Your Guide to Starting GLP-1 Therapy with Confidence
If you’re considering starting compounded Semaglutide or Tirzepatide, you’re not alone. These GLP-1 medications are transforming how we approach weight loss, blood sugar management, and metabolic health. But like any powerful transformation, the first few weeks come with adjustments.
This guide walks you through what to expect in your first month on GLP-1 therapy, from physical changes to emotional shifts, so you can move forward with clarity and confidence.
What Are Semaglutide and Tirzepatide?
Semaglutide and Tirzepatide belong to a class of medications called GLP-1 receptor agonists. These drugs mimic natural gut hormones that regulate appetite, insulin, and digestion:
- Semaglutide mimics the GLP-1 hormone.
- Tirzepatide mimics both GLP-1 and GIP (a dual agonist), often resulting in enhanced weight loss and greater metabolic benefits.
Both medications are FDA-approved and are commonly used off-label in compounded form for weight management and metabolic health. At Body Inc., we deliver personalized GLP-1 treatment plans with expert telehealth support to help you reach your goals faster and more sustainably.
Week-by-Week Breakdown
Week 1: The Start of a New Rhythm
What Happens:
- First dose (low dose to minimize side effects)
- The medication begins working slowly to delay gastric emptying and reduce appetite
What You Might Notice:
- Feeling full faster
- Mild nausea, bloating, burping
- Aversion to greasy or heavy foods
How to Manage It:
- Eat small, frequent meals (avoid skipping meals)
- Stick to bland, low-fat options like crackers, broth, and bananas
- Hydrate well to prevent dehydration
- Avoid overeating, even healthy foods; your stomach is adjusting
Mindset shift: Begin identifying true hunger vs. emotional or habitual eating.
Week 2–3: Building Momentum
What Happens:
- Medication levels accumulate in the body
- Appetite suppression becomes more pronounced
- Cravings for sugar and ultra-processed foods begin to drop
What You Might Notice:
- Natural reduction in calorie intake
- Beginning of weight loss
- Constipation, mild fatigue, or headaches may persist
How to Manage It:
- Add fiber (greens, chia seeds, psyllium husk)
- Walk daily or engage in light activity
- Track water intake (aim for 80–100 oz per day)
- Be gentle with your expectations. This is a reset
Routine Tip: Begin new habits, meal prepping, journaling, or replacing screen time with walks.
Week 4: Feeling the Shift
What Happens:
- Body adapts to medication
- Your provider may increase your dose if you’re tolerating it well
- You may feel in control of food choices and eating patterns
What You Might Notice:
- Continued, steady weight loss
- Fewer cravings and more energy
- Improved blood sugar regulation (even if not diabetic)
- Less emotional eating or snacking
How to Support Progress:
- Prioritize protein at every meal
- Add resistance or bodyweight training to preserve muscle
- Consider NAD+ for energy, clarity, and recovery
- Stay in close contact with your Body Inc. provider
Mindset tip: GLP-1 therapy is not a quick fix; it’s a tool for long-term transformation.
Common Side Effects, and What to Do About Them
| Symptom | Why It Happens | What Helps |
| Nausea | Slowed stomach emptying | Small meals, avoid greasy food, ginger tea |
| Constipation | Decreased gut motility | Hydration, fiber, stool softener (if needed) |
| Headache | Dehydration or glucose shifts | More water, monitor carb intake |
| Fatigue | Hormonal recalibration | Sleep, NAD+ support, grace |
| GI Upset | Food sensitivity/aversion | Avoid triggers, eat mindfully
|
These side effects usually improve within the first 4–6 weeks. If they persist or worsen, your Body Inc. provider can adjust your dose or timing for better tolerance.
Resources to Support Your First Month
In Summary: What to Expect in Your First Month
- Week 1: Appetite reduction and mild side effects
- Week 2–3: Calorie reduction, fewer cravings, steady weight loss begins
- Week 4: Greater food control, stabilized energy, and emotional shifts
- Support: Personalized guidance, symptom management, supplements like NAD+ or Lipo-C for optimization
The key is to go slow, stay consistent, and build habits you can actually sustain.
FAQ: Starting GLP-1 Therapy
Q: How fast will I lose weight?
A: Most people begin noticing weight loss within 2–4 weeks, but results vary. It’s about consistency over time, not speed.
Q: What if the nausea is too strong?
A: Your provider can adjust your dose or recommend nausea-supportive supplements or foods.
Q: Can I exercise while on GLP-1s?
A: Yes—gentle exercise is encouraged and can support energy, digestion, and better results.
Q: Do I need to diet while using GLP-1s?
A: No extreme diets needed. Focus on protein, hydration, fiber, and listening to your body’s cues.
Q: What makes Body Inc. different?
A: We provide personalized care, compounded prescriptions, fast shipping, and ongoing support from real medical professionals, so you’re never alone.
Ready to Start Strong?
Your first month on GLP-1 therapy can be life-changing, not just physically, but mentally and emotionally. You’re not just eating less. You’re learning how to listen to your body again, stabilize your metabolism, and build habits that actually stick.
Start your personalized GLP-1 journey today!