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Weight loss chat

A space to talk openly about weight loss journeys and challenges. Mumsnet hasn't checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. You may wish to speak to a medical professional before starting any diet.

Original poster

Why are you NOT taking a weight loss drug?

203 replies

Carowe · 11/06/2024 14:09

I’ve lost nearly 20 pounds by intermittent fasting and cutting calories right down to 1300. Plus I’ve upped the exercise.

I made the decision not to use a weight loss drug as the side effects of nausea,
abdomen pain, vomiting and diarrhoea sound horrific. I had a friend who said she shot the bed. That is just not something I could tolerate or risk as a germphobe.

Plus there have been a few people who said it made their anxiety worse which is not something I can play around with due to generalised anxiety disorder.

However, I have my weak moments like now where my brain is just obsessing over food (god I want a jam doughnut). And my goal seems so far away.

What are your reasons?

OP posts:
Original poster
Carowe · 11/06/2024 14:09

Btw no judgement to those who are. If I didn’t have some of my issues maybe I would also.

OP posts:
beergiggles · 11/06/2024 14:10

I think cost is likely to be the main reason?

OneForTheRoadThen · 11/06/2024 14:13

History of gallstones leading to pancreatitis

Cheerfulcharlie · 11/06/2024 14:15

Concern of unknown long term effect is what stops me. I know they are thoroughly tested etc but the 10, 15, 20 years after taking them is not known.

DavidRosesEyebrows · 11/06/2024 14:16

Sharon Osbourne

henlake7 · 11/06/2024 14:20

I work in gastroenterology and have seen a few people come in with issues related to weight loss drugs and surgery.
I was always worried about the side effects.

user1984778379202 · 11/06/2024 14:20

Because I don't think it would help me unpick the reasons why I overeat and it's a heck of a lot of money to waste to just put the weight back on once I stop injecting.

Plus saggy skin.

user1471522343 · 11/06/2024 14:21

My BMI isn’t high enough. If i could get a hold of them I’d be on them like a shot.

FunnysInLaJardin · 11/06/2024 14:22

user1984778379202 · 11/06/2024 14:20

Because I don't think it would help me unpick the reasons why I overeat and it's a heck of a lot of money to waste to just put the weight back on once I stop injecting.

Plus saggy skin.

this is how I feel. I need to get to the root of the issues myself.

tobee · 11/06/2024 17:25

user1471522343 · 11/06/2024 14:21

My BMI isn’t high enough. If i could get a hold of them I’d be on them like a shot.

Mine isn't high enough quite. Which is depressing to think if I gained a few more pounds it probably would be. That seems not a good prospect. Although I do have plenty of co morbidities and a likely genetic predisposition to diabetes. Hopefully they'll be prescribed for more people for preventative reasons as has been mooted.

Anyway, my main reason is trying to get my head around being on them for life. I'm not opposed to that idea per se as I take other drugs for life. It's more the idea of never overindulging again. Which is probably a dumb reason. I'm a little bit scared I suppose of the unknown aspects. Will it work etc.

tobee · 11/06/2024 17:29

user1984778379202 · 11/06/2024 14:20

Because I don't think it would help me unpick the reasons why I overeat and it's a heck of a lot of money to waste to just put the weight back on once I stop injecting.

Plus saggy skin.

It's interesting how people feel like this about weight. Would you feel the same way about having to take meds for depression? I think there's a lot of guilt attached to overeating and the idea we should just control ourselves. I don't know maybe we should? But if it's not working and we are giving ourselves health issues?

Wisenotboring · 11/06/2024 17:31

Gallbladder/pancreas risk, the evidence suggests people just put the weight back on. I'm watching the evidence carefully on cardiovascular benefits even without weight loss. If that becomes more compelling as as newer an improved drugs are developed I may way make the leap...

CampervanKween · 11/06/2024 17:32

Side effects, possibly long term issues. Plus my BMI isn't high enough anyway.

TheSingingBean · 11/06/2024 17:43

My BMI is probably just about high enough but I am bordering on phobic about vomiting.

Honestly, I would do it like a shot if it wasn't for that. I know it doesn't happen to everyone but I am too terrified to take the risk.

Itisal · 11/06/2024 17:50

tobee · 11/06/2024 17:29

It's interesting how people feel like this about weight. Would you feel the same way about having to take meds for depression? I think there's a lot of guilt attached to overeating and the idea we should just control ourselves. I don't know maybe we should? But if it's not working and we are giving ourselves health issues?

Show quote history

I was going to say exactly the same as bookmark1111 but what you said tobee makes good sense!

SisterAgatha · 11/06/2024 17:53

I lost 5 stone and have kept it off for 3 years now.

Mostly my reason is - Why pay for something you can have for free? But secondly the feeling of accomplishment I have, cannot be measured. I realise this isn’t the same for everyone but these are my reasons and they motivate me.

Inextremis · 11/06/2024 17:53

Expense. Fear of needles. Being 65 (today, HB to me!) and fairly used to being fat. The existence of elasticated waistbands :)

SisterAgatha · 11/06/2024 17:57

tobee · 11/06/2024 17:29

It's interesting how people feel like this about weight. Would you feel the same way about having to take meds for depression? I think there's a lot of guilt attached to overeating and the idea we should just control ourselves. I don't know maybe we should? But if it's not working and we are giving ourselves health issues?

Show quote history

I do wonder about “health” reasons. I lost my weight through healthy anxiety, I knew I was killing myself and didn’t want to die of something preventable. So the fact people haven’t and reach for a drug instead, makes me wonder if this isn’t really about health… but vanity. Controversial maybe but examining the reason people overeat is not a bad idea. Vanity maybe a valid reason for some but let’s not pretend it’s all for health benefits.

Lentilweaver · 11/06/2024 17:58

Because my BMI isn't high enough and I don't think about food all the time. I also don't bing eat . My weight gain appears to be menopausal as I was fine before that. I do have diabetes in the family.

HamBagelNoCheese · 11/06/2024 17:59

I dont eat because I'm hungry so not sure that an appetite suppressant will do the job!

Revelatio · 11/06/2024 18:02

Trying for a baby.

wendywoopywoo222 · 11/06/2024 18:04

I only know three people who have had them. Two have lost their gallbladders and the other one was depressed and anxious and lost all her joy in life.

I also wouldn't like the side effects.

redavocado · 11/06/2024 18:14

My BMI isn't quite high enough and I'm breastfeeding. Otherwise I'd consider it.

Gymmum82 · 11/06/2024 18:15

I don’t think I’d qualify on the NHS and can’t afford it. I’m not sure how so many people can

Menora · 11/06/2024 18:20

I did take it but don’t now. It was gallbladder and other side effects. I had no energy, insomnia and as someone said, it wasn’t really helping me get to the bottom of why I was over eating it was just making me forget to eat. I know some people love this side effect as it feels like it solves all the problems but often, it doesn’t go far enough into the deeper issues.