My Key Takeaways from ‘Fast Weight Loss’ by Jenny Furlow
Not too long ago, I posted “Discover the Power of GLP-1 Injectables: A Review of ‘Fast Weight Loss’ by Jenny Furlow.” That post was a review of the book I had read. However, I knew there was a lot I still wanted to share. So, I went back through my annotations and gave a few parts another readthrough. I wanted to share some things that made me think for one reason or another. When I say I cannot stop thinking about this book, I mean it. There has been so much that I have learned about GLP-1s these last few months that I just want to share it with everyone who is either on the meds, wants to be, or is just unsure and wants a little bit more information.
First, if you need the book or are just curious about it, at the time of publishing this post, the ebook is available in the Kindle Unlimited program or for 99 cents. If you would like a print paperback version, it is $9.99. I do not have KU, so I paid the $1 for the book and found it worth every penny. And if you are curious about my first month on Zepbound, you can check out the 30-day experience post.
Why ‘Fast Weight Loss’ Caught My Attention
“ …. after years of unsuccessful dieting and exercise routines, found hope in an unexpected treatment: a GLP-1 injectable named Tirzepatide.” (pg.4)
“… GLP-1 injectables might seem to good to be true, especially against past failures. However, the scientific evidence supporting their efficacy.” (pg.4)
This quote was in the first paragraph of the Introduction, and I found myself relating to the patient of the writer (a nurse practitioner, by the way) because I have been battling my weight my entire life. I was an overweight child who developed a poor relationship with food due to some childhood sexual abuse that had plagued my life for many years. Due to that, I developed a binge eating disorder. While I have had success with weight loss, after about 3-5 years, it starts to come back again. This has been the roller coaster of my life, and now that I am 49 years old, I am tired of the ride.
Last year, I tried the sister of Ozempic, Wegovy. I was coming off of a horrible experience with PCOS & Fibroids against Perimenopause and had put on about 10 pounds of the almost 70 I had lost. My primary doctor wanted me to try it, hoping it would help get those pesky pounds back off and help with the insulin resistance. Sadly, I didn’t get past the 2nd week on the semaglutide. My side effects were so bad I could not function. The nausea and extreme fatigue were a little too much for me. I should have given it a little longer, but I was already so traumatized by the other things I was battling with my health that I did not want to make things worse.
What is important to remember is that these injectable medications are to be used as a tool, not as a crutch. While it is easy to fall into the trap of quick weight loss, one should go at a slow, steady rate while eating adequate protein and fiber. One should also train in strength to keep muscle and get 10,000 steps daily. This is a lifestyle change; if one does not change their food choices and lifestyle, they’ll be right back where they started from.
I wanted to read as much as possible because of the changes I have experienced in my short time on Zepbound. Unfortunately, with all the medications still being fairly new for weight loss, there is not very much published material outside the published studies. So, when I came across this book on Amazon, I knew I needed to read every word.
Some of My Favorite Takeaways from ‘Fast Weight Loss’
If you are new to the world of GLP-1, a GLP-1 is “a hormone pivotal to our metabolic process, acting as a key player in the regulation of appetite and insulin release post-meal.” (pg.6) So, with the injectables, they have the “ability to mimic the body’s natural hormone and their capacity to amplify those effects, particularly in terms of satiety” (pg.10) which gives the body the feeling of being full and having satisfaction from what was eaten. GLP-1 is a hunger regulator.
Pages 10 & 11 also informs us of the following:
- “Meals become more about nourishment and less about satisfying an insatiable hunger…” (this one is factual for me!)
- “…have the potential to reshape long-term eating behaviors.” (I firmly believe this!)
- “…begins to rewire the brain’s approach to food.” (I am telling you, this part is wild. I have been trying to explain to my therapist how this medicine has changed my mental thought process.)
- “..becomes a more harmonious relationship with eating.” (Yes, and yes. While I have a long way to go, my Dr. and my therapist are working with me to make this the long-lasting change that I need.
- “They are a testament to the intricate interplay between our physiology and the psychology ….” (I firmly believe that these meds will help so many people with the mental and physical.)
Pages 16, 17, and 18 state:
Injectables are not just for weight loss. They are for:
- “Lowering blood pressure,”
- “Improving lipid profiles,”
- “Reduction of inflammatory markers,” (I know this one first-hand. My inflammation has been greatly reduced.)
- “Feelings of despair and low self-esteem,” (I can also state that I feel stronger mentally than I have in a long time.”
- “Uplift in mood and general self-perception.” (I see this not only in myself, but from several members in various Facebook groups with me.)
Page 36 is important to think about:
- Weight loss is a “gradual process,” not “instantaneous.”
- “Weight reduction occurs over months, not days, and the magnitude of loss varies by individual.”
- Once a user reaches their goal weight, their “journey does not end” because “maintaining” their goal “requires a continued commitment to healthy lifestyle choices, and in some cases, ongoing medication.”
Sadly, I have seen quite a few users in various forums and groups get on this medication for the quick fix of weight loss, not addressing the reasons why they gained weight in the first place. Statistically, those are the users who are more likely to gain weight back after going off the medication. What makes one wonder, as expensive as the medication is, why would you not want to put in the time and effort to change your bad habits?
Page 47 was me:
“Skepticism is a natural companion” when considering GLP-1 medications. This is born from “a cocktail of past disappointments and societal misconceptions about weight loss treatments.”
For me, it was a combination of things. While there were many diets in my past that failed, there were some good ones, like Weight Watchers, that I failed, not including my last attempt. My last attempt – my body failed me. And now, my body is all messed up due to what I went through and the things I was already battling. For me, I felt like using GLP-1 was taking the product away from someone who needed it and since there was a shortage, who was I to say I needed it more? But the truth is, I was just as deserving to use it for everything going on with my body outside of just being overweight as anyone else who was medically prescribed the medication.
And there is so much more:
The rest of the book is a must-read as it covers goals, calorie counting, learning about macros, nutrition, supplements, good foods, bad foods, hydration, exercise, support networks, milestones, working with doctors and dietitians, working through emotional eating, triggers, things to consider, expectations, long-term care, and more!
Wrapping Up the Weight Loss Wisdom
“Fast Weight Loss” by Jenny Furlow has been an enlightening journey into GLP-1 injectables and their potential to kickstart weight loss. From understanding the science behind these medications to learning practical tips for integrating them into a holistic health plan, Furlow’s insights offer a comprehensive guide for anyone serious about shedding pounds effectively. Embracing these strategies can be a game-changer, providing the knowledge and tools to embark on a successful weight loss journey. For those ready to take the next step, staying informed and committed will pave the way to achieving your health and fitness goals.
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