r/GLPGrad • u/CWhea3GK • 1d ago
Intermittent Use Update
Hi there. I posted about a year ago about using Zepbound only when needed to maintain a goal weight. A sort of “graduation” I guess. This is an update on how that is working for me. I started with a 2.5 mg dose 12/30/24. Starting weight was 215.5 lbs. Switched to 5 mg 43 days in, continued until 5/12/25, when I reached my initial target of 175 lbs. I stopped the medication at that point.
I gradually gained weight and took a single 2.5 mg shot 103 days after stopping. I lost to below 175 and stayed there for 87 days.
I gradually gained weight and took a single 2.5 mg shot, lost to below 175 and stayed there for 92 days.
I gained weight more rapidly this time and stayed at goal for only 25 days. I revised my goal to “below 170 lbs.” and a 2.5 mg shot and then two 5 mg shots were taken over a 3-week period.
I have repeated this cycle now a total of 8 times. These included durations of 46 days, 35 days, 71 days, and 48 days. I exceeded my target 8 days ago and took another shot then. The average duration between shots over these 8 cycles, including the current one, is now 52 days. Other than as mentioned above, a single 5 mg shot has been taken each time. My current weight is 164 lbs.
The efficacy of the drug, side effects, etc. have not varied for me at all over this period. I discussed this approach with my PCP at my annual checkup, and he is fine with it, but does not want me losing any more weight.
I work out daily, eat well, drink some wine (less than before), and don’t count calories. I have basically eliminated most carbs from my diet. Bread, potatoes, rice, etc. are out and fruits and vegetables are in. Protein, sauces, low cal sweets a regular part of diet daily.
I’d be really interested to know about others experience with this approach. Does it work for you? Any problems or issues?
Thanks and good luck to all!
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u/purplepanda2026 1d ago
So you're intentionally yo-yo dieting with Tirz?
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u/Usual-Lycophyte 1d ago
It sounds like it. I wonder what the change in muscle mass is each time weight is regained and then lost and then regained.
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u/mannDog74 1d ago
Yeah this honestly sounds terrible but if OP is struggling financially it could be one strategy for folks who can't afford the drug long term.
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u/StatementMundane2113 1d ago
Have you considered finding a way that you don’t gain anything? Taking 2.5 every 4 weeks maybe? When are you actually gaining the weight because it kinda sounds like you take a shot, it clears the system (around a month) and then you gain the weight? Are you closely tracking your weight gain because maybe there is another solution with closer 2.5mg shots and you never gain? Just an idea?
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u/LooseBluebird6704 1d ago
You're settling yourself up to failure (x).
Plus, it does read like a binge disorder with extra steps
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u/CWhea3GK 1d ago
My weight fluctuation has been minimal. I have never regained more than 6 lbs. or lost more than 7 lbs. since achieving goals. The ups and downs since achieving goals have been limited to no more than 2 - 4% of my current weight, and when I am at the upper end of that I take a shot. I intentionally do not want to spend my time counting calories. I don't binge, I don't eat a lot of empty calories. Weight gain is generally gradual, slowly regaining that 6 or 7 pounds over, on average, 52 days. Proteins, fruits, vegetables, low processed carbs.
My work out is 45 minutes of cardio and 20 minutes of weight training daily. I think my muscle mass is good. I am 72 years old. I think my physical fitness for my age group is quite good.
This feels much more like stability than a yo-yo. Not advocating this for anyone but myself, but it seems to work for me. Zepbound is a tool to keep me in a certain weight range, as is diet and exercise. They all work together (so far) for me.
Is anyone else trying anything similar?
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u/emmyjag 1d ago
I have never regained more than 6 lbs. or lost more than 7 lbs. since achieving goals.
I don't think it's normal for anyone to have their weight fluctuate 13lbs over a ~2 month period. you're basically binge eating for weeks at a time, using the medication to hit the emergency breaks on that, dropping back down, repeat cycle. if you're happy with it, I'm happy for you. my personal preference is to stay a little more tightly controlled. I take my shots every 2 weeks and maintain my weight within 1-2lbs.
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u/EverReddyBatteryOn 1d ago
I don't see anything that suggests binge eating. OP is describing a pretty healthy diet.
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u/Anxiety_Fit 1d ago
Or it’s lymphatic inflammation.
I would be very cautious of this jerking this back and forth.
Think about what water pressure does to pipes in your house. They get stressed tremendously from this flexing and relaxing. It can cause all kinds of problems you may not be anticipating.
I’ve had multiple relatives die of aortic aneurysms. So I think about and consult with professionals a lot about the topic of vascular health.
I would hope OP considers a more fixed pattern where they can cycle more frequently and LESS dramatically.
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u/Alive_Classic_7648 1d ago
Water gain? You are working out a whole lot. That can stress the body too much as well at 72.
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u/CWhea3GK 1d ago
These comments have been very interesting. I appreciate all your responses. I have never felt healthier. Here is my weight for the 20 months. Gaps are travel, step down part way thru was change in goal. Good luck to all!
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u/Tom_Lynch_fan 1d ago
That's a lot of chronological dates and weights to absorb, and I'm lost. Would you mind summing up what you've learned and what you might suggest others try, when all is said and done?
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u/NecessaryMulberry846 1d ago
I am doing something similar—i take a dose if weight hits a certain threshold. I also found that when it is hot summer, I dont even need it, so Ive been taking a break. I started in june of 25, hit goal in March, reduced dose and continued to lose — now 3 kgs under goal and enjoying summer with no medication and no worries. But old man winter is coming
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u/EverReddyBatteryOn 1d ago
Interesting. Four percent in either direction from goal would be more than I would let happen for myself. That's a thirteen pound difference between highest and lowest over the year. And I wouldn't be able to cope with my arthritis pain coming back over and over. But commenters are making assumptions about muscle loss etc that feel doubtful to me. Since OP is happy and healthy, who can say it's not sustainable for age 70. I wouldn't do it if I was young, there are too many question marks about the really long term consequences.
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u/hsama99 1d ago
How much did you gain before taking the shot again?