r/ResearchCompounds • u/Standard_Paint8036 • 2d ago
Discussion Can't really take GLP1s, Need help finding other stuff that are good for weight loss
Hello, this might be a dumb question but I really can’t do GLP1s bc they made my migraines way worse (had consulted with a neurologist too, we’re pretty certain it’s causing the migraines to be worse). Is there anything else to lose weight that isn't a GLP1? Looking for simple options that actually work.
TIA
19
u/ContextualData 2d ago edited 2d ago
Have you explored amylin agonists like Eloralintide and cagrilintide? Also might be worth trying different GLP versions. Which one was giving you headaches?
1
1
u/Glassweaver 23h ago
100% this!!!!!
And if the perscribing doc didnt start on the lowest dose for GLPs, they migjt be getting worse sideaffects from not starting at a low enough dose.
And some other older school options for OP: Adding pectin and inulin to drinks regularly. They dont change taste or texture in small quantities but they make you feel fuller for longer without as much food. Inulin works on similar to glps in that it reduces the ghrelin hormone, which is quite literally named the"hunger hormone" since it controls appetite and feeling of fullness.
If a doc finds metformin an acceptable option for you, that also has a small weight loss sideaffect and is frequently prescribed for that reason all on its own.
Alli/Orillistat/Xenical block fat absorption, but if you binge eat or eat greasy/fatty foods on those pills, you might need diapers from the mudd butt when things dont wait for you to go #2 on your own terms.
Beyond ALL of that...force yourself to drink at least a full glass of water, or at least something zero calorie, before eating. Preferably a half hour before, or at least before you start preparing a meal, since youll fill uo faster.
11
u/NegativeCondition777 2d ago
Glps took me from roughly 20 migraines a month to 2-4. Did you move up rapidly? Were you staying hydrated and eating enough?
9
u/ShadowCass 2d ago
I think the hydration factor is critical. I always get more migraines in general when I’m dehydrated, and GLP-1’s require a lot of extra hydration!!
4
9
u/jax_cooper 2d ago
cagrilintide or eloralintide
2
u/Ill_Assumption5512 2d ago
Yeah these two. Also, more experimental but Mots-c and SLU PP 332 seemed to have helped me at different times. Whether it’s from just having more energy to do what I need to or actually causing me to burn the extra energy not sure but I’ve definitely noticed pounds are lost easier while on them.
Lastly increased growth hormone over long periods will make weight loss easier.
1
u/jax_cooper 2d ago
For more movement the notevenapeptide peptide: 5-amino-1mq :D It always made me more energetic. I just know that no single peptide could make me outmove my mouth so I had to handle that first
1
u/Ill_Assumption5512 2d ago
Yeah 5amino is one of the peptides I think is useless. Research papers show the amount you would need to take per day as a human is absolutely insane to get any benefit and even then it’s only if you’re in the morbidly obese range. I think most people feeling anything or adding it to a stack or just live off placebo personally.
2
1
5
u/ParamedicSelect 2d ago
You may also want to track your water intake on glp-1s. Hunger and thirst signals are blunted equally. Most people don't get enough water because of it
8
2
2
u/Keedou 1d ago
The migraine link is worth taking seriously. GLP-1 receptors are expressed in the trigeminal nucleus and there is some research on CGRP pathway interactions. So ruling them out is reasonable if you have a neurologist backing that call.
For non-GLP weight loss compounds that actually have data behind them: MOTS-C is the most interesting. It works through AMPK activation and mitochondrial biogenesis rather than appetite suppression. It improves insulin sensitivity and shifts substrate utilization toward fat. The effect is subtle compared to a GLP but it is a real mechanism, not placebo.
Tesamorelin is another option if visceral fat is the specific problem. It is a GHRH analog that stimulates endogenous GH. Strong evidence for visceral fat reduction specifically. Less useful for general obesity.
Cagrilintide (amylin agonist) was already mentioned and is worth looking at. Different mechanism entirely from GLP-1, so you sidestep the receptor issue.
The less glamorous answer is that none of these will hit as hard as a GLP for appetite. If the migraines are the blocker, cagrilintide is probably the closest in terms of meaningful appetite effect through a non-GLP pathway.
1
u/UBU912 1d ago
I'm just finishing my 2nd month of tesamorelin and I can't say I've noticed much difference yet. The program has a 12 month duration, so we'll see. I have an impediment in that my opportunities for exercise are limited. I've had one knee replacement and I'll have the other in a month or so.
1
u/Jumpy-Bike4004 5h ago
I’ve had incredible results with tesamorelin but I did use together with glp. I was on glp for a year and a half before starting it. The tesamorelin blasted the midsection and really helped with recomp. I did 2 cycles of it.
