43M in CA, 9 Weeks on Reta, No Loss or Appetite Change — Seeking Insight

[Prodigy217]

Hi all! I'm a 43-year-old guy living in CA, and I began exploring peptides roughly 9 weeks back. At 5'10" and 280 lbs right now, I'm honestly feeling quite stalled.

Earlier on, GLP-1s worked well for me — Sema first, then Tirz, both obtained via prescriptions and insurance. I dropped to 258 lbs and felt really good about where things were heading… then my insurance started fighting every refill and ultimately imposed a lifetime coverage cap. That basically yanked the foundation out from under me. Having originally begun at 295 lbs and now sitting back at 280, the frustration has been real.

After a great deal of research, I chose to try Reta. I'm 9 weeks in now, having titrated from 1mg up to 6mg, with my most recent pin this past Wednesday. During that titration, I also added MOTS-c and GHK-Cu.

What's puzzling me is that I've lost 0 pounds so far and frankly haven't felt any appetite suppression whatsoever. Given that I previously responded well to both Sema and Tirz, I'm trying to work out what I might be doing wrong or what could explain the difference this time.

So, while endlessly hunting for more knowledge, I came across this group and hope to learn from the experience and insight here. Looking forward to getting to know everyone, and I truly appreciate any advice, guidance, or knowledge you're willing to share.

Thanks everyone!

-Michael

 

[vale113]

Hi, based on what those who've used GLP and then quit report, restarting doesn't give them the same results. Or perhaps the product you got wasn't the right one. Not dropping anything over this stretch seems odd.

 

[Justatechdude]

Prodigy217 said:

Hi all! I'm a 43-year-old guy living in CA, and I began exploring peptides roughly 9 weeks back. At 5'10" and 280 lbs right now, I'm honestly feeling quite stalled.

Earlier on, GLP-1s worked well for me — Sema first, then Tirz, both obtained via prescriptions and insurance. I dropped to 258 lbs and felt really good about where things were heading… then my insurance started fighting every refill and ultimately imposed a lifetime coverage cap. That basically yanked the foundation out from under me. Having originally begun at 295 lbs and now sitting back at 280, the frustration has been real.

After a great deal of research, I chose to try Reta. I'm 9 weeks in now, having titrated from 1mg up to 6mg, with my most recent pin this past Wednesday. During that titration, I also added MOTS-c and GHK-Cu.

What's puzzling me is that I've lost 0 pounds so far and frankly haven't felt any appetite suppression whatsoever. Given that I previously responded well to both Sema and Tirz, I'm trying to work out what I might be doing wrong or what could explain the difference this time.

So, while endlessly hunting for more knowledge, I came across this group and hope to learn from the experience and insight here. Looking forward to getting to know everyone, and I truly appreciate any advice, guidance, or knowledge you're willing to share.

Thanks everyone!

-Michael

I've come across that same point repeatedly — once you stop and then begin again, the results tend to be weaker.

The way insurance companies can override what a doctor prescribes is outrageous.

 

[chest rockwell]

you might just be someone who responds slowly, and the scale may not budge until you reach larger doses. What dose of triz were you taking when it finally kicked in for you?

 

[CharmanderInDisguise]

Reta's mechanism is clearly not the same as Tirz. One more thing worth checking... Be sure your diet gets a second look. Your calorie and macro targets have to be updated as the pounds come off. Tirz got me down roughly 30 pounds, and after switching to Reta, things have slowed considerably. That said, I'm gaining muscle at a very gradual pace (which is a secondary goal).

Keeping the momentum going has come down to strength training. Another thing that messes with my head is stepping on the scale every day. Doing it weekly would likely keep me more focused on progress and less caught up in the small fluctuations.

Even if the scale is stuck, are other signs showing up? Waistbands feeling looser? The fat on my belly now feels "softer" to the touch.

Edit to add: Welcome! I hope you're able to find all of the information you're looking for.

 

[CharlieBrown]

Prodigy217 said:

Hi all! I'm a 43-year-old guy living in CA, and I began exploring peptides roughly 9 weeks back. At 5'10" and 280 lbs right now, I'm honestly feeling quite stalled.

Earlier on, GLP-1s worked well for me — Sema first, then Tirz, both obtained via prescriptions and insurance. I dropped to 258 lbs and felt really good about where things were heading… then my insurance started fighting every refill and ultimately imposed a lifetime coverage cap. That basically yanked the foundation out from under me. Having originally begun at 295 lbs and now sitting back at 280, the frustration has been real.

