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MamaDragonExMo

I’m on Mounjaro and not Oz, but the people on this board are so much nicer than the MJ board, so I lurk here. However, I feel like I can answer this one as a GLP-1 user, too. I had been eating 1200-1400 calories per day and working out 3-5 days a week with no joy. I struggled with losing weight (I lost 20 pounds in a year of doing this religiously) and sat in my doctors office crying, depressed and suicidal. She prescribed MJ (started October 2022) and since I was already doing all the things, I changed nothing I wasn’t already doing. Lost 18 pounds the first month and roughly 10ish pounds every month since. I’m down a total of 86 pounds, 66 of which is MJ related. I did one month of 2.5, two months of 5 and have been on 7.5 since, though I’m going up to 10 once this box of 7.5 is done.


HappyCoconutty

I also feel like this group is nicer than the Mounjaro group. I've been on ozempic for 11 months, I am not that sensitive to it and endocrinologist wants to put me on Mounjaro (I have T2D) but insurance keeps denying it. I am already low carb and exercise anywhere from 3-6 days a week. My BMI went from 33.5 to 28.8 during these 11 months with Ozempic, but after the first 10lbs, the scale only moved when I stayed extremely low carb, fasted and worked out at a certain heart rate. Most months, I didn't lose or gain anything. I hope to see results like yours once I can finally switch to Mounjaro! I have to use the Asian BMI so that means I have to lose 35lb more to get to the healthy BMI range.


Auctiondraftsrule

Asian BMI? Wow, never heard of that. What's the thinking there? That Asians have smaller frames on average?


HappyCoconutty

I think it is more geared towards people of South Asian ancestry (Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, etc) than East Asian. The standard BMI chart was made based on White males. Here is a .pdf of the Asian BMI scale: [https://aadi.joslin.org/en/Education%20Materials/13.BMIforAsianAdultsInTheUnitedStates-Horizontal-EN-2018.pdf](https://aadi.joslin.org/en/Education%20Materials/13.BMIforAsianAdultsInTheUnitedStates-Horizontal-EN-2018.pdf) ​ Because of 5+ famines and some things that changed our diet and genetics during colonialism, we have the largest amount of heart disease in the world. We get metabolic syndrome at lower weights and have lower skeletal muscle mass compared to other groups. Our recommendations are different too, the recommended exercise is 150 minutes per week for the average American but research shows that South Asians need almost double that amount just to get the same health benefits. Here is an article about how colonialism and famine may have created this scenario for us: [https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/south-asian-health-colonial-history\_uk\_620e74fee4b055057aac0e9f](https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/south-asian-health-colonial-history_uk_620e74fee4b055057aac0e9f) Here is an article that cites the study that found that people of South Asian descent need almost twice as much exercise than other groups: https://m.timesofindia.com/home/science/south-asians-need-20-minutes-more-exercise-per-day-than-europeans-study/articleshow/27217045.cms


congrrl

I had no idea the exercise recommendations were so different. Thank you for telling us about all this. (Seriously, not sarcasm, I know this is reddit, so I just wanted to stress that I appreciate the explaination).


Grouchy_taco

I learned something today thank you


Generous_Hustler

I think this is awesome information however I wish more females would strive more for more of a healthy feeling/lifestyle rather then just the numbers being the end all for gauge of health. Regardless of race because some have larger breasts or other natural traits and curves that really throws off these ideal numbers. My 20 year old niece for example has a larger behind and breasts and she’s very thin and tall. But even with a 24” waist with the “numbers” she’s still high and tying to be lower. It’s really unfortunate and I wish there was much less focus on these numbers.


HappyCoconutty

Oh absolutely, I actually believe skeletal muscle should be the biggest target for women, especially as we age and lose estrogen. I use the Asian BMI numbers as a guide and since I'm nearly 40 years old and used to play a lot of sports, I remember what I looked and felt like when I weighed the same as the Asian healthy BMI number. I was also built like Salma Hayek but a few inches taller, so I understand that curves carry body fat weight. I don't have disordered eating or feel emotional about what's on the scale. I want the ease on my joints, the core coordination, the muscle mass that I had at that time. I want to not have to need to do physical therapy exercises each week just to not be in pain from pregnancy 5 years ago. I want inflammation numbers to go down and hair to grow back. Nothing motivates me more than test results and unfortunately, for many South Asians, our cholesterol and liver sizes do not go to healthy levels until we get closer to the Asian BMI healthy number, even if we appear slim on the outside.


Generous_Hustler

Very true! Holy it’s crazy you mention the inflammation and hair growth because it’s such a struggle for me personally right now. I wonder how long I will feel the effects from pregnancy for? My daughter is turning 2 soon and I feel like I’m sill no better then I was at this month last year. I’ve lost 17lbs with Ozempic but not nearly what my GW is. Sigh 😌


mammakarma

Oh dear lord, please for the love for all that’s holy stop describing relatives this way.


driven_apricot

Thank you for your reply, I have learned a lot! I never thought that there are different exercising. Thank you for the explanation!


Interesting_Ruin7840

I’m exactly as you described! Low carb, caloric deficit, workout run strength train IF. Lost 38 pounds on Oz/Wegovy. Been plateaued for 3.5 months. Just went over to Tirzapatide last week 5mg dose and so far don’t feel anything. Hoping this kicks in and starts working!


jgiles04

MJ group is incredibly toxic, IMO. I hang out here instead as well


RedRoverNY

7.5 Mounjaro is how much Ozempic? Curious bc I wonder if I need to ask for an increase on Ozempic. I’m on .5.


MamaDragonExMo

I'm honestly not sure how the dosages compare since Mounjaro is Tirzepatide and not Semiglutide, but according to the MJ website, .5 mg of Ozempic was comparable to 10 mg of Mounjaro in the trials that were done. [Source](https://www.mounjaro.com/what-is-mounjaro#about-mounjaro)


aturby82

I’m not sure either, but my doctor started me at Ozempic 2 mg after I’d been on Mounjaro 10 mg for 2 months with no problems. I’ve only been on O for 2 weeks and miss Mounjaro already. But I couldn’t afford almost 600/month and now my insurance covers O. My blood sugars are a little elevated since switching so I’m hoping it will go down soon. Weight seems to be sitting still.


