August 2026 starters (Thread 2!)

[chocolatecoveredpretzels]

Hi everyone and thanks for the bestowed honour of starting the new thread, Puzzled!

It’s so lovely to have all of you along for the ride on here. Thanks for keeping me company! I love reading how things are going for you and being able to ask questions or share things.

Yesterday, I tried on a fleece top I bought last year. It fit me so snugly last year, I looked like a burst sausage in its casing. Now it’s actually loose. My rings are starting to feel a bit loose too- I wear my mum’s engagement and eternity rings and on the cold mornings, they’re starting to slip down my fingers.

I’m down 1.9kg this week and, although I’m still feeling hungry, it’s not an all-consuming hunger that leads to binging. I’ve actually needed to add more food as what I’ve eaten today and yesterday ended up being 1300 calories and 1100 calories. Given that my watch is still estimating approx 3000 calories burned on a typical day at school, I know I need at least 1600 to have enough oomph. Is anyone else finding the same?

I’ll link this thread in the old one so everyone can find their way here.

@MiaN its great to hear you sounding more positive, and well done on your achievements! I am particularly enthusiastic about your commitment to be more consistent with exercise going forward…. I’ve just had an illustration of now important that is.

As you know, I have been a bit fed up with my (lack of) weight loss over the past few weeks. This morning I finally did the thing people are advised to do in these circumstances - look at measurements and body composition.

The only measurement I do with any regularity is my waist. That was hovering right around 85cm when I started MJ, and after 6 weeks was down to 83cm. This morning I measured it at just under 82cm.

But the even more encouraging one is the body composition graphs from my home scale. Now, this is not to be trusted for absolute numbers, as it only has two contacts not four, and tends to overestimate body fat when you hold a lot in the lower body, e.g. tummy apron. But it is useful for trends. Remember that when it says lean mass, it means everything which is not fat, so that includes water as well as muscle, bone and organs.

The weight graph looks like an initial whoosh, followed by a steadier loss which then flattened out to almost nothing over the last few weeks. The fat and lean mass graphs tell a different story: fairly steady fat loss all the way through; initial whoosh of lean mass (which would include a lot of water) over the first 2-3 weeks, then a much more gradual loss….. but then, over the past 3 weeks, an increase.

I have been strength training all the way through, as I was before, though I increased it from 2 to 3 times a week when I started MJ. However, initially I was basically doing my own thing, doing different exercises each time and not particularly pushing myself, But in early October I used AI to give me a structured all body workout program, with progressive overload. Basically I have been consistently working at a point where it was hard to push out the last few reps. Indeed I often haven’t quite managed to complete them. But I HAVE been trying, which means I have been consistently sending my muscles the signal: I need you! Get stronger!

Since 23rd October I have lost a measly 0.5lb on the scale…. But gained 1.4lb of lean mass. Now I suppose that could be increased water due to all my anti-constipation measures. Or it could be muscle? At any rate - I AM still losing fat!

@MiaN Your updates are just outstanding, if you don't mind me saying so.

3-month check-in!

Nearly 31lbs down in my first three months! I have another 24lbs to lose to reach a healthy BMI. Ideally, I'd love to get there by 12 February, but if it takes until 12 March, that's absolutely fine too. No pressure. Once I get there, we'll deal with the vanity weight!

Time to recommit to my goals:

• Steps: Average 12–13,000 daily, with 12,000 as my minimum.
• Protein: At least 100g daily, ideally getting closer to 120g.
• Fibre: 25g daily.
• Food: Continue eating predominantly whole foods.
• Water: More focus on hydration, aiming for 1.8 litres daily (three fills of my water bottle). I also have tea in the evenings, which adds a little extra.
• Strength training: The equivalent of two BodyPump Heavy sessions per week, however I way I can fit them in.

I think the main decision I need to make at this stage is how quickly to increase the dose.

I've mentioned this a few times, but when I was on Ozempic, I increased the dose every month as recommended and ultimately couldn't tolerate the side effects. The appetite suppression wasn't good either. My own capacity to make lifestyle changes wasn't really there at the time, but some of the side effects I experienced were:

Extreme fatigue
Constipation and diarrhoea
Eggy burps
Blurred vision, poor memory and mood swings
Very frequent periods, sometimes just a few weeks apart

I honestly felt like I was constantly either drained, PMSing or having period. I only averaged around 1 kg weight loss per month over six months, so I eventually stopped.

I also need to be realistic about calorie intake. Reducing my daily intake by another 200 calories would only give me an additional 2.4 kg loss over three months, and it would significantly increase the likelihood of fatigue. I only managed three weeks at that level right at the beginning, before I had already months of calorie deficit behind me.

