Heathen1, I certainly appreciate your first comment back on 30 March on this issue. Patience, exercise, being guided by the pyramid food chart - they are all so sensible. I'm not what most people consider over-weight, however, because of a spinal injury - I have real mobility issues and they are affected by weight. Two years ago, my wife asked if she should buy me a larger size in pants. I said, "Forget the pants, just get me a bathrobe and a wheelchair!" I'm within the lines for ideal weight according to the body mass index chart. However, as I began crowding that top number during the last 2 Winters, my ability to stand and walk were seriously impaired. I consume a little caffeine thru the day but can't keep that going after about 5PM or I have trouble sleeping (pain+caffeine = no sleep :o(. But, I can sure keep the snacking running smoothly during those evening hours! What I find that helps is to switch to herb teas after 5. When I think I want something to eat, I just go in the kitchen and make myself a cup of tea. Nothing special, either simple or a blend from my own garden or a commercial product. Most of my activity takes place during the gardening season. Unfortunately, Winter turns into a time for me to sit around and get fat - - gotta do better than that! Herbs help. Steve

Mtn-- I missed your post above until just now. I had very similar experiences through covid-- and they mostly went unnoticed because for a good portion of the pandemic, I was 120% focused on work. I was not nearly as active-- I was indifferent to food and inconsistent with my meals (very likely the reason i lost weight). I didn't take a shower or get dressed every day and I didn't have good sleep patterns -- I would fall asleep around midnight, if i was lucky and then back up and working by 5am. This pattern continues to some degree even now. I never really experienced either depression or anxiety in my past but I definitely had mild forms of both through the pandemic-- and recently a short run with anxiety again. Like Mtn, I didn't know the signs to recognize it or see it creeping in. I think my disinterest in food was likely a sign-- also my inability to sleep or focus on reading. I know now, in hindsight, that when i turn to a run of mysteries, it's a sign that I am not doing my best. Mysteries are my comfort food. My hope is that eating well and taking better care of my sleep and physical self will make me less likely to experience the anxiety and mood shifts. Kswl's post really struck me-- of course, she has more serious challenges and concerns with her DH's and mother's health issues but she is right. Now is the time to take good care of ourselves so that we can face the challenges ahead-- our own and those our dear ones and our communities are facing. THIS keeps me much more motivated right now than anything. (Also the jeans in another size smaller that are waiting for me to try on!)

All weight loss comes from eating less calories than you burn. That is it. HOW one goes about doing that doesn't matter. Weight loss meds suppress your appetite, often to the point of queasiness. in order to reduce food intake, creating a calorie deficit, and therefore weight loss. Weight loss surgery restricts how much one can cram down at one time temporarily, thus creating a calorie deficit, leading to weight loss. Traditional diets, no matter which one. are meant to reduce calorie intake, creating a calorie deficit, thus leading to weight loss. If you are not losing weight, you are eating too much. Doesn't really matter the number. If you are not losing weight, you need to reduce your intake. There is a terrible genetic condition that is called Prada-Willi Syndrome. This condition is doubly cruel. It causes the afflicted to always, and I mean always, feel starving. They go to extreme lengths to get food. They eat out of the trash, eat non food items, steal, whatever. There are a number of cases in which the person afflicted has literally eaten themselves to death, by eating and eating until their stomach burst. To add to the horror, these people usually only need half of the calories an average person without the condition needs. An adult woman with this syndrome only needs 800-900 calories a day to maintain their weight. You can see how a combination of these factors would cause these people to be overweight. There is a facility in the UK, called Haydock house, which is a residential home for people with Prada Willi syndrome. They have a REMARKABLE record of reducing and maintaining the weight of these people. You know how they do it? You're not gonna believe it........ They do it by monitoring their calorie intake and encouraging physical activity. I know, SHOCKING right?!?!? If the people saddled with this horrible condition are able to lose weight, anyone can. Sorry about it. While I understand there are some people who blame trauma or mental illness or whatever on their inability to control their food intake, it is my position that there comes a time to grow up and get help. If you are unwillingly to do that, its not a valid excuse. And yes, I take the same position for other harmful addictions. It is YOUR responsibility as an adult to handle your own problems. Obesity in particular is not just a personal problem. It is a burden on the healthcare system, a burden on society, a burden on the environment. Its a huge problem. I also think that in a decade or so, the adverse affects of using meds like Ozempic ones body does not need just in order to lose weight till rear their ugly heads. And I think that the people who chose to use them instead of just not eating as much, should not be able to seek legal ramifications for whatever consequences come from it. Just like I do not think that people should be able to sue fast food places or junk food companies for them getting diabetes or heart disease.

#1 DD has been on Wegovy for a month. She has a years' prescription. All interest in food is gone she says. The eating she did when she is bored or tired or tempted by sweets just doesn't happen now. She lost 12 lbs which is much more than recommended. They want you lifting weights to combat muscle loss. She has a lot of reflux issues the first two days after the once a week shot. As her parents we are wondering if her having a horrid cold twice this month is connected to lack of nutrition. She says she eating mostly protein to get calories because she feels full so fast. Hers is covered by her medical insurance because she has proof of working with a nutritionist for a year and has other underlying health issues losing weight could help.