How, exactly, does Ozempic work?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Also, I am a foodie. New recipes and special meals are something that bring me pleasure.

Why take a drug that tamps down your enjoyment of a whole category of experiences?

Because for some of us, food and all it involves comes with a mental torture that far outweighs the enjoyment you experience. Cocaine addicts also enjoy the high, but it's not something you'd support, is it?

Addiction is addiction and food noise isn’t “normal”. Therapy helps in permanent ways miracle meds never will.

Wait, so if I just get therapy, the food noises that I’ve been battling for years will go away? Say more about that.

If you’re willing to be open and explore why you crave the dopamine hit you get from anticipating food (similar to a sex accident with sex, a gambler with gambling, a drug addict with drugs, a shopping addict with shopping…) then yes, it could potentially help you. I’m willing to bet you likely feel awful after giving in to these cravings, and like you have no control over them (like a sex addict with sex, gambler with gambling, drug addict from drugs, shopping addiction from shopping…) All addictions start with trauma.

OMG, the sanctimonious judgment is just oozing from this post. If I just had some therapy for the nonexistent trauma in my life (grew up in a healthy, stable home with parents who still love one another, in my own positive marriage raising two kids, again no trauma), then my food noises would go away! I just need some more WILLPOWER! I guess it has nothing to do with brain chemistry that is different for different people. Do you think this therapy would work on things like lowering cholesterol and blood pressure?

Taking GLP-1 has been a game changer for me. I still enjoy food, but I’m not thinking about it all the time. I can enjoy the taste and be satisfied. It’s a feeling I haven’t known in decades. I’m just much more relaxed. Yes, I attribute it to Ozempic.

There’s a lot of promise that GLP-1s can help with other addictions you mentioned. Again, it’s about brain chemistry, not just “being stronger.” Your judgment of people who are dealing with any kind of addiction is gross. Therapy is wonderful for so many people for so many reasons. To prescribe it as the truest way to deal with addiction denies the real science that acknowledges there is an actual physiological basis to some people being overweight and struggling to lose it.

It’s not a good look when you’re telling people that being overweight is unhealthy, but if you don’t work to lose the weight in the way that I think is best, then you’re also unhealthy and even worse, you’re just a damaged person because you don’t have the will power to manage this supposed trauma.

I can see you are very triggered by this.

But dopamine is brain chemistry, and I never, not once, mentions “being stronger”. But proper therapy can help you reconfigure your brain chemistry, and the connections you have that make you crave food.

Oh, yes, I’m absolutely triggered by such foolishness. I truly hope you don’t spew this bs to anyone you know personally who is overweight or dealing with addiction. It’s so hurtful and dismissive.

But just in case you’re onto something, please quote these studies that cure obesity or addiction by changing the brain chemistry through therapy. I’m guessing no overweight person has done therapy. Maybe those that cannot get Wegovy should just get therapy instead.

She’s not wrong, PP. Have you never watched a single episode of My 600lb Life or heard of Dr. Now?

I don’t know what this post means.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Also, I am a foodie. New recipes and special meals are something that bring me pleasure.

Why take a drug that tamps down your enjoyment of a whole category of experiences?

Because for some of us, food and all it involves comes with a mental torture that far outweighs the enjoyment you experience. Cocaine addicts also enjoy the high, but it's not something you'd support, is it?

Addiction is addiction and food noise isn’t “normal”. Therapy helps in permanent ways miracle meds never will.

Wait, so if I just get therapy, the food noises that I’ve been battling for years will go away? Say more about that.

If you’re willing to be open and explore why you crave the dopamine hit you get from anticipating food (similar to a sex accident with sex, a gambler with gambling, a drug addict with drugs, a shopping addict with shopping…) then yes, it could potentially help you. I’m willing to bet you likely feel awful after giving in to these cravings, and like you have no control over them (like a sex addict with sex, gambler with gambling, drug addict from drugs, shopping addiction from shopping…) All addictions start with trauma.

OMG, the sanctimonious judgment is just oozing from this post. If I just had some therapy for the nonexistent trauma in my life (grew up in a healthy, stable home with parents who still love one another, in my own positive marriage raising two kids, again no trauma), then my food noises would go away! I just need some more WILLPOWER! I guess it has nothing to do with brain chemistry that is different for different people. Do you think this therapy would work on things like lowering cholesterol and blood pressure?

Taking GLP-1 has been a game changer for me. I still enjoy food, but I’m not thinking about it all the time. I can enjoy the taste and be satisfied. It’s a feeling I haven’t known in decades. I’m just much more relaxed. Yes, I attribute it to Ozempic.

