GLP-1 Therapy Patient Guide

What Is GLP-1 Therapy?

GLP-1 stands for glucagon-like peptide-1. It is a natural hormone your body makes in the gut after you eat. GLP-1 helps control blood sugar, slows down digestion so you feel full longer, and reduces appetite.

GLP-1 medications — such as semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound) — are lab-made versions of this hormone. They work the same way as natural GLP-1 but last much longer, so you only need one injection per week.

Your provider has prescribed GLP-1 therapy to help with weight management, blood sugar control, or both. This medication works best when combined with healthy eating and regular physical activity.

How It Works

GLP-1 medications help in several ways:

Reduces appetite: Acts on areas of the brain that control hunger, so you feel less hungry and more satisfied with smaller meals.
Slows stomach emptying: Food stays in your stomach longer, helping you feel full after eating.
Improves blood sugar control: Helps your body release the right amount of insulin after meals and reduces sugar production by the liver.
Supports weight loss: By reducing appetite and calorie intake, most patients lose weight gradually over time.

What to Expect Week by Week

GLP-1 therapy starts at a low dose that is gradually increased. This is called dose titration. Going slowly helps your body adjust and reduces side effects.

Time Period	What to Expect
Weeks 1–4 (Starting dose)	You may notice a mild decrease in appetite. Some nausea is common as your body adjusts. Weight change may be minimal at this stage. This is normal — the starting dose is mainly to help your body get used to the medication.
Weeks 5–8 (First dose increase)	Appetite reduction becomes more noticeable. You may start to see weight changes. Any nausea from the starting dose usually improves. Your provider may increase your dose at this stage.
Months 2–4 (Continued titration)	Steady weight loss is typical (1–2 lbs per week on average). You may notice improved energy and blood sugar levels. Your provider will continue to adjust your dose as needed.
Months 4–6+ (Maintenance or target dose)	You should be at or near your target dose. Weight loss continues. Blood sugar and metabolic markers often show significant improvement. Your provider will monitor your progress with regular check-ins and lab work.

Everyone responds differently. Your timeline may be shorter or longer than what is described here.

Common Side Effects and How to Manage Them

Side effects are most common during the first few weeks and when your dose is increased. They usually improve as your body adjusts.

Side Effect	How to Manage It
Nausea	Eat smaller meals. Avoid greasy, fried, or very rich foods. Eat slowly. Stay hydrated. Nausea usually improves within a few days to weeks.
Constipation	Drink plenty of water (at least 8 glasses a day). Eat fiber-rich foods (fruits, vegetables, whole grains). Stay active. Talk to your provider if it persists.
Diarrhea	Stay hydrated. Avoid dairy, fatty foods, and artificial sweeteners. This usually resolves on its own. Contact your provider if it is severe or lasts more than a few days.
Stomach pain or bloating	Eat smaller, more frequent meals. Avoid carbonated drinks. Chew food thoroughly. If pain is severe, contact your provider.
Fatigue	Make sure you are eating enough protein and calories. Rest as needed. This often improves as your body adjusts.
Injection site reactions	Rotate injection sites. Minor redness or bruising is normal and should resolve within a day or two.

Diet and Lifestyle Tips

GLP-1 therapy works best when you make healthy changes to your eating and activity habits:

Eat slowly: Take at least 20 minutes per meal. Put your fork down between bites. This helps you recognize when you are full.
Choose smaller portions: Your appetite will decrease. Listen to your body and stop eating when you feel satisfied, not stuffed.
Focus on protein: Eat protein at every meal (chicken, fish, eggs, beans, Greek yogurt). Protein helps maintain muscle while you lose weight.
Stay hydrated: Drink at least 64 ounces (8 cups) of water per day. Sip water throughout the day, not just at meals.
Limit fried and fatty foods: These can make nausea and stomach discomfort worse.
Eat vegetables and fiber: Aim for vegetables at every meal. Fiber helps with digestion and keeps you feeling full.
Avoid sugary drinks: Choose water, unsweetened tea, or sparkling water instead of soda and juice.
Stay active: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week (walking, swimming, biking). Even short daily walks make a difference.
Get enough sleep: Aim for 7–9 hours per night. Poor sleep can increase hunger and cravings.

Injection Schedule and Dose Tracking

GLP-1 medications are injected once per week on the same day each week. Pick a day that works for your schedule and stick with it.

Your injection day: ____________________

Current dose: ____________________

Week	Date	Dose	Injection Site	Notes / Side Effects
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8

Bring this tracker to your follow-up appointments so your provider can review your progress.

When to Call Your Provider

Contact your provider right away if you experience any of the following:

Severe or persistent nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea that does not improve or causes dehydration
Severe stomach pain that does not go away, especially pain that radiates to your back (this could be a sign of pancreatitis)
Signs of low blood sugar (shakiness, sweating, confusion, rapid heartbeat) — especially if you also take insulin or sulfonylureas
A lump or swelling in your neck, difficulty swallowing, or hoarseness that does not go away
Signs of an allergic reaction (hives, swelling of face or throat, difficulty breathing)
Vision changes if you have diabetes
Signs of gallbladder problems (pain in the upper right abdomen, especially after eating, with nausea or fever)
Kidney problems (decreased urination, swelling in legs or ankles)

If you have trouble breathing or signs of a severe allergic reaction, call 911 immediately.

Medication Interactions

Tell your provider about all medications and supplements you take, including:

Insulin or other diabetes medications: Your doses may need to be adjusted to prevent low blood sugar.
Blood thinners (warfarin, etc.): GLP-1 medications slow digestion, which can affect how these drugs are absorbed.
Oral medications: Because GLP-1 therapy slows stomach emptying, other pills you take may be absorbed differently. Your provider may adjust timing.
Birth control pills: Slowed digestion may affect how well oral birth control is absorbed. Discuss backup methods with your provider.
Over-the-counter medications and supplements: Always mention these at your appointments.

Key Reminders

Inject once per week on the same day.
Start with a low dose and increase gradually as directed by your provider.
Eat smaller meals, focus on protein, and stay hydrated.
Mild nausea is common at first — it usually gets better.
Report any concerning symptoms to your provider promptly.
This medication works best alongside healthy eating and regular activity.
Do not stop or change your dose without talking to your provider.