After a great deal of research, I chose to try Reta. I'm 9 weeks in now, having titrated from 1mg up to 6mg, with my most recent pin this past Wednesday. During that titration, I also added MOTS-c and GHK-Cu.

What's puzzling me is that I've lost 0 pounds so far and frankly haven't felt any appetite suppression whatsoever. Given that I previously responded well to both Sema and Tirz, I'm trying to work out what I might be doing wrong or what could explain the difference this time.

So, while endlessly hunting for more knowledge, I came across this group and hope to learn from the experience and insight here. Looking forward to getting to know everyone, and I truly appreciate any advice, guidance, or knowledge you're willing to share.

Thanks everyone!

-Michael

Does anyone else question whether the product might be counterfeit?

My thinking is that even with zero activity — just parked on the couch 24/7 — some weight should have come off by the 9-week mark!

 

[Prodigy217]

Justatechdude said:

Prodigy217 said:

Hi all! I'm a 43-year-old guy living in CA, and I began exploring peptides roughly 9 weeks back. At 5'10" and 280 lbs right now, I'm honestly feeling quite stalled.

Earlier on, GLP-1s worked well for me — Sema first, then Tirz, both obtained via prescriptions and insurance. I dropped to 258 lbs and felt really good about where things were heading… then my insurance started fighting every refill and ultimately imposed a lifetime coverage cap. That basically yanked the foundation out from under me. Having originally begun at 295 lbs and now sitting back at 280, the frustration has been real.

After a great deal of research, I chose to try Reta. I'm 9 weeks in now, having titrated from 1mg up to 6mg, with my most recent pin this past Wednesday. During that titration, I also added MOTS-c and GHK-Cu.

What's puzzling me is that I've lost 0 pounds so far and frankly haven't felt any appetite suppression whatsoever. Given that I previously responded well to both Sema and Tirz, I'm trying to work out what I might be doing wrong or what could explain the difference this time.

So, while endlessly hunting for more knowledge, I came across this group and hope to learn from the experience and insight here. Looking forward to getting to know everyone, and I truly appreciate any advice, guidance, or knowledge you're willing to share.

Thanks everyone!

-Michael

I've come across that same point repeatedly — once you stop and then begin again, the results tend to be weaker.

The way insurance companies can override what a doctor prescribes is outrageous.

I keep saying the same thing. It ought to be a crime! It is absolutely not in the best interest of our health!

 

[Prodigy217]

CharlieBrown said:

Prodigy217 said:

Hi all! I'm a 43-year-old guy living in CA, and I began exploring peptides roughly 9 weeks back. At 5'10" and 280 lbs right now, I'm honestly feeling quite stalled.

Earlier on, GLP-1s worked well for me — Sema first, then Tirz, both obtained via prescriptions and insurance. I dropped to 258 lbs and felt really good about where things were heading… then my insurance started fighting every refill and ultimately imposed a lifetime coverage cap. That basically yanked the foundation out from under me. Having originally begun at 295 lbs and now sitting back at 280, the frustration has been real.

After a great deal of research, I chose to try Reta. I'm 9 weeks in now, having titrated from 1mg up to 6mg, with my most recent pin this past Wednesday. During that titration, I also added MOTS-c and GHK-Cu.

What's puzzling me is that I've lost 0 pounds so far and frankly haven't felt any appetite suppression whatsoever. Given that I previously responded well to both Sema and Tirz, I'm trying to work out what I might be doing wrong or what could explain the difference this time.

So, while endlessly hunting for more knowledge, I came across this group and hope to learn from the experience and insight here. Looking forward to getting to know everyone, and I truly appreciate any advice, guidance, or knowledge you're willing to share.

Thanks everyone!

-Michael

Does anyone else question whether the product might be counterfeit?

My thinking is that even with zero activity — just parked on the couch 24/7 — some weight should have come off by the 9-week mark!

That matches my own reasoning too. Honestly, this whole situation has left me quite annoyed and disheartened.

chest rockwell said:

you might just be someone who responds slowly, and the scale may not budge until you reach larger doses. What dose of triz were you taking when it finally kicked in for you?

I noticed the effect immediately, no question. My starting dose was 5 since I'd previously been on Wegovy, and my doctor approved beginning at 5mg.

 

[GemLayhe]

Prodigy217 said:

Hi all! I'm a 43-year-old guy living in CA, and I began exploring peptides roughly 9 weeks back. At 5'10" and 280 lbs right now, I'm honestly feeling quite stalled.

Earlier on, GLP-1s worked well for me — Sema first, then Tirz, both obtained via prescriptions and insurance. I dropped to 258 lbs and felt really good about where things were heading… then my insurance started fighting every refill and ultimately imposed a lifetime coverage cap. That basically yanked the foundation out from under me. Having originally begun at 295 lbs and now sitting back at 280, the frustration has been real.

