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This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

Mom Lost 60 Pounds and Shares 6 Bits of “Brutal Honesty” About What She Learned

She “longed to be skinny” her entire life and now that she is, here is what it is like.

theemilychristensen
Copyright theemilychristensen/Instagram

Are you curious about what to expect after achieving your weight loss goals? You might be surprised what it is like, says one weight loss warrior. Emily Christensen is a social media influencer who lost 60 pounds after undergoing weight loss surgery and adopting a healthy lifestyle. She regularly shares tips and tricks with her followers about how she did it. In a new post, she reveals the truth about being overweight and thin. “Some brutal honesty from who has spent the majority of her life feeling fat and longed to be skinny,” she writes in the Instagram post.


When You Lose Weight, More Problems Surface

The first truth? You might find underlying problems after slimming down. “When you’re over weight that’s the only problem you want to solve. Once you lose the weight you realize how many underlying things are going on that have *actually* been causing issues. I’m talking relationships, spending, parenting,” she says.

Being Skinny Doesn’t Mean You Are Healthy

The second thing she learned? “Being skinny doesn’t mean you’re healthy,” she says. “When I was at my lowest weight I had lost a lot of muscle. Rebuilding that is kind of scary but I know it’ll serve me when I’m a fit grandma.”

Weight Loss Is Mental

Her third truth is that weight loss is mental. “There are a lot of tools out there that can help! But they’re still just tools. I have to talk to myself a LOT to remind myself I didn’t suddenly gain back 60+ pounds,” she writes.

You Might Still Be Obsessed with Your Weight

She goes onto explain that obsession with your weight might not end. “Before I lost weight I was really obsessed with losing weight. Now that I’ve lost weight I have times where I’m really obsessed with keeping it off. Not out of vanity but out of fear. I never want to go back to feeling how I did for so many years,” she writes.

RELATED: This Is Exactly How to Lose Body Fat This Year

Your Loved Ones Might Not Be On Board with Your New Lifestyle

Another truth? “No one cares about your journey as much as you do. Meaning…it’s not anyone’s job to eat what you eat. Or exercise with you. Your spouse/partner may or may not be on board with your new lifestyle. It’s up to you to buy and prepare the right foods and find the time to exercise,” she says.

Being Skinny Won’t Give Your More Self-Worth

Finally, getting thin won’t solve your self-esteem problems. “Being skinny isn’t going to give you more self worth. It might help you love your body more and appreciate what it’s done for you…but ‘skinny’ isn’t an attribute that very many people use when they talk about why they love someone,” she concludes. And if you enjoyed this article, don't missI’m a Nutritionist and Here Are 25 Weight Loss Truths You Need to Hear.

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theemilychristensen
Copyright theemilychristensen/Instagram
Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

Are you curious about what to expect after achieving your weight loss goals? You might be surprised what it is like, says one weight loss warrior. Emily Christensen is a social media influencer who lost 60 pounds after undergoing weight loss surgery and adopting a healthy lifestyle. She regularly shares tips and tricks with her followers about how she did it. In a new post, she reveals the truth about being overweight and thin. “Some brutal honesty from who has spent the majority of her life feeling fat and longed to be skinny,” she writes in the Instagram post.

When You Lose Weight, More Problems Surface

The first truth? You might find underlying problems after slimming down. “When you’re over weight that’s the only problem you want to solve. Once you lose the weight you realize how many underlying things are going on that have *actually* been causing issues. I’m talking relationships, spending, parenting,” she says.

Being Skinny Doesn’t Mean You Are Healthy

The second thing she learned? “Being skinny doesn’t mean you’re healthy,” she says. “When I was at my lowest weight I had lost a lot of muscle. Rebuilding that is kind of scary but I know it’ll serve me when I’m a fit grandma.”

Weight Loss Is Mental

Her third truth is that weight loss is mental. “There are a lot of tools out there that can help! But they’re still just tools. I have to talk to myself a LOT to remind myself I didn’t suddenly gain back 60+ pounds,” she writes.

You Might Still Be Obsessed with Your Weight

She goes onto explain that obsession with your weight might not end. “Before I lost weight I was really obsessed with losing weight. Now that I’ve lost weight I have times where I’m really obsessed with keeping it off. Not out of vanity but out of fear. I never want to go back to feeling how I did for so many years,” she writes.

