Would WLI work for me?

[Riseofthematriarchy]

Since having DC I can't seem to lose more than 7lbs and then pile if back on. Pre DC 3 years ago I was 8st 10, I am now 11.10 and I'm short and have mobility issues. I don't eat large portions I just don't eat in calorie deficit. I can't exercise except walking and I would love to know if WLI would help me to get back down to my pre baby weight. Has anyone else been in a similar position?

Mounjaro works for the vast majority of people, so in all likelihood it would work for you, assuming you meet the prescribing criteria.

What’s your BMI?

I’m also short (5ft 0in) and my starting weight was 11st 12lbs. I’m now 10st 0lbs after 4 months, so losing slow but steady. Like you I didn’t eat large portions before. Do it. You really won’t regret it!

I’m not sure why you think it wouldn’t to be honest. If it doesn’t work it is simply physiological, and to be honest you’re eating large enough portions to either gain or maintain.

Wow that was a shocker my BMI is 30.6. I honestly hardly eat but grab quick fixes. I eat toast with butter in the morning, lunch is another slice of toast with half an avocado and a bag of crisps, dinner is when I properly eat and it is usually spaghetti bolognese/stir fry, I have loads of tea and coffee with 2 sugars. I think it's the appetite thing, I don't have a huge appetite but I'm not in calorie deficit. I imagined WLI worked for large appetites only and alongside going to the gym (which I'm unable to do)

Could you please share you WLI type monjaro etc. And who your provider is and how much please. I don't know where to begin. I can't continue this size, I'm very unhappy as previously I was always a size 8.

You can have a look at https://monj.co.uk for Mounjaro price comparison, and https://igovy.co.uk for Wegovy price comparison. Wegovy is cheaper particularly at the lower doses, but is a bit less effective and can have more side effects.

Personally, I take Mounjaro, I started back when it was cheaper than Wegovy and it has been very effective for me. I have used various different pharmacies, Asda, Zava, Pharmacy2U, WePrescribe, Lloyds, Swift - all have been fine and I’ve just changed to take advantage of new customer discounts and/or because they got too expensive.

I’ve gone from a BMI of 32 to 25 in 2.5yrs on it. I’ve definitely eaten less, not sure my diet is as good as I tend to crave calorie dense and sugary food when I didn’t before. I’m short too.

You would qualify for WLI at that BMI obviously we don’t know about your other medical history. Someone has already sent you the links to buy WLIs.
You mentioned that you don’t eat that much, but what you eat isn’t great, so you will need to change your diet and start to exercise. I’m on MJ have dropped from BMI 31 to 24 but have changed my whole diet, more protein to protect my muscles in particular , with the occasional treats. I have also started strength training for that reason.
WLIs aren’t magic, you still need to put the work in and develop new healthier habits especially if you plan on stopping them. Otherwise you will just put the weight back on.

I would be looking to cut down carbs. That current diet is carbs with every meal (either toast or pasta) along with two sugars in “lots” of tea. And cut out the crisps.
WLIs will help but long term healthy eating is key to keeping weight off.

I've gone from 13st 1lb bmi 32.8 to 8st 13lbs bmi 22.4 in 1 year and 2 months and I'm short and was prediabetic, so its definitely achievable to get back to a lower weight.

Too much bread and not enough fruit, veg and protein is likely the cause here too. Do you actually weigh your food? Portion control will help too! People who don't eat that much can't just end up stones overweight. I lost 2 stone weighing my food and looking at my macros. WLI is a great quick fix but lifestyle changes are totally key to keeping it off and being healthy. You aren't in a calorie deficit. Are you able to go to the gym to do any weights or swim or walk? I tried WLI for 2/3 weeks ended up in hospital with major stomach issues. Never again. I've lost 2 stone on diet and exercise but it's a slog and a commitment. Ive kept it off. I'm 5ft 3. 63kgs and technically my BMI is not in he green but my waist to height ratio is tiny and I am pretty muscly with G cup boobs. It's all relative though. BMI isn't the only goal.

You don’t need to exercise for WLIs to work, it can help but ultimately it’s about calories. Mounjaro makes you less hungry so it’s easier to stick to a calorie deficit. For example, I now have for breakfast blueberries with 4 teaspoons of Greek yogurt and honey. Before mj that would never have filled me up, I’d have been feeling sick with hunger without my usual toast.

