When you have a smaller amount of weight to lose

Willthiswork12 · 2025-09-15T08:34:32+00:00

I was going to get injections at the beginning of the year. I was the heaviest is been in my life, 12st, and im only 5ft4 I decided to try diet and lost 11lbs in 3 months. I had holidays and work stress and fell off the wagon and ive lost and regained the same 2kg since April. I also have PCOS. Im now back up to 11st 10lbs. Im so sick of the constant yoyo weightloss and not being able to drive it down consistently. Would i even qualify. My BMI is 28.1. Im already on metformin for insulin resistance. There are some things I'm worried about: side effects. Im also worried about regaining all the weight once I stop. Losing 1.5 stone would put my bmi at 24.9 so just into the normal category. Would I get it based on that? With a low amount to lose and would it be worth it. Thanks

2015pls · 15/09/2025 09:44

The expense
the side effects
all for 1.5 stone

Rather than dieting, what about baby steps for changes that actually you can keep going. So diet changes and exercise. But not drastic, just baby steps.

ThirdStorm · 15/09/2025 09:52

You can get it at BMI 27 but you would need other weight related conditions such as diabetes type 2, high blood pressure, heart problems, high cholesterol, etc.

For 1.5 stone you might consider continue trying to persist with dieting, MJ is quite a commitment and you may have to go up several doses before it is effective.

lastapache · 15/09/2025 09:58

You would get prescribed it, as you have a BMI of over 27 with a weight related health condition.

Everyone should always try to lose weight through conservative methods - i.e. calories restriction and upping exercise, in the first instance. And I don't mean a fad diet, like something where you lose the weight slowly e.g. half a pound to a pound a week. You may well be one of the 10-20% of the population whose genetics will allow you to keep the weight off long term.

However, if you've had many attempts at losing weight in the past, where you haven't been able to keep the lost weight off, then I think you should try medication. But be warned, you will have to accept that - like metformin - this is likely a medication for life. There are studies where people who lost weight on GLP1s, and stopped cold turkey, put 2/3 of the weight back on over a year. Now, there are no studies on people who titrate downwards slowly, nor those who might microdose in order to keep the weight off yet. It could well be that those people can keep the weight off long term. But until those studies come out, you'll have to accept that there's a good possibility that you'll be on this medication long term.

Personally I don't think there's much difference between someone with a BMI of 31/32 taking the medication, and someone with a BMI of 28, especially where that second person has a weight related condition that could possibly vastly improve once weight is lost. Type 2 diabetes is no joke of a condition. If Mounjaro/Wegovy could help stabilise your blood sugars, and help you lose weight so that your diabetes doesn't progress to a more serious level, then it seems like a sensible option.

Original poster

Willthiswork12 · 15/09/2025 10:09

2015pls · 15/09/2025 09:44

The expense
the side effects
all for 1.5 stone

Rather than dieting, what about baby steps for changes that actually you can keep going. So diet changes and exercise. But not drastic, just baby steps.

Yes see that's what I was thinking. I was thinking of losing closer to 2 stone.

The problem is with PCOS it makes it so easy for me to put on weight. I had a few lapses with food in the last couple of weeks, and I get on the scale and have gained 2lbs.

OP posts:

Original poster

Willthiswork12 · 15/09/2025 10:10

lastapache · 15/09/2025 09:58

You would get prescribed it, as you have a BMI of over 27 with a weight related health condition.

Everyone should always try to lose weight through conservative methods - i.e. calories restriction and upping exercise, in the first instance. And I don't mean a fad diet, like something where you lose the weight slowly e.g. half a pound to a pound a week. You may well be one of the 10-20% of the population whose genetics will allow you to keep the weight off long term.

However, if you've had many attempts at losing weight in the past, where you haven't been able to keep the lost weight off, then I think you should try medication. But be warned, you will have to accept that - like metformin - this is likely a medication for life. There are studies where people who lost weight on GLP1s, and stopped cold turkey, put 2/3 of the weight back on over a year. Now, there are no studies on people who titrate downwards slowly, nor those who might microdose in order to keep the weight off yet. It could well be that those people can keep the weight off long term. But until those studies come out, you'll have to accept that there's a good possibility that you'll be on this medication long term.

Personally I don't think there's much difference between someone with a BMI of 31/32 taking the medication, and someone with a BMI of 28, especially where that second person has a weight related condition that could possibly vastly improve once weight is lost. Type 2 diabetes is no joke of a condition. If Mounjaro/Wegovy could help stabilise your blood sugars, and help you lose weight so that your diabetes doesn't progress to a more serious level, then it seems like a sensible option.

Just putting it out there, I don't have diabetes.I have insulin resistance. It can turn into diabetes, but it hasn't so far.

OP posts:

FurForksSake · 15/09/2025 10:12

You’d have to approach pharmacies and see if they would prescribe it with the bmi and insulin resistance. Some won’t, you might find one that will.

Jefferysundercrackets · 15/09/2025 10:33

Just do it, you are over thinking it. I started it at a similar weight and height, I'm now 4 stone down in a few months, feel amazing.

Original poster

Willthiswork12 · 15/09/2025 10:42

Jefferysundercrackets · 15/09/2025 10:33

Just do it, you are over thinking it. I started it at a similar weight and height, I'm now 4 stone down in a few months, feel amazing.

If I lost 4 stone I'd be 7.5 stone and my bmi would be 17.9 and underweight.

