AIC sugar level has lowered nicely, and I’ve lost weight. I count calories and watch my macros. I’m feeling better, are able to exercise a lot more and am thrilled with my new found healthy feeling.
I declined from increasing my ozempic dosage as it seems to be working on my diabetes as is.
I don’t know if the weight loss is due to ozempic or due to my new, healthier eating habits. It would be nice to know, but I’m happy and healthier. Even my cholesterol has
lowered. Also, there’s no shortage of the drug here. It doesn’t cost me anything. The government pays for it.2 -
Melwillbehealthy wrote: »I have been on ozempic for 4 months . My AIC sugar level has lowered nicely, and I’ve lost weight. I count calories and watch my macros. I’m feeling better, are able to exercise a lot more and am thrilled with my new found healthy feeling.
I declined from increasing my ozempic dosage as it seems to be working on my diabetes as is.
I don’t know if the weight loss is due to ozempic or due to my new, healthier eating habits. It would be nice to know, but I’m happy and healthier. Even my cholesterol has
lowered. Also, there’s no shortage of the drug here. It doesn’t cost me anything. The government pays for it.
*it doesn't cost me anything*
You're prescribed it to lower AIC levels. It's covered everywhere for that purpose, assuming the individual has insurance. Consider yourself blessed and lucky that you have easy access to it.1 -
I do feel lucky. I don’t have any extra health insurance.0
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sollyn23l2 wrote: »Consider yourself blessed and lucky that you have easy access to it.
Agreed, and as excess weight is easily top 3 of the biggest health issue in America over the last 20 years, let's advocate for lowering the barriers and increasing access where appropriate.
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The poster didn't say that studies show a primary outcome of the drugs are negative. The poster said there are studies showing higher than expected loss of muscle, which there are.chris_in_cal wrote: »Cite a few please. I am skeptical that there are "several" study's that show a primary outcome of semaglutide use are negative.
It's not about side effects of the drug, afaik. It's likely the combination of rapid weight loss plus a lot of people not doing resistance training and increasing their protein while on the drugs, so it would be expected that a lot of weight lost is muscle. If people then go off the drugs later, without successfully altering their lifestyle, and they start to put the weight back on, they'll end up fatter (in terms of composition) than before.
As the following articles explain, what I don't think you are understanding is that the best results for someone starting from obese who goes on the drugs is going to be doing both of the things you present as an either/or.chris_in_cal wrote: »For those of us who have mastered and embraced the new lifestyle of discipline, CICO, keto, strength training, et. al. Good for you, nobody is stopping you.
As far as I can see, nobody is saying people shouldn't use the drugs. They're just saying that the drug in conjunction with lifestyle changes is going to produce better body composition and maybe help the person stay off the drug in future rather than perhaps needing to be on it for life, and with the potential financial implications of that.
https://www.healthline.com/health-news/ozempic-muscle-mass-loss
https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/weight-loss-drugs-muscle-loss-rcna849362 -
Retroguy2000 wrote: »As far as I can see, nobody is saying people shouldn't use the drugs.
I see, elsewhere when you wrote "Nope. I would never." it mixed me up a bit.Retroguy2000 wrote: »They're just saying that the drug in conjunction with lifestyle changes is going to produce better body composition and maybe help the person stay off the drug in future rather than perhaps needing to be on it for life, and with the potential financial implications of that
This sound very reasonable, I tend to agree with you here.
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Yes, *I*. As in, *I* would rather make sustainable lifestyle changes which also have the benefits of improving my strength, bone density and heart health, than relying only on a drug for the rest of my life, even if the drug were free for that long (which I'm sure it wouldn't be).chris_in_cal wrote: »I see, elsewhere when you wrote "Nope. I would never." it mixed me up a bit.
If someone else wants to use the drugs, go ahead. I will always encourage them to also increase their protein and start exercising, to improve their body composition and health, and maybe lead to them successfully getting off the drug instead of relying on it for the rest of their life.2 -
Retroguy2000 wrote: »If someone else wants to use the drugs, go ahead. I will always encourage them to also increase their protein and start exercising, to improve their body composition and health, and maybe lead to them successfully getting off the drug instead of relying on it for the rest of their life.
I agree.
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Retroguy2000 wrote: »
The poster didn't say that studies show a primary outcome of the drugs are negative. The poster said there are studies showing higher than expected loss of muscle, which there are.chris_in_cal wrote: »Cite a few please. I am skeptical that there are "several" study's that show a primary outcome of semaglutide use are negative.
It's not about side effects of the drug, afaik. It's likely the combination of rapid weight loss plus a lot of people not doing resistance training and increasing their protein while on the drugs, so it would be expected that a lot of weight lost is muscle. If people then go off the drugs later, without successfully altering their lifestyle, and they start to put the weight back on, they'll end up fatter (in terms of composition) than before.
As the following articles explain, what I don't think you are understanding is that the best results for someone starting from obese who goes on the drugs is going to be doing both of the things you present as an either/or.chris_in_cal wrote: »For those of us who have mastered and embraced the new lifestyle of discipline, CICO, keto, strength training, et. al. Good for you, nobody is stopping you.
As far as I can see, nobody is saying people shouldn't use the drugs. They're just saying that the drug in conjunction with lifestyle changes is going to produce better body composition and maybe help the person stay off the drug in future rather than perhaps needing to be on it for life, and with the potential financial implications of that.
https://www.healthline.com/health-news/ozempic-muscle-mass-loss
https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/weight-loss-drugs-muscle-loss-rcna84936
This is exactly what i meant and said. Thank you for reinforcing it. Not once did i say not to use the drugs but be careful and to find a long term strategy.
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The poster said there are studies showing higher than expected loss of muscle, which there are.
https://www.healthline.com/health-news/ozempic-muscle-mass-loss
https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/weight-loss-drugs-muscle-loss-rcna84936
I'm not seeing "higher than expected." The articles cited do not report on research on semaglutide. They report that when losing weight there is lean muscle loss, and that is troubling. But no causation from using the drugs specifically. I'd still like to read some of these studies if they exist.
It seems like we are all in agreement. The OP is going through a positive life changing process.
We all applaud your success.lglnurse1 wrote:I am finally getting back to a place of happiness, and it feels so good!
Like everyone who ages, and loses excess weight with the concomitant lean muscle loss, there is concern.0 -
It's right there in the articles, which cite a study which was linked, and it's all explained to you. I'm sure it would be trivial for you to find other sources too.chris_in_cal wrote: »I'm not seeing "higher than expected." The articles cited do not report on research on semaglutide. They report that when losing weight there is lean muscle loss, and that is troubling. But no causation from using the drugs specifically. I'd still like to read some of these studies if they exist.
Does taking the drug lead to faster weight loss than not taking it? Yes.
Does losing weight quickly lead to more muscle mass lost? Yes, this is old news.
Do people relying on a magic injection to solve their weight problem typically also take great effort to change their lifestyle by adding protein and weight lifting to mitigate these effects? I'm guessing no, and anecdotal posts from around this forum support that guess.
So common sense says yes, more muscle mass lost while on the drugs. Again, you can easily find this information yourself.2 -
Does taking the drug lead to faster weight loss than not taking it? Yes, that's why it exists.
well, actually, No that isnt why
it exists primarily for type 2 diabetics who need extra medication to control their BSL's1
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