If this was you, how would you proceed?

[FlowerFairy]

I lost steadily on this journey until about 2-2.5 months ago. Now I bounce up and down. I was on Reta 4 mg until I stalled; I’m up to 10 mg. Still bouncing. No net loss. Do I continue to titrate up, stack with something else, if I stack, what should I stack with? I was thinking about Maz or Survo, but I’m just not sure what to do next.

My current regime is Reta 10 mg weekly, mots-c 5 mg Monday and Thursday, lipo-c 1 ml 3x/week, GHK-cu 2 mg daily, BPC157 600 mcg daily, ipamorelin 600 mcg/CJC 1297 300 mcg daily, NAD+ 75 mg daily, Glutathione 100 mg daily, MT-1 .5 mg daily.. plus I have to take a bone builder calcium daily, 50k Vitamin D3, 24K Vitamin A, and polysaccharide iron complex daily. I eat around 1500 calories a day, usually under, but I always hit my protein goals (well almost always- goal is 162 grams, worst I’ve done is 110).

Please don’t suggest cagri, I already have no appetite and nothing sounds good but coffee.

*Edit* I’m female, I’ll be 62 in July. Starting weight 320, current weight between 245-255, depending on the day, humidity, time, etc cetera. I have lipedema, malabsorption disorder, hypothyroidism, osteoporosis in one hip, GAD, ADHD, depression and afib that is super well controlled- stayed free of episodes going on 3 years now. Before that it was 4 years, but a very stressful job did it, and I found a new one. And I see the endocrinologist every 3 months.

 

[TNDelta]

I assume your female? Not sure your age, but check hormones! Add strength training and focus on eating protein. At least 100g / day for me it's 130 since that's my goal weight. What weight are you now, your age and goal weight?

 

[Airborne Daddy]

You a drinker? You know 3 strong drinks after work is a good 900 calories without a mixer. That was my problem. I was only eating 12 or 1300 calories but 2 dark beers and a few double shots took me to 2300 calories. So even after 6 months I was only down 20lbs.

 

[FlowerFairy]

I assume your female? Not sure your age, but check hormones! Add strength training and focus on eating protein. At least 100g / day for me it's 130 since that's my goal weight. What weight are you now, your age and goal weight?

I always hit my protein goals (well almost always- goal is 162 grams, worst I’ve done is 110). I’ll be 62 in July. Starting weight 320, current weight between 245-255, depending on the day, humidity, time, etc cetera. Oh, and goal for now is 200, I might revise that but right now that’s it. I have lipedema, malabsorption disorder, hypothyroidism, osteoporosis in one hip, GAD, ADHD, depression and afib that is super well controlled- stayed free of episodes going on 3 years now. Before that it was 4 years, but a very stressful job did it, and I found a new one. And I see my endocrinologist every 3 months.

You a drinker? You know 3 strong drinks after work is a good 900 calories without a mixer. That was my problem. I was only eating 12 or 1300 calories but 2 dark beers and a few double shots took me to 2300 calories. So even after 6 months I was only down 20lbs.

I have never been a big drinker. Maybe one drink a week. Now it’s like everything else- no desire. I only drink when at my best friend’s house and that’s one drink, maybe twice a month.

 

[Calm Logic]

Since you already see an endocrinologist, I would consider making an appointment just about this issue (telling him you are on tirz instead of reta).

But if you have done that already, I am always intrigued by the idea of eating/drinking more carbs or calories to give you more energy to do more strength training or movement in general. Potato power, haha. In other words:

If your body thinks it's starving, it can slow metabolism. Even small, nutrient-dense additions – maybe a higher-calorie smoothie with protein, some healthy fats, and easy-to-digest carbs – could give you the energy you need to push past the stall. Think of it as fueling for function, not just for hunger.

Do you track your steps or something like that? I know you are a walker, so you probably track them already or have your usual routine. I also like the idea of "social facilitation" to improve exercise performance, e.g. online or in-person group fitness or power yoga or goat yoga or whatever. I have a recumbent exercise bike in the middle of my living room since it's the only way I consistently.

