BigDadd7
Member
This is a much better plan than what you started with. As far as tirz vs reta, if reta is working for you then stick with it. Find some way to move everyday- walk, bike, whatever works for you.
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Mushy404
Member
Due to my eating disorder, I am very nervous about adding carbs back in.
However, now that I am on Reta, any impulsive overeating should under control. But I just feel so much better on Keto/Carnivore - we're talking serious mental clarity and significantly reduced inflammation.
I have a friend visiting from abroad Aug 9th, and I know there will be carbs during the 2-3 days he's here, so I'm going to stay keto until then, and then I figure out how I feel regarding carbs on Reta.
Although... as I write this I wonder if Reta's appetite suppression weakens when I am on carbs? Maybe I should make a thread for tracking my progress...
BigDadd7
Member
A separate thread for that might be a good idea. This one got a little noisy. As far as adding carbs, I force myself to eat a little broccoli or cabbage everyday. Not so much carrots or other root vegetables. I'm sure their good for me, but I don't have room in my stomach. I constantly feel stuffed.
Mushy404
Member
If by carbs we are just referring to shrubbage (fibrous veg), then I could add some of that, as it's still keto (not carnivore) as long as my carbs stay low.
For me, I generally aim for no more than 30g of carbs per day, but I'm sure I go a bit over that semi-regularly (milk in my tea) when on keto, but likely not more than 50g, and it tends to be well spread out.
I've done a lot of research into Carnivore/Keto and I'm not convinced I need veg at all. On keto I mainly eat ribeye, salmon, prawns, eggs, Minced beef stew/soup, cheese, butter. I also take a good bioavailable multi-vit, omega 3, vit D, vit C, zinc, and garlic extract. I take these religiously every day.
I've had some bloods done over the course of the 6 months I've been on TRT and apart from Cholesterol being a a bit elevated (which I dont think is a bad thing necessarily), my bloods are good. Though I have momentarily wondered if there's another test I could take to check if I am well nourished, but I've looked no further.
Keto and carnivore diets aren’t any better than a balanced diet. Sure, you’ll drop water weight faster, but the actual fat loss difference is minimal, if it even exists. What you really need is to address your eating habits, not avoid carbs. Your body needs energy, and GLP-1 is perfect for this - it can also help break bad habits, often reducing cravings for sugar, alcohol, and even cigarettes.
I’ve tried both keto and carnivore myself, not for fat loss but just to see what they’re like, and honestly, it’s nonsense. People convince themselves they’re “eating like our ancestors,” but avoiding carbs is just another fad. In short, focus on eating a complete, balanced diet. If you’re not hitting your carb targets while on GLP, that’s fine - just make sure you’re getting enough protein and healthy fats, and you’ll be good.
I wouldn’t stress about muscle loss right now - at your weight, there’s probably not much to lose. Your main job is to walk and stay active - that’s your path to success.
As for why I’d pick Tirz over Reta: it’s better at appetite suppression, works great for insulin resistance, is cheaper than Reta, and it’s already FDA-approved. Plus, with your stats, you could likely get pharma-grade Tirz covered by insurance, which is a big win.
It’s great to see you reading up on Reta and GLP-1, but don’t overthink it - your first step is to change your lifestyle and start eating right. Also, a heads-up: with your height (5’10”) and 380 lbs, loose skin will be inevitable. Start putting a little money aside each month for a skin removal surgery down the line. Sometimes insurance can cover it, but @Ghoul could probably explain that better.
Mushy404
Member
Thanks for explaining.
I've had the opposite experience to you. But our reasons for being on it differ, so unsurprising really. And we came at it from different places. Apples/oranges.
Keto/Carnivore has been far superior at fat loss for me. Though I will reassess things around the 2nd week of August when I know I will be introducing carbs.
I understand your reasons for preferring Tirz over Reta. For me though, most of those points don't have the same value, for various reasons. Also, I am in the UK, where they are delighted to cut out half of my stomach, but refuse to hook me up with GLP-1. I've researched both and believe I have made the correct choice.
Agreed on the loose skin. I try not to think about it but will deal with it at the time. Thanks for the heads up though.
dinfar1337
New Member
you're pseudo castrating your metabolism, you're going from 3 energy sources to 2? why? u dont lose more fat doing carnivore u will potentially end up with insulin sensivity issues or gut health issues over time, or something else lmao.
if anything u lose more bodyfat eating protein+carbs+fat balanced diet.
Mushy404
Member
What are you basing this on?
RockyP
Member
I'm on tirz right now and as much as I want to try reta, there's just no reason to. I have to force feed myself to get to 3000 cals, usually end up closer to 2500. The day or 2 after the weekly shot I have a hard time getting to 2400 or so. I am doing 45 - 75 mins of LISS just to stimulate my appetite enough (I'm 245 lbs). I had all these compounds lined up for a cutting phase and I haven't touched them, just my TRT and normal HGH dosage. Never, ever add a compound when what you're currently doing is still working.