There’s a lot of promise that GLP-1s can help with other addictions you mentioned. Again, it’s about brain chemistry, not just “being stronger.” Your judgment of people who are dealing with any kind of addiction is gross. Therapy is wonderful for so many people for so many reasons. To prescribe it as the truest way to deal with addiction denies the real science that acknowledges there is an actual physiological basis to some people being overweight and struggling to lose it.

It’s not a good look when you’re telling people that being overweight is unhealthy, but if you don’t work to lose the weight in the way that I think is best, then you’re also unhealthy and even worse, you’re just a damaged person because you don’t have the will power to manage this supposed trauma.

I can see you are very triggered by this.

But dopamine is brain chemistry, and I never, not once, mentions “being stronger”. But proper therapy can help you reconfigure your brain chemistry, and the connections you have that make you crave food.

Oh, yes, I’m absolutely triggered by such foolishness. I truly hope you don’t spew this bs to anyone you know personally who is overweight or dealing with addiction. It’s so hurtful and dismissive.

But just in case you’re onto something, please quote these studies that cure obesity or addiction by changing the brain chemistry through therapy. I’m guessing no overweight person has done therapy. Maybe those that cannot get Wegovy should just get therapy instead.

EMDR, to name one.

I am happy that Ozempic is working for you, I think that’s wonderful. But I wonder, what happens when you can no longer take it? Have you done the work, or just lost the weight?

What is “the work?”

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Also, I am a foodie. New recipes and special meals are something that bring me pleasure.

Why take a drug that tamps down your enjoyment of a whole category of experiences?

Because for some of us, food and all it involves comes with a mental torture that far outweighs the enjoyment you experience. Cocaine addicts also enjoy the high, but it's not something you'd support, is it?

I was just sharing my mental calculations, obviously yours are different.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Also, I am a foodie. New recipes and special meals are something that bring me pleasure.

Why take a drug that tamps down your enjoyment of a whole category of experiences?

I lost 40 lbs on ozempic and can still enjoy tasting menus and food, I just eat less of it. Even before Ozempic I was already finding that multi course menus made me too full and uncomfortable later. And the health benefits that come from losing weight far outweigh the downside of not being able to eat a huge meal.

OPs “friend” is probably on too high a dose or maybe not under a doctors supervision. Also after the first few months the weight loss slows down in any event.

Thank you for explaining your experience.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Also, I am a foodie. New recipes and special meals are something that bring me pleasure.

Why take a drug that tamps down your enjoyment of a whole category of experiences?

Because for some of us, food and all it involves comes with a mental torture that far outweighs the enjoyment you experience. Cocaine addicts also enjoy the high, but it's not something you'd support, is it?

Addiction is addiction and food noise isn’t “normal”. Therapy helps in permanent ways miracle meds never will.

I have heard this but don’t understand what “food noise” means.

Yes, I enjoy reviewing recipes, finding a unique gourmet ingredient, mastering a delicious meal. Is that “food noise?”

[Anonymous]

People are changing one eating disorder (binge) for another one (anorexia.)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Also, I am a foodie. New recipes and special meals are something that bring me pleasure.

Why take a drug that tamps down your enjoyment of a whole category of experiences?

Because for some of us, food and all it involves comes with a mental torture that far outweighs the enjoyment you experience. Cocaine addicts also enjoy the high, but it's not something you'd support, is it?

Addiction is addiction and food noise isn’t “normal”. Therapy helps in permanent ways miracle meds never will.

I have heard this but don’t understand what “food noise” means.

Yes, I enjoy reviewing recipes, finding a unique gourmet ingredient, mastering a delicious meal. Is that “food noise?”

No.
Food noise refers to excessive and intrusive thoughts about food that can interfere with daily life. It is characterized by:
Preoccupation with food: Constant thinking about food, even when not hungry.
Intrusive thoughts: Unwanted and persistent thoughts about food that are difficult to suppress.
Increased cravings: Strong desires for specific foods, regardless of actual hunger.
Difficulty feeling full: Feeling unsatisfied after eating, even when physically full.

[Anonymous]

I'm on Wegovy. It certainly makes me less hungry, but I still want and need to eat a couple small meals. If I eat too much my stomach hurts for a few hours.

Except for 24-48 hours after I take the shot. It makes me feel like I have a stomach flu for about a day. It's awful. I don't think I can stay on it.

