skypilot6
Well-Known Member
Disclaimer: The following contains my personal experience and options with taking GLP-1 Medications for Weight Loss. ALWAYS consult your doctor before making major changes to your health. This post is in no way medical advice or to be a guide in talking GLP-1 medications.
One year ago I began taking Mounjaro for weight loss. It has helped me lose 75 pounds in a year.
Before, 250ish pounds:
After, 175 Pounds:
GLP-1 Medications were originally developed to help Diabetes patients to help control their blood sugar. GLP-1 is a naturally occurring hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels. GLP-1 agonists mimic this hormone and, Stimulate the pancreas to produce more insulin, Slow down the digestion of food, and Reduce appetite.
The most common GLP-1 medications are Semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy), and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound). The marketing name relates to what the drug is approved and prescribed for, however the medications themselves are the same. I was prescribed Mounjaro which is the Diabetes medication, whereas Zepbound is the same drug prescribed for Weight Loss. My health insurance would NOT approve Zepbound without jumping through a lot of hoops, Mounjaro on the other hand was approved no questions asked. The medications can also be obtained through third party services for a monthly fee or subscription. The medications are a once weekly injection, usually in the Abdomen or Thigh. The medication is preloaded in a Pen which is easy to use and takes about 3-4 seconds to administer once a week.
The FAA requires a 2 week observation period when starting the medication. I started it right before a vacation last year for the the ONLY side effect I experienced was a bit of mild nausea which is expected when starting out, after that its been fairly easy. The medication for me pretty much turned off my appetite, some people will say it turns off the "food noise" which is proably the best way to put it. Ive been overweight the majority of my life, the medication gave me control to eat what I need to eat and not always feel hungry. I have always struggled with my weight, gone up and down several times, and this is what has worked the best by far.
The medication in conjunction with a healthy diet are key. You will eat less, plain and simple. A normal meal will feel like the third plate at thanksgiving almost every time. So eating more whole foods and getting enough protein is very important. The one area where I have been lacking is in fitness, and unfortunately I can feel it, weight training is a must as the medication will affect muscle mass, I've started to work out more with weights and less cardio and I feel much better because of that.
The FAA has a Weight Loss Management form which you can find with a simple google search, you will need your health care provider to fill it out. It does ask for a current A1C reading so you'll need blood work for that. It's also a good idea to get blood work before beginning GLP-1s to make sure your not pre diabetic. I brought the completed form and a letter from my doctor to my medical last week and got a fresh First Class medical on the spot. Also I have been taking lisinopril for high blood pressure for about the last decade, with my weight loss I am no longer on lisinopril and have been seeing my BP around 117/70 for the last few months.
My heaviest weight was 277 pounds, size 40-42 pants, XL-XXL shirts. At my Medical last week 175, size 32, Medium shirts. I feel like a completely new person. I sleep better, I move better, I have a lot more confidence in myself it really has been a life changing experience. Taking the medications is NOT for everyone however. I know several friends and family that have not had a good experience with it, as everyone is different what worked for me, won't necessarily work for someone else.
As with any drug there are risks, talk to your doctor of course, for me the benefits far outweighed the risks, I've been very happy with the drugs and the results.
Any questions, please ask.
One year ago I began taking Mounjaro for weight loss. It has helped me lose 75 pounds in a year.
Before, 250ish pounds:
After, 175 Pounds:
GLP-1 Medications were originally developed to help Diabetes patients to help control their blood sugar. GLP-1 is a naturally occurring hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels. GLP-1 agonists mimic this hormone and, Stimulate the pancreas to produce more insulin, Slow down the digestion of food, and Reduce appetite.
The most common GLP-1 medications are Semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy), and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound). The marketing name relates to what the drug is approved and prescribed for, however the medications themselves are the same. I was prescribed Mounjaro which is the Diabetes medication, whereas Zepbound is the same drug prescribed for Weight Loss. My health insurance would NOT approve Zepbound without jumping through a lot of hoops, Mounjaro on the other hand was approved no questions asked. The medications can also be obtained through third party services for a monthly fee or subscription. The medications are a once weekly injection, usually in the Abdomen or Thigh. The medication is preloaded in a Pen which is easy to use and takes about 3-4 seconds to administer once a week.
The FAA requires a 2 week observation period when starting the medication. I started it right before a vacation last year for the the ONLY side effect I experienced was a bit of mild nausea which is expected when starting out, after that its been fairly easy. The medication for me pretty much turned off my appetite, some people will say it turns off the "food noise" which is proably the best way to put it. Ive been overweight the majority of my life, the medication gave me control to eat what I need to eat and not always feel hungry. I have always struggled with my weight, gone up and down several times, and this is what has worked the best by far.
The medication in conjunction with a healthy diet are key. You will eat less, plain and simple. A normal meal will feel like the third plate at thanksgiving almost every time. So eating more whole foods and getting enough protein is very important. The one area where I have been lacking is in fitness, and unfortunately I can feel it, weight training is a must as the medication will affect muscle mass, I've started to work out more with weights and less cardio and I feel much better because of that.
The FAA has a Weight Loss Management form which you can find with a simple google search, you will need your health care provider to fill it out. It does ask for a current A1C reading so you'll need blood work for that. It's also a good idea to get blood work before beginning GLP-1s to make sure your not pre diabetic. I brought the completed form and a letter from my doctor to my medical last week and got a fresh First Class medical on the spot. Also I have been taking lisinopril for high blood pressure for about the last decade, with my weight loss I am no longer on lisinopril and have been seeing my BP around 117/70 for the last few months.
My heaviest weight was 277 pounds, size 40-42 pants, XL-XXL shirts. At my Medical last week 175, size 32, Medium shirts. I feel like a completely new person. I sleep better, I move better, I have a lot more confidence in myself it really has been a life changing experience. Taking the medications is NOT for everyone however. I know several friends and family that have not had a good experience with it, as everyone is different what worked for me, won't necessarily work for someone else.
As with any drug there are risks, talk to your doctor of course, for me the benefits far outweighed the risks, I've been very happy with the drugs and the results.
Any questions, please ask.
. Thanks for serving as my ‘big brother’ on this journey.
