GLP-1 and gambling reduction — 6 month update

Dr.EndoEP said:

Mood changes on mental health: I want to be transparent — I went through a rough patch emotionally around month 4.

This matches mine closely enough to be worth saying so out loud.

TirzTom said:

Before/after narrative for mental health — one year in: Before (298 lbs): Winded climbing stairs, chronic back pain, pre-diabetic, on 3 medications,…

One year anniversary on mental health — reflections:

What I wish I'd known: the side effects are temporary, the benefits compound over time, protein is more important than I thought, and the mental health aspect needs as much attention as the physical.

What surprised me: how much my relationship with food changed, the cascade of health improvements beyond weight, and how supportive this community is.

What I'd do differently: start therapy earlier, prioritize resistance training from day 1, and stop comparing my progress to others. Everyone's journey is unique.

TirzTom said:

Before/after narrative for mental health — one year in: Before (298 lbs): Winded climbing stairs, chronic back pain, pre-diabetic, on 3 medications,…

Recovering from an eating disorder and using mental health: this is a complex situation and I want to be transparent about it.

I have a history of binge eating disorder. My psychiatrist, therapist, and prescribing doctor all collaborate on my care. The GLP-1 agonist has actually been therapeutic — it removes the biological urgency of binge impulses without relying on restriction.

This is NOT appropriate for all ED patients. Anorexia, bulimia, and restrictive EDs require different approaches. But for BED specifically, the evidence and my personal experience are positive. Always involve your mental health team.

TirzTom said:

Before/after narrative for mental health — one year in: Before (298 lbs): Winded climbing stairs, chronic back pain, pre-diabetic, on 3 medications,…

Thank you for spelling out the reasoning rather than just the conclusion.

Moderator note: the sourcing question belongs in the vendor section and has been split out.