RELATED: This Is Exactly How to Lose Body Fat This Year

Your Loved Ones Might Not Be On Board with Your New Lifestyle

Another truth? “No one cares about your journey as much as you do. Meaning…it’s not anyone’s job to eat what you eat. Or exercise with you. Your spouse/partner may or may not be on board with your new lifestyle. It’s up to you to buy and prepare the right foods and find the time to exercise,” she says.

Being Skinny Won’t Give Your More Self-Worth

Finally, getting thin won’t solve your self-esteem problems. “Being skinny isn’t going to give you more self worth. It might help you love your body more and appreciate what it’s done for you…but ‘skinny’ isn’t an attribute that very many people use when they talk about why they love someone,” she concludes. And if you enjoyed this article, don't missI’m a Nutritionist and Here Are 25 Weight Loss Truths You Need to Hear.

Sean Hashmi MD SELFPrinciple
Copyright SELFPrinciple/YouTube/Shutterstock
Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

If you're one of the millions taking GLP-1 medications like Ozempic or Wegovy, you might be wondering what happens when it's time to stop. The answer is more complex than most people realize. According to obesity medicine specialistSean Hashmi, MD, MS, FASN, recent CDC data shows concerning trends. "The obesity rates haven't really gone up overall, but in women, unfortunately, the rates have increased," he notes. Even more concerning, "severe obesity rates increased from 8% in 2013-2014 to about 10% already." Understanding how to stop these medications safely has never been more critical.

Why Stopping Matters

"Weight loss is actually harder than quitting smoking, alcohol, or drugs," Dr. Hashmi explains in his post. This difficulty is reflected in the statistics. Among people with only a high school education, around 45% fall into the obese criteria, compared to 32% for those with a college education or higher. "Nobody is spared from the obesity epidemic," he emphasizes.

RELATED:20 Things You Need to Know About Ozempic and Weight Loss

How These Drugs Work

Ozempic Insulin injection pen for diabetics and weight loss. Denmark - May 1, 2024​How to Make Evening Walks a HabitShutterstock

Before understanding the mistakes, it's important to know how these medications function. "Weight loss drugs work by blocking your appetite signal in the brain," Dr. Hashmi explains. "They can also delay food passing through your stomach. But your body does not change its physiology to say, 'well, you know what? I'm all fixed now.'"

Mistake 1: Stopping Too Quickly

Young woman touching her belly looking in mirror at homeShutterstock

"You don't want to abruptly stop the drug," Dr. Hashmi warns, "because if you stop it right away while on the main dose, you're going to put that weight back on really, really quickly." The research is clear on this point. The Step 1 trial found that patients who discontinued Wegovy regained 11.6% of their initial 14.9% weight loss within just one year.

What Research Shows

Mounjaro - Tirzepatide with injection pen is an antidiabetic medication used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes to lose weight and control blood sugar. Copenhagen, Denmark - November 8, 2023.Shutterstock

Multiple studies confirm this pattern. In the Step 4 trial, "people who stayed on the drug for another 48 weeks continued to lose weight, an additional 7.9% on average," explains Dr. Hashmi. "But those who stopped ended up regaining 6.9% of what they'd lost." The Surmount 4 study showed similar results with newer medications like tirzepatide, where patients regained 14% of their initial 21% weight loss after stopping.

RELATED:20 Possible Ozempic Side Effects

The Right Way to Stop

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Instead of stopping suddenly, Dr. Hashmi recommends a gradual approach: "We try to go slowly, sometimes even at the same pace as we were titrating up. Every four weeks, we're dropping the dose down." For some patients, he adds, "as we slow down the dosage of the injections, we will add some of the older oral drugs where we have a lot more safety data."

Mistake 2: Not Having a Lifestyle Plan

smiling, smile,happy,,Eating,Salad,,food, lunch,diet,forkShutterstock

"If you don't have the lifestyle component, none of this is going to work," Dr. Hashmi emphasizes. Many patients focus solely on the medication without developing sustainable eating habits. "In our clinical practice, what I end up seeing is patients, if they don't follow the intense lifestyle that we put them on, they can learn to overcome the effects of Ozempic, Wegovy, Saxenda, tirzepatide very easily."

The Problem With Cheat Meals

Top view Close up Stainless steel ice cream scoop is scooping chocolate flavor ice cream meat.Shutterstock

Dr. Hashmi warns about the danger of occasional indulgences: "Simply by having, quote-unquote, cheat meals. Every time you give yourself that high-sugar food, that instant gratification, the first few times you're like, 'ah, you know, I feel nauseous.' But over time, it gets easier and easier to do it."

