Starting a GLP-1 medication is a significant decision that can transform your health. This comprehensive guide walks you through every step - from choosing the right provider to administering your first injection and beyond.
Follow this roadmap to ensure a smooth, successful start to your weight loss journey.
Step 1: Choose Your Provider Type
1Online Telehealth Providers (Most Common)
Best for: Convenience, affordability, accessing compounded medications
Pros: Fast (24-48 hours), affordable ($200-500/month), no in-person visits, compounded options, convenient
Cons: Virtual consultation only, compounded (not brand name), varying quality between providers
Top options: Henry Meds, Mochi Health, Hims/Hers, Ro
2Traditional Healthcare Provider
Best for: Existing relationship with PCP, prefer in-person, insurance coverage
Pros: In-person consultation, comprehensive health monitoring, insurance may cover, brand name medications
Cons: Requires appointments, insurance often doesn't cover, brand name very expensive ($1,000-1,400/month without insurance)
Who: Your primary care doctor, endocrinologist, or obesity specialist
3Medical Weight Loss Clinics
Best for: Comprehensive support, in-person monitoring, structured program
Pros: Structured program, nutrition counseling, regular check-ins, medical supervision
Cons: Most expensive option ($300-800/month), requires in-person visits, may push brand name only
Who: Local weight loss clinics, bariatric centers
💡 Our Recommendation
90% of patients choose online telehealth providers for convenience and affordability. Companies like Henry Meds, Mochi Health, and Hims/Hers offer quality compounded medications with medical oversight at fraction of brand name cost ($200-500/month vs $1,000-1,400/month).
Step 2: Complete Medical Consultation
What to Expect
All legitimate providers require a medical consultation (virtual or in-person) before prescribing GLP-1 medications. This ensures you're a good candidate and screens for contraindications.
Information You'll Need to Provide
- Current height and weight (BMI calculated from this)
- Medical history: Conditions, surgeries, hospitalizations
- Current medications: All prescriptions and supplements
- Allergies: Any drug or food allergies
- Family history: Diabetes, thyroid disease, obesity
- Weight loss history: Previous attempts, results
- Weight loss goals: Target weight, timeline, motivations
⚠️ Who Should NOT Take GLP-1 Medications
- Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC)
- Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)
- Pregnant or breastfeeding (or planning pregnancy within 2 months)
- History of pancreatitis (discuss with provider)
- Type 1 diabetes (not approved for T1D)
- Severe gastroparesis
- History of eating disorders (discuss with provider)
✅ Ideal Candidates for GLP-1 Medications
- BMI ≥30 (obese) OR BMI ≥27 (overweight) with weight-related conditions
- Failed traditional diet/exercise for weight loss
- Type 2 diabetes (especially good candidates)
- Pre-diabetes
- High blood pressure related to weight
- High cholesterol related to weight
- Sleep apnea
- PCOS (may benefit from weight loss)
- Committed to lifestyle changes (nutrition, exercise)
Step 3: Order Medication & Await Delivery
After Approval
- Prescription sent to pharmacy: Online providers use partner 503B compounding pharmacies
- Payment processed: First month charge ($200-500 depending on provider/dose)
- Medication compounded & shipped: 3-7 days for delivery (overnight or 2-day shipping)
- Tracking provided: Monitor delivery via email/text updates
What You'll Receive
- Vials or pre-filled syringes: Medication form varies by provider
- Syringes/needles: If vials, you'll need syringes to draw doses
- Alcohol swabs: For injection site cleaning
- Sharps container: Safe needle disposal
- Instructions: Dosing schedule, injection technique, storage
- Cold packaging: Medication ships refrigerated
💡 Storage Requirements
Refrigerate immediately upon arrival at 36-46°F (2-8°C). Do NOT freeze. Medication can stay at room temperature for up to 28 days during use. Keep away from light.
