Mood changes on GLP-1 — depression, anxiety, or medication effect?

claudia_zurich said:

One year anniversary on mental health — reflections: What I wish I'd known: the side effects are temporary, the benefits compound over time, protein…

Adding a me-too, because a thread of one person's experience is not much use. The detail I would add is minor and it is already implied above.

stefan_berlin 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 (263 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: 93 lbs. Total life gained: immeasurable. This isn't just about weight — it's about reclaiming your identity.

stefan_berlin 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. ✨

stefan_berlin said:

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

That reframing is the part I needed. Adding it to my notes with a link back to this thread.

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