Is using GLP-1 weight loss programs like the ones offered by MEDVi actually safe for long‑term use?

[SnowBall1999]

So I’ve been thinking about trying one of those GLP‑1 weight‑loss programs, kinda like the ones MEDVi advertises everywhere, but I’m low‑key freaked out about whether they’re actually safe long‑term.

I’ve been struggling with my weight forever, and this seems like the first thing that might actually move the needle for me. But I don’t wanna mess up my health just to drop some pounds, you know?

If anyone here’s been on these meds or knows someone who has, I’d seriously love to hear what the real deal is before I take the plunge.

 

[RandyT]

Been on Zepbound for 12 weeks so far. Biggest issue to date is the constipation, but hear that some people get diarrhea. Currently down 25 pounds. According to my doctor should be a 12-18 month treatment before weaning off of the meds to see if I can maintain weight control. GLP-1 meds have potential serious side effects, some of which are also present if using diabetes meds. But also need to keep in mind that being overweight has very high risk of heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure and diabetes.

In my case A1C was 6.1 and creeping up into full diabetic range. Blood pressure was 150/100 and elevated cholesterol.

If you take the plunge be prepared to eat about 1 meal a day or less, and need to concentrate on high protein diet, such as meat, milk, eggs, cheese, because the weight loss can cause issues with muscle loss, especially if you start dropping weight quickly. so need to try to eat a balanced diet, but need to concentrate on proteins over anything else you eat. Meaning if you sit down to eat a balanced meal with veggies, and starches, etc, eat your protein first, because when you are eating a meal, when you get full it will be a hard stop.

 

[jyoutz]

Try the low carb diet. Eat meat, eggs, and vegetables and avoid carbs. You’ll drop weight fast and won’t be hungry.

 

[Torvy]

^what J said.

My older daughter is on one of those drugs. Wife went the bariatric surgery route.

Both get you to the same place as just eating a low-carb diet. The only difference is willpower. They couldn't seem to deny themselves, so the drugs and surgery forced them to do it.

I'm more than happy to share some reasonable options to make low carb eating easier. La Bandarita makes a good zero net carb tortillas. I can get them at Sam's, but not all stores carry them. I use them instead of bread. Peanut butter, cheese, meats all wrap nicely. I even bring them on trips so I can have a sandwich in the drive-thru and just move the insides into my tortillas and toss the bun. (Arby's beef works nicely that way). Not all veggies are low carb. Green beans, broccoli and most of the leafy stuff is fine. Carrots and most root veggies are sugary. Berries are usually fine. Avoid bananas, oranges and pineapple.

 

[jyoutz]

^what J said.

My older daughter is on one of those drugs. Wife went the bariatric surgery route.

Both get you to the same place as just eating a low-carb diet. The only difference is willpower. They couldn't seem to deny themselves, so the drugs and surgery forced them to do it.

I'm more than happy to share some reasonable options to make low carb eating easier. La Bandarita makes a good zero net carb tortillas. I can get them at Sam's, but not all stores carry them. I use them instead of bread. Peanut butter, cheese, meats all wrap nicely. I even bring them on trips so I can have a sandwich in the drive-thru and just move the insides into my tortillas and toss the bun. (Arby's beef works nicely that way). Not all veggies are low carb. Green beans, broccoli and most of the leafy stuff is fine. Carrots and most root veggies are sugary. Berries are usually fine. Avoid bananas, oranges and pineapple.

It’s true that not all veggies are low carb, but most have fiber. Fiber with carbs helps to slow their digestion.

 

[MAX-24-Dean]

It’s true that not all veggies are low carb, but most have fiber. Fiber with carbs helps to slow their digestion.

A 15 to 20 minute walk after eating also helps slow digestion, commonly known as "the fart walk".
Mediterranean diet is also a good wight lose solution.

 

[mark in portugal]

Millions of people (try to) follow hundreds of diets, and a few lose weight.
The new weight lose drugs actually work; that's a big deal, and a life saver for many people (and I know a few of them).

Personally, I never succeed in dieting. My desire to eat always gets ahead of my desire to lose weight for just long enough to scoff down something I shouldn't.

I go on a full fast once every few years to get off the accumulation.
Last time I took off 25 lbs in 20 days.
It's like addiction; full abstinence is easier than quantity control.

 

[RayIN]

I once asked my Dr., what is the best way to lose weight and keep it off?
He said, "come-on Ray, stop bending your elbows"..

 

[Oaktree]

According to my doctor should be a 12-18 month treatment before weaning off of the meds to see if I can maintain weight control. GLP-1 meds have potential serious side effects, some of which are also present if using diabetes meds.

I've always read they WERE diabetes meds, not recommended for those who aren't diabetic. I've also heard that once you start using them, you're pretty much on them for the rest of your life.

Try the low carb diet. Eat meat, eggs, and vegetables and avoid carbs. You’ll drop weight fast and won’t be hungry.

The old Atkins diet. Was kind of a fad maybe 20-25 years ago. Like most fad diets, it's (1) not really healthy and (2) rarely sustainable.

 

[jyoutz]

I've always read they WERE diabetes meds, not recommended for those who aren't diabetic. I've also heard that once you start using them, you're pretty much on them for the rest of your life.

The old Atkins diet. Was kind of a fad maybe 20-25 years ago. Like most fad diets, it's (1) not really healthy and (2) rarely sustainable.

The Adkins diet was mostly meat; what I said was meat, eggs, and vegetables primarily. You can also add some high fiber carbs such as beans and full grains such as brown rice and oats, just not a lot of carbs. More of a low carb diet instead of no carbs. It can be healthy and sustainable.