BMI under 27 - Off Label/less to lose

[ritala]

I am mid 40’s and just can’t lose the weight like I used to. I’m fed up of losing and gaming the same two pounds. I’m about a stone and a half more than my happy weight (where I would be approx bmi 23).

I have tried to find a thread for people who have been approved ‘off label’ Wegovy or Mounjaro with less to lose but couldn’t find one, so thought I’d start here. I have a BMI higher than 25 but less than 27 with a couple extra health conditions. Hoping to start after Easter. I’d like to stay with a very low dose if possible. Half a pound a week loss would be good for me. I really want to avoided side effects.

Anyone who is in a similar boat and wants to share experiences or ask questions, please join! X

Hi @AMouseWithValour- it’s nice to know there are other lower BMI people out there who are also curious and being proactive before things get worse. That’s how I’m seeing it anyway.

I’ve been told to ‘just eat less’ and ‘move more’, ‘up your protein’, ‘prioritise water’ etc but it does not work when you’re a certain age and unable to shift belly fat. I’m short as well, which makes it double hard. It’s absolutely getting me down and making my pain and other conditions so much worse. Hope you get the results you are after.

that’s a good idea @kljdhs877about using Chat GPT to track symptoms. I have an app but AI will also be helpful. I also need to remember to take photos.

Following for interest

Yes this is me too x

How is everyone doing? My meds are arriving after Easter. I’ve gone for Wegovy. How are you doing @RockChik- I know you stated again recently

I did my second jab of 3.75 yesterday (after a successful weigh in, was toying with 5) glad I stuck at 3.75, feeling it this time and didn’t feel a thing last week! Hope I dont feel rough for the bank holiday weekend.

I also lost 2 stone with a 2.5mg dose throughout. I had one week at 3.75mg but didn’t like the side effects so dropped down again. 2.5mg was enough to keep my appetite at bay.

My BMI is 26 and I have struggled all my life with emotional eating so even if I am not hungry, I will still eat. Would WLI work for this or is it pointless?

I’ve just signed up to MedExpress to start on 2.5mg Mounjaro. I weigh 73kg and looking to get down to 60kg. I was incredibly lean several years ago so know about healthy eating and exercise but it seems to be much harder now I’m menopausal.

I’m off on holiday in 30 days. So hoping to have at least dropped a bit of weight before then. Planning on being sensible and avoiding the all-you-can-eat buffet!

@Bigminnie1- it will definitely help. I was listening to an audiobook this morning about benefits other than weight loss and there is evidence to suggest that WLI can help with binge eating and other addictive behaviours including alcohol and drug abuse. I think it’s to do with switching off the ‘instant reward’ switch in our head. I have this for shopping and scrolling so hoping the injections will help me. My BMI is also 26 but I have a couple of other health conditions.

@PinotPonyGood that you have a goal in mind. I’d also like to have a goal. As I’m lower starter on BMI I do not think I have access to higher doses, which is fine by me. I’m just going to see how I go. How great will you feel on holiday at your new weight!

Thank you

Yeah absolutely, I’m drinking so much less alcohol on it as a result!

Exactly the same weight and goal as me! Good luck!

I’m doing ok, thanks. I took another 2.5mg dose on Monday (5 days after the first one) and it’s definitely kicked in this week! Getting a fair amount of appetite suppression, but unfortunately some SEs too. The worst is I’ve had terrible acid reflux the last two or three days after eating and some mild nausea. I’ve lost 2.5lbs since Monday though 🙂 A bit faster than I’d like so gonna up my Kcals a bit.

Guuuys I’m struggling at 3.75mg 😩 don’t be afraid to count clicks if you decide to go up from 2.5mg, I dread to think what 5 would feel like in one go!

Oh no!! are you having bad side effects? This is what I am worried about. How far through the ‘journey’ are you?

@ritala it’s just because I’ve gone up a dose, I was absolutely fine previously. I struggled with nausea in the early days, just around days 2-3 post jab, and tbh usually when I haven’t followed the advice (waiting too long before meals, slightly larger meals, alcohol). It’s tolerable though, wouldn’t make me stop, I’ve no doubt this will settle down as I adjust to it, but I’m glad I didn’t jump to 5 (especially as it’s a bank holiday weekend!)

Ah ok, that’s good to know. At least you know you just have to ride the storm and the things will settle. Hopefully you have a chilled weekend!

Why did you increase your dose? Was it no longer effective at 2.5?? I had the same issue when I went up from 2.5 to 3.75, although I’ve always had nausea (probably because I also don’t always follow the guidance and definitely drink alcohol 🤣). I’m back on 2.5 and still getting some nausea and acid reflux.

This is interesting. I have ADHD and struggle somewhat with addictive, impulsive behaviours. Just done my first week on Wegovy and can't say I've noticed much of a change yet with these behaviours except my enormous capacity to overeat. Given this was the main reason for me to start it, I can't complain!

My problem now is making sure that my meals are nutrient dense and varied. I struggle to feed myself properly at the best of times. I have spent months living on cereal in the past.

I stopped getting side effects and the weight loss was plateauing (not stopping I have to admit, I didn’t wait 3 weeks) I have a big holiday in May so I was hoping to do 5mg for a last push but doubt I will get over 3.75mg at this rate! I was planning on going back down to 2.5mg after. And I’m hoping to do 1.25mg for maintenance.

I think I am going to start on Monday - I reckon that's a good day to inject as I am mostly freelance and so can control when I work around side effects.

I'm going to use the weekend to do some meal planing!

@kljdhs877 I've just had a go on ChatGPT after your advice - even created a project called 'Health' as well. It is so good! Thank you.

I was feeling pretty at a loss and now I have a mean plan and an exercise plan. It brilliant (if bloody terrifying, AI will take over the world!)

@AMouseWithValour ah I’m so glad it’s helping, I actually work in AI governance so I should be really cautious haha, but im more “if you can’t beat them, join them” in my personal life 😂 I just find it so useful. And oddly motivating.