Advice on next steps with Tirzepatide after initial weight loss stall

Early weight loss almost always includes a lot of water that evens out after the first few weeks, which can explain the fast start followed by a pause. If your food intake hasn't changed, that is likely what happened. There is no reason not to move to 5 mg unless side effects appear. Blood levels take four weeks to stabilize after a dose change, so side effects can show up later. You have already been on 2.5 mg for six weeks, and the usual plan is to raise by 2.5 mg every four weeks up to 15 mg. Many here prefer staying low as long as possible, but the official schedule is what I would follow.

My experience with tirz began with compounded product under an MD. The monthly questionnaire had several questions to check whether the next higher dose was needed. Mainstream practice clearly aims to keep people on the lowest effective dose. It took me eight months to reach 15 mg. Stalls happened but were temporary. I would increase, as long as side effects allow.

I would go up if it were me, because that is what I did when I was in the same spot. It is the recommended step for a reason. Just don't expect the same quick drop as the beginning. I also wouldn't switch to reta over a two-week stall at the starting dose. Tirz seems to be working as intended for you.

I also began with the low-and-slow idea before learning about the GLP-1 60-week plateau. After that I switched to the official tested protocol and wish I had started that way. 2.5 mg is not even seen as a therapeutic dose, just the ramp-up phase to check for personal reactions.

I would increase on tirzepatide before considering a switch. You have not reached a therapeutic dose yet. I mostly followed the four-week standard before going up, then raised further as side effects allowed, sometimes by only 1 or 2 mg at a time. I am saving reta and similar options for later stalls or maintenance. This method has produced over 60 lb loss since May.

I used compound tirzepatide for a year then switched sources. Dosing went 2.5 mg for four weeks, 5 mg for four weeks, then up because of returning food noise and slow loss. At 7.5 mg both noise and loss improved noticeably, so I stayed there for 16 weeks. A stall led to 10 mg for another 16 weeks, then 12.5 mg where loss resumed slowly. Total loss is 60 lb with 5-10 lb left to goal. Near goal the process slows, possibly from the body adapting. I have no plan to reach 15 mg and may use 12.5 mg for maintenance if needed. It has been a miracle drug for me.

Side effects tend to peak two to four months after starting or after dose increases, especially nausea or other gut issues. Not everyone gets them, and they usually improve with time. If they occur, pause increases or stop for a few weeks then restart lower and slower. If loss continues and hunger stays controlled without needing to force the diet, there may be no rush to increase quickly, though I would still target at least 10 mg for the broader health benefits like lower risks for diabetes and heart issues. Since this is not through a doctor, get blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol checked.

Thank you all for the experiences shared. I am fairly convinced to follow the suggestions. Tomorrow I will move up to 5 mg tirz and stay there as long as it works. Reta will stay in the freezer. I will post updates.

Update: one week on 5 mg and weight loss has returned at 1 kg, which feels like a good pace. Could be coincidence. Will wait for the next update.