I've skipped one period recently, and the other came a little earlier than expected, so I think taking things slowly will also give me a chance to see how my cycle settles.

I have only experienced some minor eggy burps over the last few weeks, since I increased to dose over 4 (50 clicks of 5 pen) which I can manage.

On the pro increase quicker side, I do have to rely on a lot more willpower now, however I still have no food noise. It would be nice to get that little boost again for the first few weeks, which I seem to experience every time I increase the dose but is it worth it?

One thing that is also in my favour is that, at least until the end of the year, I have considerably more flexibility at work. I can work from home much more often and I also have some time off planned. That means my capacity to manage changes, monitor how I feel and deal with any potential side effects is actually quite good at the moment. So, while I don't want to rush things, I do have a bit more room to navigate a dose adjustment if needed.

Ultimately, my gut feeling is to take it slowly. It would be devastating to go through the same side effects I experienced on Ozempic again and feel forced into making choices I don't want to make just to manage them. I prefer slow down and using more willpower but feeling little more certain. If it wasn't for the past history I probably would be going up quicker.

I'm not particularly keen on reducing my calorie intake much further, especially when I'm currently eating at a level that I don't find excessively difficult to maintain and my energy is like someone who has sustain calorie deficit, but manageable.

Long post, but I am sharing as I feel others could have similar internal debates.

Less snacks, more at meal times today. I thought I am not hungry for dinner last night and I will just have few little things - some olives, slice of baked oats etc. Well the only thing I achieved is I didn't hit my protein! How are you all doing, is it little quieter here?

I’m plodding along, @MiaN ☺️

I wonder if we’re all finding our rhythm and feeling a bit more comfortable with riding the highs and lows right now.

Is anyone else feeling the cold more than usual? I feel like I need to wrap myself up in a duvet all day! I’ve bought electric hand warmers for break and lunch duty at school!

Definitely @chocolatecoveredpretzels , I'm cold a lot of the time. When I was younger I was always warm, but pretty much the moment my second (and last) baby was born i turned into a cold person. I got myself a Uniqlo heat tech long sleeved top which is helping a lot though, along with a blanket over my knees 😂

I went out to a friend's last night and had some wine, I am dreading the scales in a minute. She's a very generous host too but I think I managed not to go too mad on the nibbles. Fingers crossed 😬

This is from a program I am not really engaging at all with - but I felt the notes and the phase is so spot on for how I feel right now

The Middle: The Hardest Part of the Journey “The Middle is where most people quit — but not you.” You’ve passed the “honeymoon phase” and you’re not at the finish line yet. This part can feel tedious, especially if you’ve still got a way to go.
Everyone hits The Middle:
Motivation fades
Results slow down
Doubts creep in

Remember:
Weight loss is finite – This will end!
Revisit your Whys – They’ll anchor you.
Break down your goals – Don’t focus on 4 stone, focus on the next few pounds.
Stop comparing – Everyone’s journey is different.
Control your inputs, not your outcomes – You don’t control the scale, only your actions.
Routine is everything – Pick one that works and stick with it.
Feel your feelings – Don’t use them as excuses to quit.

I was just thinking this morning on my walk I need to get some Uniqlo thermals. They are great as they are thin but very warm. I am cold for sure.

@Anseranser I think that's realism, we need to be able to both lose weight and carry on enjoying life. The full on can not be 100% for months and months - drink or two and some nibbles from time to time to me need to be part of it.

I agree with @MiaN about needing to have some flex in the journey and still live life. I've been down this road so many times and have usually tried to white knuckle it for fastest results and I've never kept it off!

I'm trying this time to enjoy myself a bit more and let myself join in. So on the hen do I had a few martinis, at my kids birthday ill have a slice of cake (although I didn't really enjoy it - which is bizarre for me!!), or I'll go out for dinner and choose what I want to eat.

My problem has never really been 'junk' food - I've never even had a Macdonalds. I've always eaten just far too much - too large portions, not knowing the off switch so to speak. I'm vegan and eat fairly well - loads of diversity in plants etc. I've found the biggest change to be having less of what I used to eat and my appetite seems to be changing slightly in that before I loved toast or bagels for breakfast with avocado or scrambled tofu but now in the morning I want something lighter so I have fruit and yoghurt or a banana smoothie with hemp seeds and soy milk.

I'm finding this second week on 3.75 I'm having much higher suppression again - last night I had sweet potato Dahl and tofu flatbread for dinner, one small bowl and two small flatbreads and I'm still full up this morning. I'll definitely be sticking to 3.75 for another 4 weeks - I've got so much weight to lose I want to give myself enough headroom to increase.

@Anseranser I love seeing all the numbers!! It keeps me motivated checking in here and seeing the progress. You're doing so well!

