GLP-1

[rbi99]

Just started taking this for my diabetes five weeks ago, definitely not for weight loss. I am 75 and have lifted weights my entire adult life. Every single workout I started, my goal has always been to safely go for more weight or reps. That being said, I am only taking the minimum shot of .25mg and am scheduled to up that to .50mg next week. I thought I was experiencing no side effects except for a decrease in appetite. Two workouts ago I suddenly found myself struggling to do my normal routine - really struggling. Gave myself a few days off just to make sure I was rested. Next workout was just as bad. Weighed myself and found that I have lost around 5lbs. I am 6'4 and was around 195lbs. I am only on the minimum dosage and suddenly this has happened.

I have read that lean muscle mass is lost when on this medication from eating less. I am going to cut my weights back around 20lbs and start trying to slowly regain what I seem to have lost overnight. I am also going to increase my protein intake. Has anyone else experienced this? If so, was it temporary as your body adjusted to this med? Now I am concerned that if this happened at the smaller dose, a dose designed only to see how your body reacts to the drug, what will happen when I double it?

 

[Rooker]

Not personally, but I know several neighbors and some friends of friends that have. Most of the neighbors are older and not worried about lifting. A few have been though. One woman we live by, in her 50s, is a pretty avid lifter. Her husband runs marathons and hasn’t touched the GLP-1s. She’s pretty strong, and lost a similar amount to you. She said she was just trying to maintain her strength at this point.

 

[RiisPiece]

I read that if you are over 70, if you diet by any method and lose weight, you will mostly lose muscle mass and bone density. Weight loss is not recommended at our age. My partner lost weight as he has less appetite, and he mostly lost muscle mass all over, no strength at all. (He is not taking GLP-1)
I lost and regained weight over the years, and each time I have less strength. I bought some heavy loudspeakers for my public-address system years ago, I can't safely lift them onto the tall speaker stands now. It was fun while it lasted, and they sound fine on the floor at home now.

 

[rbi99]

So my workout tonight was with the reduced weights. I dropped 5 - 20 lbs off my previous workouts prior to starting those injections depending on the exercises. Because I have lifted for so many years, I reduced the weight to the correct levels without having to experiment. Workout kicked my butt, but as long as I can move forward from here and not continue to lose strength, I will just keep on keeping on till I get it all back - or die trying!!!

 

[Rooker]

Have you considered using the lower weight but lengthening the reps or pausing at the bottom?