Weight loss drugs.

[cr333]

Ever taken any? About 4 months ago, I started on Zepbound. Initially, I took the 2.5 mg dosage and am currently on my first monthly dose of 10 mg. This is the first time I'm actually seeing some weight loss. It is also the first time I've noticed a slight decrease in appetite.
I have a Doctor's appointment today and am going to ask her to increase my dosage to 12.5 mg next month and to 15mg the following month. I've read that significant weight loss starts at those dosages. I've also had a couple of friends and my brother tell me the same.
I'm having no side effects from the medicine so far. Have any of you had any experiences with using any of the drugs?

 

[lakelawyerheel]

I was on Wegovy for quite a while last year until my insurance stopped covering it as part of 2025 changes. I noticed a substantial decrease in appetite immediately at the lowest level with some weight loss that largely stalled during the next two levels. However, when I got to the top level weight started falling off. Had zero side effects and was enjoying being a healthier weight. But then insurance dropped it since I'm not diabetic and I wasn't going to pay $1600/mth. HIMS had it for a short while then lost their rights with the manufacturer. Most of the "discount" groups are using copied drugs that are not as effective as they can't yet match the med exactly as a generic...and will be several more years before they can.

 

[cr333]

My insurance didn't want to cover it initially either because I wasn't diabetic. I kept reading on it and found that it was also approved by insurance for sleep apnea. My doctor went at from that scenario and I got approved.

 

[Unc12003]

I was on Wegovy for quite a while last year until my insurance stopped covering it as part of 2025 changes. I noticed a substantial decrease in appetite immediately at the lowest level with some weight loss that largely stalled during the next two levels. However, when I got to the top level weight started falling off. Had zero side effects and was enjoying being a healthier weight. But then insurance dropped it since I'm not diabetic and I wasn't going to pay $1600/mth. HIMS had it for a short while then lost their rights with the manufacturer. Most of the "discount" groups are using copied drugs that are not as effective as they can't yet match the med exactly as a generic...and will be several more years before they can

have you been able to maintain the weight loss?

 

[lakelawyerheel]

have you been able to maintain the weight loss?

Some, but not enough. HIt a couple of rough months spread out over the last 9 months that added back some pounds

I know my doctor was already talking about it being a long-term maintenance addition when I was on it last year

 

[UNCLife]

i wat a new drug, one that won't make me sick
one that won't make me crash my car, or make me feel 3 feet thick...

 

[LivinTheHeelLife]

I started Zepbound about a year ago now. Worked up to 7.5mg dose. I lost weight and noticed appetite suppression and impulse suppression almost immediately. I lost about 40 lbs in the first 6 months or so, and have lost another 10 or so in the last 6 months. Started at ~245, down to 196 (right at 6 ft). It's still being covered by insurance currently, and I'm maintaining well. We'll see how long they continue to cover, as I'm sure I'll have to go off of it eventually. Really no side affects that I can tell. Good luck.

 

[cr333]

Glad to hear you've done well with it. I haven't really noticed much of anything until I got to the 10mg. At that point, I felt the appetite suppression. Some days more than others. In a couple weeks I'll start the 12.5 mg and the month after, the 15 mg. As long as I don't have any problems moving up. Wish me luck -- 70 lbs to go!

 

[80Heel]

I’ve lost 25 on ZB, about 12%, over 3 months. Most of that was on 2.5mg which isn’t supposed to be therapeutic. I’m usually super sensitive to every type of drug. I’ve been on 5mg for about a month and I have 8 pounds to go to get to around 162 at just short of 6 ft. the appetite suppression for me is sometimes related to a queasiness and even mild nausea . And a bit of seasickness for a week or so after I started the 5mg, having to do (I think) with inner ear changes. What I’ve learned is that I can only eat one midsized meal a day and a small snack in order to lose and maintain weight. And I usually go from 6pm to 12-2pm without eating anything, so I’m doing intermittent fasting simply because I don’t want to eat.

 

[CarolinaFever]

I am seriously thinking about trying one to lose weight. I am about 6 feet tall and weigh 243 now. I really want to get down to at least 200. My insurance covers them except for Zepbound. It would be $160 for a three month supply through mail order with my insurance. I used to play basketball a lot to stay in relatively good shape, but at 50 my knees and ankles can't take but playing a couple hours a week now. I figured if all I can do to exercise is walking then maybe one of the meds would help.

 

[80Heel]

I am seriously thinking about trying one to lose weight. I am about 6 feet tall and weigh 243 now. I really want to get down to at least 200. My insurance covers them except for Zepbound. It would be $160 for a three month supply through mail order with my insurance. I used to play basketball a lot to stay in relatively good shape, but at 50 my knees and ankles can't take but playing a couple hours a week now. I figured if all I can do to exercise is walking then maybe one of the meds would help.

If there is one thing I’ve learned and had repeated to me by many physician colleagues, it’s that you cannot exercise yourself into a calorie deficit. The GLP-1s will work. But you may gain it all back if you stop it. That’s the downside.

 

[JosephFreeman]

Just start taking adderal. The weight will go away.

 

[kik84]

If there is one thing I’ve learned and had repeated to me by many physician colleagues, it’s that you cannot exercise yourself into a calorie deficit. The GLP-1s will work. But you may gain it all back if you stop it. That’s the downside.

Exactly. You have to be willing to take the drug for the rest of your life.

 

[UNCBornandBred]

I am seriously thinking about trying one to lose weight. I am about 6 feet tall and weigh 243 now. I really want to get down to at least 200. My insurance covers them except for Zepbound. It would be $160 for a three month supply through mail order with my insurance. I used to play basketball a lot to stay in relatively good shape, but at 50 my knees and ankles can't take but playing a couple hours a week now. I figured if all I can do to exercise is walking then maybe one of the meds would help.

Diet is 90%. Exercise is never the answer alone to lose weight. Have a break up with bad food.

 

[LivinTheHeelLife]

Most people that struggle with weight will gain it back after a diet as well. I've lost >20 pounds at least 6-8 times in my adult life, and every time gained it back. Calorie deficit is the way to lose weight - GLP1s can 100% help with that. Any sustained weight loss has to come from a continued lifestyle change to eat fewer calories than you burn. I'm not sure what will happen when I go off of this medicine. I'm hopeful that I've learned to listen to my body a bit more about hunger signals and impulses, but I'm realistic in the likelihood that it will be challenging to keep it all off.

I will say, losing weight on a GLP1 has been the first time in my life that I didn't feel like I was depriving myself or fighting my instincts to lose weight. Every time I've lost by diet and exercise, I still wanted the food I wasn't eating, and sacrificed to not have it. With this medicine, I just don't want the food or the 4th-6th beer (or sometimes the 1st-3rd), so it is a much better mental experience.

 

[Tar Heel]

The drug companies aren't stupid, come up with a drug that physically forces you into a calorie deficit. It's just like the gastric bypass or lap band but instead of paying $10k once for the surgery, you pay $10k per year for the rest of your life.

 

[unctarheel1984]

The drug companies aren't stupid, come up with a drug that physically forces you into a calorie deficit. It's just like the gastric bypass or lap band but instead of paying $10k once for the surgery, you pay $10k per year for the rest of your life.

 

[CarolinaFever]

I guess I could just eat less.

 

[VAHeel08]

I guess I could just eat less.

Lite beer or fries….

I can live without the fries

 

[KisRat]

I guess I could just eat less.

Bingo

 

[UNCBornandBred]

I guess I could just eat less.

After a few weeks, you won’t miss any of it.