Body dysmorphia after significant weight loss — July 2024

MASHdoc_SA said:

Positive side effects of mental health that surprised me: Clearer skin — inflammation reduction improved my rosacea Better sleep — weight loss…

This is exactly what I could not find anywhere else. Printing the relevant bit and taking it with me.

Clinical perspective, offered as context rather than as advice.

maria_elpaso 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.

NurseLeah_Nash said:

Mood changes on mental health: I want to be transparent — I went through a rough patch emotionally around month 2.

When to call your doctor about mental health side effects — a reference I wish I'd had:

Call immediately:

• Severe abdominal pain (could be pancreatitis)
• Vision changes (thyroid concern)
• Lump in neck (thyroid nodule)
• Severe vomiting/can't keep fluids down for 24h+

Schedule an appointment:

• Persistent nausea beyond 4 weeks
• Significant hair loss
• Mood changes or depression
• Gallbladder symptoms (RUQ pain after eating)

maria_elpaso said:

The mental-health dimension is under-measured in the trial literature and the reports here are consistent enough to take seriously.

Body image adjustment with mental health: I've lost 73 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.

Moderator note: reminder that nothing in this thread is medical advice, and that clinical claims need a source. Report rather than reply if it drifts again.