Last month, we explored the recent phenomenon of glucagon-like peptide-1 medication (GLP-1) to assist in weight loss and balanced blood sugar. When prescription drugs such as Wegovy, Ozempic and Zepbound hit the market, the response was resounding. They were touted by some as a simple way to shed pounds and were often disparaged as ‘cheating.’ Not so since the accompanying advice is that exercise and a solid nutritional plan will support the effects of the medication. Note: there is no quick fix when it comes to weight loss. In order to maintain it, it is important to be mindful of what we consume and how we practice fitness.
We are born with bodies that are works of art and can do all sorts of amazing things. We explore the world; we can move and use each of our working senses.
Many, if not most people in our society, learn to detach from their physical hunger and fullness cues. Food is more than physical nourishment. For some lucky people, food is pleasure infused with love. It reminds them of home and holiday celebrations. It is comforting. For some, food was abundant, and they were encouraged to eat as much as they wanted of most or all of the food items placed before them. In various languages, there are words that reflect this sentiment: “Mangia” (Italian), “Es gezunterheyt” (Yiddish for eat in good health) and “Essen” (German). For others, there was never enough food, and that too shaped their association with food. The ‘not enough’ or ‘too much’ mindsets extend to other aspects of our lives and may shape how we see ourselves.
Our relationship with food is also in synch with our relationship with our bodies. What we might have been told about how we should look, how much we should weigh, how fit we are supposed to be, remains with us. These messages stay embedded in our psyches. Most of us compare ourselves to others and many of us find ourselves at odds with an idealized image, often based on media exposure and family expectations. What we subjectively see in front of a mirror affects who we believe ourselves to be. Those of us in our later years look back at photos from our youth and may shake our heads in dismay when we realize we now have sags and bags where taught skin and slim body parts once existed. Our cultural messages are that slim is “in” as are young adult, healthy looking bodies.
Before starting on any of the available weight loss drugs, be sure to do your research. Speak with your dietician, PCP or PA. Read scientifically vetted studies such as “Weight Loss Drugs Can Lift or Lower Mood in Unpredictable Ways” or “Most GLP-1 Medications Correlated with a Lower Likelihood of Anxiety and Depression Diagnoses”. Also be aware that current research indicates you may well need to remain on your weight loss drug for the rest of your life. As well, these medications do not take the place of healthy eating and regular exercise, which are still just a s important for your health and sense of wellbeing.
Be mindful that you are the same person going into the experience of utilizing a weight loss drug as you will be after the pounds and inches come off. Often, people expect to be magically transformed. Speaking with those who have lost significant amounts of weight in this way, you are likely to hear that when they look in a mirror, they still see a person of a certain previous size, even if their clothes are smaller than they were. You will likely feel disappointed as you notice you still have bodily imperfections.
You might also walk through the world a little more confidently, especially if those in your life marvel at your dramatic change. But then doubts can creep in and intrusive thoughts of “What if I gain the weight back? I’m not sure I’m comfortable with all this attention. I’m more visible and thus more vulnerable.”
You might compare yourself to others who may have lost more weight on the drugs than you have. You might also fear judgment from those who view the use of these medications as taking the easy way out, and consequently you might not want to let anyone in your life know about your meds. “Handling the psychological and emotional effects of dramatic weight loss” comes with its challenges, which may include insecurity in partner relationships, anger, and resentment that only now that you have lost weight, have people – whose attention you wanted before – noticed you.
We can address those insecurities by having a conversation with the person in the mirror, literally. Mirror work can assist in overcoming beliefs of lack and limitation. It can help us face our fears and offer ourselves the gifts of kindness and compassion.
We can ask ourselves what we hunger for in our lives, besides food. Is it attention, affection, or affirmation? Is it connection, rather than isolation? Is it perhaps acknowledging that we are truly enough, as we are, right now? For those of a certain age, you may remember the Saturday Night Live sketches with Stuart Smalley, played by comedian Al Franken. He would gaze in the mirror and remind himself, “I’m good enough. I’m smart enough and doggone it, people like me!”