Dr.NutriCornell said:

Mood changes on mental health: I want to be transparent — I went through a rough patch emotionally around month 3.

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

Before (281 lbs): Winded climbing stairs, chronic back pain, pre-diabetic, on 3 medications, dreaded mirrors, avoided photos, social anxiety about my weight.

After (181 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: 96 lbs. Total life gained: immeasurable. This isn't just about weight — it's about reclaiming your identity.

kim_atl_prep said:

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

Saving this. It is the first explanation that did not require me to already understand it. Printing the relevant bit and taking it with me.

Dr.NutriCornell said:

Mood changes on mental health: I want to be transparent — I went through a rough patch emotionally around month 3.

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. ✨

tyler_CSCS 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…

Body image adjustment with mental health: I've lost 94 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.

Moderator note: good thread. Keeping it here rather than moving it, because the question is general enough to be useful. Tagging this one for the weekly digest.