GLP-1 therapy in patients over 65 — safety and efficacy data

GraceAZ_72 said:

The weight came off and the harder part started, which is not what any of the material I read had prepared me for.

GraceAZ_72 said:

...mental health should only be used alongside therapy...

I'd say therapy should be AVAILABLE to all GLP-1 patients, but requiring it as a precondition for treatment would create an access barrier.

Not everyone can afford therapy. Not everyone needs it. Some people do just fine with medication + lifestyle changes. But for those with emotional eating, body image issues, or disordered eating history, therapy is extremely valuable.

My recommendation: make mental health screening part of the initial assessment, offer therapy as a recommended adjunct, but don't gatekeep medication access behind it.

PurityPaulOR said:

GraceAZ_72 said: ...mental health should only be used alongside therapy...

Body image adjustment with mental health: I've lost 55 lbs but when I look in the mirror, I still see my old self sometimes. "Phantom fat" is a real phenomenon.

My therapist specializes in body image issues with weight loss patients. She says it can take 12-18 months for your brain's body map to update. In the meantime: take progress photos (your eyes lie but cameras don't), try on old clothes, and be patient with yourself.

GraceAZ_72 said:

The weight came off and the harder part started, which is not what any of the material I read had prepared me for.

Same pattern here, and in the same order.

From the other side of the consultation, briefly.

Anxiety increase on mental health: counterintuitive, but losing weight rapidly triggered anxiety for me. Change — even positive change — is stressful. I was anxious about loose skin.

This is more common than people admit. A therapist who specializes in weight management has been invaluable. Don't neglect the mental health side of this journey.