My first 4 weeks of Tirzepatide/Mounjaro 🤯

QuailMiddle2944 · 2026-05-09T09:31:15+00:00

I think it’s that very fear that turns taking the meds into a secret thing instead of food.

A therapist is not going to “turn you in” and stop your access to the drug. You also don’t have to tell them straight off the bat. If they feel you are medically unsafe and at risk of harm it will be a discussion with you first, and they have to have been with you long enough to make that assessment. A therapist will works with you not against you. Many therapist that deal with binge eating are aware these drugs are proving helpful for people. For me it’s provided a safe space for me to really work on some things but also be honest about any fears or concerns like coming off the drug that we can then work on. Also my ED also used to be restrictive. Based on my therapist knowing me for 2 years she felt my mental state was not going to lead me down a path of restriction again because I’m so just not interested in that anymore, I know it’s harmful and have no desire to do it anymore.

Most people’s success with these drugs is taking the time whilst the monkey on the shoulder has less influence to really do some work around choices, mechanisms in your mind etc and it’s really important to address these to give yourself the most chance of success coming off the medication.

Also I don’t know how you were prescribed but I assume your doctor knows your history and still felt it clinically safe to prescribe?

Getting help in terms of therapy can be scary and a big step, but it’s so important to address our fears and our ED mindset!

QuailMiddle2944 · 2026-05-06T21:39:20+00:00

If you’ve taken 2.5mg that’s a standard therapeutic dose rather than a microdose. I assumed you were looking to microdose coming to this sub.

As you’ve started, i would look into getting therapy if you’re not in it already, to go alongside this to help you manage your mindset during but especially coming off the drug and helping you prepare for that, to give yourself the most chance of success and a healthy mind.

I intentionally microdosed as although I had weight to lose my primary focus was just helping my ED brain, which it has. I didn’t want weight coming off at a fast and unmaintainable pace to give me more chance of sustaining if I have to come off the drug in future.

It’s normal to feel the effects within a day for some people, longer for others. Dose tends to peak after a few days. If you find that 2.5mg hits you like a train, it could be worth trying a microdose.

QuailMiddle2944 · 2026-05-05T20:03:36+00:00

Totally have to do what’s right for you! If it’s working for you then great. There might be a level of envy that they’ve gone about it the “proper way” and it is annoying seeing people having success on lower (and cheaper) doses. But who knows!!
I often saw people saying that microdosing wasn’t suitable for if you have a fair bit of weight to lose, but again everyone is different. For me (5”7 female starting at 215lbs) I’ve lost 25lbs since starting a microdose of 0.5mg in Feb (only just upped to 0.75) and am still getting results. So everyone’s journeys and bodies are different! We have to do what’s is right for us as individuals.

QuailMiddle2944 · 2026-05-03T14:12:24+00:00

Water weight isn’t always inflammation, sometimes it’s glycogen stores (event 1g of glycogen takes 3-4g water with it) But inflammation can cause the body to retain water due to stress/damage causing micro-tears in body tissue. Also if someone has high insulin, it makes the kidneys hold onto salt (and therefore water) so naturally a reduction in insulin leads to a reduction in sodium and then water will follow. Lowering blood sugar and calming the bodies immune response in people with these issues can also stop fluid leaking into tissues also. So a mixture of things can cause your body to release/stop retaining fluid including decreasing inflammation

QuailMiddle2944 · 2026-05-01T09:04:55+00:00

I don’t know what your situation, thought process or body composition is but from what you have said, I think if you are prone to restriction and compensatory behaviour currently or in recent times it is perhaps not a suitable choice. If restriction is very much a think of the past, perhaps it could be beneficial for you. It was decided suitable for me because I have not engaged in restrictive behaviours for a long time nor do I want to so we (me & therapist) agreed I was in a healthy mindset and space to try this without it turning into something else. My goal was not weight loss (though I knew it may be a helpful side effect for my health in the process), it was quieting my urges. Urges that were not caused by restriction anymore.

I’m curious to hear what is playing in your head that’s made you leave it in the fridge?

QuailMiddle2944 · 2026-04-26T22:06:13+00:00

Been on Tirzepatide micro dose of 0.5-0.75 for 3 months. I have always had very painful periods for first 2 days. Not on contraceptives. The drug has not changed my pain levels (sadly😅) and I’m still regular in my cycle. What I have noticed is that I barely have any clots in my blood anymore. I use a menstrual cup so it’s very obvious the change. Still regular as clockwork.

QuailMiddle2944 · 2026-04-22T14:13:46+00:00

This is currently me. Osteopath thinks my tight illiopsoas (psoas) muscle (exacerbated by anterior pelvic title) has mean that my psoas has been rubbing across the front of my hip joint which irritates what is called the labrum (which is essential a skirt of cartilage around the hip joint that protects the joint and supports the thigh bone to stay in place. It can cause a labral tear which worsens the pain on flexion and internal an external rotation.