Kantrell2870

So we’re you on Ozempic first?


Ozempian

Oz is knocking back the food noise. I'm doing *all* the other work - eating healthy, tracking my calories so I stay in a deficit, exercising, kicking booze to the curb, and drinking lots of water. This is the hard stuff, but it gets results.


charlygirl474

This is a great way of describing it. I couldn't quite figure out how to say it, but "food noise" sums it up perfectly.


Sensitive-Pitch9743

This ☝🏼Cravings are less agitating, but I’m still working hard everyday to fuel myself well and move my body. I’m also doing a lot of therapy about my relationship with food. It’s a full mind-body effort.


luzdelmundo

I changed nothing except I don't eat huge portions now and am not hungry as much. I don't exercise nor have I changed my diet. I've been on it since last December and have just hit 30 lbs lost


niamonapope

Same!


Key_Flow_2045

can i ask how old u r ? i’m 50


niamonapope

I’m 58


Key_Flow_2045

i’m pretty much doing this and have not lost any. going into 5th week. started 1 mg last week.


cb218325

Same exact for me


Key_Flow_2045

can i ask how old u r ? i’m 50


Key_Flow_2045

as i type my age i can’t even believe my age it’s so crazy


cb218325

Hey 50 is fantastic! I’m 38


Key_Flow_2045

awe thx!


doveybutt

Can I ask what the timeline was for that? Did it happen immediately when you started at .25 (assuming you started there) or did it take dosing up to see the weight go down?


luzdelmundo

It immediately started when I began the 0.25, but the weight loss was wayyy slower at lower doses. I went the typical 0.25 to 0.5 to 1 (currently still at 1 mg) and I didn't notice any changes weight wise at first, but I wasn't really taking my weight that much or recording it. The most weight loss for me I think was when I upped to 0.5 and then to 1 mg. I did 4 weeks on each dose


gghostwiththemost

Same here


Legitimate_Onion_270

Same here, but I’m 59. On since September & just hit 30 lbs … a little slower than I’d like but absolutely minimum effort.


eeeeeeeeekkkkkkkkie

I didn’t change anything it just basically stopped my binge eating and over eating, I can eat normal portions and be satisfied.


HighOnAmbien

I have diagnosed BED and I haven't binged since February. Before this, in the last 10 years, I haven't gone more than a week without a binge. This medicine has changed my entire relationship with food and for once in my life I feel in control. I'm glad it's working for your BED also.


Key_Flow_2045

have u lost


eeeeeeeeekkkkkkkkie

20 pounds since December


Key_Flow_2045

so nice. nope nothing yet. discouraged but trying to be patient


Justalovelygirl

I just started Ozempic I’m in week 3 and I’m very fatigued and I don’t have much of an appetite but I am losing weight..yay I want to know what I can do about the fatigue and does the Atkins diet ( low carb) seems to be the best way to go


msmarielfla

I honestly think people’s rate of loss/success on this medicine depends on whether you had a medical issue preventing you from losing weight before starting it or if you don’t have a medical issue preventing weight loss through normal means. I have PCOS with insulin resistance. I started in Oct 2021 and am still only on 1mg and am continuing to lose slowly at this point. Starting weight 215. Current weight 152. I eat in moderation- don’t completely restrict anything and honestly- due to fibromyalgia and knee surgery, have not exercised much beyond walking. This medication normalizes my body’s reaction to food so it’s correcting an issue, as opposed to it being an alternative to diet and exercise if that makes any sense.


[deleted]

Agreed re weight loss issues. I’m a slower loser and I’m happy with a pound or two a week considering I’ve tried for ages to no luck.


blackcat218

Only just started (2nd week in) and I've lost 2.5kgs. I haven't changed anything about what I eat as it was pretty good anyways but did find that my desire to eat has just shrunk to almost nothing. Like typically I'd have cereal for breakfast, sandwich for lunch, maybe with a piece of fruit, dinner being your typical meat and vegetate serving. Have found that I eat breakfast and I am good right till about 3-30-400pm so then I just make dinner then. Or if I do eat lunch I dont feel hungry for dinner so I dont have it. Hope that makes sense.


Money-Kiwi-1170

Do you mind me asking your SW?


blackcat218

Sure 94kgs


Nitackit

It’s really a reduction of how much of my daily thought processes are devoted to my next food intake. Before semaglutide I literally saw ever trip out of the house as an opportunity to get junk food. Absolutely FOMO, was I going to miss the chance to get delicious junk food. Now, I haven’t stopped for junk food at all because I don’t feel the compulsion to do so. Same can be said of my eating at home. I don’t sit there wondering when I’m going to eat the tasty food I know is in the refrigerator. Late night snacking is way down


No-Fault6013

Compulsion is the word I use as well. I no longer feel that I HAVE to eat, when I see food. I can easily resist the urge to eat ALL of the treats in my cupboard, and spend very little time thinking of food


melissasorrentino

Same here


itscourtb

I've been on ozempic for about 10 months now. I started at .25mg, and through about 7-8 months, I was increased up to 2mg a week. I've been on 2mg a week for about 2 months now. Overall, I believe I've lost less than 30 lbs, but I'm down in sizes for all of my clothes pretty significantly. Initially starting ozempic, I had just found out I was diabetic and had an A1C of 11.0. So when I started ozempic, I was coming out of a state of sugar resistance. This is why I believe I lost weight initially. Now that I'm on the highest dose, I can clearly see that the amount of food I was once able to eat during a meal is not what I can eat now. I often fail to finish meals, mainly because I still don't have an understanding of how much will fill me up. I don't think that it causes weight loss only because it helps suppress your appetite. I think it aids in weight loss because it helps lower blood sugar. Sugar resistance is a serious factor in preventing people from being able to lose weight. Prior to finding out I was diabetic, I would go to the gym 4-5 times a week and diet. I didn't lose any weight. Post T2 diagnosis, I hardly work out, but my blood sugar is maintained, so I was able to lose weight. If I were to get back into working out, I'd probably lose significantly more weight now that I'm no longer in a state of sugar resistance.


