50-Year-Old Takes Wegovy for 21 Days and Shares 3 Unexpected Results
Weight loss after 50 presents unique challenges that many don't talk about. For Levay Stevenson, a pre-diabetic woman navigating her health journey, finding the right approach has been a process of trial and error. "Being over 50, weight loss can be a lot different than when you were in your 20's and 30's," she shares. "I've been trying different things to see what would be the most effective strategy for me." If you're considering Wegovy for weight management, here's a firsthand account that could help you make an informed decision.
How Does It Work?
"Wegovy works by reducing appetite and slowing down the movement of food through your body," explains Beth Johnston, PharmD, BCPS. The medication is specifically designed for people who are obese or overweight with other health conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol.
How to Get Started with Wegovy the Right Way
For Levay, the path to Wegovy began with careful research and medical oversight. "When you go online to sign up, you're not going to just automatically get the drug," she explains. "They're going to talk to you about what your goals are and where you are going with this." She found success with PlushCare, which required comprehensive blood work and a thorough medical history. "They ran a full panel of everything that you could think of," Levay shares, noting that her A1C remained at 5.8, confirming her pre-diabetic status.
Common Side Effects to Expect
According to Johnston, the most common side effects include "nausea/vomiting, diarrhea/constipation, stomach pain, upset stomach or indigestion, acid reflux, headache, tiredness, and dizziness." Understanding these potential effects can help you prepare appropriately.
Week One: Managing Initial Symptoms
Starting at 204 pounds, Levay experienced minimal side effects during her first week on the 0.25mg dose. "I didn't have the acid reflux," she shares, though she was prepared with acid reducer medication just in case. She mainly experienced some digestive changes: "I just felt like I had to burp constantly." She found relief using a supplement called No Bloat, containing ginger and turmeric.
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Two: Dealing with Fatigue and Travel
During her second week, while traveling, Levay noticed new challenges. "I felt a little more tired," she reveals, which led her to start taking B12 supplements. Despite being on the road, she still saw results: "When I got back from my travels for two weeks and I got on the scale, I had actually lost four pounds," Levay reports, averaging about two pounds per week.
The Three Pillars of Success in Week Three
By week three, Levay had identified the crucial success factors. "The three main things that you need to be mindful of is hydration, which is getting enough water, IE at least a minimum of 60 ounces or more per day. You need to be mindful of fiber… between 25 to 35 grams… and you have to intake protein," she emphasizes.
Important Safety Considerations
Johnston emphasizes that proper medical oversight is crucial: "Do not use Wegovy unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Use it as prescribed." She adds that "if you have nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, drink plenty of water, so that you do not get dehydrated."
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Tips for Long-Term Success
Levay stresses that success requires a balanced approach. "If you don't eat, your body thinks that you're starving it, and therefore it goes into starvation mode," she explains. She emphasizes that proper nutrition is crucial: "Just because you may be reducing how much you're eating, what you eat can still impact your glucose numbers." Addressing critics, she states firmly, "I know people want to try to say you're cheating by taking this drug. That's a lie. Because if you don't do the things that you need to do to get your body working like it should… everybody's body is different." And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.
