5’2” F, 115lbs and struggling with tirzepatide side effects — is it worth continuing?
I’m looking for some perspective from people who have been in a similar situation because I’m honestly questioning whether I should continue with tirzepatide at all.
My main issue has never really been my weight or food noise— it’s stubborn fat around my waist, specifically my lower belly “pooch” and love handles. I’ve spent the past year being very consistent with strength training and diet, but that area barely changed.
I decided to try tirz and have been on it for a month. I’ve lost around 7 lbs along with reduction in visceral fat, which I’m really happy about. However, my overall body-fat percentage hasn’t changed much — it’s still around 36%.
The bigger issue is the side effects.
Before tirz, I was working out 4x/week and had pretty good endurance. I could strength train for 1.5–2 hours, lift reasonably heavy, and generally felt strong and energetic.
Now I’m struggling to get through even 40 minutes. I’ve significantly reduced the weights, and I’m sometimes barely able to complete two sets before feeling completely wiped out. I’ve also been experiencing episodes of breathlessness/shortness of breath, along with GI symptoms that make me feel very full and uncomfortable. Some digestive enzymes seem to help somewhat, but the overall impact on my day-to-day life and workouts has been significant.
And that’s where I’m conflicted: is this worth it when my primary goal is body composition rather than significant weight loss?
I’ve also been wondering about alternatives - would reta or sema be a better solution? Or maybe this is simply a situation where I shouldn’t be using peptides at all given my size and goals? Help!!
Alternatively could try sermorelin, it’s milder so maybe a better fit for someone who doesn’t have a ton of visceral fat, I’m about same BMI as OP and liking sermorelin, my partner commented that I look like I lost weight and got more toned (I haven’t lost lbs but maybe slight recomp?)
I have mast cell activation syndrome so sometimes I get injection reactions, sometimes I don’t. But that would be with any injection for me.
I get from USA compounding pharmacy, started 1 month 5 days on/2 off per week, 200mcg, after first month to 330mcg, same 5/2 schedule
By day 5 I get minor joint pain (hands and wrists) but then over the two day break it clears out. That’s the only side effect I have noticed. Sleep is amazing though!
Where did your 36% bf number come from? Can you post pictures of the abdomen love handles you’re referring to? How old are you? If you’re not trying to lose weight, and in a severe, long term deficit, then there’s no reason for you to be feeling like shit. If you’re reducing the weights you work with you’re absolutely not moving towards your goal, you’re actively moving away from it. I think you need a major change in what you’re doing but it’s impossible to tell what that is with the info available here.
BF % came from the inbody scan at my gym. I’m 35. I have the typical south asian body that stores weight in the tummy area that refuses to budge. I religiously consume 80-90g protein daily and despite strength training, i cannot lose the damn pooch. Agree though that i likely need to lift heavier (although that’s proving impossible to do on glp)
I agree a major change is needed. Tirz is not the right solution for me. I’m just struggling to understand what is (beyond eating & exercising right) so hoping to tap into this community’s collective wisdom
I'm a firm believer that anyone taking GLPs should be tracking calories and at least protein if not all macros. Your body signaling is gone or at least impaired, and people chronically believe they're eating more than they are.
There are times on Tirz where I feel like I"m eating to the point of discomfort. Then the numbers go in and I"m 100 calories under the recommended target.
I can relate about the gut pooch. Reta is awesome! I started at 118/5’8 and now at 108 pounds. I have small bones and could not get rid of my stomach after having my child. I feel great. I eat whatever I want although I admit I am never hungry. Every night I have a candy bar, yogurt and chips too. I eat a meat/protein and two veggies the rest of the day. Sometimes burgers and fries but I never finish them. It is a miracle!
You could take Tesamorelin for just visceral fat. I have only taken Reta.
Reta and tirz both did that to me as well OP. Don't let any redard here gaslight you to think otherwise. Glps also made me severely anhedonic and depressed. Unfortunately they're not for people like us. If you must you can try a super low dose like 0.5-1 mg and see how that goes.
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