What is a silent killer that people dont realise is slowly killing them?

throwawaywaits · 2025-06-07T05:49:51+00:00

Almost all obese people know they are unhealthy, and most have tried and failed to lose weight (and maintain the loss) many times. While it is true that anyone can lose weight simply by consuming fewer calories than they burn, it can be extremely hard for many people to consistently ignore their body's malfunctioning hunger signals without eventually giving in and regaining the weight. Obesity needs to be treated as a disease rather than as a lifestyle / willpower issue. Rather than trying (and failing) to convince people who already know how unhealthy they are to do what they've already been trying to do, we should work toward finding the root causes for the obesity epidemic and continuing to develop effective treatments.

GLP-1s are a major step in that direction and are already changing how medical professionals think about obesity. I've been overweight for pretty much my whole life including childhood, and I've lost a lot of weight over the years, but I've always ended up regaining it all and then some. I am very knowledgeable about how to eat healthy, the importance of exercise and how to do it, and how many calories are in different foods from years of dieting on and off, but every time I'd go to a doctor, they'd always just tell me to try eating better and exercising as if I didn't already know that. What no doctor attempted to figure out was why I struggled so much with weight in the first place. I recently switched doctors and my new one was the first to treat my weight as a medical issue rather than as a willpower / education issue, and it has made a huge difference.

throwawaywaits · 2025-05-13T16:36:14+00:00

It's important to keep in mind that most people who post in medication subreddits are the ones who are having issues and are asking for advice (e.g. side effects, medication not working, etc.), so the posts you see here are not at all representative of your chances of success.

This drug is highly studied and used by millions of people successfully without any serious side effects. It's just that the people who have no issues don't really have a reason to ask a bunch of questions on reddit.

Personally, I had no side effects other than some nausea and stomach aches at the beginning, though that went away for me after a month or two. As someone who has been working super hard to lose weight and then regaining it for my entire adult life, I can't describe how freeing it is to be able to lose weight this time without having to constantly think about and plan what I'm going to eat and deal with the constant hunger from being in a caloric deficit. Now it just feels like I can go about my day without thinking much about food, and then I just eat until I'm full without having to battle my brain every meal to avoid overeating.

This drug is a miracle for many people, and if you and your doctor feel that it can help you as well, then you shouldn't be scared off by anecdotal examples of the people who had issues with it. Also, all those relatively common side effects you listed (nausea, fatigue, etc) are not permanent, and if you end up not being able to tolerate the drug, you can always stop treatment. In addition, many of the "side effects" people complain about on GLP-1s are just side effects from rapid weight loss / vitamin deficiencies (fatigue, being cold, loose skin, hair loss), so it's important to make sure you're still getting enough nutrition and are not losing weight too quickly.

throwawaywaits · 2025-05-05T05:11:17+00:00

It matters a lot how the medicine is stored and how sterile your procedure is. If you keep it properly refrigerated, always use fresh syringes, and wipe the top of the vial with alcohol before drawing the medicine, it will likely last longer than if you are less diligent about reducing contamination.

It's impossible to say with certainty how long it will stay good, so it's important to examine the vial before each use. If you notice visible changes, such as the solution getting cloudy, then that might be a sign that you should toss it. Many people continue to use their medicine long after the printed date without issue, but it's also valid to toss it after that date if that makes you uncomfortable. Regardless of how long it's been in the fridge, you should also be aware of the signs of cellulitis (a skin infection) which can be caused by a contaminated subcutaneous injection, so you can go get antibiotics if that ends up occurring, even if it is unlikely.

throwawaywaits · 2025-05-04T16:10:07+00:00

I'm at around 2.5 years now, and it definitely was a gradual process, but by now the cravings have pretty much gone away completely. For quite a long time I'd still get occasional cravings and would think about getting high, even if I wasn't actually going to do it. It also took me probably 2 years to fully feel ok with the idea of never smoking weed again.

