Support for non-GLP weight loss

[Anonymous]

Are there others out there trying to lose weight who don't really want to use meds and want to do it "on their own?" Can we have a little support group here for those of us who need some encouragement and want to learn about others' experiences ... without someone chiming in to promote GLP use or to dissuade others from trying to do it without meds? I'm really tired of every chain promoting GLPs. Yeah, it's harder; but what's wrong with doing it "naturally?"

I'm a 57 y/o female, 5'6" weighing a fluctuating 186-190#; pre-diabetes and lifelong high cholesterol; shoulder issues on one side and wrist issues on other side preclude a lot of the recommended physical exercises (like weightlifting). I initially lost 22# through lifestyle changes and regular walking. I've been stalled for a long time, gaining up to 5# at times - hence the fluctuating weight noted above.

Anyone else? Suggestions or advice or just your own story for encouragement/support? Anti-drug folks, how can we do this?!!!

[Anonymous]

I’ve done weight watchers on and off for 2 decades. I’m off right now but I can probably answer any questions about it!

[Anonymous]

59 YO post-menopausal woman here. I have lost 45 lbs so far over 10 months using My Fitness Pal, changing my diet into something that is both manageable and significantly less caloric, and drastically increasing my exercise. Notes:

- MFP suggests 1480 calories a day for my deficit. I usually consume between 1300 and 1600 now that I have more or less figured out my exercise (I give myself a little allowance, but definitely do not extensively take advantage of the extra calories burned)
- I do brisk walking, swimming, Pilates, yoga, and some weights. My active exercise time (time where I am literally working out, not the active minutes my watch indicates) is usually 75-120 minutes a day and 500-1000 calories. (It helps to be retired)
- my biggest dietary changes have been logging everything, diligent portion control, eating a lot of protein for breakfast (and consistently eating breakfast), and sadly, elimination of most cheese from my diet.
- The first 20-25 lbs is the easiest. I find I have more fluctuation at this point, but I am continuing to lose.

I am looking to lose around 30 lbs more. I regularly remind myself that it took me awhile to get to the weight I don’t want to be, and it will take awhile to get back to my optimal weight. But it’s worth it. I feel so much better and it’s great to feel so good about exercise.

Good luck!

[Anonymous]

https://www.novaphysicianwellness.com

They don't push meds. They have been doing this long before GLP-1s were used for weight loss. You work with a doctor, NP, and dietician. Great practice.

[Anonymous]

I've always had a normal BMI and don't qualify for drugs, but I gained 18 pounds and didn't like the way I felt or looked. I started Weight Watchers in October. I lost 12 pounds in 2 months, but stopped tracking during my 2 week vacation and gained 2 pounds. I'd like to lose 10 more before spring. I restarted tracking today.

I'm also aiming for 10,000 steps a day and 3 weightlifting sessions a week.

In my 50s and peri.

[Anonymous]

Starting last winter, I lost 25 lbs in 8 months via tracking what I eat, limiting portions and making better food choices (all thanks to weight watchers). I always exercised and continue to do so, a combination of peleton, yoga and once a week tennis.

I am now at a good weight for my height and frame, but I want to lose 10 more pounds. I’ve allowed myself more treats/dining out over the past few months so haven’t lost but also haven’t gained. I aim try to get back to more strictly following my WW plan over the next few of months to hopefully lose that last 10 pounds.

What I’m saying happiest about is that I eat a healthier diet these days (excepting the past few weeks around the holidays 😊), with lots more fruits and vegetables and less processed foods. And I’m sticking to regular exercise- I love the peleton app for lots more than biking - I do yoga, mat pilates, stretching.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:https://www.novaphysicianwellness.com

They don't push meds. They have been doing this long before GLP-1s were used for weight loss. You work with a doctor, NP, and dietician. Great practice.

I went here and they absolutely pushed meds. they also put you on a crazy low calorie diet that is not sustainable. We're talking 900-1200 calories.

If I were to see a nutritionist I would go to a real one not the ones here who do not do very individual plans just their check these boxes to eat 900 calories.

[Anonymous]

I had success with intermittent fasting a couple of years ago. I am doing it again along with exercise.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
Are there others out there trying to lose weight who don't really want to use meds and want to do it "on their own?" Can we have a little support group here for those of us who need some encouragement and want to learn about others' experiences ... without someone chiming in to promote GLP use or to dissuade others from trying to do it without meds? I'm really tired of every chain promoting GLPs. Yeah, it's harder; but what's wrong with doing it "naturally?"

I'm a 57 y/o female, 5'6" weighing a fluctuating 186-190#; pre-diabetes and lifelong high cholesterol; shoulder issues on one side and wrist issues on other side preclude a lot of the recommended physical exercises (like weightlifting). I initially lost 22# through lifestyle changes and regular walking. I've been stalled for a long time, gaining up to 5# at times - hence the fluctuating weight noted above.

Anyone else? Suggestions or advice or just your own story for encouragement/support? Anti-drug folks, how can we do this?!!!

Honestly weight loss comes down to diet. Exercise helps some but the majority of your calorie deficit is from diet. If you are stalling double check things like portion sizes and if calories are sneaking in in the form of small snacks/bites here and there.

[Anonymous]

I have ~20 lbs to lose. I had success with ww in the past, but I want to do this on my own. I'm 55, 5'7, 159. I gained the weight over the past 2 years due to depression and using food to self soothe. What is working for me right now (I'm down 5# since early Dec) is portion control, intuitive eating and avoiding foods which trigger binge eating. I'm increasing vegetables and lean protein and I walk for an hour each morning. I intend to add weights/workouts once I'm used to eating less. I have never considered using glps because the side effects and unknown long term effects are not well studied in non obese, non diabetics.

[Anonymous]

Glad to see other folks here, since it seemed like every thread was for GLP. I am just starting to focus on weight loss now that I don't have to cook and eat the foods loved by my young adult sons every day. I am focused on anti-inflammation using both Nordic and Mediterranean diets, and I don't plan to do anything radical that I won't be able to maintain, so all food groups are allowed. Also focused on making sure that the foods that I eat are delicious and filling (testing lots of new recipes), again, so I can stick with it. So far, so good.

[Anonymous]

What about groups that meet? I liked the old weight watchers model.

[Anonymous]

This thread will be dead soon, but Reddit offers a few good groups that are very active.

[Anonymous]

I want in-person

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This thread will be dead soon, but Reddit offers a few good groups that are very active.

What's nice about dcum is the anonymity. Reddit requires a user account and people over there are very snoopy taking deep dives on users posting and comments history. I like looking at r/progresspics for motivation. Unfortunately, many of them have lost weight with glps.