My whole life, I’ve been in this constant battle with my weight, swinging between losing a bit and then hitting a frustrating standstill. I tried everything—eating right, hitting the gym hard, you name it. Despite all that effort, the best I managed was shedding 10 KGs before everything froze. I kept thinking, it really shouldn’t be this hard. I’ve done everything right; I’ve gone to dietitians, doctors, and even a surgeon.
It was at this point that my surgeon suggested a diabetes injection with a weight loss side effect. I’d keep working with my dietitian, but finally, I had the hope that all this effort would move me forward.
What?
Some diabetes medications can help people lose weight while they manage their blood sugar levels. These medicines work in different ways, like making you feel full longer, helping your body use insulin better, or even letting some sugar leave your body when you pee, which can lead to weight loss.
However, not all diabetes medicines have this effect, and how much weight someone might lose can vary. It’s important to talk to a doctor about which medicine is right for you, especially if you’re trying to lose weight, and remember that eating healthy and staying active are also key parts of managing diabetes and weight.
What Happened to Me? I thought, “This is it!” It seemed like a dream at first; I was losing weight and feeling great about eating normally as long as I watched the quality and quantity. But then, the dream crashed. I started experiencing severe side effects like constipation and acid reflux, and the weight loss stalled.
I nearly gave up but then, a lightbulb moment happened at work. Some colleagues suggested I might be insulin-resistant, or have a thyroid issue. It made sense! I got tested, and my levels for both were off the charts. Turns out, the first injection wasn’t right for me at all. Switching to a different injection tailored to my condition changed everything. I’ve been on this new path for a few months now; the difference is night and day. I’m full of energy, sleeping better, and I’ve shifted my focus from losing weight to feeling healthy.
Based on my experiences, what would I suggest other people considering the injection or battling with the side effects do?
This journey has been an eye-opener. I learned that insulin resistance and an underactive thyroid were the hidden culprits, something many doctors don’t routinely check for despite all the signs.
Now, I’m all about spreading the word: Get tested especially if you’re stuck in a similar weight loss and gain cycle.
It’s not just about dieting or taking injections; it’s about understanding your body and tackling the root cause. Sure, there are side effects, but with the right approach, you can manage them and make significant, lasting changes to your lifestyle and health.
So, yeah, if you’re going through something similar, know you’re not alone. There’s hope, and sometimes, it’s just a matter of finding the right diagnosis and treatment. And remember, it’s a lifestyle change, not a quick fix. Let’s keep the conversation going and support each other in this journey.
When To Get Lab Testing
If you’re considering an injection for weight management or you’re dealing with some tough side effects, it’s smart to lean on lab tests to guide you. Here’s a quick guide:
1. Before Starting: Thinking about beginning a new treatment? It’s a good move to get a comprehensive check-up first. This means getting tests for things like blood sugar and insulin levels to get a full picture of your health. It’s about making sure the treatment fits your unique needs.
2. Feeling Side Effects? If you start noticing anything unusual or uncomfortable after starting the treatment, I’d recommend talking to your doctor and taking a look at Epicentre’s Weightloss Assistance Package. It’s crammed full of all the usual culprits that stall our weightloss journey.
3. Regular Check-Ins: Even if things seem to be going well, keeping up with routine tests can help monitor your progress and ensure the treatment continues to be beneficial for you. It’s all about staying ahead and making sure you’re on the right path.
4. Considering a Change: If you’re thinking about switching up your treatment due to it not working as expected or because of side effects, lab tests can offer insights into the best next steps. They help tailor the treatment to suit your needs better.
How To Get The Right Lab Tests?
It’s easy, simple and private.
1. Simply make a booking or come to our Walk-In Lab and ask for our Weightloss package. Our trained nurse will guide you through the process and advise you on which package to choose based on your lifestyle.
2. Our receptionist will help you claim the tests from your medical aid or book you in as a private patient.
3. Our nurse will gently take a small amount of blood, and you may be asked to give us a small sample of your urine.
4. We will then send your samples off for lab testing and email your results the moment they come in.
Book with Epicentre
For 20 years Epicentre has been studying wellness in South Africa. We are a company founded on a vision, ending disease in South Africa! So we believe in making an IMPACT.
We are an independent organization that is committed to creating a positive impact on health & wellness for all in South Africa. We want to close the gap between unscreened, undiagnosed, and uncontrolled HIV & COVID-19 infections as well as other chronic diseases for all South Africans.
By booking your tests with Epicentre, you are supporting a real local company that has worked for 20 years in all 9 provinces, from Pollsmoor prison to Constantia; & you’re getting a gold standard service that experts trust!
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