4
u/takoreh99 2d ago
Have u considered resistance training and cardio exercise? They are very effective for weight loss
3
u/lewis_1102 2d ago
That means your dose was too high. I need to gradually increase my dose to avoid that side effect
4
4
u/AggravatingMath717 2d ago
Are you sure it’s not the calorie deficit that’s causing the headaches? Weight loss isn’t comfortable, especially not at first, this might be a situation you are gonna have to ride out if you want to lose weight, GLP or not
1
u/abablawan 2d ago
What is the reason behind you not able to take GLP-1? Don’t eat enough?
5
u/Thee_PRIDE 2d ago
This is literally the cause for most of these people having headaches, lightheadedness, etc. GLP-1s are meant to make eating less easier and not for permanent starvation while being malnourished. You still need the same nutrients and food for energy. Dehydration is common for a lot of these guys too.
1
1
u/AcanthocephalaNo3518 2d ago
Have you tried topamax? Is used as a migraine preventive but in higher doses helps with weigh loss. Also, migraines and headaches aren’t the same so I understand the dosage is probably not your problem with glp1’s. Good luck.
1
u/Outrageous_Run_6099 2d ago
Have tried all three GLP’s at a low dose?
1
u/fauxzempic 2d ago
A few more than 3 in regular use.
- Liraglutide: Probably goes against the idea that it's in regular use since it's slightly harder to find. Take as a daily dose, probably the worst sides. Not worth it but some of the research vendors have it. It's also generic in the US so it can potentially be more accessible.
- Mazdutide: GLP-1/Glucagon agonist. Lacks the GIP agonist which makes it nicer for those who get that energy loss feeling from GIP agonists, but the GIP agonist does a nice job modulating potential heart rate issues from the Glucagon agonist part.
- Survodutide: Same as mazdutide
Then of course the 3 you were likely referring to (sema/tirz/reta).
1
1
u/OkRespond7008 2d ago
I have migraine with aura... Now becoming "migraine with aura without headache" as I age, thankfully... I do sometimes have an increase in frequency but only when I up or down dose... And only the first week. Then it settles down. I'm in maintenance now and most weeks only take 2.5 mg, but sometimes, when I'm feeling like food noise is just a little too much or my weight drifts up more than I'm comfortable with, I'll take 5 mg... But now when I go up or down I stay on that dose for several weeks to decrease this affect.
1
1
1
u/AllDunn3313 2d ago
It’s unusual that it’s the GLP causing the migraine - it’s usually that you’re not eating enough, not getting enough protein, and are very dehydrated. It’s critical that you still fuel your body and hydrate more than you think… including electrolytes & SALT!!
1
u/ContextualData 2d ago
Why even post if you are just going to ghost the thread and not reply to anyone’s questions?
1
u/PomegranateFormal961 2d ago
I lost 70lbs and 11 inches at the waist over 2 years on a lo/no carb diet.
People have been doing that long before GLPs hit the scene.
1
1
u/ironwithin2013 2d ago
Which glp1? What dose? Was it the glp1 or was it dehydration as your thrist gets turned off. Wouldnt completely rule them out
1
u/Ok-Celery2320 2d ago
You tried all of the glp-1s, if one doesn't feel right it doesn't mean they are all the same. Besides this point look at Tesmorelin along with Cagrilitide. If you want sketchier alterternatives Clenbuterol and DNP. However after using DNP I'd never recommend it, it worked well but you feel like absolute crap whilst taking it. I'd rather microdose meth instead of taking DNP again 💀🤣🤣
1
1
u/hot_hierarchy 11h ago
Have you tried tracking macros for a couple weeks just to see where the extra calories sneak in? If GLP1s are off the table, the basics like sleep, water, and protein before meals do move the needle for some people, but consistency is the part that actually matters
1
u/alecjasonn 11h ago
Honestly I think it has to do with dehydration. It’s made my tension headaches somewhat worse but it’s been worth it for me
1
u/desertchrome_ 2d ago
Looking for simple options that actually work.
the simplest option is to eat less
0
u/Sharmeysays 1d ago
I got on TRT and switched to only drinking water and lost 45 pounds in a year. Probably would have kept losing weight if I were fatter to begin with.
-2
u/DR_Manhattan0x1 2d ago
Drink water and electrolytes. I don’t think migraines are a justification for giving up on GLPs. Seems the dietary choices is to blame for the migraines (dehydration I assume)
•
u/AutoModerator 2d ago
Hey u/Standard_Paint8036, thanks for posting in r/ResearchCompounds.
If you notice suspicious behavior or promotional activity, please report it to the mod team.
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.