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Posted by u/zone2nerd··Cutting

Anyone here on Mounjaro and lifting? Curious about bloodwork impact and body comp changes after 12 months.

TL;DR: Using Mounjaro for a year with lifting, noticing body comp changes but strength gains plateauing. Interested in bloodwork impacts and macro strategies.

I've been using Mounjaro for about a year now while ramping up my lifting routine, and I'm really into tracking my body composition changes along with bloodwork data. My primary focus has been on optimizing my macros and maintaining a solid protein intake. I usually aim for around 1.6g/kg body weight to support muscle retention while cutting fat.

One thing I've noticed is that while my body fat percentage has dropped (currently around 12%), my strength gains are kind of plateauing. I was hoping that the combo of Mounjaro and consistent lifting would give me a better recomp effect, but it feels like the adjustments in my nutrition have to be super precise to keep the gains flowing. I'm doing IF with an 8-hour eating window, and it seems to work, but are there nuances I might be missing in nutrient timing?

Also, I got my bloodwork done recently. My lipid profile is looking good but my testosterone is slightly on the lower end of normal. Anyone else experienced similar changes? Just trying to figure out if it's the Mounjaro or if my training volume and caloric intake are playing a role here. Would love to hear your experiences or any recommendations to optimize this further!

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u/carbloadking·

For real, meal timing is crucial! I usually load up on carbs post-workout to replenish glycogen. It's all about finding that balance. Also, don't forget to hydrate properly; dehydration can tank your strength gains.

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u/deadlift_dan·

That's some solid advice about healthy fats. I've been using olive oil and nuts to help with my intake. Plus, they're tasty! It's all about finding what works for you.

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u/calisthenics_only·

I used to obsess over numbers and macros, but I've found focusing on bodyweight exercises has helped me a ton. There's something to be said about the mind-muscle connection and how it translates to lifting. Just a thought!

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u/brokeandbulking·

Honestly, lifting on a budget is tough. I stick to basics, but adding more protein sources helped my recovery. I was scared my bloodwork would tank from all the cheap meals, but it wasn't too bad. Sometimes it's just about being smart with what you eat.

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u/cuttingseason_2024·

this! I've been cutting for a while and noticed my strength plateau too. I've had to tweak my macros like crazy just to maintain my lifts. Maybe consider adjusting your calorie intake or adding more carbs post-workout? That could help with recovery.

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u/briankoel·

I think the relationship between Mounjaro and training is still not fully understood. I would suggest focusing on consistent progressive overload in your lifts. You might also want to evaluate your training split, are you giving yourself enough recovery time? Sometimes, less is more, especially if you're cutting.

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u/zone2nerd·

i've been on Mounjaro for a while now too, and it's fascinating how it impacts different aspects of fitness. I noticed a drop in body fat as well, but my strength gains were inconsistent. My bloodwork showed similar results, especially with testosterone being on the lower end. From my analysis, it might be the caloric deficit combined with training volume that could be affecting your progress. Have you considered adjusting your training intensity or perhaps focusing on different rep ranges to break through that plateau?

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u/cuttingseason_2024·

Just remember, lifting is about long-term gains. Sometimes you gotta push through those plateaus. You'll get back on track before you know it!

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u/runningfromcardio·

Honestly, sometimes I feel like I'm just training to be tired. I mean, who doesn't love a good squat, but sometimes it's just cardio in disguise, am I right? 😂

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u/squat_or_die·

If u're still plateauing, maybe consider a deload week? I hate them, but they work. Resetting can help bring back those gains you're looking for.

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u/lactoseintolerantlifters·

I feel like bloodwork can be super tricky. I had some off numbers recently too, but it was just me not eating enough for my activity level. Like, who knew? Now I'm all about making sure I hit my macros and still enjoy my meals.

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u/briankoel·

Noticed my testosterone drop during cuts too, especially when my calories were low for a long time. Make sure you're not overdoing it with the training and try adding in more healthy fats or even some adaptogens. Just to see if that helps balance things.

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u/deadlift_dan·

Just be mindful that Mounjaro can affect energy levels too, especially when cutting. If you're lifting heavy, fatigue might play a role in your strength plateau. Make sure you're recovering well and not overtraining.

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u/briankoel·

Plateaus suck, man. I went through something similar after about 10 months of lifting. What helped me was shifting my focus to more compound lifts and ensuring I was hitting my protein intake more consistently. It might also be worth exploring if you need to deload or change your rep ranges for a bit. Keeping your body guessing can help break through those plateaus.

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u/strongerthanlastyear·

I totally get the plateau frustration. Maybe consider nutrient timing? If you're doing IF, try having a pre-workout snack that's carb-heavy to help with your strength. The timing can really influence how you feel during your lifts.

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u/cuttingseason_2024·

Oh, I just remembered, I also hit a plateau during my cut. I started cycling carbs and it worked wonders! Maybe give it a shot if you're not already doing it.

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u/lactoseintolerantlifters·

Lol, my bloodwork came back and my doctor was like, 'Are you eating enough?' Had to explain that I'm basically just a protein machine. 🥴 It's tough out here.

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u/cuttingseason_2024·

Sounds like you're doing great! I did a cut last year while lifting and my strength took a hit too. I found that switching up my rep schemes helped a lot. Maybe try a strength block for a few weeks, like 5x5 or something, to regain some of that lost power!

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u/carbloadking·

Facts! Carbs are your friend for those strength gains. If you're feeling low energy or that strength dip, maybe increase your carb intake around your workouts. I'm all about that rice and chicken life! Plus, nutrient timing can be pretty individual. Just experiment a bit and see what works for you

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u/carbloadking·

I don't care what anyone says, carbs are life. I always prioritize them around workouts. Get those gains back up!

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u/gymratbutchill·

Based on everything I'm reading, it seems like you're on the right path! Don't stress too much about the numbers. Just keep grinding.

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u/strongerthanlastyear·

Honestly, I think you'll figure it out. Just keep tracking, adjust your lifts, and listen to your body. Strength doesn't come easy, but it will come!

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u/gymratbutchill·

Bro, I tried Mounjaro for a bit and my lifts felt weird too. It was like I was strong but then just... not. I feel you on the nutrition precision. You could try tracking with MacroFactor or something, def helps me stay on point.

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u/runningfromcardio·

lmao, I thought Mounjaro was just for weight loss! Are you sure it's not messing with your hormones? I can barely lift my grocery bags sometimes. But honestly, if your bloodwork is fine, maybe just give it time. You could also try switching up your lifting routine or even incorporating more accessory work. Mixing it up could help those gains flow again.

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u/squat_or_die·

You sound super dedicated! I think if you keep your protein up and maybe adjust your calorie intake a bit, you could see improvements. Don't be afraid to shake things up in your routine! Plus, squats are life.

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