But I also like Asian exercises like tai chi and qigong, which are not really about doing more but being more. I have done online group classes with stuff like that, and that was very relaxing and zero pressure. Since we are taking Chinese peptides, we might as well do Chinese movements, haha. According to Gemini: "Low-impact movement like Tai Chi or Qigong can be particularly gentle on joints and can help with lymphatic flow for lipedema, while also being safe for osteoporosis concerns."

 

[ZippityDooDah]

I've had two extended stalls since starting on tirz back in April of 2023 (April 1st to be precise). One lasted about 4 months, and the second lasted close to 8 months (so combined literally a year - almost half the time I've been taking it). I'm fortunate that I never gained anything back, but one thing I learned was the more you "change things up" trying to break the stall, it seems to often result in the stall setting in even harder and longer.

I'm not sure if anything I just typed helps or just confuses the question lol, but if there's one thing I preach like a TV evangelist it's that the weight loss process requires a superhuman amount of patience at times.

 

[AndyPanda]

I lost steadily on this journey until about 2-2.5 months ago. Now I bounce up and down. I was on Reta 4 mg until I stalled; I’m up to 10 mg. Still bouncing. No net loss. Do I continue to titrate up, stack with something else, if I stack, what should I stack with? I was thinking about Maz or Survo, but I’m just not sure what to do next.

My current regime is Reta 10 mg weekly, mots-c 5 mg Monday and Thursday, lipo-c 1 ml 3x/week, GHK-cu 2 mg daily, BPC157 600 mcg daily, ipamorelin 600 mcg/CJC 1297 300 mcg daily, NAD+ 75 mg daily, Glutathione 100 mg daily, MT-1 .5 mg daily.. plus I have to take a bone builder calcium daily, 50k Vitamin D3, 24K Vitamin A, and polysaccharide iron complex daily. I eat around 1500 calories a day, usually under, but I always hit my protein goals (well almost always- goal is 162 grams, worst I’ve done is 110).

Please don’t suggest cagri, I already have no appetite and nothing sounds good but coffee.

*Edit* I’m female, I’ll be 62 in July. Starting weight 320, current weight between 245-255, depending on the day, humidity, time, etc cetera. I have lipedema, malabsorption disorder, hypothyroidism, osteoporosis in one hip, GAD, ADHD, depression and afib that is super well controlled- stayed free of episodes going on 3 years now. Before that it was 4 years, but a very stressful job did it, and I found a new one. And I see the endocrinologist every 3 months.

That’s a lot going on at one time. Maybe you are building a little muscle and aren’t seeing the results you want on the scale? We are all our own worst critics. Give yourself some grace and consider how far you’ve come. I’m a pretty big risk taker, and wouldn’t recommend you add anything to your stack at the moment. You are probably doing much better than you are giving yourself credit for.

 

[FlowerFairy]

I've had two extended stalls since starting on tirz back in April of 2023 (April 1st to be precise). One lasted about 4 months, and the second lasted close to 8 months (so combined literally a year - almost half the time I've been taking it). I'm fortunate that I never gained anything back, but one thing I learned was the more you "change things up" trying to break the stall, it seems to often result in the stall setting in even harder and longer.

I'm not sure if anything I just typed helps or just confuses the question lol, but if there's one thing I preach like a TV evangelist it's that the weight loss process requires a superhuman amount of patience at times.

It helps. That’s why other than some Titrating up I haven’t changed anything and I’m asking for advice.. I just get nervous when the bounce it the high end over the low.
And if I can believe my scale, I have added bone and some muscle.. haven’t paid attention to the fat reading.. guess I should…

 

[FlowerFairy]

Since you already see an endocrinologist, I would consider making an appointment just about this issue (telling him you are on tirz instead of reta).

But if you have done that already, I am always intrigued by the idea of eating/drinking more carbs or calories to give you more energy to do more strength training or movement in general. Potato power, haha.

Do you track your steps or something like that? I know you are a walker, so you probably track them already or have your usual routine. I also like the idea of "social facilitation" to improve exercise performance, e.g. online or in-person group fitness or power yoga or whatever. I have a recumbent exercise bike in the middle of my living room since it's the only way I consistently.

But I also like Asian exercises like tai chi and qigong, which are not really about doing more but being more. I have done online group classes with stuff like that, and that was very relaxing and zero pressure. Since we are taking Chinese peptides, we might as well do Chinese movements, haha.

