You’re on a GLP-1 But Still Have Cravings at Night? Here’s What’s Really Going On
GLP1 injections are supposed to kill cravings… So why are you still snacking at night?
How do GLP1 injections work?
GLP1 agonists target GLP1 which is an incretin hormone that helps lower blood sugar by triggering insulin. This in turns slows down how quickly the stomach empties, making you feel fuller longer – ultimately decreasing appetite leading to weight loss.
Break the Cycle
GLP1s work to curb appetite physically, but effective weight loss is also dependent on breaking habits including emotional eating or eating out of boredom. Habit loops break down the creation of habits:
1) the cue: environmental prompts that trigger the habit such as time or place
2) the routine: the habit itself
3) the reward: dopamine reward created from that habit.
For example, if prior to being on GLP1 injections, you associated nighttime with a pre-bedtime snack – you may find yourself out of habit going through the kitchen for something to eat even if your body is actually full. There are a lot of emotional associations made throughout the day once you are in a routine which can make habits difficult to break. Try to adjust your nighttime routine to have dinner at a time that compromises when you used to have dinner and your nighttime snack. Or once it hits that time of night when you feel that urge to eat, try associating that time with a new hobby you enjoy and create a new habit. This could be something like journaling or reading or mediation, which are all enjoyable hobbies that simultaneously allow for a dopamine reward and also help you wind down and get to sleep faster before the cravings even have the chance to hit.
I’ve Tried Everything, What Do I Do Next?
Sometimes breaking that cycle is difficult to do on your own, and even in attempting the tips above – that craving is still affecting your nightly routine. For some, it can be easier with someone to hold you accountable or provide additional aid with other weight loss medication supplementation.Core Aesthetic offers a personalized, physician-directed weight loss program that combines behavior change, custom nutrition and medical guidance into a plan that will work just for you and your needs. Want to stop fighting with food even on medication? Book a consultation with our weight loss experts today.