Building Better Habits

Grilled,Chicken,Breast,And,Avocado,Salad,With,Spinach,,Tomatoes,AndShutterstock

The solution lies in whole food choices. "When I have my salad with avocado for lunch, the total calories are so low compared to what I used to eat before, which was in the thousands and I didn't even know it," Dr. Hashmi shares. He particularly warns against liquid calories: "Nature had millions of years to perfect food, just the right amount of fiber, nutrients, and water. When we blend food, all that sugar gets absorbed very quickly."

RELATED:What Happens to Your Body When You Stop Taking Ozempic

Mistake 3: Relying on Quick Fixes

Equal,Artificial,Sweetener,By,Merisant, sugar, sweetShutterstock

Many patients turn to artificial sweeteners when stopping GLP-1 medications. "When you turn to alternative sugars like Splenda, Stevia, or monk fruit, you're dealing with sweetness levels that are 200 to 600 times that of sugar," Dr. Hashmi warns. "You're not helping your cravings for sugar. In fact, the data shows you're going to get insulin resistance and damage your gut microbiome."

The Truth About Sugar Alternatives

Close up of woman hand throwing saccharin pills on coffee cup on a desk at home

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The impact of artificial sweeteners goes beyond just cravings. "In rat studies, what the data shows is if you give them alternative sweeteners, they will end up eating more of their chow because it stimulates your appetite," Dr. Hashmi explains. "That zero-calorie stuff that you think is no calories, but you get to have your sweetness—there is no free lunch."

Creating a Sustainable Routine

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"Make your eating as planned and boring as possible," Dr. Hashmi advises. "I know it sounds crazy, but the more you have to make decisions, the more likely you are to fail." He practices what he preaches: "I literally go to the same place for lunch. I order the same thing every day. I've been doing it for more than 10 years."

The Importance of Medical Support

Overweight woman discussing test results with doctor in hospital

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"You have to make sure that you're ready and you want to find a doctor who will work with you," says Dr. Hashmi. "Find a provider who is your partner and not somebody who's blaming you or is angry or is making it so that everything is your fault. You're going to have good days, you're going to have bad days."

RELATED:20 Things to Avoid While on Ozempic

Understanding Health Disparities

Taco,Bell,Restaurant,fast, food, junk, Mexican,Shutterstock

Dr. Hashmi acknowledges the role of socioeconomic factors: "A lot of people who come from very poor backgrounds, like I did, have to work all sorts of crazy jobs. Look, my story is I ate Taco Bell like crazy... because when you got 50 cents or you got a dollar in your pocket, this is what you end up doing."

Planning for Long-Term Success

Ozempic shutterstock_1404723482Shutterstock

"This is a lifelong commitment," Dr. Hashmi concludes. "If you're going to go off these medications, don't go cold turkey. Slowly go off of them and have a plan. What are you going to do about cravings? The more you've planned, the easier it is to succeed." And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss20 Incredible Ozempic Success Stories of All Time.

Dr. Alan Mandell motivationaldoc
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Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

Ever grabbed a bag of chips, only to finish the whole thing without thinking? You're not alone. Hidden sodium lurks in many of our favorite foods, and the effects can be more serious than just a salty aftertaste. Dr. Alan Mandell, a popular health expert with over 9 million YouTube subscribers, breaks down the surprising signs that you might be consuming too much sodium. Read on to discover if you're experiencing any of these warning signals – and learn what you can do about it.

Increased Thirst

"Excessive salt intake will cause dehydration, leading to increased thirst," Dr. Mandell explains in his post. If you find yourself constantly reaching for water, your sodium intake might be to blame. While elevated blood sugar can also trigger thirst, high sodium levels make your brain signal your body to drink more.

Nighttime Bathroom Trips

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According to Dr. Mandell, even if you try to limit water before bed, high sodium levels force your kidneys to work overtime trying to excrete the excess salt, leading to increased nighttime urination.

Bloating and Swelling

Unhappy young woman standing in front of a mirror and holding hands on her bloating stomach.Shutterstock

Dr. Mandell warns that excessive sodium causes water retention, leading to visible swelling in your stomach. This retention isn't limited to your midsection – you might notice puffiness in your hands, feet, and face as well.