After a great deal of research, I chose to try Reta. I'm 9 weeks in now, having titrated from 1mg up to 6mg, with my most recent pin this past Wednesday. During that titration, I also added MOTS-c and GHK-Cu.

What's puzzling me is that I've lost 0 pounds so far and frankly haven't felt any appetite suppression whatsoever. Given that I previously responded well to both Sema and Tirz, I'm trying to work out what I might be doing wrong or what could explain the difference this time.

So, while endlessly hunting for more knowledge, I came across this group and hope to learn from the experience and insight here. Looking forward to getting to know everyone, and I truly appreciate any advice, guidance, or knowledge you're willing to share.

Thanks everyone!

-Michael

For me, results didn't appear until I had spent 3 months increasing the dose gradually to 4mg per week. After that, during months 4 through 7, I lost 43lbs while keeping my muscle intact. Compared with other GLPs, the progress comes more slowly, but my overall experience with it has been much more positive.

 

[ScienceHippo]

From what I've come across, tirz seems to blunt appetite far more than reta does. Since I haven't used reta myself, I can't speak to that from experience—but with tirz, my hunger is almost nonexistent. Eating only happens because I make a point of it; otherwise it would slip my mind entirely.

 

[Prodigy217]

GemLayhe said:

Prodigy217 said:

Hi all! I'm a 43-year-old guy living in CA, and I began exploring peptides roughly 9 weeks back. At 5'10" and 280 lbs right now, I'm honestly feeling quite stalled.

Earlier on, GLP-1s worked well for me — Sema first, then Tirz, both obtained via prescriptions and insurance. I dropped to 258 lbs and felt really good about where things were heading… then my insurance started fighting every refill and ultimately imposed a lifetime coverage cap. That basically yanked the foundation out from under me. Having originally begun at 295 lbs and now sitting back at 280, the frustration has been real.

After a great deal of research, I chose to try Reta. I'm 9 weeks in now, having titrated from 1mg up to 6mg, with my most recent pin this past Wednesday. During that titration, I also added MOTS-c and GHK-Cu.

What's puzzling me is that I've lost 0 pounds so far and frankly haven't felt any appetite suppression whatsoever. Given that I previously responded well to both Sema and Tirz, I'm trying to work out what I might be doing wrong or what could explain the difference this time.

So, while endlessly hunting for more knowledge, I came across this group and hope to learn from the experience and insight here. Looking forward to getting to know everyone, and I truly appreciate any advice, guidance, or knowledge you're willing to share.

Thanks everyone!

-Michael

For me, results didn't appear until I had spent 3 months increasing the dose gradually to 4mg per week. After that, during months 4 through 7, I lost 43lbs while keeping my muscle intact. Compared with other GLPs, the progress comes more slowly, but my overall experience with it has been much more positive.

That's helpful feedback — thank you.

 

[birdwhacker]

If we take it at face value, one option is picking up another bottle or kit so you can run a test alongside your upcoming dose. It sounds like the answer is simply to continue titrating and have faith in the process. Prior GLP use likely raised your tolerance. A few folks would frame that as an advantage, since it lets you reach stronger reta doses sooner; according to them, the glucagon piece only starts working somewhere around 6-8mg.

My suggestion is to break your weekly dose into 2 injections. That way appetite suppression gets noticeably better, and there is no downside to doing so, even if certain people object for reasons of their own.

Naturally, if the scale isn't moving, you're taking in more calories than you're burning. I'm sure you know this though. If you aren't counting, you might want to calculate your estimated TDEE and start. Some people like to use an app to track things, others write it down. I didn't even write it down for the first month, just added everything up in my head as I went along and tried to keep the number low every day.

 

[Prodigy217]

ScienceHippo said:

From what I've come across, tirz seems to blunt appetite far more than reta does. Since I haven't used reta myself, I can't speak to that from experience—but with tirz, my hunger is almost nonexistent. Eating only happens because I make a point of it; otherwise it would slip my mind entirely.

That matches what I’ve come across too.

birdwhacker said:

If we take it at face value, one option is picking up another bottle or kit so you can run a test alongside your upcoming dose. It sounds like the answer is simply to continue titrating and have faith in the process. Prior GLP use likely raised your tolerance. A few folks would frame that as an advantage, since it lets you reach stronger reta doses sooner; according to them, the glucagon piece only starts working somewhere around 6-8mg.