We arent at the same starting point regarding weight and height. 4 stone is way too much if youre 5ft4 and 11st5lbs.

OP posts:

Jefferysundercrackets · 15/09/2025 10:45

@Willthiswork12 ,you said you were 12 stone, I was 12. 5 and am now 8.5 at a little over 5.4 a healthy weight thanks.

Original poster

Willthiswork12 · 15/09/2025 10:49

Jefferysundercrackets · 15/09/2025 10:45

@Willthiswork12 ,you said you were 12 stone, I was 12. 5 and am now 8.5 at a little over 5.4 a healthy weight thanks.

I said i was 12 stone starting weight. I lost 11lbs by April and stalled and regained some.

So now i fluctuate between 11st5lbs and 11st 9lbs. It's in the op that id already lost some weight.

I am currently 11st 9lbs. A 4 stone loss would make me underweight.

OP posts:

Lifecircle · 15/09/2025 10:54

I'm similar to you as in I started Mounjaro to lose 2 stone. I'm 5'0 and starting weight was 11.7. After a challenging year of reduced mobility and 2 operations my BMI was 30.
I have 9lbs more to lose to get to a comfortable weight.
I started mid-may and am already feeling the benefits.

ShrankLastWinter · 15/09/2025 10:57

If you can afford it, probably as a long term commitment, then it would likely do the trick with weight loss as well as helping with blood sugar and PCOS.

BMI 28 plus weight-related conditions would qualify you.

Original poster

Willthiswork12 · 15/09/2025 11:16

I do crave sugar. I am really bad. I will be the type of person to buy a box of chocolates to keep in the cupboard and then it will be gone by the next day.

I need to knock my sugar habit on the head. All the empty calories that go from me gaining weight will probably come from sugar.

It's such a hard habit to break though and ive not managed to break it so far.

OP posts:

PermanentTemporary · 15/09/2025 11:17

I’d ask some prescribers, but it doesn’t sound like you’d usually qualify. I have a similar amount to lose now but that’s after losing well over 3st.

Have you thought about trying Orlistat or Alli? I found the side effects difficult so didn’t stick with them but Alli at least is over the counter.

FurForksSake · 15/09/2025 11:23

Perhaps try the Life After Sugar podcast?

lastapache · 15/09/2025 11:41

Sorry OP, when I saw metformin I just assumed diabetes. Prediabetes would also count as weight related condition and is specified on many of the websites as one of the conditions that would qualify you for prescription.

I'm also a sugar addict. One of the things I found mind blowing regarding the medication was that I could take one chocolate digestive from a pack, eat it, think "well that was lovely" and put the pack back in the cupboard. And not think about that packet for days. I had never been able to do that in my life. My mum says I used to point to the biscuit tin before I could even talk. It was such a part of my personality, my "blueprint" for myself that I found it difficult to think of myself any other way. Even my husband doesn't buy me chocolates for Valentine/anniversary because he says they'll just stay for months in the cupboard.

My brother, who has a very similar metabolism to me (and addiction to sweets) has recently been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. I think by starting this medication I may have dodged a bullet!

FurForksSake · 15/09/2025 11:49

The mj definitely has Fantastic results with addictions and cravings such as sugar. I had one double stuffed custard cream last night, it was delicious but I had no compulsion for a second as @lastapachesaid. I would investigate it, try and stay on the lowest dose for as long as possible, pharmacies try to push you up too quickly and you’ll be better off if you can do that.

MrsMiagi · 15/09/2025 12:14

To be honest I probably wouldn't have started if I had a small amount to lose. I am on Mounjaro, its worked well and I am over 4 stones down (started at 14 stones 10 pounds) but it's so expensive now. I havent really had gastric side effects and I have been quite a slow lower but the hair loss has been HORRENDOUS. I have lost weight before but the MJ has affected my hair badly and I have no idea if it will recover. I take supplements etc but hair loss is now a listed side effect. I have a stockpile of pens to taper down as low as I can and if I can come off the jabs I will, but also accept I may need a maintenance dose forever because I was prediabetic.

Original poster

Willthiswork12 · 15/09/2025 14:14

Thanks for all your help everybody.I'm going to not get it for now.And just increase my exercise and also make an attempt to eat healthier . As many of you have said, it's not a massive amount of weight to lose, and the side effects do concern me.

Thank you very much for all your help, though.

OP posts:

farfallarocks · 15/09/2025 19:00

You would qualify. I had 2 stone to lose, 28 bmi and pcos. Down to goal
wight in 3 months and I feel amazing.
Now just need to slowly work out how to maintain! The meds really help with sugar crashes

Mysticmaiden · 15/09/2025 20:53

MrsMiagi · 15/09/2025 12:14

To be honest I probably wouldn't have started if I had a small amount to lose. I am on Mounjaro, its worked well and I am over 4 stones down (started at 14 stones 10 pounds) but it's so expensive now. I havent really had gastric side effects and I have been quite a slow lower but the hair loss has been HORRENDOUS. I have lost weight before but the MJ has affected my hair badly and I have no idea if it will recover. I take supplements etc but hair loss is now a listed side effect. I have a stockpile of pens to taper down as low as I can and if I can come off the jabs I will, but also accept I may need a maintenance dose forever because I was prediabetic.

I also have had a lot of hair loss as well as exhaustion from day 1. I was also prediabetic when I started. I'm now bmi 23.9, thinking of switching to wegovy for maintenance to see if it helps with the side effects. I'm tapering down currently from 15 down to 10mg so far.