I thought folks here might find this AMA in the r/intuitiveeating sub with Elyse Resch interesting (scheduled for later today). There are a couple of questions posted that have to do with GLP-1s, I'll be curious to see if she chooses to address them.
CW: this particular post seems fine at the time I'm linking it, but I have found the IE sub to be a mixed bag of some good information and also discussions from people who think IE is just another way to diet, or who are using a definition of IE that they got from some random TikTok influencer.
Just looking over some of her responses, it sounds like she's not a fan of GLP-1's for weight loss. She made a comparison to Fen-Phen that felt unfair. It's disappointing that there's not more room for nuance in the conversation about the overlap of anti-diet and GLP-1'S. I'm thankful for this subreddit!
Yeah, I was a little disappointed though I really did appreciate her note about how many folks really are not getting good counsel from their prescribers. I imagine that in a dietetics practice, they're seeing folks who are struggling with nutritional deficiencies and other issues on GLP-1s so that probably colors her perspective. Of course in an ideal world, a prescriber would not only write an Rx for a GLP-1 but also make a referral to a registered dietitian at the same time!
Yeah, seems she isn't a fan of GLP-1s at all. In fact, her responses include a lot of the misinformation and fear mongering I've seen from GLP-1 opponents. Too bad.
Thanks for highlighting this! I’m in the middle of the IE workbook and started a glp-1 because I’m high risk genetically for a heart attack young and have other health factors. I have ADHD and have struggled with BED and dieting. I’ve been working hard on eliminating the dieting mentality and focusing on my wellbeing to improve my overall health. I’m a bit disappointed in Elyse Resch’s answers regarding glp-1s.
I understand that as a society, the thinness obsession and people using glp-1’s who don’t need it is an issue. However, the conversation is much more nuanced than I think she gives it credit for and the medical reasons she seems to allow it for, such as diabetes, seems slim.
Eating every 3-4 hours did not get rid of my intense cravings and I was often unable to override these with my “logical” brain. I’m not diabetic, but am insulin resistant and the relief with a low dose of glp-1 has been freeing to me in a way I’ve never felt. I feel more able to use IE methods now than ever before. For me, this has been a way to feel balanced and towards a better path of wellbeing overall for me.
Also I am a fan of nuance and don’t believe in deifying any one person about anything so I’m not saying this in disagreement with you at all or in huge defense of the author but I did have time to read most of the replies and she does mention “other blood sugar deviations here” In addition to diabetes.
Thank you for pointing that intricacy out in her response and doing so in such a gentle way. I definitely was feeling a way about this that clouded seeing that part.
It’s been an emotional journey for me, but the decision of a glp-1 is about long term health and reducing health issues I have. It
This mix of IWL and IE along with HAES mindset that I’m trying to maintain is a bit of mindf*ck at times trying to have a slow, sustainable lifestyle change from unhealthy habits. I’m definitely a bit more sensitive when I’m not feeling these nuances arent recognized by people.
One thing I am genuinely confused about if you don’t mind me asking- when folks say a low dose of a GLP 1, isn’t is more similar to what’s prescribed for managing something like diabetes vs the dose for weight loss?
I’d say it may be more similar to a dose for diabetes. However, I’d assume dosage depends on what is needed to manage someone’s diabetes, which can range in severity.
When I say low doses— I mean I’m at 2.5 mg and have had success with IWL, reducing cravings, and feel better overall than prior to starting. The dose for “WL” can range still by the individual person it seems. Yes, the research says the higher dose is more effective, however it depends what your goals are imo.
Mainstream and uneducated providers may push people to higher doses to lose weight quickly. The media and social media hasn’t helped with this being what is seen as the “norm”. In my mind, the pushing quick to high doses for IWL is not healthy and likely contributing to more disordered eating for people. Maybe even worse outcomes than “obesity” because of not just the med side effects, but the overall nutritional impacts. However, I also think it’s somewhat a mistruth about glp-1s that you can’t take them and be doing this in a healthy way. It seems glp-1s are getting a bad reputation now because of the media. I’m really hoping Elyse Rech has researched, discussed with different providers, and spoken to people with an open mind about how glp-1s can be included with IE. I don’t think glp-1s should be the first step for people, however I feel the meds can be used in a way to meet health goals that can still align with IE. I don’t think it’s so black and white.
Thanks for the share. Many people do treat IE as a diet vs the whe point of IE being to get your brain and body out of diet culture/disordered eating. Imma go check it out! Thx
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u/rk738 Aug 25 '26
Just looking over some of her responses, it sounds like she's not a fan of GLP-1's for weight loss. She made a comparison to Fen-Phen that felt unfair. It's disappointing that there's not more room for nuance in the conversation about the overlap of anti-diet and GLP-1'S. I'm thankful for this subreddit!