DebRD_ATL said:

Anxiety increase on mental health: counterintuitive, but losing weight rapidly triggered anxiety for me.

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. ✨

sarah_nash92 said:

Mood changes on mental health: I want to be transparent — I went through a rough patch emotionally around month 2.

This is exactly what I could not find anywhere else. I will report back once I have actually tried it.

DebRD_ATL said:

Anxiety increase on mental health: counterintuitive, but losing weight rapidly triggered anxiety for me.

Body image adjustment with mental health: I've lost 69 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.

AmyNC_wife 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…

Before/after narrative for mental health — one year in:

Before (269 lbs): Winded climbing stairs, chronic back pain, pre-diabetic, on 3 medications, dreaded mirrors, avoided photos, social anxiety about my weight.

After (189 lbs): Run 3 miles regularly, pain-free, A1C normal, down to 1 medication, bought a swimsuit for the first time in a decade, actually enjoy being photographed.

Total weight lost: 99 lbs. Total life gained: immeasurable. This isn't just about weight — it's about reclaiming your identity.

Moderator note: good thread. Keeping it here rather than moving it, because the question is general enough to be useful. Thread quality here is what the rules are for. Keep it up.