Phentermine and weight loss experience?

Hey guys,

Tomorrow marks 4 weeks of me being on phentermine. I take a 15mg dose once a day in the morning.

For reference, I am a 5’4" female, starting weight 267.8 lbs, current weight 253.6 lbs.

I was losing weight really fast the first 3 weeks, but now it feels like I’ve stalled. I got down to 251.4 lbs, went up to 254 lbs, and now I’m back to 253.6 lbs. I know water weight fluctuates a lot, and I’m in the middle of my cycle right now (ovulating soon, I think), so could these things be causing the stall? Any experiences are welcome! I felt on top of the world for a while, but now things have mellowed, and I feel a bit meh about life.

Diet-wise, I use Lose It to track my foods. I’m pretty on point with it and always under my daily goal (set to 2 lbs a week loss). I exercise at least 4-5 times a week, sometimes long walks and sometimes Peloton rides. I’m just a little bummed to see the scale go up and then creep down so slowly.

Thanks!

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Phentermine is effective as a stimulant, but it’s typically prescribed for only about 4 months a year due to its controlled status. I’ve used it before, and while it works well initially, its effectiveness tends to decrease after a month or two. It’s not a long-term solution, and without lifestyle changes, it’s just a temporary fix. You might need to reduce your daily calorie intake a bit more, or you could be experiencing a “stall” period where progress slows for a week or two.

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Yes, I understand that this is not a long-term issue, but after three weeks, I just did not anticipate seeing such a sharp decline. Maybe this is related to the fact that I have a cold as well. While sick, I am still making an effort to maintain a healthy diet and exercise routine. I will stick with it for the time being, and I will reevaluate my caloric intake the following week if I do not notice any improvement.

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In my first response, I erred in several areas. I am sorry about that, haha. Still, that is definitely a sensible course of action. I frequently notice that, for a few weeks at a time, I will drop really well. It then kind of stalls after that. and might eliminate a few that remain stable for a few weeks. Then it kind of starts to go downhill again. Remember that even when the cause is unknown because it can be discouraging.

It’s common to experience a weight loss stall after initial rapid progress, especially with factors like water retention and menstrual cycles. The fluctuations you’re seeing are normal and can be influenced by these factors. Staying consistent with your diet, tracking with Lose It, and maintaining your exercise routine is key. It’s also helpful to remember that progress may slow down as your body adjusts. Keep focusing on your overall health and trust the process, as weight loss often has ebbs and flows.