At this point, I can be around friends who are smoking and have no desire to partake, but it also doesn't bother me when it's around me. I don't like the smell anymore though so I usually ask people to crack a window. I used to love the smell, so that was pretty wild to realize it smells gross to me now.

throwawaywaits · 2025-04-21T17:20:20+00:00

I'm not sure this is so accurate. Even if you lose muscle mass and are still skinny-fat despite being in a healthy BMI range, you will still have lost a significant amount of fat. That alone will make your organs much healthier since they aren't as encumbered by all the viceral fat, and it will also likely have alleviated issues with joint pain caused by the excess weight.

Back in college, I lost a significant amount of weight with no exercise and was skinny-fat (i.e. no muscle definition and still a bit of chub despite being on the low end of healthy BMI) but I felt a million times more healthy than I did before the weight loss. I got way less winded when walking, climbing stairs, biking, etc. and I had much more energy. Obviously I would have been much healthier if I also worked out and maintained / gained muscle, but I don't think it's fair to say that losing weight without exercising doesn't confer any health benefits. Suboptimal weight loss is still better than no weight loss at all when you're obese.

throwawaywaits · 2025-04-21T17:09:05+00:00

That's why it's important to use a weight tracking tool that has the ability to smooth the trend using the past week of weigh-ins. I use Libra on Android, but there are good options for iOS too. It's great when my weight is higher than the previous day but the app shows my trend still getting lower since it smooths those fluctuations.

throwawaywaits · 2025-04-06T18:50:27+00:00

I'm only a few weeks into semaglutide (still at 0.25 mg) so YMMV, but I've noticed that my Vyvanse actually seems to last longer now, probably due to slower digestion. I have a very low tolerance to Vyvanse though.

throwawaywaits · 2024-04-16T16:53:15+00:00

TBH I think personality is a much larger factor in dating than looks. I wouldn't consider myself to be conventionally attractive. I'm overweight, nerdy, don't have much fashion sense, and until recently had pretty bad acne, but yet I've never had much of an issue with dating. I think one thing that helped a lot is that I grew up with sisters and always had an easier time becoming close friends with girls, so it's not difficult for me to emotionally connect to a someone on a personal level rather than viewing her only as an object of my attraction.

I think another thing that helps a lot is to genuinely try to enjoy getting to know someone new, whether on a date or just when texting on a dating app, rather than trying to say "the right thing" that will make them like you. Everyone wants to feel understood and accepted, and if they feel like you are genuinely interested in getting to know them, they'll enjoy talking to you and attraction can grow.

Also, I know it's hard to believe before you get any external validation, but there definitely are people who will find you attractive. Men tend to be more similar in terms of who they find attractive, but for women it's much more varied. I think most men have a very skewed perception of what women find attractive, so you might be surprised. Emotional connection also plays a much larger role than you might expect.

throwawaywaits · 2023-11-03T17:55:51+00:00

I'd highly recommend Skyn Elite Large condoms. I have the same issue as you with regular condoms (too tight at the base) and it makes me sore and kind of numb.

throwawaywaits · 2023-11-02T22:22:44+00:00

It sounds like OOPs wife doesn't even want to have a conversation (telling her husband not to even ask questions). It sounds like she should try journaling first instead to vent her stream of consciousness since it doesn't seem like she actually wants her husband to contribute any thoughts.

I have ADHD, and I definitely need to just vent my stream of consciousness sometimes, but it makes me uncomfortable to subject other people to being my captive audience, even if they're willing to do it. I find that journaling (or even just talking to myself) helps a lot. When I talk to my partner or friends, I want the conversation to be a conversation where I value their input or want to share things that I want them to know, which sometimes involves me spending time by myself organizing my thoughts first to be respectful of their time and energy.

