Sleep quality changes on GLP-1 — need advice

Dr.EM_Chicago said:

Mood changes on mental health: I want to be transparent — I went through a rough patch emotionally around month 3.

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

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.

Dr.NutriCornell said:

Recovering from an eating disorder and using mental health: this is a complex situation and I want to be transparent about it.

Thank you — that is the clearest version of this I have read, and I have read a lot of them. Taking it to my next appointment.

Dr.EM_Chicago said:

Mood changes on mental health: I want to be transparent — I went through a rough patch emotionally around month 3.

Body image adjustment with mental health: I've lost 62 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.

mark_tokyo said:

My mood has been flatter since about month four and I genuinely cannot work out whether that is the drug, the deficit, or the fact that I no longer…

Positive side effects of mental health that surprised me:

1. Clearer skin — inflammation reduction improved my rosacea
2. Better sleep — weight loss resolved mild sleep apnea
3. Improved libido — better body image + improved cardiovascular health
4. Less joint pain — obvious mechanical benefit
5. More energy — metabolic improvements across the board

Not everything about GLP-1 therapy is a struggle. There are genuinely wonderful changes too. ✨

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