High Blood Pressure

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"Most of us already know that if we're eating too much sodium, it can raise our blood pressure," Dr. Mandell notes. This elevation isn't just a number – it can affect multiple organs, including your eyes, kidneys, heart, and brain.

Frequent Headaches

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Those persistent headaches might have a surprising culprit. Dr. Mandell strongly recommends reducing sodium intake if you're experiencing frequent headaches or migraines, as high salt levels can trigger these painful episodes.

Unusual Fatigue

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Feeling unusually tired? Dr. Mandell explains that excessive salt can disrupt your body's electrolyte balance, leading to persistent fatigue and low energy levels throughout the day.

Muscle Cramps

Runner leg injury painful leg. Man massaging sore calf muscles during running training outdoor from pain.Shutterstock

According to Dr. Mandell, too much sodium throws off your electrolyte balance, which can lead to increased muscle spasms and contractions, resulting in painful cramps.

RELATED:8 High-Protein Foods with Nearly Zero Calories That Melt Fat

Difficulty Concentrating

sad woman near window thinking

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High sodium levels can affect your cognitive function, Dr. Mandell points out. If you're having trouble focusing or concentrating, your salt intake might be contributing to the problem.

Rapid Heart Rate

Close-up photo of a brunette woman who is sitting on a couch with her eyes closed and her left hand touching her heart area.Shutterstock

Dr. Mandell cautions that excessive sodium can elevate your heart rate and potentially strain your cardiovascular system, creating unnecessary stress on your heart.

Shortness of Breath

Stressed woman having breath problems walking in a park.Shutterstock

"Consuming too much salt can contribute to fluid retention in the lungs," Dr. Mandell warns. This fluid buildup can lead to breathing difficulties and shortness of breath, especially during physical activity.

Dry Mouth

Angry Man Grinding Teeth, Close UpShutterstock

If you're experiencing persistent dry mouth, Dr. Mandell notes that excessive salt intake could be making the condition worse. This dryness can extend to throat discomfort as well.

Skin Problems

Asian young woman looking face skin in the mirror have a red rash on her face from cosmetic allergyShutterstock

Your skin might be telling you something about your sodium intake. Dr. Mandell explains that high sodium levels can worsen conditions like psoriasis and eczema, leading to more frequent flare-ups.

Digestive Issues

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Dr. Mandell points out that excessive salt can lead to various digestive problems, including acid reflux, constipation, and bloating. These issues can cause significant discomfort and affect your daily life.

Kidney Problems

Young woman feeling pain in spine back after sedentary computer work sitting in bad posture on sofa at home, tired girl rubbing backache tensed muscles suffers from lower lumbar kidney ache, backpainShutterstock

"Salt places additional strain on the kidneys," Dr. Mandell cautions. Over time, this added stress can potentially lead to kidney problems and increase your risk of developing kidney stones.

Increased Risk of Osteoporosis

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According to Dr. Mandell, high sodium intake can increase calcium excretion from your body, potentially affecting bone health and raising the risk of osteoporosis over time.

Unexplained Weight Gain

Obese Woman with fat upset bored of dieting Weight loss fail  Fat diet and scale sad asian woman on weight scale at home weight control.Shutterstock

Even if you're watching your calories and exercising regularly, Dr. Mandell explains that excess sodium can cause your body to retain significant amounts of water weight, making it harder to see results from your diet efforts.

Sugar Cravings

Various,Colorful,Candies,,Lollipops,,And,Macaroons.,Flat,Lay,Over,StoneShutterstock

Dr. Mandell notes that high sodium levels often lead to increased cravings for sugary drinks as your body tries to quench its thirst, creating a cycle of unhealthy consumption.

Sleep Problems

Sleepless mature woman suffering from insomnia close up, lying in bed, older female covering eyes with hands, trying to sleep, nightmares or depression, feeling headache or migraineShutterstock

Having trouble sleeping? Dr. Mandell reveals that excessive sodium can cause distension in your belly and throat, potentially increasing snoring and disrupting healthy sleep patterns.

Joint Pain

Female runner knee injury and pain.Beat Joint Pain in 2 Weeks With This Anti-Inflammatory DietShutterstock

According to Dr. Mandell, high salt intake can lead to inflammation and swelling around joint capsules, resulting in increased joint pain and discomfort.

RELATED:12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster

Increased Cancer Risk

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Perhaps most concerningly, Dr. Mandell shares that some studies suggest high-salt diets may be linked to an increased risk of stomach cancer. While the exact mechanisms aren't fully understood, excessive salt intake could potentially damage the stomach lining.

