Effect on alcohol consumption…. and sugar

[PuzzledObserver]

For context: I am not on WLI although seriously considering it. I am not a problem drinker - my consumption is a glass or two of wine or cider, once in a while or for a few days at a time e.g. on holiday, but then will not drink for weeks on end. I’m not trying not to drink, I’m just not that interested. Sugar, however, is another matter. I am now sugar-free, because I find having none much easier than having a little. In the last year, I have consumed sugar only twice.

That required a big change in attitude…. I had to stop seeing sugar as a treat, or as an essential part of celebration. I now see it as an addictive substance, which I personally am addicted to (many people are not) and which is harmful if consumed in excess. Like alcohol.

Saw this article, and I don’t know if it’s just me, but they seem to be presenting a reduced desire for alcohol as a negative thing…. as in, it will interfere with your enjoyment of life and ability to socialise. Now, I’ve always found I can socialise just fine without drinking alcohol, even if other people are. And I find I can socialise just fine without eating sugar, even when other people are. I just tell them no, not for me, and drink my coffee.

My not eating sugar does seem to interfere with DH’s ability to have a piece of cake with coffee when we’re out - he feels he can’t have any if I’m not, and occasionally moans about it. But that’s his hang-up, nothing I am saying. In fact I’ve told him repeatedly that if he wants cake, he should have it.

So - if you’re on WLI, are you experiencing a reduced desire for alcohol, sugar, or both…… and do you perceive that as positive or negative? What about socialising?

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cr7kmlg0lxpo

For further context: I am in my early sixties, a life long binge eater and yo-yo dieter, morbidly obese most of my adult life, 22 stone at my biggest. In the past couple of years I have finally got a grip on the bingeing, grazing, compulsive eating and all of that. I’m currently bobbling round between 13 and 14 stone and have been for the past year. Would like to get down to around 11 stone, which would be towards the top of the healthy BMI range for me, hence considering WLI to take me the rest of the way.

It makes me really not fussed about alcohol

It makes me not fussed about alcohol or sugar!

@notnorman @Onbdy thank you - and how does that compare with before? Did you used to try to keep a lid on either or both, and with what success?

Similar age to you OP. Never been interested in drinking though so that’s not an issue.

I used to snack on salty and sweet stuff in the evenings, but I did find that Mounjaro made me disinterested in eating those things. I used to eat at least 1 packet of crisps a day but I’ve eaten maybe a couple of packets in a whole year of being on it as I just have no desire for them.

I suppose you won’t know how it will affect you until you try it as everyone is different. I’ve lost over 4 stones and I’m still taking less than 5mg but some people need to move up the doses quite quickly in the early days, to feel any real appetite suppression. Our bodies all react differently.

Thanks, @KrazyKatty Like I said, I have made a major mental adjustment, and my norm now is to eat only at meals, and low carb minimally processed food at that. I already prioritise protein and fibre and minimise carbs, So I’ve done made the changes I need to make to maintain long term, and regular exercise as well, strength as well as cardio. But I still find that at certain times I eat beyond the point of being full before I’ve noticed, or I will have 3 handfuls of nuts when one would have done - or none some days.

So I’m thinking that if those urges were blunted that would enable me to shift another 2-3 stone. And hopefully the new habits would keep me there, even if I taper off and eventually remove the injections.

I have type 2 diabetes. Although I’ve stopped all medication for that, my blood glucose is still in the prediabetic range. The WLI would reduce that immediately, and weight loss would keep it lower even if I stop the jabs. Though of course I accept that there may well be some rebound.

@PuzzledObserver
I definitely didn’t have any addiction issues to either but I would enjoy a few glasses of wine at the weekend and the odd chocolate bar. I felt nauseous at the thought of eating a low calorie ice cream I had bought yesterday so didn’t bother.

It makes me not fussed about sugar or alcohol and I used to like both. For context I would have a glass of wine while cooking on a Saturday and often finish the rest of the bottle through the evening. Last night I poured a glass of wine while cooking and it was still there this morning when I came down to make coffee. I don’t miss it or want it. I have chocolate in the fridge that’s been there a week. I just don’t want it- I’m not stopping myself or ‘being good’. I don’t feel deprived in any way.

I am in my late 50s and was not a big drinker either, it was an occasional glass or two of wine (as I got older I always found I had a hangover with wine so didn't drink much), I'd prefer some vodka and coke. Now, I will still have a glass or two of wine, but no vodka as the coke mixer just doesn't taste the same and I have yet to find another mixer I enjoy.

Sugar and sweet treats were a problem for me before. But now, with the food noise and cravings gone, and knowing that I get a sugar rush and then a crash that leaves me feeling a bit yuck later, I’ve managed to find a balance. I can enjoy a modest sweet treat socially without overindulging or sitting on the couch at home inhaling sugary treats.

That balance is important to me because I really enjoy the deeply cultural social connection that comes from eating out with family and friends. The eating together part is a big part of that connection and bonding, and it also helps make everyone feel comfortable and included.

I’d much rather order a dessert and enjoy some of it, or share it with someone if the portion is too big, than tell the person I’m with to go ahead and order one for themselves while I sit there with nothing. It’s not just about the dessert. Sitting together, sharing food and enjoying the experience is part of the social connection. Saying “you go ahead” can actually make things awkward for the other person when they’re then eating it on their own.

I achieve the social connection by drinking the coffee, or sparkling water if they’re having alcohol, and by talking to the person and listening to them. I’m more than happy with that.

If they are not, if they feel my non-partaking seriously detracts from their enjoyment, well I’m sorry, but they’re going to have to suck it up.

The massive improvement in my quality of life since I’ve lost weight is astonishing - truly life changing. I’m not giving it up for anyone else’s social preference.

If they can’t get over it, tough. True friends are pleased that I’ve escaped the physical pain, immobility and everything else that went with morbid obesity.

I think I must have naturally low blood sugar, but I have found since taking it my appetite for sugar and alcohol has gone up substantially. Especially something sweet in the morning if I feel a bit lightheaded. I definitely eat less, but I think I eat more ‘bad’ foods.