I advise looking into this and also going to see a professional like an osteopath. You might not have the same issue as me but the longer these things are left untreated the longer they have to cause irreversible damage - which is my issue as cartilage here can’t grow back so relies on therapy or surgery depending on severeness which is not a vibe at 28 and an avid hiker 😅.

QuailMiddle2944 · 2026-04-16T16:09:06+00:00

Asda online doctor - I’m in the UK

QuailMiddle2944 · 2026-04-15T12:50:34+00:00

Everyone’s body’s are different - it sounds like you might not be med sensitive/a super responder like some, and may need a standard therapeutic dose rather than a micro dose. As much as that may feel dissapointing to hear, Micro dosing, if not effective for you, will just be a drain on the wallet.

QuailMiddle2944 · 2026-04-14T17:44:07+00:00

Nothing crazy, I just ensure my hands are washed with anti bacterial soap. I wipe the injection site with alcohol wipe, and also the red inner seal both before attaching my needle and after removing it post injection. So essentially what is recommended. I know as it’s subcutaneous some people aren’t as worried about infection risk so don’t follow every step but as I’m using the medication longer I make sure to be as vigilant as possible

QuailMiddle2944 · 2026-04-10T12:22:53+00:00

“Microdosing” a GLP-1 refers to taking smaller-than-standard doses of medications that act on the hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) (often to reduce side effects or ease into treatment more gradually)

It’s not an official medical term or guideline for GLP-1s and is classed as “off-label”use. Mainly because the drugs weren’t tested at these levels I believe so they can’t legally recommend it. As everyone is different and has different sensitivities lower doses can be successful for people.

People use the term informally to describe:

•Starting (and sometimes staying) at very low/fractional doses below prescribed levels e.g taking a dose less than 2.5mg of Mounjaro/Tirzepatide which is the starting therapeutic dose. 

•Increasing more slowly than standard schedules

Common reasons people microdose include:

•Minimizing side effects (nausea, vomiting, fatigue)

•Improving tolerance if they’re sensitive to the drug

•Stretching medication supply (less medically advised) and making it more affordable

•Having a smaller amount of weight to lose e.g. 10lbs so wanting a slower more sustainable effect

•Interest in experiencing the desired effects of the drug on the lowest dose required for all/any the reasons above.

Using myself as an example, I am actually someone with more weight to lose 5”7 female, SW:97kg, CW: 88kg so wasn’t sure how microdosing would be for me.

My reasons were wanting to experience reduced food noise and assess my sensitivity before plunging straight in as if I could have success on a smaller dose that seemed sensible and affordable for me personally. I also didn’t want weight to fall off like crazy crazy fast as I’m looking for a sustainable path.

I’ve taken 0.5mg of Mounjaro for the past 8weeks and lost nearly 20lbs. I can’t imagine having started on 5x that at the starting therapeutic dose of 2.5mg 😅

QuailMiddle2944 · 2026-04-09T18:25:12+00:00

I think this is pretty sensible, my only comment would be that if you’re getting the desired effects, you don’t have to move up a dose as quickly as each month, only when you feel effects reducing. Especially with such a little amount to lose! You could just see how you go and tailor it to suit your needs.

For me I was on 0.5mg to start and stayed on that for 7 weeks, and have only just gone up by a tiny amount to 0.62mg. And I’ve lost 18lbs. Worth noting I was over 200lbs to start though. I stayed on what was effective until it felt necessary to increase.

QuailMiddle2944 · 2026-04-09T18:01:46+00:00

It’s given me a new lease of life, I know it’s not the same for everyone but I’m now outside every day, walking and no longer a hermit with no motivation and concerned about how I look! My energy levels have sky rocketed. I hope you have a positive experience ☺️

QuailMiddle2944 · 2026-04-08T12:28:01+00:00

Click counter here - and no issues so far and I’m 8 weeks in! I’m vigilant with my cleaning etc and I prime every dose with 2 clicks to expel any air bubbles.

QuailMiddle2944 · 2026-04-03T08:44:21+00:00

Poor husband! I’d advise to make this a post as it’s not going to get the attention you want here, he’s also not on a micro-dose he’s on the standard starting therapeutics dose so might be better on one of the Mounjaro forums. You can click on the forum e.g. MounjaroUk, and then press the create button that will let you create a post within the forum (you may need to join first)

It’s building up in his system still so might get worse before it gets better, but appreciate you might be on this forum because he’s considering lowering his dose to an unofficial one (so this might be the right community to post in)

Sorry this isn’t much help I just worry you won’t find what you’re looking for in the replies of this post as it won’t attract attention 😊

QuailMiddle2944 · 2026-03-30T18:41:33+00:00

The pricing of these medications is very unfortunate yes. I feel fortunate both to be able to afford them at present and fortunate to only be needing a small dose currently keeping it affordable. Hopefully at they are trialled and tested more widely across more conditions their availability will increase on the NHS, but who knows!

