24-week GLP-1–based protocol

[DustAndDignity]

Hello Community Members,

I’ve been reading posts here for a while, but I’m finally ready to get off the bench and into the game. 😄 (TL;DR @ bottom of post)

I wanted to share my proposed 24-week GLP-1 / peptide framework and ask for general observations or feedback from those who have experience with longer GLP-1 timelines.

Before getting into specifics, I want to set expectations clearly:

• I fully acknowledge that biology is more powerful than spreadsheets
• These doses are a framework, not hard-set requirements
• I will adjust speed, hold doses longer, or reduce them based on appetite, GI tolerance, energy, and overall response
• The goal is fat loss with a healthy metabolism, not racing to maximum doses

Stats / Background:

• 38 / Male / 6’2”
• Current Weight: 290
• Goal Weight: 245 (long-term goal: 225)
• Former D1 football athlete — I’ve been 225 since my freshman year in college (2005); playing weight ranged from 245–250
• Current activity: 5 days/week lifting, 1 day cardio
• Also currently running 7 days/week of “too many calories to my face” 😫

Phase 1 — Weeks 1–16 (Foundation, Repair & Tolerance)

Glow (Weeks 1–8, daily)

• Nightly dosing
• Used early to support recovery, healing, and inflammation control while easing into GLP-1s
• Also hoping for some relief from old football-related aches and pains

Tirzepatide (weekly)

• Weeks 1–4: 2.5 mg
• Weeks 5–8: 5 mg
• Weeks 9–12: 7.5 mg
• Weeks 13–16: 10 mg

Phase 1 goals:

• Gradual titration with smaller steps
• Establish consistency and appetite/craving control
• Avoid unnecessary GI discomfort
• Build a solid foundation before introducing additional tools

I’m open to holding a dose longer if appetite control is sufficient or side effects appear.


Phase 2 — Weeks 17–24 (Metabolic Push, Still Controlled)

Retatrutide (weekly)

• Weeks 17–18: 1 mg
• Weeks 19–20: 3 mg
• Weeks 21–22: 5 mg
• Weeks 23–24: 7 mg

Tesamorelin (daily, PM)

• 2 mg nightly

MOTS-c (3× per week, titrated)

• Weeks 17–18: 200 mcg
• Weeks 19–20: 400 mcg
• Weeks 21–22: 600 mcg
• Weeks 23–24: 800 mcg

Phase 2 goals:

• Continue fat loss without relying solely on appetite suppression
• Support metabolism and body composition
• Maintain flexibility to slow down or adjust as needed

Why I’m Posting:

I’m not looking for medical advice or approval. I’m genuinely interested in:

• Experiences from those who have run longer GLP-1 protocols
• Any red flags you’d watch for with a phased approach like this
• Lessons learned around when to slow down vs push forward
• Things you wish you had adjusted earlier in your own journey

Please note, this is not a static plan. I’ll be adjusting based on how my body responds.

Also, I’m not recommending anyone else do this. I’m just sharing my framework to learn from this knowledgeable community.

Lastly, I plan on thoroughly documenting my experience and sharing lessons learned along the way and after the protocol is complete.


Thanks in advance. I appreciate the insights.


TL;DR

• 38M / 6’2” / 290 lbs, former D1 football player
• Running a 24-week GLP-1–based framework, not a rigid plan
• Phase 1 (Weeks 1–16): Glow (Weeks 1–8) + Tirzepatide with gradual titration
• Phase 2 (Weeks 17–24): Retatrutide (slow ramp) + Tesamorelin nightly + titrated MOTS-c
• Goal = sustainable fat loss + healthy metabolism, not racing to max doses
• Fully expect to adjust doses and pacing based on appetite, GI tolerance, energy, and results
• Looking for general observations, red flags, and lessons learned from those who’ve run longer GLP-1 timelines
• Not recommending this to anyone. Just learning from the community

 

[yrrdead]

I love a good plan, just wondering why start with Tirz and then Reta?

I get that most people who transition to grey move to Reta. I also when people (friends and family) want to get started I don't reccomend Reta only because I consider Tirz a more "proven" drug with way more data behind it. That being said my own perosnal risk profile is different which is why I went Reta as my first anything.

So again since you are already planning on Reta , I would skip the Tirz completely. Cost isn't really an issue in my opinion nor is risk profile since you are already planning on sending it.

Oh and last (I may be alone in this but) not a fan of the GLOW/KLOW blends. Yes I understand its convenient but I don't like the combined dosing protocol or really the mixing of those peps.

Note- not an expert just a random internet weirdo.

 

[DustAndDignity]

I love a good plan, just wondering why start with Tirz and then Reta?

I get that most people who transition to grey move to Reta. I also when people (friends and family) want to get started I don't reccomend Reta only because I consider Tirz a more "proven" drug with way more data behind it. That being said my own perosnal risk profile is different which is why I went Reta as my first anything.

So again since you are already planning on Reta , I would skip the Tirz completely. Cost isn't really an issue in my opinion nor is risk profile since you are already planning on sending it.

Oh and last (I may be alone in this but) not a fan of the GLOW/KLOW blends. Yes I understand its convenient but I don't like the combined dosing protocol or really the mixing of those peps.

Note- not an expert just a random internet weirdo.

Totally fair and great questions.

The main reason I’m starting with Tirz first is simply that I’m brand new to GLP-1s. It feels like a more tried and true entry point for me to understand how my body responds before moving into something stronger. I want to learn my tolerance, appetite response, and GI limits first before I level up.

That said, I did seriously consider starting with Reta right away. Full transparency I’ve already purchased the Tirz 😅 so that’s helped finalize the sequencing.

On the Glow/Klow blends, I appreciate you calling that out. The more I read others experiences, the more I’m seeing that same hesitation from others, especially around combined dosing and lack of control. I’d re-evaluate after the 8 weeks depending on the experience.

If you don’t mind sharing, I’d love to hear more about your experience so far especially:

• What stood out early on with Reta
• Anything you’d change looking back
• How you approached titration and pacing

Appreciate you weighing in. This is exactly the kind of discussion I was hoping for. ✊🏾✊🏾

 

[yrrdead]

Reta was/is my first serious medication of any kind.

1. Had appetite suppression on a relatively small dose.
2. Wish I had started years ago tbh.
3. My titration and pacing was and is extremely conservative. As my weightloss has been nearly linear I haven't seen the need to titrate up. My last pin , I went to 1.2mg just to get a new color on my chart.

Some other thoughts, I can't imagine how the appetite suppression on Tirz or even Sema is considering how I feel on Reta. I'm not sure if the every 3 day (or 3.5) helped at all but my sides were/are nearly nonexistent. Obviously anecdotal but that is from someone who hasn't taken anything else prior to Reta.