Metabolic "Mess Up" / Body Adjustment Issues
Users on Reddit report a variety of experiences that could be described as metabolic "mess ups" or body adjustment issues while on GLP-1 medications. These range from changes in digestion and energy levels to more serious concerns like muscle loss, gallbladder problems, and pancreatitis. Users also share various strategies they've employed to manage or prevent these issues.
Experiences with Metabolic 'Mess Up' / Body Adjustment Issues:
Fatigue and Energy Levels: Fatigue is a commonly reported issue. One user stated, "I've lost 35 lbs, but I'm fatigued all the time. There is a significant change in energy levels if I skip a week. "[7] Another user with fibromyalgia found the fatigue amplified, saying, "Legit just have to laugh to stop from crying on how hard it is to go from bed to the toilet. "[12] Some users, however, report increased energy after an initial adjustment period or with weight loss. [19, 30]
Muscle and Bone Density Loss: Concerns about muscle loss are frequently mentioned. A user noted, "On Semaglutide I gained weight... lost a lot of muscle (my running speed dropped to about 30% off my peak). "[4] Another experienced this after a period of not eating enough: "There was a period of time where I simply quit eating (and I mean that) and lost serious muscle mass and bone density. "[9] One user mentioned, "I have had muscle loss. Which I’m now working on rectifying. "[17] A medical professional in one thread warned about "adipose loss and sarcopenia initially, then a regain of adipose tissue without muscle regain when they lose coverage" if people go on and off the medication. [11]
Temperature Intolerance/Feeling Cold: Some users report issues with temperature regulation. A user with fibromyalgia described, "The chills…. Mixed with fibro temp intolerance, is just insane. Feels like I’m getting dunked in an ice bath while flickered by a flame torch. "[12] Another user on Mounjaro "was miserable with insomnia, feeling cold. "[15] One user on Ozempic gets "what I refer to as 'the shivers. ' I get so cold that I shiver and I have to get into bed, fully clothed, under the comforter. "[18]
Gallbladder Issues: Gallstones and gallbladder removal have been reported. One user on Saxenda "started having extremely painful episodes around my stomach. Turns out, I developed gallstones and ended up having to remove my gallbladder. "[3]
Pancreatitis: This is a serious concern mentioned by some. An emerg doc noted a coworker "developed pancreatitis and required hospitalization. "[24] Another medical professional mentioned, "Pancreatitis requiring ICU. Recovered fine, this was trulicity. "[28] Pancreatitis is cited as one of the "most common serious effects. "[22]
Thyroid Issues: One user mentioned their weight loss on Mounjaro "led me to getting diagnosed with thyroid cancer. I lost enough weight that large lymph node was really noticeable. " However, they clarified, "It did not cause my cancer because there was evidence of cancer years before. "[5]
Hormonal/Metabolic Changes (General): Some users feel their metabolism has changed. One user who took Mounjaro and then stopped said, "I’m gaining the weight back now. I swear it made my metabolism slower now that I’m off. "[15] Another user mentioned, "I never felt right while on it, and I never lost any weight. "[1]
Ketones: A Type 1 diabetic user "developed ketones from rapid fat loss during the first 2 months. " Their endo advised not to worry as long as they felt healthy, and the ketones resolved when their weight stabilized. [29]
Anxiety and Insomnia: Some users link these to the medication. One user experienced "debilitating anxiety and insomnia. "[20] Another on Mounjaro was "miserable with insomnia. "[15] A user with Fibro and CFS/ME reported "horrible anxiety, fatigue, skin tingling, and even worse temperature dysregulation" when first starting Mounjaro, which adapted after about 6 weeks. [16]
Remedies and Preventions Recommended:
Fiber Intake: Recommended for digestive issues. "Need to take regular gavascon, fiber and antihistamine. "[2] One user takes "4g fiber gummies morning and night" to stay regular. [13]
Avoiding Certain Foods: Users advise against heavy carbs and fatty foods to prevent digestive upset. "When they say don't eat heavy carbs, it's not a joke. Stay away, far away. "[21]
Eating Small, Soft Meals: One user could "only tolerate 'old people' soft food. "[2]
Hydration and Electrolytes: Crucial for managing side effects. "I do have to make sure I hydrate, take fiber and electrolytes. "[5] Another user with fibromyalgia keeps up on electrolytes. [18]
Lifestyle Adjustments:
Exercise, Especially Weight Training: To combat muscle loss. "Now, I weightlift, eat a lot of meat, fruits, veggies, and fats, and I drink a lot of water. Without these things, my body would not have recovered. "[9] A nutritionist recommended focusing on "muscle building and less intensive forms of exercise. So walking and weight resistance. "[26]
Slow Titration: "I think it’s super important to take the slow approach with these medications, as if you go too fast your body can have really adverse reactions! "[19]
Learning Proper Eating Habits: One user emphasized, "Use it, learn proper eating habits and work yourself off of it. "[8]
Medication Adjustments/Supplements:
Lowering Dose: Some users found relief by lowering their dosage. A user with fibromyalgia stated, "My body can’t handle more than 20, even though I have tried multiple times to acclimate... I still achieve the weight loss, however it’s a slower process because I’m not taking the higher dosage. "[17]
Switching Medications: If side effects are severe, switching to a different GLP-1 might help. "Just so you know if one GLP-1 side effect is too much, you can always switch to something else. "[23]
Digestive Aids: "My life-saving medicine is Pepto-Bismol cherry chewables. "[21] Miralax is also mentioned for constipation. [6, 13]
For Fibromyalgia Patients: One user recommended "magnesium malate and CoQ10" for energy and a heated blanket and Tylenol for chills. [18] Another suggested checking for MTHFR mutation and considering folinic acid and liposomal glutathione if palpitations are an issue. [17]
It's important to note that many users also report positive experiences and significant health improvements, such as better blood sugar control, weight loss, and reduced food noise, sometimes after an initial adjustment period.
Experiences with Metabolic 'Mess Up' / Body Adjustment Issues:
- Slowed Digestion and Related Issues: Many users describe a significant slowing of their digestive system.
Remedies and Preventions Recommended:
- Dietary Adjustments:
- Protein Intake: Several users emphasize the importance of protein.
It's important to note that many users also report positive experiences and significant health improvements, such as better blood sugar control, weight loss, and reduced food noise, sometimes after an initial adjustment period.