Compulsive shopping reduction on GLP-1 — 6 month update

KarenAZ_mom said:

The mental-health dimension is under-measured in the trial literature and the reports here are consistent enough to take seriously.

KarenAZ_mom said:

...mental health should only be used alongside therapy...

I'd say therapy should be AVAILABLE to all GLP-1 patients, but requiring it as a precondition for treatment would create an access barrier.

Not everyone can afford therapy. Not everyone needs it. Some people do just fine with medication + lifestyle changes. But for those with emotional eating, body image issues, or disordered eating history, therapy is extremely valuable.

My recommendation: make mental health screening part of the initial assessment, offer therapy as a recommended adjunct, but don't gatekeep medication access behind it.

A narrower follow-up, since the general answer is now clear:

Was that from a primary source or from a summary of one?

wendy_avl said:

KarenAZ_mom said: ...mental health should only be used alongside therapy...

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

Before (265 lbs): Winded climbing stairs, chronic back pain, pre-diabetic, on 3 medications, dreaded mirrors, avoided photos, social anxiety about my weight.

After (175 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: 95 lbs. Total life gained: immeasurable. This isn't just about weight — it's about reclaiming your identity.

Reporting back.

Follow-up — I put something in the gap where food used to be rather than waiting for the gap to close on its own. That was the part nobody told me.

Dr.KarenChen said:

Before/after narrative for mental health — one year in: Before (265 lbs): Winded climbing stairs, chronic back pain, pre-diabetic, on 3 medications,…

When to call your doctor about mental health side effects — a reference I wish I'd had:

Call immediately:

• Severe abdominal pain (could be pancreatitis)
• Vision changes (thyroid concern)
• Lump in neck (thyroid nodule)
• Severe vomiting/can't keep fluids down for 24h+

Schedule an appointment:

• Persistent nausea beyond 4 weeks
• Significant hair loss
• Mood changes or depression
• Gallbladder symptoms (RUQ pain after eating)