GLP-1s: Do they stop working?

water-only

water-only

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I started on a tiny dose, 0.2mg, and it was great for a couple of months. Then I had to increase it 'cause it wasn't hitting the same. Now I'm up to 0.9mg, and it's happening again... the cravings are creeping back in. Does this stuff just quit working once you hit the max dose?
 
From what I've read, GLP-1s tend to level off after about 60 weeks. Actually, most weight loss methods become less effective the closer you get to your ideal weight.

As you slim down, your metabolism slows because you don't need as many calories. Your body adapts to exercise and conserves energy in other ways, like reducing muscle building.

The cool thing about GLP-1s is that 60 weeks is way longer than what you get with just diet and exercise. So, you have a longer window to lose the weight you want.

It's not really immunity; your body just fights harder to prevent further weight loss as you approach a healthy weight. And sometimes, your body's idea of a good weight differs from yours.
 
I've been on these meds for 2.5 years, mostly at 2.4mg. It's still helping me maintain my weight. I'd like to lose another 5 pounds, but overall, it's still beneficial, so I'm sticking with it.
 
I've been microdosing for almost two years and it still works for me. I also tracked every calorie I ate for an entire year. Been able to maintain for 1.5 years now.
 
The side effects tend to fade over time. But the GLP-1's effect on the brain usually sticks around. I've been using 0.3mg every five days for quite a while, and the side effects are much milder, but I still don't crave food as much, and I still get general hunger.

Don't confuse actual hunger with food cravings. If you're consistently below your TDEE and you're feeling a bit hungry and tired, the drug is still working, and you're still at a calorie deficit.
 
There are some small studies suggesting that taking a break for a few months and then restarting at a lower dose can help. That's been my experience too. I've been on this for about 18 months now.
 
My side effects are barely noticeable now, like a 1-2 out of 10, compared to a 7-8 for the first 9 months. I've been on it for a year now. I don't feel much these days, and my appetite is pretty normal, but I don't get food cravings as much.
 
Maybe try switching your injection site, or lower your dose for a few weeks before going back to your regular dose.
 
I never went higher than 1.0 mg and I'm still on that for maintenance. I do pay attention to portion sizes and weigh myself every day. Good luck!
 
Kerry50 said:
As you lose weight, your metabolism slows because you don't need as many calories. Your body adapts to exercise and conserves energy in other ways, like reducing muscle building.
Click to expand...

That makes a lot of sense. It's frustrating when the scale stops moving, even though you're still working hard.
 
Don't just rely on the scale! I tell my patients all the time to measure themselves. Sometimes you're losing inches even if the pounds aren't budging.
 
The real lesson I learned is not to let weeks and months go by without checking in on yourself. That's where the real damage sneaks in. Even if you overeat one day or make poor choices, you can barely gain 3-4 pounds in two weeks of real fat. The danger is avoiding the scale for three months then seeing 20 pounds.
 
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