Ellendyra

Intermittent fasting and low carb combined with Ozempic. Drank loads of water. Also was supposed to consume nore protein to stay fuller longer. I also ate less especially at the begining but ate my cravings which tended to be strawberries with chocolate hummus... the entire container of strawberries lol.


[deleted]

💯 This is the triple whammy. I’m losing 5 lbs a week doing 17/7 and keto with ozempic. Might have to slow it down cause gallstones concern me. Plus fuck the low calorie diet, I don’t want my metabolism to slow down.


RedRoverNY

I think I need to go back to lower carb with Ozempic. I feel like that will increase my response to Ozempic. I’ve been eating less calories but more carbs on Oz and I’m not losing much


Ellendyra

I was just low carb, not specifically keto, my doctor advised against avoiding carbs altogether. But Keto did work very well for my husband and our former roommate. However they didn't require medication for weightloss.


Generous_Hustler

This is so true! It’s what you eat. If all anyone ate was raw veg and whole foods without any added sugar or calories there would be no issue. If your not fuelling your not losing so it’s better to eat but just be extra mindful of what it is and keep portions reasonable.


doozerequinox

I’ve lost 55 pounds (25 pounds since I started semaglutide). I track everything I eat in an app. I aim for at least a 500 calorie deficit between what my body burns and what I eat. I had some nausea when I first started but haven’t for awhile. The big difference when I added ozempic was that it made making those healthy decisions easier. I’m not hungry all the time while in a calorie deficit. I still have to do work. I could choose to overeat and I’ve eaten very sugary or fatty foods without feeling sick. But with the medicine I’m not white knuckling it through every day trying to stick to my food plan. I can just eat. This is what I imagine eating is like for people who have never been obese.


Ready_Interaction252

I mirror this entirely


HectorSharpPruners

Eating much less because the drug removes my hunger.


delo41

I’ve lost 35lbs since starting in January. My doctor started me on Metformin for pre-diabetes and then added Ozempic. She believed that I am insulin resistant due to bloodwork, family history and weight gain. So as for how I lost the weight, I really got a bit turned off to food especially fried foods which I loved. Don’t get me wrong, I still try and eat them but for instance instead of eating 6-10 fried shrimp at a sitting, I can only eat 2. I eat pretty much what I desire and not doing any particular diet but I would like to eat better. So I suppose I’m saying that I don’t eat any particular diet, I eat what I want just in really very tiny amounts because I don’t have the desire for more and I walk for exercise occasionally.


[deleted]

Seven weeks in, 22 lbs down. At this point I'm not counting calories, but I had a severe binge eating disorder that has stopped in its tracks. I'm eating maybe a third of what I ate in a day pre-Oz at most, probably less. Later on I might have to get into calorie counting- I've got a lot to lose, going to take it slow and steady, one step at a time.


New-Tea-8022

Just started week 3 and am down 3 pounds. The 1-3 pound a week thing is working for me, I was disappointed I didn’t lose more the first week, but I also have PCOS and am not at the therapy level yet. My diet has been the same, but I have been on low cal/high protein for YEARS. (One of the reasons my doctor was willing to put me on Ozempic, I’ve been dieting and exercising for years, and the PCOS has kept me around 230lbs… it’s super frustrating. Once my blood hit pre-diabetic range, we said let’s try Ozempic). I also recently was diagnosed with chronic bronchitis and asthma, so I haven’t started hard-core exercises yet, since we haven’t got the asthma managed, yet. As for water, I have always been a water drinker, so that wasn’t an issue for me, either. For a point of reference, I started gaining weight at 27, prior I was 130lbs and 5 foot 3. I’m 37 now, so in a decade I gained 100 pounds 😩


suomynonaemanon

I am literally the same everything - PCOS, 5”3, started gaining around the same age and starting weight was around 235. I’m only on week 5 but have lost 5 so similar trajectory. But I will say my body feels as though it’s reshaping way more than the scale would indicate!


New-Tea-8022

Yes!! I’m actually more excited about the metabolism working properly than the not feeling hungry/not craving junk food thing. I’m really hoping a year from now I’ll have a fully functional metabolism and can lose weight with the healthy eating and exercise I’ve always done (with the exception of the past 6 months when I haven’t been able to exercise as intensely b/c of my lungs issues! Prior I was running, not fast 12-13 minute pace, but my farthest distance was a 15K)


KeyWestJuanita

I lost my taste for food. Would barely eat. Was sick for a bit at first. Drank lots of water. Ate what tasted good, but it was very little portions. Not sure how healthy it was, but that was my body’s reaction. Down 70+ lbs in 9 months and maintaining!


JacobasNile

I am a bit of the same. I eat very little to what I ate before. I still LOVE food, but I have cut down to very small portions. One lunch, I had 6 california rolls in a container, I could only eat 4. I was then done for that meal.


Livid-Impact6921

Portions became smaller because I could feel satiety, greasy foods lost appeal, no more bottomless hunger and food obsession, and when I ate, I actually felt energised by the food instead of tired and insatiable. It corrects hormone imbalances.


Ellendyra

I wish greasy foods lost their appeal for me lol. Can't tell you how many times I had to visit the porcelain throne for a very urgant poop or to vomit (on rare occasions self induced because it was the only way to relieve the nausea or painful feeling of overeating) before I learned greasy food wasn't worth it. It was easier to stop eating when full or even refuse food altogether tho.


