GLP-1s: Worth it for smaller weight loss?

HawkClean

HawkClean

Active member
It feels like everyone here is celebrating huge losses, like 75, 120, even 160 pounds! Amazing, for sure. I'm curious about those of us who don't have nearly as much to lose. I'm about 5'6" and weigh 190. I'd like to drop maybe 35 pounds to be healthier. My doctor suggested semaglutide, but I keep waffling on whether it's worth it for "only" 35 pounds. Am I hogging resources? Is it even as GOOD if you don't have a TON to lose?

Also, what's the timeline like? Big losers are obviously on GLP-1s for quite a while. If you shed 25-40 pounds, how long were you on the meds? Did you feel it was super helpful, or a bit much for a smaller amount? I'm not seeking medical advice, just hearing about similar situations.
 
I think "only" 35-40 lbs can make a HUGE difference! I know I couldn't drop the weight with just diet and exercise alone. I wanted to lose about 45 pounds (down 25 today!) and so far, it's changed my life for the better. For many of us who struggled with weight our whole lives, these drugs help us finally do what feels impossible.
 
I was 195 and 5'7". Now I'm at 155 and it took about 7 months on a low dose, like 0.5mg. I can't recommend a low dose of semaglutide enough. Fewer side effects when the dose is lower. It's one of the best choices I've made for myself.
 
I'm 5'6" and was 178 when I started. It's been about 9 months and I've lost 30 pounds. I hit my goal weight around 7 months and now I microdose every couple weeks to maintain.

I really didn't want to try this med, but I'd tried all my old tricks with no results. My doctor really encouraged me to give it a shot. I'm super happy with the results and feel so much better at a healthier weight.

Ultimately, it's your decision. But I'm glad I did it.
 
At 5'6", I was around 195 pounds… I lost about 40/45 pounds (it fluctuates a bit). YES, I look better, but I also feel great. My body FEELS so much better. I sleep better, and exercise is way easier. That 40 pounds was dragging me down, and I didn't realize it until it was gone. I'd been struggling to lose the weight for about 4 years, and it took approximately 14 months (it might not happen overnight for you). It changed my life.
 
I've seen people slam folks who want to lose 30-40 lbs. But will THOSE people stop taking the meds when they have 30-40 lbs LEFT to lose? Doubtful. It's between you and your physician, and you're not taking anything away from anyone. Best of luck!
 
I only had to lose about 30 lbs when I began. I've lost 18 pounds in 2 months. No issues here. I expect I'll gain it back quickly if I quit when I reach my goal weight, though.
 
I'm also 5'6", and started at 170lbs. I've lost 18 so far. I started my first dose around the start of the year. Still below the full dose. I didn't want to lose too rapidly, so this has been ideal. My goal is 130 but most of all I want to be in the healthy zone, below 150.
 
Visceral fat loss tends to show most in the face and upper half. At your height the end results should look pretty dramatic when you reach the final stretch.
 
I "only" needed to lose 25 and I'm down 10lbs in a little over a month. I was given a mental health drug for bipolar that causes rapid weight gain, which caused the first 15lbs. I couldn't lose any weight on that med, even eating almost nothing. Then I broke my foot and gained another 5. My foot's still broken, so I can't work out, but I'm still losing weight on sema. This is the only thing that has helped me, and I'm so thankful it exists!
 
Don't second guess yourself because you are closer to your goal than others. Everyone's path is different. If what you've been doing is failing, find a tool that works. I did all the right things for ages with no change before asking about a medication. I wish I'd asked sooner.
 
So true, @HawkClean. Some people are weirdly competitive about weight loss. If it helps you, and your doctor thinks it's a good idea, go for it! Don't let anyone make you feel bad about taking care of your health.
 
new-me-who-dis said:
I really didn't want to try this med, but I'd tried all my old tricks with no results. My doctor really encouraged me to give it a shot.
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I felt exactly the same way! I was so hesitant, but now I'm so glad I tried it. It's like a weight has been lifted (literally and figuratively!).
 
I feel you
glow-up said:
I was given a mental health drug for bipolar that causes rapid weight gain
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. Meds can really mess with your weight. It's frustrating when you're fighting against that AND trying to lose weight. Glad you found something that works!
 
Belly-B-Gone said:
The big question is: what happens if you reach your ideal weight, then stop taking it and gain all the weight back?
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That's a valid concern. I'm hoping to use the medication to reset my habits and then maintain without it. But I know that's not everyone's experience.
 
There's a thread on Reddit where someone lost 100lbs. Everyone is asking how long it took. It's really inspiring, check it out if you need a boost! It goes to show that slow and steady is fine -- it's a marathon, not a sprint.
 
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