@wheezerplzr Hey Richard- I was told to ask for it because of its widespread anti-inflammatory power. My abdomen was also distended (for almost 4 years) and I gained about 5 pounds a year for 4 years, after which I was able to get the GLP-1 because it put me into the over weight charts.. the situation with most physicians is if they aren't actively involved in a Long Covid study they don't have the time, resources or knowledge to even begin to help with all the patients suffering with it. I saw 10 doctors. 10, and not one of them ever even asked me about Covid, or my vaccination history. The specialists kept sending me back to whomever suggested I see that doctor and I went no where for 4 years. My son in law finally chimed in and suggested I at least ASK about a GLP-1 and in the meantime try the Claritin and Pepsid. Literally the first time I took those 2 OTC meds, rings that I had not been able to put on in 4 years, fit, and I felt mildly "normal". i asked a temporary physician in a local clinic I had been trying to establish a relationship with for 2 years if she thought I could try a GLP-1 for the weight gain and inflammation. She was on board right away. I'll say this: I avoided all medications for as long as I could.. I took supplements for the first time in my life for over a year, nothing helped. I changed my diet 5 times, logged all my food, tried a low FODMAP diet., low carb, low fiber.. it wasn't until I started paying attention to histamines that I got any results at all. I had to figure it out myself that this was not IBS but rather MCAS and then found out there are loads of other people who have the same situation.. and several studies have been done on it. There are tough days with the GLP meds because fatigue is a common side effect. but over all, I feel better than I have in 4 years, and I'm on the second level dose (.5) and going to ask my doctor NOT to up the dose or the next round because I feel that what I am taking now is really helping and I don't want to take a higher dose than I need. In short, GLP-1's have an overall antiinflammatory effect and that has helped me significantly. If you are over weight on a BMI chart, you should be able to get a GLP and be covered by insurance. Definitely at least speak to your health care provider. Good luck!