Starting Dose Strategy on Reta – Slow Titration vs. Jumping to 2 mg Weekly

[MarcTheAnimal]

I want to start a discussion about starting dose on Reta and hear some real experiences from others.
I started very cautiously:

• 0.5 mg for 2 weeks
• then 1 mg for another 2 weeks
• during the second week at 1 mg, I split the week in half and pinned another 1 mg

So now I’m doing:

• 1 mg every Tuesday morning 6 am
• 1 mg every Friday evening 6 pm

Honestly, only now do I feel like I’ve reached the right dose for me. Before that, I could barely even say I felt anything, except maybe some mild effect about an hour after injection.

The reason I approached it this way is because I read a lot of reports from rats that jumped straight to 2 mg and regretted it because of sides. But now I’m really wondering if starting lower than 2 mg actually makes sense in practice for adaptation, or if many people simply delay getting meaningful effects.

My weight literally did not move until I reached a total of 2 mg/week. I should also mention that I’m already fit and not massively overweight, so maybe that changes things compared to people with a lot more body fat to lose.

What were your experiences with starting doses?
Do you think the slow titration below 2 mg really helps the body adapt, or is it often unnecessary for people who tolerate it well?

Interested to hear different perspectives. Thank you for considering.

 

[vale113]

Unfortunately, you can't know in advance if you tolerate it or not. I started at 1mg and increased by 1mg every week. I got to 4mg about 3 weeks ago. I only did 3mg when I changed supplier for fear it would be different.

 

[Jaylar]

I started straight on 2mg per week and it gave me bad diarrhea tried to stick with it but it never went so gone too 1mg for now and all seems ok.

 

[MarcTheAnimal]

I started straight on 2mg per week and it gave me bad diarrhea tried to stick with it but it never went so gone too 1mg for now and all seems ok.

Thank you for your feedback. I wonder if i would have had side effects starting directly on a higher dose.

 

[Omxxl]

You did what you had to do. I think going slowly is smarter, especially for people who aren't very overweight. I noticed starting at 1.5 mg that I began to experience real appetite suppression, and my glucagon pathway was very active. I felt like I was sleeping worse and my resting heart rate was higher.
Where have you noticed it really working for you at 2 mg? Is it because of appetite suppression? Or because of weight loss?

 

[MarcTheAnimal]

You did what you had to do. I think going slowly is smarter, especially for people who aren't very overweight. I noticed starting at 1.5 mg that I began to experience real appetite suppression, and my glucagon pathway was very active. I felt like I was sleeping worse and my resting heart rate was higher.
Where have you noticed it really working for you at 2 mg? Is it because of appetite suppression? Or because of weight loss?

Both. Before that, the scale basically didn’t move at all. I’ve always eaten very large portions, and at the beginning I even had more cravings than usual, especially for chocolate and sweets.

Only now the constant thoughts about food have gone down. I still eat 5–6 small meals a day since January, but they are very small and spaced out mainly to keep protein intake high.

 

[Llanitox]

I want to start a discussion about starting dose on Reta and hear some real experiences from others.
I started very cautiously:

• 0.5 mg for 2 weeks
• then 1 mg for another 2 weeks
• during the second week at 1 mg, I split the week in half and pinned another 1 mg

So now I’m doing:

• 1 mg every Tuesday morning 6 am
• 1 mg every Friday evening 6 pm

Honestly, only now do I feel like I’ve reached the right dose for me. Before that, I could barely even say I felt anything, except maybe some mild effect about an hour after injection.

The reason I approached it this way is because I read a lot of reports from rats that jumped straight to 2 mg and regretted it because of sides. But now I’m really wondering if starting lower than 2 mg actually makes sense in practice for adaptation, or if many people simply delay getting meaningful effects.

My weight literally did not move until I reached a total of 2 mg/week. I should also mention that I’m already fit and not massively overweight, so maybe that changes things compared to people with a lot more body fat to lose.