Step 4: Administer Your First Injection
Before Your First Injection
- Watch provider's video tutorial on injection technique
- Let medication reach room temperature (30 minutes out of fridge)
- Gather supplies: Medication, syringe, alcohol swab, sharps container
- Choose injection site: Abdomen (best), thigh, or upper arm
- Pick your day/time: Same day/time weekly (many choose Friday evening/Saturday morning)
- Have anti-nausea medication ready (Zofran if prescribed)
Injection Steps
- Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water
- Clean injection site with alcohol swab, let dry completely
- Prepare syringe: Draw correct dose from vial (or use pre-filled syringe)
- Pinch skin: Create a fold of skin at injection site
- Insert needle: 90-degree angle, push in smoothly
- Inject medication: Slowly push plunger down over 5-10 seconds
- Remove needle: Pull straight out, release skin
- Dispose safely: Place needle immediately in sharps container
- Don't rub site: Let medication absorb naturally
💉 Injection Tips
- Rotate sites: Don't inject same spot twice in a row
- Stay 2 inches from belly button when injecting abdomen
- Inject slowly: Reduces injection site discomfort
- Ice before/after: Can reduce minor irritation
- It's subcutaneous: Goes under skin, not into muscle
Step 5: Prepare for Your First Week
What to Expect in Week 1
- Reduced appetite within 24-48 hours (60-70% of patients)
- Mild nausea possible (30-40% of patients)
- Feeling full faster - can only eat 50-70% of normal portions
- Slight fatigue as body adjusts to fewer calories
- Minimal weight loss - 0-3 lbs (mostly water weight)
✅ Week 1 Action Checklist
- Grocery shop: Protein-rich foods, bland options, ginger tea
- Meal prep: Have easy-to-digest meals ready
- Clear schedule: Lighter activities in case of fatigue
- Download tracking app: Weight, food intake, side effects
- Take measurements: Weight, waist, photos for comparison
- Set water reminders: Aim for 80-100oz daily
- Plan next injection: Same day/time next week
Recommended First Week Foods
- Proteins: Grilled chicken, white fish, egg whites, Greek yogurt
- Easy carbs: Oatmeal, white rice, toast, crackers
- Gentle foods: Bananas, applesauce, smoothies
- Hydration: Water, herbal tea (especially ginger), broth
- Avoid: Fatty foods, spicy foods, heavy meals, alcohol
Common Beginner Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Expecting Immediate Dramatic Results
You're starting on a sub-therapeutic dose (0.25mg semaglutide or 2.5mg tirzepatide). Month 1 is adaptation, not rapid weight loss. Results accelerate as dose increases in months 2-6.
❌ Choosing Cheapest Provider Without Research
Quality varies significantly among telehealth providers. Check reviews, pharmacy sources (503B required), medical oversight quality. Saving $50/month isn't worth questionable quality.
❌ Not Planning for Side Effects
Starting Friday evening without prepared foods or anti-nausea medication is a recipe for misery. Prep ahead: grocery shop, meal prep, get Zofran prescribed.
❌ Thinking Medication Alone Is Enough
GLP-1s suppress appetite but you still need to eat nutritious foods, exercise, manage stress, sleep well. Medication is a tool, not a magic solution.
The Bottom Line
Starting GLP-1 medications is straightforward when you follow the right steps: choose a reputable provider, complete medical consultation honestly, prepare for delivery, learn injection technique, and set yourself up for success.
90% of patients choose online telehealth providers for convenience and affordability. Look for providers with quality 503B pharmacies, proper medical oversight, and strong patient reviews.
Prepare for week 1: Stock bland, protein-rich foods, get anti-nausea medication prescribed, take baseline measurements, and plan lighter activities in case of fatigue.
Remember: month 1 is adaptation. You're on starter doses designed to help your body adjust with minimal side effects. Dramatic results come in months 2-6 as dose escalates.
Follow this guide, stay consistent, and you'll be on your way to life-changing weight loss results.