Description
Liraglutide is a medication commonly used for weight loss. It is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, which works by mimicking a natural hormone in the body that helps regulate appetite and insulin production. This leads to reduced hunger, increased feelings of fullness, and potentially better blood sugar control, aiding in weight loss.
How to Inject Liraglutide:
- Preparation: Liraglutide is administered subcutaneously.
- Injection site: Liraglutide is injected under the skin (subcutaneously) in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm.
- Technique: Clean the injection site with an alcohol swab, attach a new needle to the pen, and dial the prescribed dose. Pinch the skin at the injection site and insert the needle at a 90-degree angle.
- Frequency: Liraglutide is typically injected once daily, at any time of day, with or without food.
Common Side Effects:
- Gastrointestinal symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation are common, especially when starting the medication.
- Decreased appetite: Many users report reduced hunger, which helps with weight loss.
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia): This is more common if liraglutide is used with other diabetes medications.
- Headache: Some people experience mild headaches.
- Fatigue: Tiredness or low energy is occasionally reported.
- Injection site reactions: Redness, irritation, or itching at the site of injection.
Dosing:
- Starting dose: The usual starting dose is 0.6 mg once daily for one week. This helps minimize side effects, particularly nausea.
- Titration: After the first week, the dose is increased to 1.2 mg per day. If needed, the dose can be further increased to 1.8 mg, 2.4 mg, and finally, the full dose of 3.0 mg per day, with each step generally lasting about one week.
- Maximum dose: The maximum recommended dose for weight loss is 3.0 mg daily.
Compounded with Citrulline
Citrulline is an amino acid that plays several roles in the body, though its direct connection to weight loss is less established compared to other supplements. Here are some ways citrulline might indirectly contribute to weight management:
1. Improved Exercise Performance:
- Boosts Nitric Oxide Production: Citrulline increases the production of nitric oxide in the body, which helps to widen blood vessels (vasodilation). This improved blood flow can enhance exercise performance by delivering more oxygen and nutrients to muscles during workouts, allowing for longer, more intense sessions.
- Reduced Fatigue: By increasing blood flow and oxygen delivery, citrulline may help reduce fatigue, allowing for better endurance during cardiovascular or resistance training. This can contribute to greater calorie expenditure and fat loss over time.
2. Enhanced Recovery:
- Reduces Muscle Soreness: Citrulline has been shown to help reduce muscle soreness after intense exercise. By improving recovery, it can enable more frequent or more intense workouts, which may assist in overall calorie burn and weight management.
3. Potential Impact on Metabolism:
- Aids in Protein Synthesis: Citrulline may help improve protein metabolism, which could aid in muscle building. Increased muscle mass raises resting metabolic rate (RMR), which means more calories are burned at rest, potentially aiding in fat loss.
4. Improved Overall Exercise Output:
- Increased Stamina: Some research shows that citrulline may improve stamina during aerobic exercises like running or cycling. This can lead to longer workouts, burning more calories, and indirectly supporting weight loss efforts.