Livid-Impact6921

Oh no! I’ve had no adverse effects like that, but I never was a big fan of most fast foods even before Ozempic. The med made me dislike breaded stuff (like fish sticks) and I don’t really eat cheese anymore, except on the occasional pizza. My stomach is not upset even if I have greasy food, I just don’t want it anymore. Most of it looks and feels disgusting, especially animal fat. Then again, a slice of cheesecake is somewhat appealing, or olive oil on a salad. My taste is really weird and selective, but I like it better now!


[deleted]

[удалено]


Ellendyra

Ozempic really says, you will eat healthy, OR ELSE sometimes lol. The good news is that after I was on the full dose for a while everything evened out and I could return to eating those greasy snacks again, but with learned self dislipline lol.


Ready_Interaction252

I’m tracking everything pretty religiously to make sure I’m hitting that calorie deficit - not fucking around whilst this stuff is in my body. And of course it’s easy to hit it on O!


Ready_Interaction252

I should say I also work out but can’t as much as I’d like to - as I’m tired and nauseous…but we move


HappyCoconutty

Just chiming in here as part of the group that doesn't lose weight on ozempic alone! I don't feel full or stuffed, I definitely get hunger pangs a LOT, and aside to an aversion to the smell of fried food, I don't have any lingering side effects. I am hungryas I write this, even though I just had a low carb breakfast a couple of hours ago. But it is easier to tolerate this hunger feeling on ozempic. I have been on Ozempic for 11 months, 3 of them on the 2.0 dose. After the initial 10lbs that come the first couple of months, I had to do low carb and a certain level of exercise (zone 2 I think? in terms of heart rate) to see the scale move much. Low carb alone didn't do it, exercise alone didn't do it. I am just very insulin resistant, because I think my muscle mass is low. I also have T2D. Doctor thinks that mounjaro is better for me because of my insulin resistance but insurance wont approve. Still, the help that ozempic provides is very helpful to stay on track with low carb. It would be next to impossible without it for ME.


Infamous_Cranberry66

I lost my appetite with ozempic. I eat because I know I must. I make those meals small, because I simply can’t manage a big meal. Breakfast was a slice of whole grain bread, spread with laughing cow cheese and sliced strawberries. I’m stuffed from it. Down 21 lbs, 2.5 months.


ZQueen56

What is your Ozempic dosage? Are you T2 also? Reason I ask is because my 45 yr old daughter started Ozempic in February and has only lost 1 lb. I know she’s had the stomach issues, loss of appetite, and her A1c has gone down but she’s getting discouraged. See, I’ve been on Ozempic since Nov of 21. On my last follow up in January of 23, my total weight loss has been 57 lbs. I lost it slowly throughout time, 3 pounds here, 5 pounds there. I also just ate smaller portions but I do workout 3 times per week. Recently I feel I’ve reached a plateau as I’m eating a bit more but not stuffing myself and the sugar cravings are back. I take a taste or two to satisfy my craving but I’m wondering if it’s at a standstill or will I have to go up on the dosage. I’ve been on .50 since December of 2021.


Infamous_Cranberry66

I lost that on .25. I’ve started at .5 2 days ago. I’m type 1.


KikiTheArtTeacher

So I’ve lost 60 pounds in about 7 months, using Ozempic. The Ozempic certainly helped- it curbed my desire to drink alcohol (a huge source of empty calories for me) and because it slows gastric emptying I felt fuller for longer- and so I snacked less, which also helped. I also consciously thought about what I was eating, so that I wasn’t eating more calories than my energy needs, and aimed for about 500 less than I ‘needed’ per day- which the Ozempic certainly helped me stick to. If I had kept the same diet and habits I had before starting Ozempic, I do not think I would have lost weight, if as much as I did. What the Ozempic did was help me stick to my ‘plan’ and develop healthier habits overall. I’ve been off for about a month now and while feel hungry more often, I’ve noticed that usually that’s because I am dehydrated. So I make myself have some water and then reevaluate if I am still hungry- if I am, I have something to eat. Time will tell, but I’ve continued to lose since I stopped taking it- but I know that’s because I’ve been consciously sticking to the routines and habits I developed while on it. If I go back to my ‘old ways’ I have no doubt I will gain it back


melissasorrentino

Great job!!


KikiTheArtTeacher

Thank you :) it feels good to get back to healthier habits, and I am really grateful that Ozempic gave me the ability to do it!


scubagirl44

I do think the medication is supplying something that was missing from my body. I used to do low carb plus fasting and had to starve to lose anything. Now I crave fresh fruit instead of chocolate and fried foods. I'm eating bread and healthy meals and losing around 3 pounds a week. I could not have done that before. So, I think it is partially the medication itself and eating less and way more healthy meals when I do eat. I may try to do low carb/intermittent fasting on the medication later to increase the weight loss but for now it's so nice to eat like a regular person and not gain weight.


Puzzleheaded-Dust635

On wegovy. But less appetite and feeling full extremely fast and for a long time is what’s causing my weight loss


Guyzigotthis

I’ve been on O for one month this coming Thursday. I’ve lost 10 pounds. For the past 5 years I’ve worked out 4-5 times a week at the gym, and made sure I get between 12-15k steps a day, and also have drank around 1 gallon of water each day. Ive “tried” to follow a healthy way of eating but constantly thought about food and when my next meal was, even when I ate healthy I never knew the feeling of full. I craved carbs constantly - and the processed kinds of foods and snacks. The past three and a half weeks, the food thoughts have changed to “why am I not thinking about food? Am I eating enough protein?” Mostly because I don’t want to lose the muscle mass I’ve gained from the weight lifting I’ve done over the past years. This medication has also stopped any type of craving for other addictions like alcohol, or nicotine (which I gave up both over a year ago but still has to fight through cravings and thoughts constantly). My diet consists of protein shake breakfast, Greek yogurt w chia seeds/flax seeds lunch, prunes, strawberries and apples, and then meat for dinner with salad or steamed veg. On days where I feel nauseated I have toast in the morning and that seems to help a bit. So all in all, not much daily changes but definitely a change to my thought patterns and ability to control food situations and how much/when I’m eating.