My suggestion is to break your weekly dose into 2 injections. That way appetite suppression gets noticeably better, and there is no downside to doing so, even if certain people object for reasons of their own.

Naturally, if the scale isn't moving, you're taking in more calories than you're burning. I'm sure you know this though. If you aren't counting, you might want to calculate your estimated TDEE and start. Some people like to use an app to track things, others write it down. I didn't even write it down for the first month, just added everything up in my head as I went along and tried to keep the number low every day.

Appreciate it. That’s useful. I’m leaning toward dividing my doses the way you described. And I just moved up to 6mg, and at last I believe I’m noticing a bit of fullness.

 

[CharlieBrown]

ScienceHippo said:

From what I've come across, tirz seems to blunt appetite far more than reta does. Since I haven't used reta myself, I can't speak to that from experience—but with tirz, my hunger is almost nonexistent. Eating only happens because I make a point of it; otherwise it would slip my mind entirely.

At 10mg of Reta, my appetite isn't suppressed at all. That said, a small amount of food does make me feel full.

 

[CharlieBrown]

birdwhacker said:

If we take it at face value, one option is picking up another bottle or kit so you can run a test alongside your upcoming dose. It sounds like the answer is simply to continue titrating and have faith in the process. Prior GLP use likely raised your tolerance. A few folks would frame that as an advantage, since it lets you reach stronger reta doses sooner; according to them, the glucagon piece only starts working somewhere around 6-8mg.

My suggestion is to break your weekly dose into 2 injections. That way appetite suppression gets noticeably better, and there is no downside to doing so, even if certain people object for reasons of their own.

Naturally, if the scale isn't moving, you're taking in more calories than you're burning. I'm sure you know this though. If you aren't counting, you might want to calculate your estimated TDEE and start. Some people like to use an app to track things, others write it down. I didn't even write it down for the first month, just added everything up in my head as I went along and tried to keep the number low every day.

Mind if I pass this video along to you? From what I've come across, the guidance is to dose just 1 time per week.

Plus the person in it lays it out clearly.

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-TJCikPt7E&t=872s

 

[birdwhacker]

Prodigy217 said:

ScienceHippo said:

From what I've come across, tirz seems to blunt appetite far more than reta does. Since I haven't used reta myself, I can't speak to that from experience—but with tirz, my hunger is almost nonexistent. Eating only happens because I make a point of it; otherwise it would slip my mind entirely.

That matches what I’ve come across too.

birdwhacker said:

If we take it at face value, one option is picking up another bottle or kit so you can run a test alongside your upcoming dose. It sounds like the answer is simply to continue titrating and have faith in the process. Prior GLP use likely raised your tolerance. A few folks would frame that as an advantage, since it lets you reach stronger reta doses sooner; according to them, the glucagon piece only starts working somewhere around 6-8mg.

My suggestion is to break your weekly dose into 2 injections. That way appetite suppression gets noticeably better, and there is no downside to doing so, even if certain people object for reasons of their own.

Naturally, if the scale isn't moving, you're taking in more calories than you're burning. I'm sure you know this though. If you aren't counting, you might want to calculate your estimated TDEE and start. Some people like to use an app to track things, others write it down. I didn't even write it down for the first month, just added everything up in my head as I went along and tried to keep the number low every day.

Appreciate it. That’s useful. I’m leaning toward dividing my doses the way you described. And I just moved up to 6mg, and at last I believe I’m noticing a bit of fullness.

Whenever you want.

Each time I convince a retatruchad to divide their dose, an angel earns its wings.

You're also free to titrate 2mg monthly if that suits you. At month 2, I'm taking 4.66mg weekly (2mg every 3days) and it's going well so far. This approach appeared in one of the studies and showed improved weight loss.

Seems like 8mg is going to be your ideal dose. Best of luck!

 

[birdwhacker]

CharlieBrown said:

birdwhacker said:

If we take it at face value, one option is picking up another bottle or kit so you can run a test alongside your upcoming dose. It sounds like the answer is simply to continue titrating and have faith in the process. Prior GLP use likely raised your tolerance. A few folks would frame that as an advantage, since it lets you reach stronger reta doses sooner; according to them, the glucagon piece only starts working somewhere around 6-8mg.

My suggestion is to break your weekly dose into 2 injections. That way appetite suppression gets noticeably better, and there is no downside to doing so, even if certain people object for reasons of their own.

Naturally, if the scale isn't moving, you're taking in more calories than you're burning. I'm sure you know this though. If you aren't counting, you might want to calculate your estimated TDEE and start. Some people like to use an app to track things, others write it down. I didn't even write it down for the first month, just added everything up in my head as I went along and tried to keep the number low every day.