What were your experiences with starting doses?
Do you think the slow titration below 2 mg really helps the body adapt, or is it often unnecessary for people who tolerate it well?

Interested to hear different perspectives. Thank you for considering.

well I fucked up my first dose meant to have 2mg ended up having 4mg (don’t ask) felt like shit didn’t want to eat the works.

The second week I went to 2mg, stomach cramps and either constipation or dhiarea. However as from third week I started dosing 1mg on Mondays and another on Thursdays.

This had been the sweet spot for me no symptoms and losing weight at a steady pace ( too well!)

I have some appetite suppression but nothing major like other people have described food noise is completely gone l. I do stick to my macros and make sure I get all my protein in daily.

I’ve helped two friends start up with feta I recommended the first dose to be 0.5
The first one had all the side effects however by the second week all gone. Next week he will be hoping it to 1mg.

Think everyone should start of at 0.5 until your body can tolerate it and forage up slowly to your desired dose. Most people’s sweet spot seems to be 2mg without drastic rapid weight loss.

 

[MarcTheAnimal]

well I fucked up my first dose meant to have 2mg ended up having 4mg (don’t ask) felt like shit didn’t want to eat the works.

The second week I went to 2mg, stomach cramps and either constipation or dhiarea. However as from third week I started dosing 1mg on Mondays and another on Thursdays.

This had been the sweet spot for me no symptoms and losing weight at a steady pace ( too well!)

I have some appetite suppression but nothing major like other people have described food noise is completely gone l. I do stick to my macros and make sure I get all my protein in daily.

I’ve helped two friends start up with feta I recommended the first dose to be 0.5
The first one had all the side effects however by the second week all gone. Next week he will be hoping it to 1mg.

Think everyone should start of at 0.5 until your body can tolerate it and forage up slowly to your desired dose. Most people’s sweet spot seems to be 2mg without drastic rapid weight loss.

Thank you for your feedback. I wonder if i would have suffered from side effects if started immediately like we both run it now...
I really feel comfortable with this protocol for the moment.

 

[Grrrem]

I went straight in at 2mg per week and did have sides, (diarrhoea, cold all the time, skin sensitivity) It went away after about 3 weeks and then when I went up to 4mg I did split dosing and experienced a scaled back version of those sides for the first week and haven't had notable issues after that. It seems I do get sides for the first week after I titrate up, just went up to 6mg this week and I'm feeling chilly again.

I was 197lb when I started and I'm 5ft 3 F in the obese category so had a lot of weight to lose. Been on since 24th Jan.

 

[Gwynhwyfar]

I started my research at 0.25 mg to see, if the rat can tolerate it. After that I get her to 0.5 mg. Now she is on 1.25 mg and after that I will raise her to 1.5 mg. She doesn´t feel anything and eats still too much. She was on M@njaro 15mg for almost 2 years, now she is titrating down to 12.5mg and later the month to 10mg. The Rat has lost 38% of her bodyweight, perhaps its where it ends, I don´t know. Have to give research with reta a go for some months.

 

[oldrunnerguy]

I began at 1mg/week and then went to 1.5mg/week the next week. I'm on it for the metabolic benefits, not weight loss. I began to lose weight I did not want to lose (my BMI is 19.3) so I'm back to 1mg/week.

 

[BNLFL]

I started the Lilly trial way, then modified. 2mg/4/weeks-4mg/5 week-6mg/6 weeks-7mg/3weeks and just starting 8mg. I've lost an average of 2.2lbs/week for 18 weeks. 40lbs or 18kg for a few of you guys.

 

[igottapee]

Eli lilly phase 3 Trial (Triumph) dosage schedule:

2mg/week x4
4mg/week x4
6mg/week x4
9mg/week x4
12mg/week x4

I got to 12mg for 2 weeks and hit my goal. Now back down to 6mg/week.

 

[Buffalo_beau]

Started at 1MG this morning. Time will tell. I will update if interested as time goes on.

 

[MarcTheAnimal]

Started at 1MG this morning. Time will tell. I will update if interested as time goes on.