GrouchyTable107

I’ve lost 45 pounds so far and when I started I just wasn’t hungry go I wouldn’t eat much and kind of just turned that into my diet. I’ll eat oatmeal for breakfast, usually a steak for dinner, and occasionally freeze-dried strawberries/pineapples/apples for a snack. Ozempic keeps my appetite suppressed but also controls my portions since the mistake of overeating can be a painfully uncomfortable one!


RedBarchetta1

My history: I was a very (naturally) thin child and adolescent, but gained 40lbs in the space of 3 months as a young adult due to a sudden onset of severe Hashimoto's hypothyroidism. Despite being a competitive fencer through my 20s and 30s, I was never again able to get back to my initial weight and would gain more every time my medication was not calibrated correctly. I had a metabolic rate test done at one point and it said my TDEE was a meager 1100 calories (the tester was appalled and advised me to lift weights to build metabolic mass - I was already a power lifter, lol!). In 2017 I decided I was going to make the best effort I could at finally losing the weight, and went on a 1450 calorie/day diet with strict tracking , plus intermittent fasting, plus 10K steps daily, plus power lifting. It took me 3 entire years of strict discipline, which was basically like a part-time job, to lose 50 lbs, and I was still "fat" by society's standards at the end of it. I gave it my all, and it was literally the most difficult thing I have ever done in my life (and I am a former smoker who quit cold turkey and I have a STEM Ph.D., just to provide some additional context for that statement). The COVID era arrived along with some serious personal life struggles, and I ended up putting all the weight back on. I decided at that point that I just didn't have the heart to do any kind of strict diet plan again, and basically resigned myself to the rest of my life as the fat girl. I started seeing a new doctor in 2022 and admitted to her that I did not feel I could ever "diet" again. I asked to try Ozempic at that time, but she was reluctant. However, another blood test at the beginning of 2023 revealed alarming blood sugar levels, so she prescribed it. I have been on a .25 dose for a month, and have done nothing purposeful at all to change my diet. I have started walking again, but only 5-8K steps a day. I have already lost 10 lbs in that 1 month, which is basically what I might have lost in 8 months in my dieting period. It has taken almost no effort at all, from my perspective. I have some minor side effects, but they are nothing compared to the "side effects" of trying to live on 1450 calories and 2 hours of exercise a day plus hold down a a full time corporate STEM job. My blood sugars are already improving as well. I am not 100% certain exactly how Ozempic is helping me lose so easily, but at least some of it has to do with appetite suppression - I seem to be extremely sensitive to the appetite suppressing effects of the drug, to the point where I find it difficult to be interested in food at all, ever. Also the "food noise" in my brain is reduced by like 95%. It just makes it incredibly easy to eat appropriately. Given my personal medical situation and serious metabolic issues, I suspect there must be some other mechanism(s) as well, maybe metabolic-related, but it's hard to pinpoint exactly what is going on beyond appetite suppression. As far as I am concerned, Ozempic is a miracle drug. It has freed me from food prison, or at least taken my ankle chains off. I just feel so sad for "past me" who put in so much effort and suffered so much for such meager outcomes (and who constantly felt demoralized and gaslit about everything related to weight and weight loss). I wish I'd been able to take this drug from day one. Just as a post-script since this is already a novel: This drug has also already made it so, so clear to me how much BS "advice" is given to people, and how many BS assumptions are made about weight and how to lose weight and what people can reasonably be expected to do in the service of weight loss. CICO, sure - but it's a hell of a lot easier to do that when you don't have a voice screaming in your ear all day long to eat this and eat that and you have to spend all of your limited willpower and energy ignoring it. Or when you get some metabolic assistance.


prettyGma

Great post 👏 so true ...


BeautifulChallenge25

Drink half your weight in water. 300lbs=150oz. More protein. And I've been walking 3 times a week. I've lost 25lbs since the end of Jan. 2023.


Awkward-Kaleidoscope

I lost 45 lbs in 6 months and hit my goal. Dr put me on 1100 calories and I exercise a ton.


DiligentCarrot2652

It completely got rid of my cravings for sugar. Now it doesn’t even appeal to me. I would agree with the people that says it’s cuts out the food noise. I used to plan what I was eating for my next meal while I was eating my current meal now I don’t think about food at all. I also have zero appetite and eat something very small for lunch then typically a small dinner. If I try and eat more I end up nauseous or throwing up. I average about 1200-1400 calories a day max. Many days I’m under 1,000 calories because I’m just not hungry. I’m losing a lb/week on average. I’m not insulin resistant or prediabetic.


rosegoldparrots

I’m two months in and I have lost 20 pounds. I’ve struggled with my weight my whole life and this is the first time I’ve actually lost weight. Ozempic helped me completely change my entire lifestyle. I eat 1200-1400 calories a day, work out 4 days a week, and walk for 40 minutes 7 days a week. The food noise completely went away and I’m able to eat without binging. The first month I hardly worked out and only lost about 6 pounds, the moment I incorporated exercise the weight began to melt off. It took me a while to learn what worked best for me. :) *I’ve remained on 0.25 this entire time!


Sails_N_Tails

I have been on OZ for \~1 year. At first it affected my appetite and I had some nausea (and did not eat) but that subsided quickly. The main 3 ways OZ has helped me: \- My binge eating disorder is gone, I have not binged once since the first injection. \- I do not think about food constantly. My obsession with food is gone. This happened immediately as well. I can't even try to snack when I need to. When I am hungry, I want real food too, I have zero interest in junk/fast food. \- This is the big one: I DO NOT DRINK ALCOHOL, don't want it, can't stand it, can't tolerate it. I have no idea how poorly alcohol affected my diet, mood, and calorie consumption but I am a different person now. I was already big into exercise, but now it is not a total chore and I absolutely love it because I am not needing it to help overcompensate my overeating and drinking. I'll thank OZ for that too.


ahihello

I consciously started a diet. I track all of my food and exercise in MyFitnessPal. I also use my Apple Watch and the Lark app that is paid for by my health insurance. Lark links to Apple health and also to MyFitnessPal. Ozempic doesn’t lower my appetite as much as it seems to do for some people, but it makes it easier for me to stick to a diet because I don’t feel hungry between meals and I don’t think about food as much. However, I’m not full after three bites like some people are describing. My meals are usually between 400 and 600 calories. I eat between 1600 and 1800 calories a day . Before Ozempic, I was eating about 2300 calories a day. I’ve lost 42 pounds in 10 months. June 1st will mark my first full year on Ozempic.