Mind if I pass this video along to you? From what I've come across, the guidance is to dose just 1 time per week.

Plus the person in it lays it out clearly.

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-TJCikPt7E&t=872s

I don't follow influencers much. Was there something specific in what he said that you think I should know about?

I'm sure his advice is solid. And microdoses are complete nonsense. Still, he's basically a steroid guy churning out paywalled content and pushing individual vials, you know?

Other than the folklore that dosing twice a week causes receptor desensitization, there's simply no pharmacology supporting the claim that once a week works better. Someone pointed out that no data exists for twice weekly dosing, since the trials only used once a week. Strictly speaking, that's accurate.

A lot of folks end up ravenous once blood levels drop. Day 4 I get hungry. Day 5 I get really hungry. For me, that's a dealbreaker.

 

[ScienceHippo]

CharlieBrown said:

ScienceHippo said:

From what I've come across, tirz seems to blunt appetite far more than reta does. Since I haven't used reta myself, I can't speak to that from experience—but with tirz, my hunger is almost nonexistent. Eating only happens because I make a point of it; otherwise it would slip my mind entirely.

At 10mg of Reta, my appetite isn't suppressed at all. That said, a small amount of food does make me feel full.

Interesting perspective. Tirz was my go-to all along, yet as I pick up more about reta, the more curious I get.

 

[Prodigy217]

CharlieBrown said:

birdwhacker said:

If we take it at face value, one option is picking up another bottle or kit so you can run a test alongside your upcoming dose. It sounds like the answer is simply to continue titrating and have faith in the process. Prior GLP use likely raised your tolerance. A few folks would frame that as an advantage, since it lets you reach stronger reta doses sooner; according to them, the glucagon piece only starts working somewhere around 6-8mg.

My suggestion is to break your weekly dose into 2 injections. That way appetite suppression gets noticeably better, and there is no downside to doing so, even if certain people object for reasons of their own.

Naturally, if the scale isn't moving, you're taking in more calories than you're burning. I'm sure you know this though. If you aren't counting, you might want to calculate your estimated TDEE and start. Some people like to use an app to track things, others write it down. I didn't even write it down for the first month, just added everything up in my head as I went along and tried to keep the number low every day.

Mind if I pass this video along to you? From what I've come across, the guidance is to dose just 1 time per week.

Plus the person in it lays it out clearly.

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-TJCikPt7E&t=872s

Yeah, please go ahead

 

[CharlieBrown]

birdwhacker said:

CharlieBrown said:

birdwhacker said:

If we take it at face value, one option is picking up another bottle or kit so you can run a test alongside your upcoming dose. It sounds like the answer is simply to continue titrating and have faith in the process. Prior GLP use likely raised your tolerance. A few folks would frame that as an advantage, since it lets you reach stronger reta doses sooner; according to them, the glucagon piece only starts working somewhere around 6-8mg.

My suggestion is to break your weekly dose into 2 injections. That way appetite suppression gets noticeably better, and there is no downside to doing so, even if certain people object for reasons of their own.

Naturally, if the scale isn't moving, you're taking in more calories than you're burning. I'm sure you know this though. If you aren't counting, you might want to calculate your estimated TDEE and start. Some people like to use an app to track things, others write it down. I didn't even write it down for the first month, just added everything up in my head as I went along and tried to keep the number low every day.

Mind if I pass this video along to you? From what I've come across, the guidance is to dose just 1 time per week.

Plus the person in it lays it out clearly.

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-TJCikPt7E&t=872s

I don't follow influencers much. Was there something specific in what he said that you think I should know about?

I'm sure his advice is solid. And microdoses are complete nonsense. Still, he's basically a steroid guy churning out paywalled content and pushing individual vials, you know?

Other than the folklore that dosing twice a week causes receptor desensitization, there's simply no pharmacology supporting the claim that once a week works better. Someone pointed out that no data exists for twice weekly dosing, since the trials only used once a week. Strictly speaking, that's accurate.

A lot of folks end up ravenous once blood levels drop. Day 4 I get hungry. Day 5 I get really hungry. For me, that's a dealbreaker.

"Other than the belief that receptors become desensitized when dosing twice weekly, there is no pharmacological reason to think once-a-week use would be superior. Someone pointed out that because trials only tested once-weekly dosing, there is no evidence for twice-weekly use. Strictly speaking, that is correct.

For many individuals, hunger surges once blood concentrations decline. By day 4, I'm hungry. By day 5, I'm extremely hungry. For me, that is unacceptable."

That matches my experience.

On top of that, I notice it stops working around day 4 as well.