Anonymous
Post 02/03/2026 06:14     Subject: Re:Support for non-GLP weight loss
I have lost 25 pounds in the last nine months. I tested with crazy high cholesterol and very high blood pressure. These results scared me into switching my diet, but I didn't want to count calories or overdo protein because of a kidney issue.

I instead looked at getting soluable fiber (really needed for high cholesterol, not the same as just fiber) to over 10 mgs a day and limiting saturated fats to under 10 mgs a day.

Thanks to diet and medications, my total cholesterol is now an amazing 125 and LDL is 38. My hope is to be able to go off the medications eventually.

I also started by limiting salt to under 800 mgs a day, hitting 600 most days, which was very effective in terms of weight loss--really limits what you can eat. I overdid it and ended up hospitalized for low sodium. I still watch it, but now aim for around 1200 to 1500 a day.
Anonymous
Post 02/02/2026 23:10     Subject: Support for non-GLP weight loss
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:If you're pre-diabetes, just take the GLP-1. Seriously, that's what they're for...


This attitude explains why the United States relies on prescriptions to solve problems. It is a life-long medication, with unknown long-term side effects, so the decision to "just take them" is a bit flippant.



There’s literally decades of evidence for these drugs as a Diabetes medicine. They work, particularly for those who have high A1C. There’s no reason not to take them — would you try treating any other disease without proven medicine?
Anonymous
Post 02/02/2026 23:08     Subject: Support for non-GLP weight loss
Anonymous wrote:
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?!!!


4 '10"

weights and fiber.

It's hard OP very hard.


What can take the place of weights? As noted, I can't do weights because of shoulder and wrist issues.
Anonymous
Post 02/02/2026 23:07     Subject: Support for non-GLP weight loss
Anonymous wrote:If you're pre-diabetes, just take the GLP-1. Seriously, that's what they're for...


Clearly you can't refrain from inserting yourself where you don't belong. This thread is asking for support without resorting to promoting meds - and you just have to come in and promote meds. Thanks for nothing.
Anonymous
Post 02/02/2026 23:03     Subject: Support for non-GLP weight loss
Anonymous wrote:
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?!!!


I don't support this because it doesn't work. If you want to do this process but aren't serious about weight loss, then that's fine.


Huh? Lots of people have lost lots of weight without meds. How do you think they did it before GLPs?
Obviously it "works." It's just a helluva lot harder.
Anonymous
Post 02/02/2026 17:21     Subject: Support for non-GLP weight loss
Anonymous wrote:Grateful to have found this thread—it’s the first day of a new month, and I am feeling motivated at last to clean up my diet, give more than lip service to strength training, and drop my Emotional Eater pounds.

So January 1 was a month ago. I’m a late bloomer.


Happy to have found this thread as well. I’ve lost 12 pounds since last May and would like to lose 30 more. It’s a slow slog. I’ve decreased sweets and portion sizes but know from experience if I cut it all out completely I’ll give up and eat all the sweets. I’ve also started exercising with more intention and lifting weights.
Anonymous
Post 02/02/2026 15:05     Subject: Support for non-GLP weight loss
Anonymous wrote:If you're pre-diabetes, just take the GLP-1. Seriously, that's what they're for...


This attitude explains why the United States relies on prescriptions to solve problems. It is a life-long medication, with unknown long-term side effects, so the decision to "just take them" is a bit flippant.
Anonymous
Post 02/01/2026 10:09     Subject: Support for non-GLP weight loss
If you're pre-diabetes, just take the GLP-1. Seriously, that's what they're for...
Anonymous
Post 02/01/2026 09:22     Subject: Support for non-GLP weight loss
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?!!!


4 '10"

weights and fiber.

It's hard OP very hard.
Anonymous
Post 02/01/2026 09:19     Subject: Support for non-GLP weight loss
Grateful to have found this thread—it’s the first day of a new month, and I am feeling motivated at last to clean up my diet, give more than lip service to strength training, and drop my Emotional Eater pounds.