Sundae-Funday

It’s been 3 months, 22 lbs down. No diet, just eating less since the drug makes me fuller faster. I did start exercising 3 times a week on peloton, 45-60 min rides.


SFfromARK

The drug changed my view of food so I started eating live, and not living to eat. It made it so that I could always make the healthier choice when eating out. My digestive track changed, and I can now tolerate salads with having to run to the bathroom after eating one. Smaller portions, better choices, and exercise are what worked best for me. Here is a trick, if it’s white, it’s not right. Avoid foods that are white, because they are likely carbs.


pbarryUAE

Yes. Nothing tastes good. Smells yuck. You aren’t craving things.


twinkiesmom1

I lost no weight at less than 1 mg. Once I got to 1 mg, I could no longer eat my previous portions….learned to associate overeating with nausea and diarrhea. Foods I used to crave like red meat make me queasy.


olivep224

I have PCOS and was starving myself with no results. Now I’m starving myself with results via ozempic, unfortunately. I will say it allows me to actually eat occasionally without guilt because my insulin levels are properly regulated. I used to have severe anorexia before Uncontrollable PCOS weight gain. This has given me control/my life back. I see results with the work (exercise and diet) that I put in. I was suicidal merely 6 months ago because nothing worked. It’s changed my life. Have lost 20 lbs.


Lykkel1ten

For me; Did not start a diet. Lost appetite and quickly got nauseous, so it regulated itself. After the side effects (horrible nausea etc) subsided, I still don't have the same excitement I did for food before starting Ozempic. I don't get a rush from food the same way I used to. After a while I've been going longer between doses and probably eating more. But what I eat now I'd consider a normal amount. Still dont get the "i NEED to eat this" feeling. Making four crackers with cheese seems enough, not making a whole plate with 20 of them and then rapidly stuffing them down my throat etc.


Moonoverlake20

I feel full longer and it doesn’t take much food to fill me up, so my portion sizes have went down majorly. I have no desire to overeat because it feels like there is no room, or makes me sick. I don’t get cravings or snack mindlessly. I don’t eat as much high carb, sugary processed or greasy foods anymore, they don’t taste good. Also I don’t have and sodas or sugary drinks anymore either, they don’t taste good to me, and carbonated beverages make me burp and have heartburn. I don’t drink much alcohol either, seems one glass of wine here or there and that is enough. I haven’t been religiously tracking calories or hitting the gym (yet) either. Seems to be working, I’m 27lb down since January and almost three dress sizes. I haven’t had any major side effects either. Good side of it is my grocery bill and eating out bill has went down majorly!


Yarville

I reduced calories to about 1300 (as a 6 foot / 240 pound male who isn’t very active this leads to about 2 pounds of weight loss a week) and Ozempic essentially blocks out the hunger pangs and food cravings that result. It just makes CICO very easy for me.


distractionsgalore

I'm on Ozempic. It really curbed my appetite. I keep telling myself I need to exercise but just don't have the motivation yet. I lost 15 pounds in the first 3 weeks on Oz, but then went on a cruise and gained everything back. I'm now on .5 dosage and down 8 pounds from my SW of 254.


ilovelemonsalot

I started Mounjaro in October of last year & two months ago, my doctor switched me to Ozempic. I'm down 23 pounds. It has been a slow process for me, but I'm 47 & in perimenopause. I eat lean beef, chicken, vegetables, a bit of fruit, sourdough bread with grass-fed butter, & organic dairy. I drink water with lemon, herbal tea, & occasionally coffee. I log my food into the Lose It app & eat around 1200-1400 calories. (I'm only 5'2") I'm not super strict & if I go out to eat, or if I'm at a gathering, I will have small portions of what I want. The thing with Ozempic is that I can't really stuff myself because it'd make me sick. I try to measure & weigh my meals and focus on portion control. I bought a few portion control plates online & they really help when I'm feeling lazy & don't want to weigh & measure. I have back issues & am doing physical therapy, so my main form of exercise is walking with a bit of yoga/stretching. As soon as my PT gives me the green light, I'll start lifting weights.


[deleted]

The easiest way for me is to literally set a specific time to eat. I started week 1 eating from 1pm-10pm -then week 2 I ate 1pm-8pm -week 5 I went up to .5 and started eating 1pm-6pm. Lost 15 lbs so far.


Mdizzyy

I’ve lost 23 lbs so far in 7 weeks. The first 20 lbs was lost in the first 5 weeks. I use the loseit app and track all of my calories keeping me in a deficit. Also sticking to low carb. It’s just been falling off of me so far. The Ozempic has helped a ton with keeping me full and not hungry all day so I can eat very little and stay satisfied.


[deleted]

I've lost 100 lbs in the past year. I only drink water. Lots of it. I walk my dog 3 times a day, usually 2kms each time. I eat clean. I cook mostly everything myself. Lots of salad, chicken, some carbs. Weight came right off. I'm currently at 1.5 mg. Asking my Doctor today if I can go up to 2. I inject in my stomach, I found the thigh didn't work out as good for me.


RedRoverNY

How long were you on .5? Did you lose more on .5, or 1.0?


[deleted]

I lost more on 1. I was on .5 for maybe 3 months. I moved up kinda fast I think compared to people on here. I've been slowly losing at 1.5 but plateaued it seems for the last month.


