Xyo's picture
Xyo
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+ 1 Liraglutide(Saxenda) first week updates, comparison to Phen

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Not long ago I posted in here asking about the GLP1 agonists and didn’t get any replies so thought I’d pull the plug and try it myself and report here so others can try out this avenue, too.

I’ve been on liraglutide for 1 week now, keeping the diet pretty much the same to see if there’s any real effect.

Probably a good place to start is mentioning I felt extremely fatigued, more so mentally than physically, for the first 3days so my training was affected. Day 4 energy levels and motivation were nearly back, come day 5 I feel as good as normal again eager to gym.

The appetite suppression: I have read medical studies and anecdotal evidence - quite a few people mentioned feeling a similar high to phentermine, or an improved mood to put it simply. I have used phen before and in comparison I can say liraglutide did not affect my mood at all.

The appetite suppression also feels different: phen not only suppressed my hunger but also made eating as a whole feel unappealing and a chore. I had no cravings whatsoever and gravitated towards easily digestible, quick foods that don’t require cooking(cottage cheese was my best friend at this point) - I simply had no desire to spend time on cooking or eating.

Now liraglutide is a whole different ballgame. It suppresses the appetite to a degree, however I think how it mainly works (for me at least) is I start feeling full after half my normal portion, it’s almost as though I feel that I already ate too much and can feel this heavy sensation in my throat instead of the stomach. It doesn’t alter your preferences to foods like Phen does. Psychologically speaking you know you could still eat more but the heavy throat feeling is already subconsciously on your mind which makes you want to stop before you even make that decision.

After a meal I do feel full for an uncomfortably prolonged period of time. Imagine feeling bloated, but not gassy, from a portion smaller than normal - example - I skipped a dose yesterday to enjoy a breakfast out with the bf. We ate at around 12.30, it was my first meal that day. I felt so incredibly full after I didn’t get to the gym till after 5pm because it still felt like I had just ate and had that heavy feeling. It probably subsided around 8pm only.

Not uncomfortable, but if you’re a woman training in tight clothing you know the feels.

Week 2 Starting today I am starting to track calories and stay within 1300-1400 limit. If liraglutide proves weak in such decrease I will up the dose to 1.2mg ED. Will update next week.

Questions welcome as I didn’t want to make this too long.

BouldersForShoulders's picture

I'm also using Sexanda. I have nothing but glowing reports about it. I have not had to increase the dose and I am still on 0.6mg after 4 weeks of using. I am down 10kg so far and during this time I went off diet for 2 weeks and had two nights out on the town. For me it makes me forget I am hungry. I would imagine at 1.2mg fasting for a few days would not bee too difficult.

herktime's picture

Nice. I’m interested in the Novo Nordisk GLP-1 drug development in general as a stock holder and liked the natural limitation of insulin after increase and consequential glucose suppression; faster than the newer versions and to me, crude and short lived always preserves the body’s own mechanism to return to stasis. Careful with the fatigue. I’d do a hepatic function assay profile and watch for signs of thyroid disruption. Does the hunger stay gone or return shortly after suppression mid meal? You describe phent as I see all the catecholamine type appetite suppressants: they are absolute in shutting down the will to eat, and even prepare a meal. I survive on liquid shakes and green juicing when heavily using those products. Somehow, appetite always rebounds. Thanks for posting and keep us updated. FYI the newer oral versions are less severe in side effects and carry a long half life. Not certain if weight stays off. Sounds like you have the cue to eat less and just need the willpower past that, so who could ask for more?

Xyo's picture

First Ill start with answering your question about the hunger, as there are some new updates. The physical hunger did not return for probably as long as the throat/stomach discomfort lasted, which was hours, however the discomfort in itself was mild and very tolerable. On the other hand the mental hunger was there the entire time - I was subconsciously thinking I hadnt eaten enough and therefore must finish my normal portion - call it survival instinct or irrational thinking, hard to describe but its as though I was hurting myself and at the same time trying to prevent myself from doing it - I dont normally possess such irrational thoughts so there’s that.

Now the sad part. Since two days ago I increased my dosage to 1.2mg as per the guidelines - and what a bummer that was. The initial effects felt are absolutely gone and I am on twice the initial dosage. I have previously read it doesnt work for some people, however few and far between so I was hoping I wouldn’t be the case since I did initially feel the effects. I am very much so baffled so far as to why this has happened.

I will continue though as I have purchased 2 pens which should last about 3.5weeks total and I just started my second cycle of var, with which I did experience enormous hunger previously. I hope that once my hunger is magnified I will be able to gage better if liraglutide is still helping to some degree.

As for now, if I had to choose, phen would win the battle.

Xyo's picture

I agree, luckily I live in the UK where the prices arent as inflated as in the US. Having said that, I know that with the right health insurance some people pay $25 for a months supply whereas here GLP1 agonists are not subsidised(well you can technically get Saxenda on the NHS however you still have to pay £200 for 5pens, which is only £50 cheaper than buying it from an online pharmacy with no script) but obviously you need to be obese to fit the criteria so being in UK certainly favours me.