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Weight loss injections/treatments

Discuss weight-loss injections and treatments, including personal experiences. Mumsnet hasn't checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. You may wish to speak to a medical professional before starting any treatments.

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35
Choux · 04/04/2024 21:03

ObsidianTree · 04/04/2024 20:55

I can't find the post with the injection sites. Does anyone remember what page they were on?

This?

www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/316618

JanetSnakeholeMacklin · 04/04/2024 21:06

Wow well done, you've done a great job. Very comprehensive!! 👏👏👏

Original poster
ObsidianTree · 04/04/2024 21:09

Choux · 04/04/2024 21:03

Show quote history

Perfect! I'll include this link. Thanks

OP posts:
PissedOffNeighbour22 · 04/04/2024 21:31

@ObsidianTree that looks great so far 👏🏼

@Feelingslightlyuneasy no problem, glad it helped. We've all been there worrying about everything.
I've not been too strict as if I cut everything I like out then I know I'll fail when I come off Mounjaro. I have a treat pretty much every day so I'm feeling no hardship.

It's my weigh in day tomorrow and I'm having a takeaway tonight as I've hit a goal that I didn't think I'd see so soon.

Investinmyself · 04/04/2024 21:44

Great list.

MelissaLouRocks · 04/04/2024 21:48

Choux · 04/04/2024 13:58

Today is my first 5mg injection. Took it at 8am and currently feel a little nauseous but nothing drastic. My 4 x 2.5mg injections resulted in a 6lb weight loss. I would have lost more if I had been at home all month but I had 2 long weekends away with friends when I pushed the limited of what I was able to eat and also ate more treat food. So I am ok with 6lb over three dieting weeks and 1 holiday week. Planning to be more focused on eating healthier for my 5mg month though.

I have been injecting into my stomach which is easy but apparently the place where it absorbs the fastest. I found even 2.5 totally killed my appetite for the first 2-3 days so I think I need to start injecting into my thigh from next week to try and spread the effect it has on me over the week.

"The body absorbs insulin at different speeds from each of the sites. This information can be useful when planning insulin injections:
• Abdomen: Insulin enters the bloodstream most quickly after an abdominal injection.
• Upper arms: The body absorbs insulin with moderate speed but slower than an injection in the abdomen.
• Lower back and thighs: Insulin enters the bloodstream most slowly from these sites."
Source: www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/316618#insulin-absorption

I assume insulin is similar to Mounjaro in terms of absorption rates?

It's not the drug, it's the tissue make up of the different sites that affects absorption, I covered it earlier in the thread.

Wonkypictureframe · 04/04/2024 21:56

ObsidianTree · 04/04/2024 20:34

Cool. I will add the bits about injection sites and absorption rates @JanetSnakeholeMacklin

I will remove the MedExpress code @guestusername

Thanks all

Just to say STARTNOW worked for me yesterday without a problem. And thank you for posting it!

MelissaLouRocks · 04/04/2024 22:05

ObsidianTree · 04/04/2024 20:55

I can't find the post with the injection sites. Does anyone remember what page they were on?

This is my original post re absorption and injection sites @ObsidianTree ...

I notice people have been asking if it makes any difference where you inject? My daughter has been type 1 diabetic for years, and her consultant says yes it does! Apparently drugs get absorbed at different rates depending on injection site (this is subcutaneous injections btw).

In order of fastest absorption, it goes:
• Tummy
• Arms
• Thighs
• Bottom

I just thought that may answer a question for some people!

MelissaLouRocks · 04/04/2024 22:08

ObsidianTree · 04/04/2024 20:15

Ok this is what I have so far. Anything else?

Pointers for newbies:
For taking your first dose you need to twist the pen a lot to get to 1.
Your first dose may not have an immediate effect. For some people the effects build slowly. It could take 3 or 4 days to feel the effects, it could take a few weeks. Some people don't feel the full effects until they get to 5mg. See titration chart which shows how the medication builds up in your system.
You need to start on 2.5mg to get your body used to the drug and gradually introduce it into your system.
Not everyone loses a lot in the first few weeks. Don't feel discouraged if you don't lose a lot initially. Again, you might need a higher dose to start losing.
See link for information on this: www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.14201.pdf
Constipation, coldness, nausea, diarrhea, headaches, aches, are side effects. There may be be other side effects also. Read info here : click2pharmacy.co.uk/product/mounjaro-weight-loss-injections/
Once you take your first dose you can choose to keep your pen in the fridge or somewhere else. It's up to you.
Protein is important and you should try to have at least 100g a day. There are protein supplements you can take. Myprotein have a good range. Ask for a referral code if you want to buy some.
You can use supplements, some that people use are magnesium(for sleep and constipation), protein(to reduce muscle wastage), collagen (skin elasticity), aloe vera(for constipation), electrolytes.
Don't be afraid to feel hungry. It is entirely normal and healthy to feel hungry. Just eat something. Treat it as an opportunity to start good habits around hunger. Eat a nice balanced snack or a meal if it's a meal time. It's ok.
Some of the places you can order from are:
MedExpress £149.99 - for newbies try code STARTNOW to get a discount. If it doesn't work, ask for a code on here or do a Google search to find one.
Voy - £114.99 for first month then £229 after. Need a referral code (ask on here for one if needed)
The Family Chemist -£149
Simple online pharmacy - £159 2.5mg £179 for 5mg
Asda £184
Boots £219
There are others places also.