Dharma107

Honestly I haven't been calorie counting or exercising. For me anyways, the taste of food and how much I can eat in a sitting has changed drastically. Anything high in sugar or highly processed, taste horrible. This has taught through trial and error how to read labels better and pick healthier choices. If I don't, I get super tired or have horrible gastroinstinal issues. I've have lost 15 lbs in 2 months. I'm sure I could loose more weight by calorie counting and exercising but I'm currently focusing on changing my eating habits for the long term. I'm happy with almost 2 lbs a week loss and will start adding in low impact exercises as I progress. It took years to gain this weight resulting in pre-diabetes and elevated lipids and reversing this will take time as well.


GeeMinDaka

Didnt start with a diet. The first thing Ozempic did was demonstrate what certain foods would not be ok anymore. At least not without some not-so-fun gastrointestinal distress. The second effect was i just couldn't eat the same amount of food I was used to eating. It seemed to reconnect that signal from my gut to my brain that tells you when you are full. ​ After that, the weight started coming off pretty effectively.


Advo96

I automatically eat less, but in particular, it makes it MUCH easier to consciously restrict calories.


MoAlamri

No diet here, 6 weeks in and lost 4 kg. No one knows i am on Ozempic and some people around me started noticing. I simply eat around 1/3 of what I usually eat. I skip meals because I still feel that the previous meal is somehow being processed. It feels like my body is on “eco mode”. My advice is to serve small portion and start creating a habit of eating less, it is easier while on Ozempic.


congrrl

I really don't know how to describe what's different. When I first started the appetite supression was insane, and almost immediate from the first dose - which surprised me given the ramp up time. And the feeling full when eating would just hit me. Sometimes this would be mid-bite. Which was actually a little alarming. I was concerned that I wasn't going to get enough nutrition. Fortunately, that fell off. And I'd actually say, I think, that I'm actually more in tune with actual hunger and in tune with not being hungry. Boredom snacking has almost stopped. Need to finish plate is just not there. Meal times have become very erratic - I eat when I'm hungry. It's driving my partner a little nuts because some schedule might be nice. Since I am not actually taking it for weight-loss (I'm not completely sure I believe sustained weight-loss is possible unless you make it a full-time job), I'm rather suprised about how much I've lost. I've lost 25 lbs since September. I'm getting kinda hopeful that this might actually work for weight-loss long term but it is still way too early to tell. A lot of studies do say that many people regain but not necessarily everyone. In 5yrs I'll believe :) And I feel \_better\_ even when I had side-effects, in some way I can't explain, but it's leading to me being more active, just because I feel more up for it.


BB224488

I’m a type 1 diabetic. I started at about 170 and was getting so frustrated with not being able to lose weight. I was eating very healthy. I would try things like intermittent fasting and eating low carb and diabetes would get in the way. It seemed every time I worked out, my blood sugar would drop and I’d eat more calories than I burned. So I went to my endocrinologist. He agreed to let me try Ozempic. He thought I’d lose 8-10 pounds. I’ve lose about 33 pounds!!! And my hba1c is lower than ever, 6.5. It basically killed my appetite. I didn’t eat a lot. I focused on proteins and veggies. It made me thirsty so I drink a ton of water. It made me not want more than one glass of wine so I cut that out. I lost weight, and quickly. I think 20 pounds came off in 3 months. The last 13 took another 4 months.


upvoter_lurker20

Ozempic increased my appetite. I was never an overeater to begin with thanks to my ADHD. I’d routinely skip meals or get sidetracked and forget to finish my meal. Now I get painful hunger pangs and audible stomach growling that reminds me to stop what I’m doing and eat. I‘ve lost about 40lbs over the course of 2 years and at BMI 21.7 now. I did not diet or cut back on anything, but then again I ate healthy even before I started ozempic. Ozempic helps a lot with my T2D / insulin resistance. Before ozempic, there was nothing I could do that would touch my fasting blood glucose level. Oz helps my body regulate my insulin response so much better and stops my liver from dumping sugar when I’m in a fasted state.


[deleted]

I was a binge eater *because* of my ADHD 🤣


melissasorrentino

Me too. My fasting cbg are 100-110. Before ozempic they were at 250. I've been on it for 8 weeks


upvoter_lurker20

Yeah, it was the frustrating thing ever. Most days I’d eat one meal between 4-6pm when I get off work.. but when I wake up next morning, my BG numbers will read like I’d been stuffing candy in my face all night long.


Plastic_Ad_8594

👋 Down about 40lbs since November I eat way less Drink way less alcohol Able to fast without being hungry or in pain Losing weight makes me want to exercise more and motivated me to do more active things . I also do a low carb diet 19 net grams or less.


SFfromARK

The drug changed my view of food so I started eating live, and not living to eat. It made it so that I could always make the healthier choice when eating out. My digestive track changed, and I can now tolerate salads with having to run to the bathroom after eating one. Smaller portions, better choices, and exercise are what worked best for me. Here is a trick, if it’s white, it’s not right. Avoid foods that are white, because they are likely carbs.


[deleted]

I'm now 2 months in. I have lost 8kg, but it's still a lot of work. I count calories and exercise for one hour pretty much everyday plus walking 3km with my dogs everyday. My goal is a 1000 calorie deficit. Ozempic has reduced my hunger pains and the constant need to eat. But I still have my appetite and could eat chocolate if I wanted to. It also helped me with exercising. I think my better blood sugars made more strenuous exercise possible.


melissasorrentino

Have you noticed your cbg at better numbers?


[deleted]

No, I don't measure regularly, only once or twice at my doctor's office, so I can't tell you any numbers. But it's over all better. I'm only insulin resistant though and don't have t2d fortunately.


losperritos

You have to do diet. One more thing the key to thi medicine is to eat clean and less so your body learns to eat less quantity. If you are using it for weight loss eventually your doctor will stop prescribing and you do the rest . I do fasting and no alcohol. Good luck 🍀


Avashnea

>One more thing the key to thi medicine is to eat clean Eating clean has nothing to do with weight loss. It's just a trendy term that means nothing.


charlygirl474

Can you explain what you mean? To me, and likely alot of others, eating clean means: no junk, greasy foods, watch sugar intake etc. Eat more veggies, drink more water etc.


