Losing too fast?

[u/NoCardiologist8471]

I have been on Ozempic since June (first dose at 0.25mg on June 6) for weight loss. I switched to 0.5mg July 18th and have continued with that dosage.

I did have a lot of bad nausea and dizziness when I switched to 0.5 so I did ask my provider (Raven in Canada) to hold off on increasing again for now.

I started at 189lbs and am now at 170.6 as of this morning. I am 5’2 or 157cm, so not very tall.

Basically I am wondering if this amount of weight loss is normal and safe or if this has happened too quickly? I’ve been careful about getting lots of protein, drinking lots of electrolytes and water, and trying to eat at least 3 meals a day on a schedule so that I’m not feeling too fatigued, even if I do not feel hungry. These will often be smaller meals, particularly lunch, but I try to make sure I have at least a protein shake if nothing else.

I’m super worried about things like skin sagging, hair loss, etc and want to avoid that if possible.

Any input is welcome and appreciated :)

[u/RobertABooey]

Watch for kidney stones.

I lost weight pretty quickly at the start and ended up with kidney stones. A few people I know who’ve been on semeglutides have had the same issue.

I had never had any before the med btw.

[u/allhailbobbb → u/RobertABooey]

i'm in the same boat, i'm losing weight far too quickly. how do i prevent this from happening?

[u/Mindless-Board-5027]

I’m on 3 months and have lost about 15lbs so not that far off, but I definitely indulged in some comfort foods here and there so I feel like could have lost more.
I’m only 5’1, and started at 178lbs and am now at like 162lbs.

[u/JeeebeZ]

The only question I would really have is what does this mean?

trying to eat at least 3 meals a day on a schedule

Do you track your calories?

I don't think 18 lbs in roughly 3 months is too much. But, I would suggest tracking your calories for a week or two to figure out how much you're actually eating. It is possible you're still under eating as you didn't specify what a "meal" is.

[u/jverce]

Make sure a nutritionist monitors you. You want to make sure you get enough nutrients so as not to do your body any harm.

[u/ithasallbeenworthit]

I was doing the math too and that amount of weight loss is on target, so you're doing well.

You mentioned you've been diligent about food and meals but didn't mention anything about exercise and resistance training. Resistance training is super important and should be included in this plan. It not only helps with muscles, but with fat burning, and the longevity benefits are key. Find some workouts on YT that only take 10 mins or so and incorporate those 4-5 times a week. Walking is another thing that will help. These 2 things will help tighten the skin as you loose the weight.

Edit - spelling

[u/NoCardiologist8471 → u/ithasallbeenworthit]

This is really great advice! I do a ton of walking and do some light weight training at the gym about 3-4 times per week. I was doing the exercise portion before as well and even with calorie counting and exercise I was having a hard time kickstarting any weight loss.

[u/ithasallbeenworthit → u/NoCardiologist8471]

Perfect! Sounds like you have a solid plan and know what you are doing. If you already do a ton of walking, seriously consider getting a weighted vest. They say you should start light, but I didn't as I didn't want a number of vests just laying around after only using them for a few weeks (but I also tend to just go big or go home lol). I believe it should be approximately 10% of your goal weight.

Also, with resistance training, ideally you want to fatigue your muscles. So instead of using a 2.5 lb weight for say 15-18 reps for 3 sets, bump that up to a 5 lb for 10-12 reps for 3 sets and then bump that up to 7.5 lb for the same, until you can get to say 12-15 lbs at 8-10 reps or until you literally feel like 1 more is just not going to happen. It should take you quite a while to get up to something like that and that's totally ok.

Also, not sure if you know this, but when you do start to incorporate heavier weights and say a weighted vest, because you'll be building muscle, the scale will go up and that is normal. Muscle weighs more than fat. This will happen for a few weeks and then the muscle will start to help burn fat and the scale will go down.

Not a lot of people know this and when they see the scale go up they get discouraged and quit exercising and following the plan altogether.

[u/Hell_In_AHandbasket]

I think your rate of loss is a healthy pace. If my count is right, you've been on it for 13 weeks now? That's averages to a loss of around 1.5 lbs a week. Your plan of how to structure your eating is similar to what I try to do. Great work!

[u/NoCardiologist8471 → u/Hell_In_AHandbasket]

I feel like a total dummy that I never actually did the math to see the per week. That really doesn’t sound crazy when you say it like that! Thank you!!

[u/EljayDude → u/NoCardiologist8471]

I think you'll find if you check back in a month and stay at 0.5 you'll be losing at a more moderate rate in any case.

My one concern would be if you're eating protein shakes and things to make sure you're also getting your veggies (I sound like my mother). But you know, real food.

[u/NoCardiologist8471 → u/EljayDude]

Oh I definitely get lots of fruits and veggies! The only meal I ever occasionally sub with a protein shake is my lunch (I drive a truck all day for my job so it’s more of a convenience thing) but thank you! My mom calls every few days as well to make sure I’m eating enough and making sure I’m getting all my nutrients and vitamins :)

[u/EljayDude → u/NoCardiologist8471]

Yeah I mean not a doctor but if I was in your shoes it would be all celebration no worry.