There is 5 doses in each pen. You can get the last dose out by twisting the pen really hard(remove needle before twisting again) or you can get insulin needles to extract the last dose. If you buy the syringes on Amazon please be careful. The ones below are safe, and come from a medical company and are sterile. 1ml Insulin Syringe Rays .33mm (29g) 13mm (Pack of 20) https://amzn.eu/d/0N0yE3R?tag=mumsnet&a
scsubtag=mnforum-21

It may also be worth mentioning even if the scales don't move, you may be losing inches, so measure before you start!

And recommending tracking apps such as Nutracheck may be useful for some, as I know lots struggle working out protein etc.

Plus maybe a list of good basic protein sources?

Original poster
ObsidianTree · 04/04/2024 22:09

Thanks @MelissaLouRocks that's the post I was looking for :)

Thanks @Wonkypictureframe. I'll leave it out for now as it might not work when we get up to the 4th thread

Thanks all :)

OP posts:
Thebaldprimadonna · 04/04/2024 22:13

Choux · 04/04/2024 15:40

So for I'm taking Mounjaro au naturale - a bit of an oxymoron given it's a manufactured drug.

Currently I'm not taking laxatives as have always been pretty regular so the being less regular is mainly fine and stops me eating too much. I'm focusing on low carb, high protein eating so not taking any protein drinks. I feel fine in terms of energy and headaches so I'm not taking any electrolytes. And I read a collagen related thread here which said it can't be absorbed from supplements and powders so I am not taking those either.

I may start doing some of these things if I feel I need them. Have those of you taking protein and electrolytes done them when doing previous diets? Or do you feel your requirements are different when using Mounjaro?

I took a similar approach as I felt that I was already paying enough for the MJ, but I now take aloe vera tablets and electrolytes after six weeks and both have made a positive difference to how I feel

MelissaLouRocks · 04/04/2024 22:18

For anyone who's interested, I've been reading up a bit more on collagen today (former sports therapist and bit of a nerd!). Apparently, bovine collagen is not as helpful for our skin as the marketing people would like us to think!! Marine collagen has far higher bioavailability, and when mixed with, or taken at the same time, as hyaluronic acid can be very helpful for our skin. And of course the added bonus is the extra protein it provides.

I'm not sure about the HA, but Ancient and Brave do a great marine collagen, although it's not cheap.

NCfor24 · 04/04/2024 22:24

@ObsidianTree great list!
I don't think I have anything to add - very comprehensive and definitely a good aid for someone starting out

Soukmyfalafel · 04/04/2024 22:36

I think that's a very good intro for newbies and it will hopefully stop questions repeating (which I'm sure I've been guilty of). The other other thing I've learnt from here was that some people can lose a lot initially once they hit a therapeutic level, but this is water weight and it is likely to reduce down to a more modest loss once the water weight has gone. I've seen a few times that happening for posters that then get a bit disappointed the following week when it slows down or the scales don't move. It's to be expected, but I wasn't aware of this and was a bit unsettled with the first week's loss.

Not sure what anyone else thinks in adding this in? If nobody else mentions this it might just be common knowledge I'm not aware of.

MelissaLouRocks · 04/04/2024 22:46

@ObsidianTree
Can you also please mention never to reuse a needle under any circumstances, unless you want to risk infection, possible cellulitis and a hospital stay.

stomachamelon · 04/04/2024 22:52

That was really good @ObsidianTree.
There was so many questions I wanted to ask and felt a bit stupid doing.
The world of collegen/ what protein to
Eat is fairly alien to me.
Thank you everyone for the advice.

Have a code for voy if anyone wants it. Half price. Feel free to dm me.

Original poster
ObsidianTree · 04/04/2024 23:01

Thanks all. I am adding everything mentioned. I will post the revised tomorrow once more people have added anything missed :)

OP posts:
LoadsToLose · 04/04/2024 23:48

ObsidianTree · 04/04/2024 19:25

I'm thinking for the next thread I add some starter points for newbies to the original post. Like commonly asked questions that we get quite often.

Any suggestions of what would be useful in the opening post?

Very good idea

I’d like something included about importance of protein and protecting muscle loss- I think that’s really important for everyone to know.

MelissaLouRocks · 04/04/2024 23:55

So OK, I know I'm probably really sad to be excited, but gave in and weighed myself after 3 days.

I'm 2lbs down! This is literally the only weight I've managed to shift in the last 3 years! (I'm past menopause, with various health issues including autoimmune and inflammation).

I'm gobsmacked, telling myself it's water weight, but my super duper scales say I'm carrying more water than when last weighed?

