GLP-1 Time? Need Guidance

Hey everyone.

I could really use some help.

Over the last handful of years, I've packed on around 130 pounds. Back in '19, I was hovering around 170, definitely chubby but not like, severely overweight. Now I'm pushing 300, and it's a major issue.

Why? Constant, never-ending hunger and cravings.

This has been a problem for years but it's grown worse as I've gotten older. Now that I'm 35, it's seriously impacting my health and life.

My feet ache all the time. I'm still fairly active (hiking, exploring), but it's becoming incredibly difficult. I'm also a regular at the gym for about three years now, but cardio is getting harder and harder. Even tying my shoes is a struggle. And sleep? Forget about it. I snore so loud I wake myself and my partner. Socially, it's a disaster. I'm embarrassed to see people I haven't seen in a while because I've gotten so large.

Oh, and I also have a chronic cancer (CLL/SLL). It should give me maybe decades if I'm lucky, but I know I need to make changes.

So, what have I tried? Everything. I'll be honest, traditional diets just don't work for me. I've been trying for over 20 years. What else?

One thing that kind of helped was fasting. It was different because I could just tell my brain, "NO FOOD," and shut down for a day or two. It worked great from 2023-2024! I shed like, 35-40 pounds. I was active on the community, listening to fasting podcasts, and doing great...then I crashed and burned in 2025. Now, I can't seem to get back on track. I try, but my brain/body just won't cooperate.

I even saw a dietician, but their advice was basically "eat more greens." I tried, but I've always struggled with that sort of thing.

I don't know if it's a self-control issue, a hunger issue, or both, but I'm desperate for a solution. It's not like I can't/won't do difficult things. I have a PhD in biology and I'm a research professor at a major university. I do hard things all the time! But I need help.

New solution: GLP-1?

New problem: how do I get it? Do I need a prescription (I'm guessing yes). Will my insurance cover it? I'm willing to pay out of pocket at this point. Is it difficult to obtain? Any advice would be appreciated. I'm getting really desperate and feel clueless.

I checked the forum rules, and this post seems okay, so I hope I can become a part of this community.

My GP isn't great. Last time I saw her (around September), she asked how things were. I said, "Fine, considering everything"...then she seemed shocked when I reminded her about my cancer. I'm honestly scared to ask her about this. She's a very "no-nonsense" type and I think she'd disapprove.

The truth is, I've been trying to lose weight my whole life, constantly fighting my hunger. I'm so tired of unhelpful advice like "eat more salad" or "exercise more."

Note: apparently GLP1 can help people with CLL, as shown by scientific study:

https://ashpublications.org/blood/a...iovascular-outcomes-in-CLL-patients-receiving

Just schedule an appointment with your doctor and tell them you want to see if a GLP-1 is right for you.

When you see the doctor, ask, “Am I a good candidate for a GLP-1 medication, and will my insurance pay for it?”

If they say no, you could try getting a compounded version online. There are some that don't require subscriptions and cost around $130 a month, or about $33 a week. That's potentially less than you spend on food now.

It can really change how you think about food. It's the best thing I've ever done for myself, and I plan to stay on it forever. I don't stress about food, obsess over it, or overeat. I'll stay on a low dose indefinitely, just like people who need meds for blood pressure or depression.

What you're dealing with isn't a personal flaw. Your body just needs some assistance, similar to people with diabetes or ADHD. It's a legitimate medical issue. Go for it!

First, please know that you're not failing or being weak. It sounds like you're experiencing a hunger signaling problem, not a willpower issue. Many successful people struggle with this when their biology is working against them.

GLP-1s can be really helpful for what you're describing, especially with the constant food thoughts and hunger. They don't magically fix everything, but they can calm down those signals so other strategies become effective.

Yes, you need a prescription. Some people see their PCP or an endocrinologist, but telehealth is a popular option if insurance is a problem or your doctor isn't supportive. That's how I started. Look for real medical oversight, clear dosing, and transparent pricing.

I've had a good experience with one online provider. The process felt medical, not sales-focused.

There's research on another GLP (retatrutide) that showed it suppressed cancer cell growth in mice more than semaglutide, with similar weight loss. Semaglutide also helped suppress tumor growth. It's just preclinical, meaning animal studies, not human trials.

Maybe take this study to your doctor:
https://www.nature.com/articles/s44324-025-00054-5

I'll send you some other resources.