@PuzzledObserver absolutely love seeing that change with lean tissue vs fat loss. I have started doing some very basic bodyweight exercises and am sure I need to be scaling this up to see muscle growth!

On the 100% effort versus still enjoying life thing…. I listened to a podcast the other day which said that the mistake many people make is that they make the number on the scale their goal, and then fret about how long it is going to take them to get there….. and/or when they DO get there, they think or act as if the job is done,

It recommends instead focussing on habits, identity and behaviours. What sort of habits and behaviours does a healthy person have around food, eating and activity? Do those behaviours and make them part of your identity. They’re not what you’re doing to get to the finish line, they are what you always do.

So yes, if that includes eating chocolate and drinking wine, then do that. But bear in mind that a truly healthy person won’t be eating a 200g bar of chocolate or drinking a whole bottle of wine in one sitting, there will be a limit to how much/how often they eat it.

The fortunate healthy person won’t necessarily know they have a limit, because they have never had to think about it. They just naturally stop at a sensible amount and quite possibly don’t eat it daily. Those of us whose instincts are not that way inclined will have to be more intentional about it.

But whatever we decide is a sensible limit, we need to make that our habit and identity. One we can maintain for the long term. If we then choose to go a bit tighter for a period of time to accelerate things, we can. But at the end of that period, the “normal” we go back to is the one with the levels which are healthy long term. Not all holds barred, eat all the things all of the time.

So, my habit and identity now includes “I eat two meals a day, I do not eat snacks”. There are very rare exceptions to this, such as on holiday, but it is only ever short term. I feel good doing this, and expect to do it for ever. From time to time, I include a longer fast of 24-48 hours - that’s the intensifying bit. And when I stop intensifying I don’t go back to day-long grazing (which used to be my norm), I go back to 2 meals no snacks.

Yes, definitely feeling the cold a lot more, especially in bed. I pile on the blankets and then need to strip them off the bed a few hours later as I'm sweating! It's my feet particularly that are freezing.

This week I've felt more appetite suppression than before (8th week on 5mg). Possibly a bit less nausea but also mainlining Tictacs which really helps the sick feeling but which, I think, has brought on some unpleasant diarrhoea! Lovely.

4.85lbs off at the 4-weekly pharmacy weigh-in which I'm pleased with.

70 kg on the nose today, only 1 kg to goal (0.5 kg loss). 69 kg is a bit light for me because of my height, but I want a bit of wiggle-room before Christmas. Muscle percentage going up, fat percentage going down. Slow & steady wins the race (I hope)…

Congratulations @AxisofEvelKnievel that is amazing! How are you feeling?

How much have you lost in total? My goal is 70kg but it feels a long way away at 92kg!

Going right back to October 2022 when I was 110.5 kg and BMI 33, I’ve lost six and a bit stone (40.5 kg), however I regained nearly two stone of that this year (about 10kg) & used Mounjaro to nip it off as I just couldn't shift it with diet & exercise (perimenopause I suspect).

MJ has really trained me to accept that I must eat very little, & mostly protein.

Haven't checked in for a while!

Lost 39lbs - and I am under 10lbs to my goal weight!!

Bad news is that this is the first week I haven't lost anything. I feel my momentum is gone and am thinking more about snacks and making less healthy choices.

Not sure if I need to up my dose or if it is stress.

Agree with PP about the cold - it is freeezing!

But on a happier note, I am fitting into size 12 clothes for the first time in a decade! Started as a 16/18. On holiday next week and I have packed shorts and sleevelss tops - Pre August I would NEVER wear anything like that.

Morning! Weekly check in! Another pound off. If I can keep this up I’ll be a healthy BMI by my birthday next year. That’s such a lovely thought. Just hope that my hba1c will head back down too. Test in two weeks.

Other things to report are that I am tucking in my T-shirts again, feeling hungry occasionally but just normal hunger I think, and I did not enjoy the few sweet things that I ate this week even though I had looked forward to having them.

Enjoyed reading through all of your posts. People problem solving, coping with plateaus, celebrating progress. And the cold! I thought it was just my age and the cold snap but perhaps it’s the mounjaro? My thermal sports tops are too small now but I got some lovely soft warm ones from Lidl last week and am wearing them every day like granny vests 👵🏼!

Wishing us all a happy healthy week 🪄💕

@MiaN This resonated with me and the last paragraph particularly was so very inspiring. Thank you for posting.

Morning all. Had a crap night’s sleep owing to DH’s CPAP mask constantly leaking and therefore making a noise which is the bastard child of a fart and a buzz. Gave up and came downstairs at 5.20 am - not good for cortisol, water retention, motivation or any of the things we need.