I don't give a shit, I'm taking it!!

SW 196.6lbs (BMI 32)
CW 194.6lbs
GW. 160lbs (will work from there)

LoadsToLose · 04/04/2024 23:55

AgathaMystery · 04/04/2024 19:42

I think it would be helpful for people to know that the first 4 weeks is titration NOT therapeutic dose.

I’m seeing people posting about still feeling hunger 2-3 days after a 2.5mg dose. It tells me they haven’t read about this medication or they simply don’t understand titration. Both are worrying!!

I think a robust FAQ would be so helpful - I would definitely have benefited from it. Just knowing you have to twist the pen up FOREVER to get to the dose is useful isn’t it.

Show quote history

I agree I find these posts worrying- I feel partially responsible like we’re unconsciously encouraging people to sign up who haven’t given it the full consideration it needs. I know it’s up to the individual to do their own research, but I personally feel a duty of care as part of this community.

MelissaLouRocks · 04/04/2024 23:56

LoadsToLose · 04/04/2024 23:48

Very good idea

I’d like something included about importance of protein and protecting muscle loss- I think that’s really important for everyone to know.

Show quote history

Protects hair loss also.

Flapearedknave · 05/04/2024 00:04

Has anybody been on ozempic previously, been a super responder (literally within an hour) and the found that after a break these medications don't work anymore? I lost 25lb in 4 months on Oz.

I couldn't get Oz last year, so had a 6 month break and wegovy didn't work after. But only titrated to .5.

I'm about to start week 2 on mounjaro and I've not had any effects at all.

Anyone had similar?

oaode · 05/04/2024 00:12

NC543210 · 03/04/2024 14:01

Also if you buy the ufit 50g shakes directly from them
They apply a 25% discount if you order 3 crates (24 bottles)
And a £7 discount for first orders.
So for £38 I got 24 bottles. They're usually about £2.50-£3.00 when you buy them on their own so a decent saving.

So these protein shakes what is the advantage of taking them . Is it that is low cal and will stop you also stop you feeling hungry. Or is it a direct swap in calories for a normal meal? If so what would be the point ? Please can you clarify this for me ?
PS
1.Just as an aside...
electrolytes are a mixture of sugar and salt. So unless you are a marathon runner or a very sweaty Betty would this not be counter productive to the weight loss!! From a pure hydration point of view , wouldnt just sticking two litres of water be more advantageous?

  1. On the constipation.....this is part of the way MJ works in ensuring that our digestion is slower and therefore the stuff takes longer to pass through our systems. So I would not suggest taking any harsh laxative to speed things up toooo fast. The Aloe Vera which is much more gentle on the body, should only be taken every other day. That would push things along but slooooowly!
oaode · 05/04/2024 00:34

AgathaMystery · 03/04/2024 22:31

I think part of this journey is learning to handle food cravings and seperate them from normal ‘gosh I’m hungry and oh yes it is lunch time’ feelings.

Realistically, none of us will be on this for life. We must learn to ignore ‘food noise’ because it’s very clear to me that as soon as this drug wears off, it comes back.

For me, that is going to be the biggest challenge.

Just on the issue of food noise....because our brain have been tuned so long to food, we may be confusing this to being thirsty. So once this annoyance starts I now guzzle down some water. Also keep some nuts handy 😜

lurkylurk · 05/04/2024 00:35

Soukmyfalafel · 04/04/2024 15:44

How is it going on the 5th dose. I took my 4th on Monday, but not feeling much effect, so not sure whether to do 5th dose tomorrow. I feel nauseous, but I am more hungry with it and finding it very hard not to pick at food, which is a first after three weeks. How I feel on the first week and now is very different. I had more of an effect in the first two weeks.

The BMI I'm going for is 22. A BMI of 25 still shows on me as overweight as I am small and I would certainly still feel my weight was negatively affecting my health at 25. I really hope Asda don't cut the prescription short there as I want a few pounds leeway too as I will inevitably gain a few back initially as my body adjusts without medication. I'm a bit disappointed if that's what they do as it does not make sense to have the cut off at 25 as you could easily end up in the overweight range again after a big meal 😜. Surely its about how we feel in ourselves more than anything. I want my baseline to be well within the healthy weight. Obviously if I had a BMI under 21 I could see why they'd be concerned.

Show quote history

@Soukmyfalafel

I did a search to see if there are NHS recommendations for ideal body weight and found this chart from NHS Scotland. It was for working out dosing of a particular drug, the drug is given depending on body weight but if a patient is obese, even the dose dictated by their bodyweight needs to be increased, in this context obese was considered to be 20% over their "ideal body weight".

I put the ideal body weight for my height given into a BMI calculator and it came out at 21.4 (which would be pretty much in the middle of the range of healthy BMIs), so one could argue that it should be prescribed until at ideal body weight!

Here's the link for where it is: www.nhstaysideadtc.scot.nhs.uk/Antibiotic%20site/pdf%20docs/IBW%20Table.pdf
Here's the table itself:

Continuing Mounjaro...part 3
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