u/NoRock935

Hi all, I'm finding stopping weight loss during maintenance more challenging than I thought it would be. If you had ever told me in the past that I would be irritated to see weight loss on a scale, I would have laughed at you!

I used custom dose measures at times due to responding strongly to the medication. I know that can be divisive, and I don't count calories (and won't) I'm ok counting macros though. I plan on finding a stable maintenance dose and remaining on it for the foreseeable. I'm currently using up a stock pile of 15mg pens which will last roughly til March 2027, then I will need to find a mantiance provider.

Some stats:

38F 172cm

SW 265.5lb/18.9st March 2025

GW 155lb/11st June 2026

CW 147.8/10.5st today

I never went above 8.75mg and have slowly titrated down by doing a month of 7.5mg and a month of 6.25mg. This week I've started 5mg and I'm definitely feeling hungrier but not ravenously so.

I think my ADHD meds (Elvanse) and the heat are making it more challenging for me to eat at the moment. I do feel like overall I have been eating more on maintenance than before, and had more energy to do things which has been great. I have been noticing mood and energy shifts as I come down on MJ, and I've needed to lower my Elvanse a little as it's feeling too much.

I don't look bad at this weight, I just feel comfortable and good at the weight I had achieved and got some lovely clothing which fit when I reached my 160/155lb goal that now is begining to hang off me, I don't want to lose my remaining curves.

I also want to begin going to the gym, at the moment I do a lot in the garden as my main exercise. I have issues with hypermobilty, CFS and dysautonomia which can make exercise and heat challenging but I'm finding good tools to adapt around this.

I'm honestly wondering how to eat enough for the gym to gain strength and stamina when I'm struggling to get enough to eat at this baseline. My diet is really good, generally Mediterranean and Middle eastern type cuisine; a lot of fresh cooked veg, lean protein, and some rice, flat breads and occasional potatoes.

Has anyone else had similar issues and any tips to help?

I hit goal! It feels amazing but surreal. I’ve been overweight since I was 11, and I now weigh less than I have my entire adult life. I hardly recognise my before photos from 14 months ago, or myself in the mirror now. It's definitely going to take some mental adjustment, but I am thrilled! Feeling nervous about entering maintenance, but ready for the challenge.

Long post below of my honest experience.

Stats

• 38F | 172cm (5'6")
• SW (22/03/25): 265.5 lb / 18.9 st
• GW (17/05/26): 160.0 lb / 11.4 st
• Total Loss: 105.7 lb / 7.5 st (39.8% of body weight!)

Measurements (05/04/25 ➔ 17/05/26):

• Clothing Size: UK 20/22 ➔ UK 12/14
• Bust: 50" ➔ 40"inch
• Underbust: 45" ➔ 33.5"inch
• Waist: 43" ➔ 31" inch
• Hips: 55" ➔ 39.5" inch
• Thighs: 29" ➔ 22" inch
• Calves: 18" ➔ 15" inch
• Arms: 17" ➔ 12.5"inch

The Meds I seemed to respond well and consistently to Mounjaro, averaging 2lb loss pw except over the last few months when it reduced to 1lb pw. I lost the majority of the weight on 7-7.5mg, 8.75mg is my current dose. To save money when prices rose, I used higher dose pens and click-counted to custom-measure my doses. I have 3 x 15mg pens left to slowly titrate down on and find my maintenance dose with. Pharmacy wise I shopped around for who ever gave the best prices.

I started Elvanse for my ADHD July 2025 and needed to drop the MJ dose a bit because I totally lost my appetite which was horrible, once I managed to balance both meds they have been fine together.

Diet & Lifestyle I began diet changes a few weeks before starting the meds. I used the Second Nature program to build strong habits without calorie counting. My diet mainly consists of Greek yogurt, sheep/goat cheese, olive oil, whole grains and pulses, vegetables, soups, lean proteins, and low-carb swaps (like lentil or chickpea pasta). I enjoyed making it all taste good with new recipes. Thankfully my partner wanted to lose weight and make changes too, so was onboard with the food swaps. He lost 4 stone and reversed his pre diabetes without MJ!

I still get the occasional takeaway or eat out, but I order less and stop when I'm full. Sugar actually became unappealing on MJ, but I still have a square of dark chocolate or a little cake when the mood hits. I wish I exercised more, but I'm moving more and getting there!

Side Effects Constipation, which I managed with increased fluids, a psyllium husk capsule, and a magnesium citrate tablet.

Fatigued the day after the jab, and I've experienced some mild anhedonia, but it’s manageable and decreasing over time.

Hair loss a bit, but have thick hair so didn't notice it much, it's growing back and the wispy bits are irritating 😂

Menstrual cycle went from a chaotic 33-58 days to bang on regular 28 day cycle.

My libido has been up and down, but that can be expected because adipose tissue is hormonally active and contributes to estrogen and testosterone levels. Substantial weight loss can raise sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), reducing circulating testosterone which can reduce your sex drive. I had some hormonal bloods to check things out in December and saw evidence of this. The system should normalise as my body gets used to this new metabolic reality, also weight lifting and resistance training can help to boost testosterone and preserve bone density.

Loose skin hasn't been nearly as bad as I thought it would be, there is some around my tummy, inner thighs and arms but it doesn't bother me much. I was worried certain things would drop far south 😅 but they haven't! Thank you genetics?! People have said my face looks years younger and I agree, my skin is also a lot clearer.

My tips (if you've read this far!)

1. Start with self-love. Your body has kept you alive and deserves respect, not hate (easier said than done, trust me I know!)
2. Build better habits. Don't just eat smaller portions of your old diet if you know it was poor; focus on nutrition. It makes the journey smoother. And yes, having cake occasionally is fine! Meal planning and online grocery shopping cuts costs and keeps temptations out of the shopping cart.
3. Drink your food if needed. If eating is hard, have smoothies, Huel, or yogurt drinks. Under-eating leads to more muscle loss, hair loss, and fatigue. Your body needs enough fuel, period!
4. Drop the food morality. There are no "cheat" or "bad" foods. Let food be nourishing and enjoyable. It can be your friend, not your enemy. If food is feeling like an enemy, there are resources online like the Beat ED website which can be really helpful and supportive.
5. Hydrate! MJ slows gut motility, giving your GI tract more time to reabsorb fluids from waste. Double what you think you need to drink to prevent constipation.
6. Take photos and measurements. It's useful proof when your brain tries to trick you into thinking nothing has changed.
7. Be patient. Try not to compare yourself to the people online having massive, rapid losses. Treat this as a lifelong change, not a quick fix, and you will get more out of it.