Let's go!

 

[Buffalo_beau]

Started at 1MG this morning. Time will tell. I will update if interested as time goes on.

Definitely been feeling it since Wednesday evening. I have a pretty sensitive (lucky) response to these, so that is why I started at 1mg. Little bit of nausea yesterday, nothing bad. I had heard appetite suppression was less, but it's working well for me as of Friday afternoon. One thing I noticed: heightened anxiety. Nothing crazy. Anyone else experienced this?

 

[sphoenixp]

thank you for this post, most of my questions were answered in these as i will some be starting my jopurney with this.

 

[meeklady]

I was worried about RHR on Reta ( went from 50's to low 70's on Sema.) I started on 1mg for 2 weeks because of this and then went to 2 mg once I realized it was no problem. I then followed the trial titration method. Didn't get side-effects until 6 mg ( bad allodynia.) Got down to goal weight on 8 mg then titrated down. On 3 mgs now and zero side-effects plus maintaining weight loss.

 

[jc1892]

I took my first dose at 1mg on Wednesday night. Had some trouble falling asleep even with the magnesium and glycine I take. Nothing but protein shakes and vitamins during the day, even with strength training in the early am, until getting home from work where my wife made dinner Thursday and Friday. Had my first lunch craving today which I acted on. Considering another 1mg tonight, if I do will continue with split dose schedule of another 1mg next Wednesday

 

[BNLFL]

I took my first dose at 1mg on Wednesday night. Had some trouble falling asleep even with the magnesium and glycine I take. Nothing but protein shakes and vitamins during the day, even with strength training in the early am, until getting home from work where my wife made dinner Thursday and Friday. Had my first lunch craving today which I acted on. Considering another 1mg tonight, if I do will continue with split dose schedule of another 1mg next Wednesday

Make sure you get the protein down.

 

[jc1892]

Make sure you get the protein down.

I’ve been taking 4, 50 g shakes. How much do you suggest?

 

[BNLFL]

I’ve been taking 4, 50 g shakes. How much do you suggest?

I don't track that. Just have it in breakfast, protein shake for lunch, meat and a fresh veggie for dinner.

 

[Strawberry man]

I want to start a discussion about starting dose on Reta and hear some real experiences from others.
I started very cautiously:

• 0.5 mg for 2 weeks
• then 1 mg for another 2 weeks
• during the second week at 1 mg, I split the week in half and pinned another 1 mg

So now I’m doing:

• 1 mg every Tuesday morning 6 am
• 1 mg every Friday evening 6 pm

Honestly, only now do I feel like I’ve reached the right dose for me. Before that, I could barely even say I felt anything, except maybe some mild effect about an hour after injection.

The reason I approached it this way is because I read a lot of reports from rats that jumped straight to 2 mg and regretted it because of sides. But now I’m really wondering if starting lower than 2 mg actually makes sense in practice for adaptation, or if many people simply delay getting meaningful effects.

My weight literally did not move until I reached a total of 2 mg/week. I should also mention that I’m already fit and not massively overweight, so maybe that changes things compared to people with a lot more body fat to lose.

What were your experiences with starting doses?
Do you think the slow titration below 2 mg really helps the body adapt, or is it often unnecessary for people who tolerate it well?

Interested to hear different perspectives. Thank you for considering.

I started at 1 MG. Had what felt like panic attacks but was probably increased heart rate. My chest felt tight and could not get deep breath like normal. I had an episode at the gym and had an ambulance called. The poked and prodded me and found nothing they were concerned with. Fortunately I did not have to take a ride to the hospital. I lowered my dose to 500mcg for a few weeks . Slowly I. Increased dosage by 250mcg every 3 or 4 weeks. Eventually got to 2mg but have since backed back down to 1.5. Been on Reta going in 14 months

 

[Kris P]

I started on this past Monday with 1mg, felt mild sides(crampy slow digestion) perhaps a mild blunting of hunger, I took my second dose Thursday, so I’m starting at 2mgs per week. Feel similar after second dose but food noise has decreased, It’s weird, I can eat but it’s not like I’m starving, I eat because I know I need to. 58 Year old male, 6’2” current weight is 230lbs. I was 238 lbs one week ago.
So my strategy is to stay at 2mgs per week and slowly increase as needed.