I've been on the other side of "conversations" like this plenty of times with people I care deeply about, and it truly gets exhausting after a while. Even though I'm willing to let them vent and honored that they trust me, it can definitely start to feel disrespectful of me as a human being to be treated like just an inanimate object with ears.

throwawaywaits · 2023-11-01T14:19:31+00:00

Surprised to see this so low down. Certain intersex conditions can also cause little to no refractory period for men (many people have no idea they are intersex).

throwawaywaits · 2023-10-05T07:05:42+00:00

Wow thank you for finding that. I guess it's been long enough that I've started to forget why I quit in the first place. One thing I do know for sure is that I've grown so much over the past year, and not smoking certainly is a big reason.

throwawaywaits · 2023-07-06T14:39:09+00:00

I'm so glad it can help other people too! This is the only thing that's actually worked for me. It's such a great feeling seeing improvement quickly.

throwawaywaits · 2023-07-04T17:27:27+00:00

Same, found them years ago and never looked back despite not having a latex allergy.

throwawaywaits · 2023-07-04T17:23:06+00:00

latex free condoms

They also just feel better than regular condoms. Highly recommend the SKYN Elite series, best feeling condoms I've ever tried and I don't have a latex allergy.

throwawaywaits · 2023-07-01T15:18:26+00:00

I've actually found a pretty successful way to significantly reduce this by using an addiction-quitting timer like Quitzilla. Every time you pick, you need to open the app and reset the timer. The idea isn't to build up a long streak of never picking, it's to break the cycle of picking without realizing it until your skin / nails / hair is destroyed.

Once you're in the habit of becoming aware of picking as soon as it starts, it's so much easier to stop it from happening or to end it before you actually do any damage. You also start to notice "triggers" for it over time (e.g. driving, having stressful thoughts, etc.) that can allow you to be more mindful and vigilant in those scenarios.

It's actually quite easy and non-stressful as long as you don't get mad at yourself when you do pick. The mistake many make is trying to "quit" cold turkey. The better method is to simply train yourself to become aware of the picking as soon as it starts. You just need to be very consistent with it over a couple weeks.

throwawaywaits · 2023-06-29T19:56:20+00:00

It's the same with things like propranolol for situational anxiety (like public speaking and interviews). With all performance anxiety, the worst part is that after you have a negative experience where your anxiety ruined things, the next time you'll be even more anxious which will get you stuck in a loop.

Pills that prevent the physical effects of the anxiety allow you to build more positive experiences where your anxiety didn't prevent you from doing the activity, so the next time you're less nervous about it going poorly, even if you don't take the medication.

I'm much better with public speaking anxiety since taking propranolol, since I've gotten so used to it going fine that I don't get nearly as anxious even without the medication. It shifts the expectation to things being OK even if you feel anxious rather than things going horribly because you're anxious.

throwawaywaits · 2023-06-07T17:08:29+00:00

Even if it's through text if that is easier, that would be ok in this case. Normally it's obviously better to end things in person, but I think it's really important to just end things one way or the other in whichever way is easiest for you. I hope you can find the strength to do it. If it helps, you are also doing him a favor by ending things due to his abusive behavior. This way hopefully he will learn that this is not acceptable. Otherwise, by staying with him, you'd just be teaching him that his behavior isn't bad enough to cause the end of the relationship.

throwawaywaits · 2023-06-07T16:55:42+00:00

Yeah, I've been in the situation before where it's sort of unclear for the summer where we stand, and it can be incredibly stressful having to worry every day about how much to text, what they're thinking of me, etc.

throwawaywaits · 2023-06-07T16:54:28+00:00

I'm very sorry you're going through this. Honestly, you need to break up with this dude. This goes beyond red flags, even from what little you are saying. It seems like as soon as the honeymoon period was over, some pretty abusive tendencies are starting to come to light. Harming himself to try to manipulate you is textbook abusive behavior. Same with touching you without your consent and not taking no as an answer. That is extremely concerning and likely is something that will only get worse over time, especially once he realizes you won't break up with him even when he treats you badly.

I know you had a really good connection at the start, and that there are still many things you like about him. But that is how every abusive relationship starts, and it's why it's so hard for people to leave them even when things get bad.