I've struggled with weight my whole life, losing and gaining. After a bad car accident, I developed fibromyalgia and post-concussion syndrome. The meds caused me to gain over 100 pounds. I even tried a diet program but still gained weight at first. I eventually lost 100 pounds, but gained it back.

When I was gaining weight *again*, I found a doctor who prescribed semaglutide. I lost about 60 pounds in a year without really dieting and I've kept it off since then. I still need a high dose to maintain it, but I don't have to starve myself or obsess about food. It's a miracle for me. If you've had weight issues your whole life, give it a shot, but know that you may need to use it long-term.

I suggest calling your insurance and asking about programs they offer, both for medication coverage and weight management. It's in their interest to help you since it's cheaper than paying for diabetes or heart disease later!

I fought my weight for years. I had weight loss surgery in 2028, lost 75 pounds, and then regained about 25. Now I'm on a GLP-1 and it's really helping. I'm not weak, I have willpower, I'm a smart person, but I need help with weight loss, and I'm smart enough to get it. You should get it too!!!!

You definitely can do this! Depending on your budget, consider switching to another GLP that sometimes has faster results for weight loss.

Another option is using compounded versions of some medications. The easiest way is through a telehealth company. No insurance needed. You pay the provider and they issue the prescription and work with compounding pharmacies that ship the medication and supplies to you.

Here is a link from a subreddit about compounded meds. These telehealth companies are good and they also offer the less expensive meds. Lots of work has gone into it, and it's updated often.

Scroll down to the explanation of FDA regulations.

Many beginners like a certain provider because you get a lot of attention from a doctor. I haven't used them, but I'd suggest a relative starting out consider them.

Here's the link:

Thanks for all the help! I just need to ask my crummy doctor and the worst she can say is no. And if she says no, then I'll find it online. It's not cheap, but a heart attack or diabetes would be even more expensive. Thanks everyone!

Ask your doctor for samples if they have any. I've been seeing mine for 15 years, and she's seen me struggle with weight. She gave me free samples for 2 months! I checked in after 30 days and I had lost 7 pounds. My insurance won't cover any weight loss drugs unless I become diabetic first. Makes no sense, right? You'd think they'd want to prevent it.

I've lost 16 pounds and 2 pant sizes, and that was through the holidays, so I'm happy. I'm starting with a low dose and increasing gradually. The best price I found was at one of the big box stores for $350 a month. There are coupons online for the lower doses. I didn't want to spend that much, but it's working and my son's wedding is in July.

I can't believe how it's stopped the food noise. I don't even think about food. I have to remind myself to eat. I'm not even interested in cooking anymore. Thankfully, it's just my husband and me now. I couldn't have done this when my sons were living here. Make sure you eat protein to keep your muscle tone. I have protein shakes, Greek yogurt, or turkey slices on days when I don't have much of an appetite.

Good luck, you got this!

You're welcome! You can also check this link out:

Thanks @Claudia_Way, those links are great. I'm going to keep reading up on this stuff.

I just wanted to add, for those afraid of needles, they're really not bad at all! It's a tiny little prick and you barely feel it. I was nervous at first too, but honestly getting tattoos is way worse!

TargetShopper92 said:

I just wanted to add, for those afraid of needles, they're really not bad at all! It's a tiny little prick and you barely feel it. I was nervous at first too, but honestly getting tattoos is way worse!

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Good to know! I've been putting off starting because of the needle thing, even though I know it's irrational. This helps!

One thing I learned the hard way: drink a TON of water. Seriously. It will save you from some really unpleasant side effects. Trust me on this one!

Listen to your body and don't force yourself to finish a meal if you're feeling full. It's a surprisingly difficult mental adjustment, but it's key. If you think "I'm already pretty full, but there are only a few more bites left", just stop. Put it down!

Goes away with time. Adapt. Think summer return helps, vitamin D therapy in.

If you have insurance covering PT, your therapist can teach safe basic moves. Being sedentary long-term means you probably need guidance to avoid overworking some muscles while underworking others. Aquatic exercise classes are great too - easier on joints but water resistance gives real bang. Usually full of older folks, not typical gym bro vibes.

went to a thai place, ate til full, brought home a huge portion. had that for dinner next day plus split the rest for work. pre-meds me would've crushed the whole thing at dinner. down 65 lbs and feel way better health-wise.

i get food noise right before my weekly pin, when i'm due for a fresh shot. staying at 2mg a week keeps it minimal. when i do eat i'm full in seconds and sugar cravings are either gone or i've trained myself to not care about junk.