[Anonymous]

Just here to chime in and let everyone know that I tried therapy for years and it didn't help me lose the weight. Therapy isn't going to cure a metabolic disorder.

Also, no, Wegovy does not make people have anorexia. I eat approximately 1500 calories a day, and am finally at a normal weight, but I am not thin, let alone dangerously so.

[Anonymous]

So no one can answer OP’s actual question?

I have one friend on one of these drugs. She was diabetic and could not lose weight. It probably saved her life. She is at a relatively average weight for her height now and feels much better.

Another friend has been yo-yo dieting for years. Mostly to lose that last ten pounds. Saw her recently and thought she must be ill till I realized she’s probably on one of these drugs. She looks bad but she seemed quite happy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Also, I am a foodie. New recipes and special meals are something that bring me pleasure.

Why take a drug that tamps down your enjoyment of a whole category of experiences?

Because for some of us, food and all it involves comes with a mental torture that far outweighs the enjoyment you experience. Cocaine addicts also enjoy the high, but it's not something you'd support, is it?

Addiction is addiction and food noise isn’t “normal”. Therapy helps in permanent ways miracle meds never will.

I have heard this but don’t understand what “food noise” means.

Yes, I enjoy reviewing recipes, finding a unique gourmet ingredient, mastering a delicious meal. Is that “food noise?”

No.
Food noise refers to excessive and intrusive thoughts about food that can interfere with daily life. It is characterized by:
Preoccupation with food: Constant thinking about food, even when not hungry.
Intrusive thoughts: Unwanted and persistent thoughts about food that are difficult to suppress.
Increased cravings: Strong desires for specific foods, regardless of actual hunger.
Difficulty feeling full: Feeling unsatisfied after eating, even when physically full.

Thank you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:So no one can answer OP’s actual question?

I have one friend on one of these drugs. She was diabetic and could not lose weight. It probably saved her life. She is at a relatively average weight for her height now and feels much better.

Another friend has been yo-yo dieting for years. Mostly to lose that last ten pounds. Saw her recently and thought she must be ill till I realized she’s probably on one of these drugs. She looks bad but she seemed quite happy.

It is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonist. It binds to GLP-1 receptors on pancreatic islet cells and some brain neurons. This triggers release of insulin, inhibition of glucagon secretion, and inhibition of gastric emptying.

Did you want more?

Mechanisms of Action and Therapeutic Application of Glucagon-like Peptide-1
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29617641/

Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK551568/

What is a GLP-1 agonist, and how does it work? (Ohio State Medical Center)

GLP-1 Agonists: What They Are, How They Work & Side Effects (Cleveland Clinic)
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/13901-glp-1-agonists

[Anonymous]

Question for folks - I’m not overweight but I’d love to lose 10 pounds. (I’m female, 5’8, 145 pounds - love to get down to 135). I could maybe- big maybe - get there through portion control and being really strict with my diet. But that would take a ton of willpower and make me unhappy.

Does Ozempic take away the urge to eat crap food? I just love sweets and unhealthy food! Does that go away on Ozempic, so that it’s really easy to eat just nutritious (boring!) food?

Please don’t “troll” me, I’m genuinely curious. Thank you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Question for folks - I’m not overweight but I’d love to lose 10 pounds. (I’m female, 5’8, 145 pounds - love to get down to 135). I could maybe- big maybe - get there through portion control and being really strict with my diet. But that would take a ton of willpower and make me unhappy.

Does Ozempic take away the urge to eat crap food? I just love sweets and unhealthy food! Does that go away on Ozempic, so that it’s really easy to eat just nutritious (boring!) food?

Please don’t “troll” me, I’m genuinely curious. Thank you.

You’d never get a script at your BMI without lying to an online NP in order to get a script, but then I don’t even know if the dosage would be correct.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Also, I am a foodie. New recipes and special meals are something that bring me pleasure.

Why take a drug that tamps down your enjoyment of a whole category of experiences?

At the right dose it doesn’t. I’ve been taking it for 8 months. I was naturally thin in my youth and one of those people who didn’t think much about food; just ate what i wanted when i felt hungry, which ended up being generally healthy foods at reasonable portion sizes. My thyroid crapped out on me in my late 20s which resulted in an extra 40
lbs and unignorable cravings and food chatter. Ozempic makes me feel and eat like I did in my early 20s again. I still get hungry and enjoy good food, but I get full and feel satisfied after a reasonable portion. I don’t feel the need to snack much in between meals. I don’t obsess over food whether it’s restricting it or craving it.