What’s your real goal? Drop the extra weight? Fix your relationship with food? Do it slow and steady, or go hard and see results fast? You can try whatever you want - hell, carnivore will get so boring and repetitive by month two that you’ll stop eating altogether, even if you’re starving.
You’ve got a couple of options:
1. Take it slow - small calorie deficit, start learning how to eat properly again (especially those carbs you’re so scared of).
2. Or my personal favorite: 8 weeks of RFL. The fat melts off like butter, and Reta works perfectly with it. Then 4–5 weeks at maintenance or a slight deficit, and repeat the RFL cycle.
Forget about chasing aesthetics, public opinion, or even muscle size right now - focus on your health first. Your lipid profile is probably trash, maybe even pre-diabetic, and your liver could be fatty. Pick any approach you want - keto, carnivore, balanced diet and just do it. This isn’t rocket science.
Start your own log here and post weekly updates. You’ll get support and advice from the community. Don’t be shy or scared - for all the jokes about “meathead lifters,” this community is actually super supportive when someone is genuinely trying to turn their life around.
dinfar1337
New Member
hundred of studies on nutrition if not thousands. i dont wanna cite stuff this is just common knowledge tbh.
carbs is muscle protective and will help protect muscle in a deficit, and help you build more muscle aswell vs no carbs.
theres also the guys who went into a caloric deficit study which i remember, the guys who did carnivore, keto etc lost almost the same amount of weight as normal diet group but they lost more muscle.
now this was just a normal diet group, imagine comparing carnivore to high protein + moderate carbs + moderate fats, they will blow carnivore out of the water every single time.
Go with the Reta if it is working that well for you. You don't need to use huge doses of it for it to work very well. If I were you I would hit the weights hard within reason to prevent loss of muscle mass as well, although it is more unlikely with Reta, but you can and will lose muscle on Keto or Carnivore if you don't weight train and use a GLP, even with Reta that is possible. I use Reta at 1mg per week and it is working fantastic so far for me, but I don't want appetite suppression as I use it more for the other benefits it has along with using a good dose of GH as it keeps my BG in check.
That was my problem with keto. Whether or not it worked, and fat did help with satiety, I was bored stiff after a couple of months. I don’t think I’ve eaten an avocado or piece of cauliflower since. Never mind how it fucked up my lipids.
Username checks out.
Mushy404
Member
But who are you talking about? What population?
Sure, there are many people out there that would benefit less from keto, but I am talking about keto for me, and by extension, people like me (fat, insulin resistant, heading for or perhaps already have diabetes, brain fog)
Keto for fat people is fantastic to aid in fat loss as it significantly lowers insulin resistance, which results in lower levels of insulin.
Insulin does a lot of things, but one function of insulin is to tell the body to store energy as fat. Low levels of insulin makes it much easier to shift fat. Sure, you can achieve this other ways too. But keto still does it, and to deny that is a bit strange when there's a raft of research around this.
Keto is amazing for other things also!
===============================
Hallberg et al., 2018 (Virta Health Study) - Effectiveness and Safety of a Novel Care Model for the Management of Type 2 Diabetes at 1 Year: An Open-Label, Non-Randomized, Controlled Study - Diabetes Therapy
262 adults with type 2 diabetes on a ketogenic diet for 1 year
Findings:
- Avg. 12% body weight loss
- 94% reduced or eliminated insulin
- 60% reversal of type 2 diabetes (HbA1c < 6.5%)
Westman et al., 2008 - The effect of a low-carbohydrate, ketogenic diet versus a low-glycemic index diet on glycemic control in type 2 diabetes mellitus - Nutrition & Metabolism
24-week randomized trial comparing keto vs. low-glycemic diet in type 2 diabetics
Findings:
- HbA1c dropped 1.5% in keto group (vs. 0.5% in control)
- Medication use decreased significantly
- Weight loss and insulin sensitivity improved
Volek et al., 2009 - Effects of resident duty hour reform on surgical and procedural patient safety indicators among hospitalized Veterans Health Administration and Medicare patients - PubMed
12-week trial on keto diet in overweight individuals
Findings:
- Triglycerides went down
- HDL went up
- Improved LDL particle size (less atherogenic)
- CRP (inflammatory marker) went down
Freeman et al., 2007 (Johns Hopkins) -
Clinical aspects of the ketogenic diet - PubMed
The ketogenic diet remains a valuable therapeutic option for patients with intractable epilepsy. Clinical aspects of the diet's success may provide insights into epileptogenesis and anticonvulsant action. The diet's efficacy has been established primarily through large case series. The diet has...
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Long history of keto in pediatric epilepsy
Findings:
- 50–60% of children have ≥50% reduction in seizures
- Used as first-line therapy in drug-resistant epilepsy
There's even emerging research which shows potential regarding Alzheimer's, Parkinsons, Traumatic brain injury and migraines.
