Should I try a weight loss drug

[Notthegazelles]

Looking for advice, especially from anyone who’s used them.

my weight increased during Covid. Despite significant lifestyle changes, I can’t lose it. It’s causing health complications.

so my weight has been v stable my whole adult life at 55-57 kg, through three DC, lifestyle changes etc. my body doesn’t usually gain or lose weight.

however, lockdown caused 10kg weight gain through a combination of stress & diet. DC was diagnosed with cancer and getting treatment was brutal. DH developed mental health issues & had to leave work - I had to work full time as the sole breadwinner & care for DC, whilst keeping the house running etc. as DC was ECV, we lived off processed food to avoid food shopping where possible. My previously active lifestyle ground to a halt. I developed a number of joint injuries, doctors think they may be stress related. I suffered close bereavements.

since lockdown, and the end of DCs treatment, I’ve worked hard to rebuild our lives. dc is in remission. Dh is back at work. We’ve all had counselling. I’m back to eating healthy (no processed food), I weight lift a few times a week with a pt, calorie count, I’m active (at least 6000 steps a day) etc.

however, not a single pound has budged. I feel like my body has just decided this is my new stable weight. It bugs me for two reasons. Firstly, my joint issues are made worse, my orthopaedic consultant keeps reminding me to keep my weight down. Secondly, 90% went on around my abdomen, so it’s a pain to dress. This sounds awful, but my job is quite client based and it makes public speaking, sales pitches etc that bit more challenging.

ive read the drugs are a good idea IF you can simultaneously make lifestyle changes, but I don’t think I can change any more. I’m worried the weight regain after I stopped could create a new plateau for my body.

for reference, I’m 42 and 5 ft.

Weight loss drugs (Orlistat, Wegovy) are available on prescription but advised only for patients with a BMI over 30, or significant Co morbidities associated with obesity- diabetes for example)

Some can be bought and taken under a pharmacist’s advice.

Id steer clear of ordering online- many weight loss drugs are unregulated and some are simply fake.

A first step is to speak to your gp I would think.

Sorry you’ve been having such a hard time lately, don’t be too hard on yourself x

As above you need to be obese with BMI over 30.

can only suggest you track everything eat more protein introduce exercise (weights), reduce carbs. Could be menopause, worth asking go for test.

Sorry but 6000 steps a day is pretty inactive.
You are not massively overweight.
Try counting calories for 4 weeks and aim for a deficit every day

Sorry I see you are calorie counting. Up the exercise to give you a bigger deficit.

What calories are you having each day? Could be eating too many or too little.

You need to take those 6000 steps up to about 10000, 6000 I would say is moderate, rather than active. (Some days don't even get to 4000 WFH days so no judgement).

Menopause can make losing weight so hard. A friend is really fit, eats well, doesn’t drink much and was really struggling with weight around her middle. She started hrt and it started to go after a few weeks.

Also WHAT you eat can make a huge difference. Foods that cause inflammation won’t help your weight issues or your joint issues.

Have a look at the book Why We Eat (Too Much) - it’s really good about what foods to avoid.

You can get the weight loss medications on line but only if you are obese. And it is possible to get them safely as Boots and Asda now do them.

So as you are quite short your weight may tip you into the obese category depending on your BMI.

What's your BMI? If over 30 then yes, give them a go.
I've gone from 13st 8 to 10st 13 over about 5 months and have never felt better. 7lbs left to get to my goal.

There is a current trend where scientists are pushing the realization that weight loss is much more complex than move more, eat less.

Talk to your GP.

These weight loss drugs are not magic wands and don't make weight 'disappear' but they are a good tool for those whose bodies are more inclined towards obesity.

I suggest certain readings on the topic such as Henry Dimbleby, Jason Fung. The Glucose Goddess's approach makes sense to me and has been easy to implement.

There is a great weight loss forum on here, where you will receive informative support.

It’s unusual not to lose weight if you’re being careful with what you eat and have returned to exercise.

Stress can absolutely cause weight gain- it can have a serious impact on your thyroid function for example.

Id start with presenting your issues to your gp.
Significant weight gain in your abdomen area only can be symptomatic of gynae issues which may be worth investigating first.

A weight loss drug taken for a short period would help you shift the excess weight and (in theory) there’s no reason why you’d pile that weight back on if you then stop and continue your healthy diet and exercise.

I used ozempic and lost weight. All came back on once I'd stopped taking it though...

Now going to small group personal training doing weights, and am losing steadily and far more healthily...