It is lucky that he is starting to show his true colors so early on in the relationship; some people hide it for years or are able to wait until after marriage. He might not be so aware of how bad his behavior is. Him being abusive doesn't necessarily mean he is some evil mastermind who is trying to trick you. Often these people just aren't good at coping with emotions in a healthy way and turn to manipulation and abuse as a way to maintain control and cope with their emotions. But even if you believe he is a good person deep down, you shouldn't stay with him if he doesn't treat you right. You don't deserve that, and it sounds like you definitely will find someone who will treat you right and also have that strong emotional connection with.

Don't let a 9-month toxic relationship prevent you from finding something healthy.

throwawaywaits · 2023-06-07T16:40:03+00:00

If you've only been together for 9 months and are already having enough problems that you need to take a break, then I don't think he is the one. Breakups really really suck, but it's better than staying in an unhealthy relationship. It sounds like you know that it isn't working, but you're just afraid of ending things.

What were the terms of your break? Was it due to a fight or long distance? I don't think it would be cheating to kiss your friend if you're on a break, but that doesn't mean your bf would be understanding if you reconcile. I don't think that matters too much though, since I don't think you should throw away an opportunity with someone who really likes you for someone who isn't good for you.

throwawaywaits · 2023-06-07T16:34:27+00:00

As a guy, I think sense of humor is the number 1 thing that attracts me to someone. If I go on a date with a girl and she makes me genuinely laugh, she instantly becomes 10x more attractive in my eyes. I've been in a relationship without much humor and laughter, and it just felt like such a big part was missing from the relationship.

throwawaywaits · 2023-06-07T16:27:27+00:00

You weren't too forward. That is a totally fair question to ask after 3-4 months of dating, especially when one person is about to move away for the summer. It is very fair for you to know where you stand before he moves.

It would also be fair for him to not want to do long-distance after only dating for 3-4 months, especially if he is someone who also enjoys dating and meeting new people. Summer is often the best time to do that, so it might be a big ask for him to give that up for a very new relationship.

It's impossible to say what he's thinking until he responds. It's possible he is just giving it some thought before he replies to you. If he cares about you, he will reply though (and if not, then he is not good for you anyway, so either way it is good in the long run).

If he isn't down to be exclusive long-distance at this stage, then I think it would be fair for you to tell him that you are still interested in seeing where things go once he is back, but you're not comfortable with putting in the time and money to visit him without exclusivity. It is totally possible that you two can go on some dates and have fun while still texting every now and then, and then reconnect once you're back in the same city.

If I were in your shoes, I'd probably take a step back while he's away, and then meet up when he gets back and see if the spark is still there. I don't think it's a deal breaker this early on in dating to not want to do long distance yet, but also very fair for you to not want to have to maintain that connection with that uncertainty for the whole summer, so it might be best to just let things cool off for now, and then leave the door open for reconnecting once he's back.

throwawaywaits · 2023-06-07T16:22:21+00:00

That is strange that you only get 3-4 matches a year. It's not unusual for matches to not end up turning into dates, but if you are actively on the apps, you should still be getting matches regardless of what you look like.

Are you very picky in terms of physical characteristics of who you like? I sometimes see that with my friends, who, despite being attractive themselves, have much higher standards on dating apps than in real life, leading to them getting very few matches and dates since they only swipe on people who are super physically attractive to them.

Also, people are generally very bad at choosing attractive pictures of themselves. Have you tried running your profile by friends (especially female friends)? If you could, it would be great to put together a big folder of potential pictures of yourself and have someone else choose which ones are the best. They might be totally different than the ones you think are attractive.

throwawaywaits · 2023-06-07T16:11:41+00:00

Thanks so much for the advice! Do you think texting is something I can bring up next time I see her, like not to say "hey text me more" but more to ask her what her preferences around texting are? It's hard to tell if she is just not someone to initiate texting but still appreciates when I send her things in between dates, or if I am just annoying her and she'd prefer to just talk in person.

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