From the other side of the consultation, briefly.

Anxiety increase on mental health: counterintuitive, but losing weight rapidly triggered anxiety for me. Change — even positive change — is stressful. I was anxious about people treating me differently.

This is more common than people admit. A therapist who specializes in weight management has been invaluable. Don't neglect the mental health side of this journey.

NurseLeah_Nash said:

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

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

Before (283 lbs): Winded climbing stairs, chronic back pain, pre-diabetic, on 3 medications, dreaded mirrors, avoided photos, social anxiety about my weight.

After (193 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: 98 lbs. Total life gained: immeasurable. This isn't just about weight — it's about reclaiming your identity.

NurseLeah_Nash said:

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

That holds where the measurement is reliable. Where it is noisy — and a lot of what gets tracked here is noisy — the same reasoning produces confident nonsense.

If somebody has the primary source to hand I would rather cite it than paraphrase it.

NurseLeah_Nash said:

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

That reframing is the part I needed.

Moderator note: reminder that nothing in this thread is medical advice, and that clinical claims need a source.