Mushy404
Member
The priority for me, right now, is fat loss! Nothing else comes close!
It's so difficult to carry around another person on my back 24/7, which is why I've leaned into a sedentary lifestyle.
Let's lose a lot of fat first, then I'll assess my priority. 100% need to be doing some sort of exercise also, to support lean mass maintenance and cardiovascular health.
I'll make a log shortly to document things. I'd appreciate any constructive criticisms along the way
dinfar1337
New Member
keto for fat people is fixing one problem with another, keto/carnivore for people who genetically have a disease which isnt reverisble is a theraputic diet. i think you are mixing the 2 up. 99% of type 2 diabetics is self induced and probably reverisble but yeah.But who are you talking about? What population?
Sure, there are many people out there that would benefit less from keto, but I am talking about keto for me, and by extension, people like me (fat, insulin resistant, heading for or perhaps already have diabetes, brain fog)
Keto for fat people is fantastic to aid in fat loss as it significantly lowers insulin resistance, which results in lower levels of insulin.
Insulin does a lot of things, but one function of insulin is to tell the body to store energy as fat. Low levels of insulin makes it much easier to shift fat. Sure, you can achieve this other ways too. But keto still does it, and to deny that is a bit strange when there's a raft of research around this.
Keto is amazing for other things also!
===============================
Hallberg et al., 2018 (Virta Health Study) - Effectiveness and Safety of a Novel Care Model for the Management of Type 2 Diabetes at 1 Year: An Open-Label, Non-Randomized, Controlled Study - Diabetes Therapy
262 adults with type 2 diabetes on a ketogenic diet for 1 year
Findings:
================================
- Avg. 12% body weight loss
- 94% reduced or eliminated insulin
- 60% reversal of type 2 diabetes (HbA1c < 6.5%)
Westman et al., 2008 - The effect of a low-carbohydrate, ketogenic diet versus a low-glycemic index diet on glycemic control in type 2 diabetes mellitus - Nutrition & Metabolism
24-week randomized trial comparing keto vs. low-glycemic diet in type 2 diabetics
Findings:
==========================================
- HbA1c dropped 1.5% in keto group (vs. 0.5% in control)
- Medication use decreased significantly
- Weight loss and insulin sensitivity improved
Volek et al., 2009 - Effects of resident duty hour reform on surgical and procedural patient safety indicators among hospitalized Veterans Health Administration and Medicare patients - PubMed
12-week trial on keto diet in overweight individuals
Findings:
========================================
- Triglycerides went down
- HDL went up
- Improved LDL particle size (less atherogenic)
- CRP (inflammatory marker) went down
Freeman et al., 2007 (Johns Hopkins) -Clinical aspects of the ketogenic diet - PubMed
The ketogenic diet remains a valuable therapeutic option for patients with intractable epilepsy. Clinical aspects of the diet's success may provide insights into epileptogenesis and anticonvulsant action. The diet's efficacy has been established primarily through large case series. The diet has...
Long history of keto in pediatric epilepsy
Findings:
=====================================
- 50–60% of children have ≥50% reduction in seizures
- Used as first-line therapy in drug-resistant epilepsy
There's even emerging research which shows potential regarding Alzheimer's, Parkinsons, Traumatic brain injury and migraines.
also i think you should research insulin some more to get a idea how it works. we bodybuilders leverage to lose incredible amounts of fat/put on muscle very fast. so no high insulin dosent equal fat gain, insulin pushes energy into cells, and having a low insulin level 24/7 isnt good if you still aren't in a calorie deficit you will still just have a bunch of bloodsugar which is now sitting idly having nowhere to move and will likely end as spillover into fat cells. low insulin/high insulin whatever calorie deficit trumps
im sorry i really dont wanna bother with longer replies if i didnt read your whole message theres just alot of stuff about basic nutrition.
BigDadd7
Member
I think, for now, he has a great plan. It's a simple proven plan that works- eat less and move more. He's using a glp for the first part. The particulars of the diet are less significant at this point. Reducing calories and shedding fat will be 95% of the benefit. He can focus on the particulars of nutrition as he gets closer to his goal. Make a point to move, in whatever way works for you, everyday.
cajunpauper
Member
I'm certain this has been addressed countless times over, but what is considered a "weight loss dosage"?
I started 2025 at 187 and in excess of 25% body fat. I'm down to 167 and having improved all of my lifts substantially, probably in the vicinity of 20% body fat now (plus or minus a percent I'd guess).
Short story long, I started tirzepatide at 2.5mg for 4 weeks, and weeks 5 &6 (current week) I'm on 3.3mg.
dinfar1337
New Member
the dose is indiviual. whatever dosage lets u eat at a calorie deficit comfortably.
Mushy404
Member
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