Still hauled myself to the gym at 8am, and for some reason decided it was a good day to go on the body analyser - 3 weeks since my last check. I was hoping it would confirm that there has been fat loss, or maybe tell me my visceral fat is down.

Visceral fat is not down. Total fat is not down. The only thing which is down is water! Bugger. Well, one shouldn’t set too much store by one reading on these things - especially when dehydrated.

So then I set about it - and friends, I SMASHED my workout! 5-6 weeks ago I was doing 97kg on the leg press and struggling to complete 2 sets of 8. Today I did 2 sets of 10, like the other day, proving it was not an aberration. I completed my sets on the chest press without the puffing and internal swearing of my previous attempts. I have increased the weight I do on the back extension and crunch machine twice now, and am still completing the sets.

So, am I disappointed that the scan didn’t show progress towards my weight and body composition goals? Yes. But then I think about what I said earlier. It’s about habit and identity. I went to the gym at 8am on Saturday morning - because that’s my habit. I did my workout, despite feeling crap, because that’s who I am and what I do. Don’t misunderstand me - if I was actually ill or injured, I would not have pushed myself and maybe not gone at all. But I wasn’t ill or injured, I was just tired. Not bone achingly tired through exhaustion, just one-off tired due a poor night’s sleep. And that’s not a reason to ditch my workout, any more than the freezing weather is (2 degrees here!)

Thats who I am and what I do. I work out consistently. I follow my food guidelines. And, over time, those will lead to body composition changes. And once I do reach those body and health goals, I will carry right on with the food and exercise. Because this is my forever pattern. It makes me feel good, it makes me healthy, and I love it.

@PuzzledObserver Such an interesting topic but I can't help but wonder - for some people, is staying on relatively high dose of the medication and letting it do the suppression the preferred option?

Not for me, I want to go back to the weight I was and the way I was living pre 2020. I want the healthy food, the joy of exercising, and being fussy as hell about what I put in body. I was happier not eating much if any junk, not on daily basis anyway and I want that for sure.

Some quotes from a book I like, and probably should give fresh listen. Although it is written pre GLP.

"You need to actually like your life with fewer calories. In order to do that, you’re going to need to reformat your dietary organization so that you’re using food in a manner that leads to less hunger and consequently more control—and in so doing, actually need less to be satisfied."

Weight loss is a personal journey. There’s so much more to it than simply eating less and exercising more. While you’re going to have a great many ups and downs in life, and however you decide to lose or maintain your weight, here are the 10 things I don’t want you ever to forget:

1. If you can’t happily eat any less, you’re not going to eat any less.

2. If you can’t happily exercise any more, you’re not going to exercise more.

1. If you don’t like the life you’re living, you’re not going to keep living that way. 4. If you accept your personal best at everything else in life, you probably should for your weight, too.
2. If you can’t use food both for comfort and celebration, then you’re on a diet that you’re ultimately going to quit.
3. Simply tolerating your life isn’t good enough.

7. There are some things in your life affecting your weight that you’re not going to be able to change.

1. Your best weight is whatever weight you reach when you’re living the healthiest life you actually enjoy.

9. The more weight you’d like to permanently lose, the more of your life you’ll need to permanently change."

For me, if you asked me can I never eat pizza or have a cocktail again I will probably say no. I want to moderate those. But can I live without junk like crips and baked pastries and sugary desserts - yes, I think so. They are out of side out of mind, less I have them less I want them. But this isn't universally true. Historically our option was to try to make changes. Now some of us - like you and me want to use GLP to help making those changes.

But could long term appetite suppression trough medication be the options other choose? I think so. Medications are advancing, and we are all unique.

I don't know the answer by the way, I am very much trying to figure out what is going to work for me and not be to set in my ways. If nothing changes, nothing changes so I need to be open minded for my own journey

Out of sight, not out of side! And the numbers of the post are off, even though they are copy and paste. Hopefully you get what I mean 😌

@PuzzledObserver allow me to geek out over the leg press for a moment. It’s literally the only reason I’d ever consider a gym membership again (rather than our home gym and free weights). It was my favourite thing ever so I’m cheering for you.

If you feel up to it and have someone with you I’d recommend aiming for a rep at a heavier weight after you’ve warmed up. You’ll be amazing how quickly your body adjusts and normalises the heavier weight.

Lots of positive vibes and lots of gains on-and-off the scales on this thread - it's great! I too need to step up with my exercise and weights but with chronic lymphoedema and stable heart failure I need to be careful. I will consider things for the New Year.

Weighed today and lost 1.75lb, which is good. I got my third 5mg pen yesterday and am happy sticking to this dose for the moment due to ongoing nausea.

SW: 15.12.25
CW: 14.10.25