(NewsNation) — As the use of injectable weight-loss drugs rises, so do the known side effects. While many of the reported issues are physical, there are also reports of a prominent psychological effect.
It's called "ghost fat" or "phantom fat." It refers to patients who have lost a considerable amount of weight but still see themselves as having a larger body. Psychology Today describes it as the same concept as phantom limb syndrome. When someone loses a limb or gets plastic surgery, the mind can't fully comprehend the drastic physical change, and it can sometimes lead to them still feeling that it's there.
The phenomenon isn't just with GLP-1s, but with all dramatic weight loss that happens quickly rather than gradually. According to Medscape, patients who have undergone bariatric surgery also suffer from "ghost fat." Some reported seeing little or no change in their body shape despite substantial weight loss for 18 to 30 months.
Companies turn to telehealth providers to limit GLP-1 drug costs
Plastic surgeon and obesity medicine specialist Dr. Terry Dubrow explained on "Jesse Weber Live" Thursday that the experience can occur regardless of how the weight is lost.
It's called "ghost fat" or "phantom fat." It refers to patients who have lost a considerable amount of weight but still see themselves as having a larger body. Psychology Today describes it as the same concept as phantom limb syndrome. When someone loses a limb or gets plastic surgery, the mind can't fully comprehend the drastic physical change, and it can sometimes lead to them still feeling that it's there.
The phenomenon isn't just with GLP-1s, but with all dramatic weight loss that happens quickly rather than gradually. According to Medscape, patients who have undergone bariatric surgery also suffer from "ghost fat." Some reported seeing little or no change in their body shape despite substantial weight loss for 18 to 30 months.
Companies turn to telehealth providers to limit GLP-1 drug costs
Plastic surgeon and obesity medicine specialist Dr. Terry Dubrow explained on "Jesse Weber Live" Thursday that the experience can occur regardless of how the weight is lost.
4 months ago