I try to track my steps but I will put my Apple Watch on the charger and forget to put it back on and not carry the phone around all the time. I have headed out to walk the dogs and forgotten both the phone and the watch and walked the trail by my house that’s a half mile or so. Then I’ll have heart failure when my step counters say I have less than 500 steps. I use my vibration plate a lot, it’s supposed to help build bone and if you don’t just stand there it works your balance and legs more than I would have expected. I talked to my endocrinologist once about GLPs but he was very noncommittal. I might try again. Oh, and I actually have 2 vibration plates- the big one in the living room I use while watching tv and the small one in my office that I’ll hop on when I’m sleepy to try and shake off being tired. Does not always work, but it does get the blood moving.

 

[Calm Logic]

That’s a lot going on at one time. Maybe you are building a little muscle and aren’t seeing the results you want on the scale? We are all our own worst critics. Give yourself some grace and consider how far you’ve come. I’m a pretty big risk taker, and wouldn’t recommend you add anything to your stack at the moment. You are probably doing much better than you are giving yourself credit for.

C'mon....you know you want to say it...glutathione:

Glutathione is often called the "master antioxidant" of the body because it plays a critical role in detoxification, immune function, and protecting cells from oxidative stress and damage. Considering FlowerFairy's extensive health profile, supplementing with glutathione (or its precursors) could offer several potential benefits, but also requires careful consideration, especially regarding her malabsorption.

Here's an evaluation:

Potential Benefits of Glutathione for FlowerFairy's Conditions:

1. Oxidative Stress & Inflammation (Broadly Beneficial):
   
   • Many of FlowerFairy's conditions (Lipedema, AFib, metabolic issues, mental health struggles) are linked to chronic inflammation and oxidative stress. Glutathione directly neutralizes free radicals and supports other antioxidants (like Vitamins C and E), potentially reducing overall inflammatory burden.
     
2. Weight Loss & Metabolism:
   • Some research suggests that boosting glutathione levels can improve cellular fat burn and reduce liver fat, potentially aiding in weight management. This is due to its role in cellular energy production and protecting mitochondria.
     
3. Lipedema:
   • While direct studies on glutathione for lipedema are limited, its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties are relevant. Lipedema involves chronic inflammation and oxidative stress within the adipose tissue and lymphatic system.4 By mitigating these, glutathione could indirectly support lymphatic health, reduce inflammation, and potentially alleviate some pain or swelling. NAC (N-acetylcysteine), a precursor to glutathione, is being explored for its potential benefits in lipedema and lymphedema due to similar mechanisms.
     
4. Malabsorption Disorder:
   • Glutathione is crucial for gut health. It can help reduce intestinal inflammation and address issues like food intolerances. While oral glutathione has historically had poor absorption, liposomal glutathione (and potentially IV glutathione) is designed to significantly improve bioavailability, which is critical for someone with malabsorption. This form protects glutathione from degradation in the digestive tract and allows for better cellular uptake.
     
5. Hypothyroidism:
   • A deficiency in glutathione can be linked to hypothyroidism, and some evidence suggests that boosting glutathione levels may improve thyroid health, likely by reducing oxidative stress on the thyroid gland.
     
6. Osteoporosis:
   • Research indicates that glutathione plays a role in bone health by suppressing osteoclast differentiation (cells that break down bone) and bone resorption. It helps protect bone cells from oxidative damage. There's also an interesting interaction between glutathione compounds and the calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR), which influences calcium regulation in the parathyroid glands, kidneys, and bones.
     
7. AFib (Atrial Fibrillation):
   • Studies have shown that glutathione deficiency is related to structural cardiac abnormalities and the functional status of patients with cardiac diseases, including heart failure.13 Glutathione is essential for vascular and cardiac function. Maintaining optimal glutathione levels could support overall heart health and potentially reduce oxidative stress that contributes to AFib.
     
8. Mental Health (Anxiety, Depression, ADHD):
   • Glutathione is vital for brain health. It reduces oxidative stress in the brain, supports neurotransmitter function (like dopamine and serotonin), lowers neuroinflammation, and helps detoxify heavy metals and toxins that can negatively impact brain function and mood. This could be very beneficial for FlowerFairy's GAD, ADHD, and depression.