So January 1 was a month ago. I’m a late bloomer.
Anonymous
Post 01/31/2026 18:30     Subject: Support for non-GLP weight loss
Anonymous wrote:
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?!!!


I don't support this because it doesn't work. If you want to do this process but aren't serious about weight loss, then that's fine.


Why would you come to this particular thread, when there are 87 threads about GLP, and trash people who have made the decision not to do it? Are you also an atheist on the religious threads? If you come here, address the topic and be constructive.
Anonymous
Post 01/31/2026 18:28     Subject: Re:Support for non-GLP weight loss
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Upper 50’s and lost weight about 25 lbs a few years ago using MyFitnessPal and have kept it off. I logged all of my food and exercise and increased my overall water consumption. It was a big adjustment to see what I could eat and stay within my calorie defect.

I was always tall and thin with great metabolism but menopause hit me like a ton of bricks. I had been able to eat whatever I wanted without gaining weight.

Thankfully I didn’t have any health issues so the diet and exercise program worked for me. I acknowledge that for some people, GLP-1’s are necessary because their bodies don’t process insulin so no judgment from me for those who need them. I have friends where traditional diet and exercise alone don’t work for them.


I could have written this, except that I am very envious of friends on GLP1s because weight loss seems much easier for them. Diet and exercise works for me for weight loss because I am regimented about both, my diet in particular. I have to constantly think about and pre-plan my meals, and feel like I live on a diet.

I met an old friend for brunch today and we both lost about 25 lbs over the past 1.5 years, hers by using a GLP1 and mine by changing my diet (we both always exercised and continue to do so). We both got omlettes- I had mine without cheese and didn’t touch the home fries and had 1/2 a piece of dry toast, and basically I won’t be able to eat again until dinner unless something like plain yogurt. She ate her omlette with cheese, ate half the home fries and a piece of buttered and jellied toast.


How about eating half of the omelette (which are usually three eggs at restaurants) with cheese (add in lots of veggies) too, and taking the rest home? You should also be able to eat two or three home fries to satisfy your desire. Pack at least half of the food in a to-go container when it arrives and then enjoy the rest of your meal.


Thanks for these suggestions, from the PP. I do know I can do these and similar things, but I have to balance that I will be hungry again in 3 hours so need to restrict at every meal. What I was trying to emphasize is that my friend who is on glp-1 doesn’t seem to have to do any restricting, whether because she won’t be hungry again, or because her metabolism changed, either way thanks to the glp-1. We lost the same amount of weight but I need to constantly think about what I can/can’t eat- so I am very envious of those who use glp-1s to lose and keep off weight. (I won’t try one due to other health conditions I have, plus the cost.)


You might just need a bit more fat and fiber to stay full longer. I know it's frustrating, but you don't want to be thinking about food and calories all of the time. Guacamole is a great snack to keep you full, etc.
Anonymous
Post 01/31/2026 18:14     Subject: Support for non-GLP weight loss
Anonymous wrote:
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?!!!


I don't support this because it doesn't work. If you want to do this process but aren't serious about weight loss, then that's fine.


It doesn't work for you. It has worked for me and other people I know.

Now, there is an option that does work for you which is awesome. But that doesn't mean diet and exercise without drugs doesn't work for many people.

If I can avoid being on a drug for life and still be healthy that will be the option I prefer. I have two medications that I have to take daily and they are definitely necessary and that's fine. If I needed GLP-1 too then fine but I don't. Lucky me.
Anonymous
Post 01/31/2026 16:14     Subject: Support for non-GLP weight loss
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?!!!


I don't support this because it doesn't work. If you want to do this process but aren't serious about weight loss, then that's fine.
Anonymous
Post 01/31/2026 16:12     Subject: Support for non-GLP weight loss
I tried calorie counting for two months and couldn't lose. Now I am eating the same number of calories on GLP1s and I am losing. I am so confused about why this is. I do want to one day get off meds.