One Year on Retatrutide: 30 Pounds Down, Lower Cholesterol & What Nobody Tells You

I'm approaching my one-year anniversary of using Retatrutide, and I have quite a story to tell. 


If you've followed The Thought SNOB Podcast, you know I've discussed my peptide journey before. But this update is different. I finally have nearly a year's worth of experience, bloodwork, and body-composition measurements to share.


And the results? They've exceeded my expectations.


Let's Talk Numbers

When I started seeing my hormone replacement therapy doctor in the fall of 2021, I weighed 156 pounds. Despite exercising regularly and eating well, my weight remained between 150 and 156 pounds for years.


I started Retatrutide on October 25, 2025.


By July 2026, I weighed 126 pounds—a number I hadn't seen since high school.


But the most impressive transformation wasn't my weight. It was my body composition.


Over the years, my average body fat percentage was 34%. By July 2026, it had dropped to 26%. My waist shrank from 32 inches to 26 inches, and for the first time in my adult life, I actually look lean in certain areas. And I didn't lose weight overnight. My average weight loss was approximately six-tenths of a pound per week. Slow and steady. Just the way I wanted it.


The Cholesterol Surprise

Here's where things get particularly interesting.


My cholesterol has always been high. Last year, my total cholesterol was 245, and my LDL was 160; although my HDL was better than perfect, the score made me uncomfortable. 


My July 2026 bloodwork revealed something remarkable. My total cholesterol dropped to 207, and my LDL fell to 111. 


I've also been taking red yeast rice, so I can't attribute those improvements exclusively to Retatrutide. However, clinical research has demonstrated that Retatrutide can improve several metabolic markers, including LDL cholesterol.


Whatever combination contributed, I'm thrilled with the improvement.


The Real Lesson

I'm now maintaining my weight rather than trying to lose more.


Retatrutide hasn't eliminated the need for exercise, thoughtful food choices, or personal responsibility. It's simply made those things easier to manage.

And that's the message I want people to understand.


Retatrutide is still investigational and isn't FDA-approved. My experience isn't medical advice, and anyone considering weight-loss medication should consult a qualified medical professional.


Want the Whole Story?

In my newest podcast episode, Retatrutide: My One-Year Update, I'm sharing the details that didn't fit into this article—including dosing, side effects, maintenance, alcohol, the latest clinical research, what I'm doing about the unexpected loose skin issue, and what I'd tell anyone considering this treatment.


Watch Retatrutide: My One-Year Update on YouTube


Because this hasn't been another diet.


It's been an entirely new way of living.

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