Important Considerations and Interactions for FlowerFairy:

1. Malabsorption & Delivery Method: This is key. Standard oral glutathione has poor bioavailability. For FlowerFairy, liposomal glutathione is the most recommended oral form due to significantly enhanced absorption. Intravenous (IV) glutathione would offer the highest bioavailability but is a clinical procedure.
   
   
2. Current Peptide Regimen:
   • Ipamorelin/CJC-1295:There are no known direct negative interactions. In fact, some peptides like GHK-Cu have been shown to increase glutathione levels, suggesting a potentially synergistic relationship for overall cellular health and recovery.
     
     
   • MOTS-C, BPC-157, Lipo-C, GHK-Cu, NAD+:Generally, these substances tend to work synergistically or in complementary ways with glutathione. Many of these peptides and NAD+ are involved in cellular repair, energy production, and antioxidant defense, areas where glutathione is also critical. For example, NAD+ and glutathione are often cited as a "power duo" for cellular recovery and detoxification.19 Lipo-C (often a blend of methionine, inositol, choline, and B vitamins, sometimes with L-carnitine) and GHK-Cu (copper peptide) also support cellular health and detoxification, making them likely complementary. BPC-157 has shown antioxidant properties and can upregulate antioxidant enzymes.
     
3. Other Medications/Supplements:
   • Reta (Tirzepatide/Semaglutide): No known severe or serious interactions.
   • Bone Builder Calcium, Vitamin D3, Vitamin A, Polysaccharide Iron Complex:There's evidence of positive relationships. For example, Vitamin D levels are positively associated with glutathione, and correcting Vitamin D deficiency can increase glutathione. Glutathione also has a role in iron metabolism and homeostasis. There are no known major contraindications with these.
     
     
   • General Interactions: RxList notes no severe/serious/moderate interactions with glutathione, but lists mild interactions with many drugs. This underscores the need for physician oversight.
     
4. Asthma: Individuals with asthma should avoid inhaled forms of glutathione as it can cause bronchospasm.
   
   
5. Bleeding Disorders/Surgery:NAC (a precursor) can slow blood clotting. While direct glutathione has fewer warnings, it's wise to inform her doctor if she's considering surgery.

Conclusion:

Given the widespread benefits of glutathione as a master antioxidant and detoxifier, and its specific relevance to inflammation, metabolism, gut health, thyroid function, bone health, cardiac function, and mental well-being, glutathione supplementation (especially liposomal form) appears to be a very promising potential addition to FlowerFairy's regimen.

However, it is absolutely essential that she:

• Discusses this thoroughly with her endocrinologist and cardiologist. They can evaluate her current glutathione status, assess any potential interactions with her full medication list, and advise on the most appropriate form and dosage.
• Prioritizes liposomal oral glutathione for optimal absorption, given her malabsorption disorder.
• Monitors her response closely for any side effects or benefits.

This is a supplement that, if well-tolerated and properly absorbed, could support many of her interconnected health challenges.

 

[FlowerFairy]

C'mon....you know you want to say it...glutathione:

Where did all of that info come from? That’s pretty neat! Only thing is, I’m taking glutathione 100 mg/day. Should I increase my daily dose?

 

[Calm Logic]

Google Gemini, after being fed this whole discussion (just copying and pasting the whole page). From what I remember, some people will even take up to 600 mg subq/IM of glutathione in one injection, like for a boost and not every day.

 

[FlowerFairy]

Google Gemini, after being fed this whole discussion (just copying and pasting the whole page). From what I remember, some people will even take up to 600 mg subq/IM of glutathione in one injection, like for a boost and not every day.

Interesting. Sounds like it could be a good idea to raise my dose even if it doesn’t break the stall..

 

[AndyPanda]

I inject 200mg of Glutathione with 250mg of Ascorbic Acid IV daily. Started subcutaneous, moved to IM and now I’m a regular ole Glutathione junky. My liver function numbers are great, skin looks 10 years younger, I never get sick, inflammation is down and it helps with energy. No matter what path I take with other peptides, I will take this for the rest of my life. Now, if I could find a good, affordable option for HGH I’d be set.