CommunityFood & Appetite

I don't know if i'm hungry or just too stressed

5 replies5 peopleMay 9, 2026☆ Follow
Summary

how to stop stress-driven binges while using reta or similar peptides for cutting

The original poster describes lifelong anxiety plus autism leading to food as the default stress response, with past obesity now managed but binges still triggered on cuts. Reta at 3 mg reduced general appetite somewhat but left binge intensity almost unchanged. Others note reta is weak on appetite control, suggest trying tirzepatide or adding cagrilintide, and emphasize treating the underlying stress and anxiety through meditation, therapy, or medications like wellbutrin rather than relying on stronger suppression alone.

What this discussion establishesWhere people disagree

whether increasing reta dose or switching peptides will address stress-triggered binges versus needing non-peptide interventions

Still open

whether selank, DSIP, or similar compounds would reliably reduce the stress component for this individual

Nothing here is advice.

5 replies · 5 people
CopperMarble49archiveopening postMay 9

I'm naturally very anxious and sensitive on top of having noticeable autism. Stress and frustration make me want to eat everything as my first reaction. Over the years I've gotten better at controlling those urges and found other outlets, yet eating remains my quickest way to feel better, and the worse the stress the stronger the pull. I was severely obese as a child and teenager but now at 19 I'm muscular and healthy. Even so, one rough day can still spark a major binge while I'm cutting. I've used reta only once and stayed at or below 3 mg per week because it worked well for me overall except on hunger. Appetite and food thoughts eased a bit but the binge episodes stayed nearly as intense. Should I try a higher dose hoping it will finally blunt those occasional binges, or look at selank and/or DSIP to deal with the stress and frustration instead?

PlainCompass54archiveMay 9

Reta isn't known for strong appetite suppression. If that's the main goal, switching to tirzepitide might work better. If you want to keep reta for its other effects, adding a bit of cagrilintide could help. Working on the stress and frustration is also worthwhile for all the other benefits it brings, not only around food.

CopperMarble49archiveMay 9
↳ replying to @PlainCompass54

Besides just trying to stay composed I don't really have reliable ways to handle my feelings yet, though I'm improving at staying reasonable. On my last cut I got under 10% body fat with no binge episodes. I suppose I could still look into meditation for extra support. Thanks for the advice anyway.

CopperPebble12archiveMay 10

If the urge comes mainly from stress instead of actual hunger, stronger appetite suppression probably won't reach the part that triggers the binges.

KeenHarbour76archiveMay 10

I'm in a similar spot. You really need to handle the stress and possible anxiety on their own. Along with tirzepitide my doctor prescribed wellbutrin, which has helped a lot together with therapy. Tirzepitide by itself doesn't seem to be the full answer.

KeenFenwick79archiveMay 10

I'm on reta at 4 mg and still get cravings, especially once the dose starts wearing off around days 4-7. I recently added cagrilintide to cut down the food noise and I'm also interested in trying selank for my anxiety and sleep. I'm an insomniac who overthinks everything.

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