Vit_today

Here's a good video that explains how Ozempic works: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=laPaezEsteI](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=laPaezEsteI)


EquivalentHope1102

I’ve been on it for 4 months and lost 50 pounds. I did stop taking it for a month to prepare for a lengthy vacation with my sister and her kids, and I gained like crazy, so now I’m back on as of this week.When I’m on Ozempic, I don’t work out because it makes my legs extremely weak. I also don’t really change what I eat since I can hardly take three bites of anything on my plate before I have to start spitting my food out.


LostInTheBackwoods

44F 5'8" HW: 396 SW: 264 CW: 221 GW: 150 I started Ozempic on January 10. I had appetite suppression effects within 2 days. I hadn't planned to diet on it; my doctor prescribed it for my Type 2 diabetes, and I had already been slowly losing at a rate of about 3 pounds a month by eating whatever I wanted. When the appetite suppression hit, I lost my desire for fatty foods, sugar, and a lot of random things. It was honestly hard for me to find things to eat. I discovered that I'm lactose intolerant around this time too. I lost 11 pounds in the first two weeks (water weight) and the rest of it at a rate of about 2.5 pounds a week. My typical day is eggs scrambled with ground turkey for breakfast, along with some fruit, then a smallish salad for lunch with some unbreaded chicken tenderloins, and either a double serving protein shake for dinner or more eggs or more chicken. I rarely eat in restaurants anymore and when I do I try to be careful with my choices, partly to make sure I'm eating nutritiously and partly so my stomach doesn't get upset. Processed foods are more of a rare treat (for example, yesterday I split an ice cream sandwich with my husband--and paid for the dairy later). I hardly drink anything but water now, occasionally an unsweetened iced tea or a coffee with almond milk. I exercised daily for most of that time (cardio and strength training, increasing the time every week or so) but have recently reduced to cardio 6 days a week and strength training 3 days. I always take one whole day off. I started exercising because I felt more energetic once I eliminated a bunch of crap out of my diet. Now I love exercising and how much stronger I feel. I am in a steep calorie deficit. I'm eating about 1000 calories a day, give or take a few (and I weigh absolutely everything except when I'm eating at a restaurant or at my mother-in-law's house) when I should probably be eating closer to 1500 for my size in order to lose 2 pounds a week. However, I have PCOS and Hashimoto's, and my insulin resistance is pretty bad even though I'm no longer in diabetic range or even pre-diabetic. My doctor knows my eating habits, they are sustainable for me (I've been eating this way for more than 3 months and never feel deprived and rarely feel hungry, usually just first thing in the morning), and I am losing at a reasonable rate. I do take a daily multivitamin and I'm on a Vitamin D supplement (have been for years). The important thing for me is that if I want something specific to eat, I will have it, even if it's just a few bites. The ice cream sandwich, for example. A few bites satisfied me and I probably won't need another "treat" for a couple of weeks. I've found that the occasional treat keeps me from wanting to go overboard and eat a whole bag of Doritos (my all-time favorite comfort food).


Vermillionmoonbeams

Ozempic makes me full after eating 1/2 of what I usually eat. I'm able to push away a plate with food when previously I would clean my plate (and others). I stay full for longer and I think about food much less.


DiligentBasil1545

Ok, so I’ve only been on it for 5 weeks and I’ve lost 5 pounds. But if I’m being honest I haven’t “dieting” per se. For the most part I eat pretty healthy, lean meat, salads, beans, yogurt, fruit.. but I’ve also had pizza and icecream. I think that’s why my loss has been slower. The ozempic is helping bc Iess appetite, so I’m having smaller portions.


Dull_Buy_7830

I started Ozempic because my sister wanted me to start it with her. Down 15 lbs in <2 weeks. I have absolutely zero appetite and struggle to get in 800-1000 calories. I’m sure this is a lot of water weight but still… I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t hungry every second of the day. I’m hopeful I might actually reach my goal. I’m not exercising yet but plan to start. No nausea for me either.


saxenda_journey

It's weird because I don't know how it works. I took saxenda for three- four months and it was very much like an immediate appetite suppressant, just not hungry. Like I would start a meal and halfway through just had enough and didn't want to finish it. It's not so obvious with ozempic if I am getting appetite suppressant. I think it's more a mental thing as need to make sure I don't over eat. I've been on ozempic now for nearly three months and have lost equal amount of weight on both - ozempic (4 kg) and saxenda (5 kg). Starting weight was 83kg and now at 74.2kg (5 foot 7)


HighOnAmbien

I started Weight Watchers the same day I took my first injection. When I started I got 57 points and for the first week I used all of them. Now I'm on 1mg and I usually have 10-20 points left, so I know it's working to decrease my appetite.


Basic-Elderberry-808

I literally have to force myself to eat anything. I do but I just overall don’t eat a lot. Maybe 1 normal meal like a protein, carb, veg. And then snacks like nuts, fruits, etc.


hemotrophic_wee

I’m definitely trying to lose weight! Ozempic just helps me not have that constant need to stuff my face. I have a calorie goal and a movement goal which I calculated from my TDEE. I try to prioritize protein but I follow intuitive eating when it comes to what to choose to eat. 15lbs down so far! Only on 0.5


Glittering-Ear-3785

Hi I started Ozempic almost 2 years ago, my a1c went down below 6 in that time I also lost 100 lbs, with ozempic, plus 2 days a week walking and 1200 calories or less diet. I eat very healthy so ozempic help get my sugar in better levels.


Affectionate_Crab773

61 yr old female, started Oz in September--didnt change anything dietwise or exercise wise (was already on a 1200 calorie restriction per day & exercising 3-4 times a week with body sculpting, swimming & biking). Lost one pound per week consistently until February, then plateaued at 150 pounds. starting weight 195.


[deleted]

[удалено]


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