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Retatrutide Beginner Protocol: 12-Week Plan to Cut Fat Without the Crash
Retatrutide is the most potent triple-agonist in the GLP-1 pipeline, but the biggest mistake first-time users make is treating it like a standard weight-loss shot. Pairing Retat…
Retatrutide is the most potent triple-agonist in the GLP-1 pipeline, but the biggest mistake first-time users make is treating it like a standard weight-loss shot. Pairing Retatrutide with targeted NAD⁺ support turns a blunt calorie-cutting tool into a smooth metabolic reset. Use this blueprint to map out your first 12-week cycle.
Quick Wins You Can Expect
- 15–25 lb fat loss on average within 12 weeks when paired with basic lifestyle habits
- Dramatically lower “food noise,” fewer cravings, and calmer appetite
- Stable daytime energy—even on low-calorie days—when NAD⁺ keeps mitochondrial throughput high
- Better blood pressure, fasting glucose, and waist-to-height ratios with consistent tracking
Why Retatrutide + NAD⁺ Is the Ideal Starter Stack
| Compound | What it Does | Why It Matters in a Calorie Deficit |
|---|---|---|
| Retatrutide | Integrates GLP-1 + GIP + glucagon signaling to suppress appetite and raise mild thermogenesis | Creates the energy deficit and keeps fat in motion |
| NAD⁺ | Replenishes the cofactor needed for β-oxidation and mitochondrial ATP production | Converts mobilized fat into usable energy so you don’t crash |
When Retatrutide mobilizes fat, NAD⁺ makes sure the mitochondria can actually burn it cleanly—no lethargy, no “diet fog,” no need to white-knuckle through workouts.
The 12-Week Dosing Roadmap
| Phase | Weeks | Retatrutide | NAD⁺ | Goal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stabilize | 1–4 | 0.5–1.0 mg once weekly | 100 mg IM/SC, 5× weekly | Calm appetite, monitor GI tolerance |
| Build Momentum | 5–8 | 1.5–2.0 mg once weekly (or split 2×) | 100–150 mg, 5× weekly | Lock in daily routine, reach 8000+ steps |
| Deepen Deficit | 9–12 | 2.5–3.0 mg once weekly (hold if side effects) | 150–200 mg, 5× weekly | Accelerate fat flux, prepare for maintenance |
Rules that keep side effects low:
- Hold each Retatrutide level for at least four weeks before considering an increase.
- Split higher doses into two injections if nausea or fatigue shows up.
- Inject NAD⁺ alone and buffer with saline to prevent stinging.
Daily Operating System
- Protein anchors: Aim for ~1 g/lb body weight. Budget 30–40 g per meal to protect lean mass.
- Movement minimums: 7k–10k steps and 2–4 resistance sessions per week. Walking on NAD⁺ days keeps fat oxidation humming.
- Sleep protocol: 7–9 hours nightly—Retatrutide users report easier bedtime with consistent pre-sleep routines.
- Hydration + electrolytes: Faster lipolysis means higher fluid turnover. Add electrolytes to at least one bottle per day.
- Sunday sync: Record weight, waist, energy (1–10), and hunger (1–10). Adjust food volume—not dose—first if progress stalls.
Troubleshooting the Common Roadblocks
- Scale flatlines for two weeks: Confirm protein/steps, then increase Retatrutide by 0.5 mg only if nausea is under control. Avoid drastic calorie cuts.
- Energy dips mid-cycle: Raise NAD⁺ to 150–200 mg, add one extra NAD⁺ day, and verify you’re not skipping carbs around training.
- GI discomfort: Drop back to the previous Retatrutide dose, prioritize smaller protein-first meals, and add ginger + magnesium.
- Strength sliding: Shift lifts to earlier in the day when NAD⁺ peaks, add creatine (5 g), and consider integrating Tesamorelin in the next cycle.
Transitioning After Week 12
- Maintenance: Hold Retatrutide at 1–2 mg/week and use NAD⁺ on demanding training days.
- Recomposition: Layer in Tesamorelin and L-Carnitine per the Intermediate Protocol once weight is stable.
- Break: Cycle off Retatrutide for 4 weeks if appetite control is solid; continue NAD⁺ to maintain mitochondrial efficiency.
Key Takeaways
- Retatrutide delivers best results when NAD⁺ keeps energy production high and fatigue low.
- Small, deliberate titrations prevent GI issues and maintain compliance.
- Protein, movement, hydration, and weekly metrics are the levers—not constant dose changes.
- Plan for what happens after week 12 before you start, so momentum isn’t lost.
Follow this structure and your first Retatrutide cycle becomes a predictable 12-week reset instead of a guessing game.