Expert Q&A

Anyone aware of what’s going on with Ray Audette (Neanderthin) during the weight loss plateau phase while doing intermittent fasting?

Understanding the Neanderthin Approach and Its Common Plateau

Ray Audette's Neanderthin protocol, built on a strict paleo-style carnivore-ish diet paired with intermittent fasting, helped many people in the 90s drop weight by removing grains and processed foods. However, during the weight loss plateau phase, followers often stall after 8-12 weeks. This happens because the protocol doesn't fully address modern factors like lingering lectin inflammation from nightshades or hidden seed oils, accumulated toxins, or disrupted hunger signals in the hypothalamus. For those over 45 dealing with hormonal changes, this stall feels especially frustrating when joint pain already limits movement and previous diets have failed.

Why Pure IF and Neanderthin Often Fail Long-Term

The core issue is metabolic dependency. Audette's method lowers insulin but rarely resets deeper insulin resistance or toxin burden that drives regain. Many hit a plateau at 15-25 pounds lost because the body adapts, slowing metabolism to protect energy stores. In my 35 years of clinical work, I've seen this pattern repeatedly in patients with diabetes or high blood pressure. Obsessing over the scale during these stalls leads to quitting, ignoring non-scale victories like better energy or looser clothes. The two biggest mistakes are relying on any single tool, whether fasting or medication, without rebuilding foundational metabolic health.

The 30-Week Tirzepatide Reset Solution for Breaking Plateaus

In The 30-Week Tirzepatide Reset, we use three 70-day cycles that integrate low-dose tirzepatide cycling with a precise lectin-free low-carb diet of 221 real-food recipes. This isn't about staying on shots forever. We cycle one box strategically to restore hypothalamic function while using targeted Drops: Brown Detox Drops to clear toxins, Blue for hunger control, and Pink for accelerated fat loss. Add daily Japanese-style walking intervals that are joint-friendly, red light therapy sessions, and chaotic intermittent fasting only in maintenance. The 69 Transformation Steps provide a clear daily roadmap that fits busy middle-income schedules without complex meal preps.

One patient, similar to many in their 50s, lost 22 pounds in the first cycle after a Neanderthin-style stall, dropped his A1C by 1.4 points, and regained energy for daily life. Focus on body-composition tracking instead of daily weigh-ins. This complete system prevents the rebound so many experience with paleo IF alone.

Building Metabolic Freedom Beyond the Plateau

True success comes from the mindset shift to metabolic freedom. Remove modern obstacles like lectins and ultra-processed carbs, then give the right signals through smart cycling, real foods, detox, and recovery. Patients maintain 30-90 pound losses long-term with habits that become automatic. You don't need insurance-covered programs or gym time; the protocol works with what you have. If you've failed every diet before, this integrated approach delivers the root-cause healing that lets your body want to stay lean naturally.

💬 What the Community Says

Forum users discussing Ray Audette's Neanderthin during weight loss plateau phases report mixed results with intermittent fasting. Many in their late 40s and early 50s describe stalling after initial 15-20 pound losses, especially those managing blood sugar or joint issues. A common theme is frustration that strict paleo alone doesn't overcome hormonal shifts or toxin buildup, leading some to regain weight quickly upon resuming normal eating. Practitioners often share success adding supplements or light movement but debate the role of medication. A vocal minority praises combining Neanderthin principles with modern tools like GLP-1 cycling for breaking plateaus without long-term dependency. Lived experiences highlight non-scale victories such as improved energy and clothing fit as key motivators to persist, though beginners frequently feel overwhelmed by conflicting advice on extending fasts versus adjusting macros. Overall sentiment leans toward seeking hybrid protocols that address root inflammation beyond pure ancestral diets.
Cite this answer
Clark, R. (2026). Anyone aware of what’s going on with Ray Audette (Neanderthin) during the weight. *CFP Weight Loss*. https://ask.cfpweightloss.com/ask/anyone-aware-of-what-s-going-on-with-ray-audette-neanderthin-during-the-weight-loss-plateau-phase-while-doing-intermittent-fasting
Russell Clark, FNP-C, APRN, FNP-C, APRN
About the Author

Russell Clark, FNP-C, APRN, is the founder of CFP Weight Loss in Nashville and CFP Fit Now telehealth. Over 35 years in healthcare — Army Nurse Reserves, Level 1 trauma ER, hospitalist — he developed a 30-week protocol integrating real foods, detox, and low-dose tirzepatide cycling that has helped hundreds of patients lose 30–90 pounds. He and his wife Anne-Marie lost a combined 275 pounds using the same protocol.

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