I have one recommendation for you and that’s to switch to Sugarly, google it, I tried 10 sweeteners (maybe more! Seriously) to find one I could bear in my coffee and sugarly is the only one. Unfortunately it’s expensive but I buy the big bag on Amazon which helps (Amazon link here). You’ll save the calories in all your hot drinks and stop the sugar spikes.

If you decide to try mj then good luck!! It’s changed my life. 4 stone down.

WLI aren’t a miracle cure for a poor diet so be prepared to overhaul your current choices.

You will need to try and start eating more healthily on WLI and it might take you a good 6 months to a year after reaching your goal to re-set your palate to making healthier choices otherwise the weight will return.

For me, I can’t eat fatty foods on MJ as it makes me feel really ill so I eat a lot more salad and veg and haven’t touched pasta or potatoes in about 6 months.

I used to eat toast/bread but just don’t fancy it now so if I buy a sandwich when out, I’ll eat half and leave the rest. It’s strange how the drugs can also change your habits. 🤔

I put on 4 stone during pregnancy as I had mobility issues and couldn't walk for the last 3 months. I lost a stone after having DC but can't shift the remaining 3. I'm a single mum with a DC who has high needs, hence why I grab a slice of toast to eat to keep me going for breakfast and lunch. Occasionally I will eat strawberries or blueberries if DC hasn't eaten them. I 100% know my diet isn't great, that's why I asked if as it stands would WLI work with no exercise other than walking and not much change to my diet.

Yes WLI will work, in that you are likely to find your appetite reduced and that you will feel fuller quicker and for longer. You may also find that your appetites change, I certainly went right off refined processed carbs. So you should be able to reduce the number of calories you consume as a result of that, which should result in weight loss at least initially.

Longer term though, you will need to look at long term habit changing so that you are able to maintain any weight lost through WLI. Or consider whether you would stay on WLI long term if you cannot make any changes.

I would look for ready-to-eat easy swaps for toast, that are higher in protein and lower in carbs. So, greek yoghurt, a stash of boiled eggs, ready to eat lean meat, fish etc, then things like extra microwaveable green veg to have with evening meals so that you can reduce the carb element that you eat and up the veggies. Plus a daily multivitamin if you don't already.

I agree. WLIs are likely to work in that you'll probably want to eat less than you are now, so you should lose weight on them. Not necessarily all 3 stone. But that diet needs looking at, whether you choose to try the jabs or not.

The pp mentioned quick and easy protein options, so I won't repeat that. But I noticed you said you might have strawberries and blueberries if DC don't eat them. Is there a reason you don't build in fruit for yourself as part of the daily routine, other than the avocado? I assume if you're considering WLIs that you could afford more berries, or say an apple instead of one of the sugary teas. Carrot/pepper sticks and hummus if you like that. I know sometimes with DC it's hard to make enough mental space for your own needs, but your diet deserves to be prioritised too.

Just be aware depending on how short you are, how young you are will have an affect on whether you will need to continue the drug for maintenance

there’s no ‘diet change/learning new habits’ that would fix my particular issue, 1000-1200 calories a day to maintain. I’m very short (4ft 10) and menopausal so will be on the drug for life.

My dose is the same as it was when I was losing, I’m just not losing now as I’ve reached my natural set point for maintenance. I’ve been at goal weight for a year.

If I actually wanted to lose weight (I don’t, my bmi is 21.5) I’d have to increase the dose.

What I have to hope is that the current dose works forever. (And that I can always afford it or they bring out a pill I can afford)

Yes it would work. I started at 11st 4lbs and I am now 8st 7lbs after 5.5 months.

Although you do need to be willing to make changes. Ditch the sugar in the tea for one - swap to stevia if you must. And you need to ensure you’re eating enough protein and not just crap or your muscle will waste away.

You need to build in time to make quick, healthier food.

A sandwich of wholemeal bread with chicken or tuna takes no more time than toast and avocado. Buy more fruit so there’s some for you. A protein / Greek yoghurt is just as fast as toast too. Faster even.