Did you fall for the "Starvation Mindset" Trap with GLP-1s?

[Peptelligence]

Hey everyone! I've been noticing something that's got me thinking. So many of us (myself included) started these GLP-1 medications with this dream that we'd just... stop feeling hungry. And when we do feel hunger? Many of us panic and rush to increase our dose!

I fell into this trap early on-thinking that if I could just push my dose high enough to never feel hungry, I'd lose weight faster. Let me tell you what actually happened: I got constipated, felt exhausted, and my hair started looking sad. Not exactly the glow-up I was hoping for! What I've learned through trial and error is that these medications aren't meant to turn us into people who never eat. They're tools to help us build a healthier relationship with food.

What's Working Better For Me Now
Instead of chasing complete hunger suppression, I've found a more balanced approach:

• I use my GLP-1 to help manage cravings and support intermittent fasting (16:8 works for me)
• I focus on protein-first meals that keep me satisfied longer
• I actually listen to my body when it's genuinely hungry, not just ignoring those signals
• I track my measurements and how my clothes fit, not just the scale

The biggest difference? This approach feels sustainable. I'm not white-knuckling through my days, dreaming about food but too scared to eat.

The Discovery Through Research
Your body actually needs adequate nutrition to lose weight effectively. When you severely restrict calories:

• Your metabolism can slow down to compensate
• You risk losing muscle along with fat
• Your hormones can get all out of whack
• The weight often comes roaring back when you eventually start eating normally again

Questions I'd Love Your Thoughts On

• How are you using your GLP-1 medication? Are you focusing solely on hunger suppression or building other healthy habits alongside it?
• Has anyone else found that moderate doses work better than pushing to the max?

I'm not here to judge anyone's approach-we're all figuring this out together! I just want to start a conversation about using these amazing medications as tools for lasting change rather than quick fixes. What's your experience been like?

 

[Morbius]

I'm on just 2 mg reta, it has knocked my appetite in half.

I eat whatever I want, whenever I want... That just doesn't amount to much.

I am losing an average of 1.5 lbs/week.

(The first week or so eating was a chore, I had zero appetite.)

 

[zpped]

This is a healthy approach. We see this issue with people switching to reta often expressing fears about the lack of "appetite suppression". The proper response is to ask are you trying to never feel hunger or to lose weight?

 

[scarywood75]

Now that I'm maintaining, I too think I have a better relationship with these meds

At some point, most will meet their target and that mindset will change

It's funny because now I will sometimes do cheat days when I see I lost too much that week