As Dr. Mandell underlines, it's not just about the salt shaker – many processed and packaged foods contain hidden sodium that can add up quickly. By being mindful of these warning signs and checking food labels, you can take control of your sodium intake and protect your health. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Cori Lefkowith Redefining Strength
Copyright Redefining Strength/YouTube
Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

Are you struggling to meet your protein goals? If you've ever caught yourself sprinkling protein powder on chocolate or forcing down bland chicken breasts, you're not alone. Enter Cori Lefkowith, founder of Redefining Strength. With her practical approach to nutrition, she's helped thousands transform their relationship with protein. Read on to discover how small, sustainable changes can revolutionize your protein intake without sacrificing taste or sanity.

Stop Searching for New Solutions When Simple Ones Exist

"Too often, we try to find new ways to add in protein, instead of just tweaking what we're already naturally doing," Cori says in her post. The solution? Simply increase your current protein portions by an ounce. If you typically eat three ounces of chicken at lunch, bump it to four. These small adjustments to your existing meals can make a significant impact without overwhelming changes.

Divide and Conquer Your Protein Sources

When managing macros becomes challenging, Cori suggests a clever strategy: combine different protein sources. "Love steak but finding it's killing your macros? Try a surf and turf dish," she advises. By pairing a higher-fat protein with a leaner option, you can enjoy your favorites while meeting your goals. This approach prevents the monotony of eating large portions of a single protein source.

RELATED:8 High-Protein Foods with Nearly Zero Calories That Melt Fat

Make Your Meals Work Smarter, Not Harder

Stop force-feeding yourself protein, Cori emphasizes. Instead, incorporate protein strategically into different dishes. "Soups, smoothies, oatmeal parfaits, casseroles, and omelets make this task easier," she explains. Try using bone broth as a soup base, blend Greek yogurt with protein powder in smoothies, or add cottage cheese to casseroles for an extra protein boost without feeling overwhelmed.

Embrace Non-Traditional Protein Sources

"We often only focus on complete protein sources," Cori notes, "but there are amino acids in many foods we eat that can really add up." Simple swaps like choosing buckwheat noodles over regular pasta or adding nutritional yeast (what Cori calls "protein sprinkles") to your dishes can significantly increase your protein intake while improving nutritional variety.

Make Protein Delicious, Not Boring

"It's almost like we get this attitude of, well, it's a diet, it's not supposed to be enjoyable," Cori observes. This mindset prevents lasting habits. Instead, experiment with seasonings, spices, and smart sauce choices. Try using soy sauce, tamari, or Greek yogurt-based dressings to add flavor without excessive calories. These additions can transform your protein-rich meals from bland to crave-worthy.

Smart Snacking Strategies

Rather than forcing protein into unsuitable combinations, Cori recommends thoughtful pairing. "Consider it on the side to your usual snack or treat," she suggests. Pair jerky with crackers or add natural deli meat to your apple and peanut butter plate. These combinations make protein integration feel natural and enjoyable.

RELATED:12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster

The Power of Protein-Rich Combinations

Creating protein-rich combinations doesn't have to be complicated. "By diversifying your ingredients, it can make for tasty meals that don't make you feel like you're force-feeding yourself protein," Cori explains. Try combining eggs with ground turkey in omelets, or mixing different protein sources in your smoothies for variety and satisfaction.

Hidden Protein Opportunities

Look for unexpected ways to boost protein content. As Cori suggests, swap traditional pasta for edamame or lentil variations, use nutritional yeast as a seasoning, or incorporate cottage cheese into your usual dishes. These small changes can add significant protein without dramatic alterations to your favorite meals.

RELATED:7 Simple Daily Exercises To Shrink Hanging Belly Fat

Sustainable Success Strategies

"Building lasting habit changes means developing a good relationship with our food," Cori emphasizes. Focus on creating meals you genuinely enjoy rather than forcing yourself to eat bland, uninspiring dishes. This approach ensures long-term success in meeting your protein goals while maintaining a healthy relationship with food.

Your Action Plan[

Remember Cori's core message: "Increasing your protein doesn't have to mean destroying dishes and snacks you love." Start with small portion increases, experiment with combinations, embrace variety, and focus on making your protein-rich meals delicious. These sustainable changes will help you hit your macro goals while actually enjoying your food. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.