 

[BNLFL]

I was 238 lbs one week ago.

8lbs a week is a shitload. If true, it's likely water weight. Did you start dieting too?

 

[RaveBaddie]

I think it depends somewhat how much overweight a person is what the start dosage should be.
And splitting the dose seems for a lot of people a good idea because they experience less side-effects.
So I'm an advocate for starting with 1mg for the first pin when you are obese and pay close attention to your body the next few days.
Then if everything is manageable, pin another 1mg 3,5 days later. Check again for side-effects.
Keep it the same for at least another 2 weeks.

 

[MarcTheAnimal]

I took my first dose at 1mg on Wednesday night. Had some trouble falling asleep even with the magnesium and glycine I take. Nothing but protein shakes and vitamins during the day, even with strength training in the early am, until getting home from work where my wife made dinner Thursday and Friday. Had my first lunch craving today which I acted on. Considering another 1mg tonight, if I do will continue with split dose schedule of another 1mg next Wednesday

I fixed my rats sleep with DSIP

 

[MarcTheAnimal]

I think it depends somewhat how much overweight a person is what the start dosage should be.
And splitting the dose seems for a lit of people a good idea because they experience less side-effects.
So I'm an advocate for starting with 1mg for the first pin when you are obese and pay close attention to your body the next few days.
Then if everything is manageable, pin another 1mg 3,5 days later. Check again for side-effects. Keep it the same for at least another 2 weeks.

That's how my rat is running at the mom, thinking of highering the dose 0.5 by the end of next week... Thank you for the feedback

 

[modoodom]

I want to start a discussion about starting dose on Reta and hear some real experiences from others.
I started very cautiously:

• 0.5 mg for 2 weeks
• then 1 mg for another 2 weeks
• during the second week at 1 mg, I split the week in half and pinned another 1 mg

So now I’m doing:

• 1 mg every Tuesday morning 6 am
• 1 mg every Friday evening 6 pm

Honestly, only now do I feel like I’ve reached the right dose for me. Before that, I could barely even say I felt anything, except maybe some mild effect about an hour after injection.

The reason I approached it this way is because I read a lot of reports from rats that jumped straight to 2 mg and regretted it because of sides. But now I’m really wondering if starting lower than 2 mg actually makes sense in practice for adaptation, or if many people simply delay getting meaningful effects.

My weight literally did not move until I reached a total of 2 mg/week. I should also mention that I’m already fit and not massively overweight, so maybe that changes things compared to people with a lot more body fat to lose.

What were your experiences with starting doses?
Do you think the slow titration below 2 mg really helps the body adapt, or is it often unnecessary for people who tolerate it well?

Interested to hear different perspectives. Thank you for considering.

I’m only on week 4 myself, but I took a pretty similar approach:
0.5mg for 2 weeks, then 0.75mg for the next 2 weeks. Even at those lower doses I’ve already had pretty strong appetite suppression and reduced food noise, so I haven’t felt a huge rush to climb yet.

My mindset has been “minimal effective dose.” I’d rather slowly work upward if needed than overshoot early, deal with sides, or build tolerance faster than necessary. I also want to clearly understand what each dose change is actually doing.

I think a lot of people define “working” differently too. Some mean scale movement, others mean appetite suppression, impulse control, body composition, inflammation, etc.

I’m around 13% body fat already eating roughly 2000 calories with ~200g protein daily, so I’m not seeing massive scale movement yet, but visually I can definitely see body composition changes already.

Personally, I think slower titration helps with adaptation and self-awareness, even if it delays peak effects a bit.

 

[BNLFL]

Personally, I think slower titration helps with adaptation and self-awareness,

What the heck does this mean?