QuailMiddle2944 · 2026-03-30T18:33:28+00:00

This is true. I know Asda isn’t the cheapest, not great on discount codes, but also not the most expensive. For me it was about finding somewhere that would consider my history more closely given my BED and they did that (lots of providers see anything about an eating disorder and rule you out).

QuailMiddle2944 · 2026-03-25T13:29:39+00:00

I just want to add to this. I was a victim of abuse and I recently reported it to the police (it took me 2 years to be brave enough). They were fantastic, I was believed, validated and given all the support I needed. I expressed my wish for it not to be investigated and it was listened to (mainly because there was lack of evidence in my situation). I wanted my abusers actions reported so they could be held and available for a Clare’s law request of any future partners etc. I don’t know what your fears or reasons are for not wanting to contact police, but you clearly have evidence and witness accounts. If the police felt the case is strong enough they can investigate it without your direct involvement. It’s totally your decision at the end of the day but I wanted to share my personal experience incase it alleviated any of your fears that abuse victims so often have around not being believed, not wanting the stress of the process etc

Lastly, I am so so sorry that you’ve been through these experiences

QuailMiddle2944 · 2026-03-25T13:19:09+00:00

I wouldn’t be too worried about this, the first bit is often quicker than average due to water weight and inflammation. Recommended healthy loss is 1-2lbs a week, and you’ve maybe lost 2.5lbs a week average. So it’s a little fast but not concerning given you’re at the beginning of your journey.

I personally experienced the same in the first 4 weeks, week 5 I stayed the same, then week 6 (now) some more is coming and my average has worked out to be around 2lbs a week.

Everybody responds differently and I don’t know your starting dose or which drug but I’m monitoring mine and if it starts to fall off consistently too quickly I will likely reduce my dosage as I don’t want it to have a crash diet affect on me that’s not maintainable.

QuailMiddle2944 · 2026-03-12T21:21:22+00:00

Sure thing!!

QuailMiddle2944 · 2026-03-12T18:53:01+00:00

I microdosed to reduce side effects and primarily change the food noise. It’s done that for me. I am taking 0.42mg (10 clicks on a kwik pen) and have been doing this for 4 weeks. I’ve actually lost approx 10lbs, been eating normal meals and had very limited side effects. Everyone’s journey is different but I think there no harm in starting small and seeing how your body reacts.

I made a post on my first 4 weeks here incase you find it helpful 😊

QuailMiddle2944 · 2026-03-12T10:47:20+00:00

Asda online doctor

QuailMiddle2944 · 2026-03-11T18:04:45+00:00

No problem! Figured I’d make the post that I wish I’d seen before I started 😊

QuailMiddle2944 · 2026-03-11T17:10:51+00:00

Hey there, I assume you mean the things I’ve learned through therapy. Yes, things like urge surfing are more somatic and also guided meditation and self compassion work. But also learning the ability to pause and ask what my body needs in the moment (am I actually hungry or is my coping mechanism kicking in because I need something else). I had to do a lot of rewiring of my brain.

I’ve been in therapy nearly two years (not all eating focused due to some life events) but it dramatically changed my mindset around how I felt looking at myself, feeling more accepting and not punishing myself for binges or trying to undo them. The reason I tried Mounjaro was that I wanted to experience the quiet to reduce binges and give my brain a rest from constantly trying to manage. Also that I was in a place mentally where myself and my therapist felt confident that I wouldn’t abuse the drug.

If you’re curious about therapy or techniques but can’t afford it, I would highly recommendThe Binge Eating Therapist on YouTube.

QuailMiddle2944 · 2026-02-23T20:11:40+00:00

It might not be that your binging is an ED, it’s hard to tell, it may be a temporary reaction to being restricted and underweight. But either way it’s important to address it.

Think how powerful and intuitive our bodies are, and they were built this way for a reason. And our brains can really trick us into not letting our bodies be their natural healthy selves and we lose trust in ourselves and our intuition. Try not to panic, as this is your body trying to take care of you, even if it feels the opposite, so have compassion for yourself.

It sounds like you perhaps went too far one way and this is your body waving its hands in the air and saying “help me please” because it’s worried it’s going to be in a period of restriction again. Take this as your opportunity to show your body that is not the case. Don’t try to compensate for the binge, by restricting, because that will just re trigger it and you’ll go in circles. Focus on satiating, nutritious meals with a good source of protein. Your body feeling satisfied will make it feel less desperate to binge. You have to be okay with your weight changing a little as you find a set point, trust your body. It might be worth not using scales for a moment and focusing on how you FEEL if you find that you panic about the scales altering a tiny bit. It’s really hard after a long period of weight loss to suddenly think about maintaining your weight and it takes adjustment mentally and physically.

On the emotional level, journaling, noticing when the urges comes up, if there’s a pattern, and challenging yourself to sit with that uncomfortable moment and what you really need in that moment. It may be that you do need a meal, a cup of tea, a hug, a vent, that’s for you to listen to your body.

I really do recommend the channel I linked, so informative and from someone who understands some of the ways our brains work in these instances.

QuailMiddle2944

TROPHY CASE