Before You Start

Schedule a medical consultation

Discuss your weight loss goals, medical history, and whether GLP-1 medications are right for you. Many online providers offer free initial consultations.

Get baseline lab work done

Your provider may request blood work to check:

• • A1C and blood glucose levels
• • Thyroid function (TSH)
• • Kidney function
• • Liver enzymes
• • Lipid panel (cholesterol)

Review your medical history

Be prepared to discuss:

• • Personal or family history of thyroid cancer or MEN2
• • History of pancreatitis or gallbladder disease
• • Diabetic retinopathy
• • Kidney disease
• • History of eating disorders
• • Depression or suicidal thoughts

List all current medications and supplements

GLP-1 medications can interact with certain drugs, especially diabetes medications and blood thinners. Your provider needs a complete list to ensure safety.

Document your starting measurements

Record baseline data to track your progress:

• • Current weight
• • Body measurements (waist, hips, chest, etc.)
• • Take "before" photos (optional but motivating)
• • Note current health concerns (joint pain, energy levels, etc.)

Compare provider pricing

Research different providers and compare monthly costs. Compounded medications typically cost $200-450/month vs $900-1,400/month for brand-name. Use our Cost Calculator to estimate your expenses.

Check your insurance coverage

Contact your insurance to see if GLP-1 medications are covered. Most plans cover for diabetes but not for weight loss alone. Review our Insurance Coverage Guide for details.

Research savings programs

Explore available savings options:

• • Manufacturer savings cards (for brand-name medications)
• • Patient assistance programs
• • Pharmacy discount cards
• • HSA/FSA eligibility for medical expenses

Plan for long-term costs

GLP-1 medications are typically used for 6-12+ months for initial weight loss, with many people continuing long-term for maintenance. Budget accordingly and ensure the monthly cost is sustainable for you.

Understand what's included

Clarify whether the monthly fee includes consultation, shipping, needles, and ongoing support. Some providers charge separately for initial consultations or follow-up visits.

Stock your kitchen with easy-to-digest foods

Prepare for potential nausea in the first few weeks:

• • Crackers, toast, and bland carbs
• • Ginger tea and ginger chews
• • Bananas, applesauce, rice
• • Protein shakes for easy nutrition
• • Clear broths and soups

Remove trigger foods from your home

While the medication will reduce cravings, setting up your environment for success helps. Consider removing or storing out of sight any foods that typically trigger overeating.

Plan your meals around protein

With reduced appetite, it's crucial to prioritize protein (60-80g daily) to preserve muscle mass during weight loss. Plan high-protein meals and snacks in advance.

Establish a hydration routine

Aim for 8-10 glasses of water daily. Set reminders, use a marked water bottle, or download a hydration tracking app. Proper hydration helps minimize side effects and supports weight loss.

Consider a multivitamin

With reduced food intake, a daily multivitamin helps ensure adequate micronutrient intake. Discuss with your provider which supplements might benefit you.

Start with realistic activity goals

You don't need intense workouts to succeed. Even 20-30 minutes of walking most days supports weight loss and helps maintain muscle. Start where you are and gradually increase.

Schedule movement into your day

Block out specific times for physical activity just like you would any appointment. Morning walks, lunchtime movement, or evening activities - find what works for your schedule.

Add resistance training

2-3 sessions per week of strength training helps preserve muscle mass during weight loss. This can be bodyweight exercises, resistance bands, or gym workouts - whatever you'll stick with.

Track your activity

Consider using a fitness tracker or app to monitor steps, activity minutes, and progress. Seeing your consistency can be motivating and help identify patterns.

Set realistic expectations

Expect to lose 1-2 pounds per week on average, with most people losing 15-20% of their body weight over 6-12 months. Weight loss isn't linear - some weeks will be slower than others, and that's normal.

Define your "why"

Write down why you want to lose weight beyond just the number on the scale. Health improvements, more energy, keeping up with family, feeling confident - understanding your deeper motivations helps during challenging times.

Prepare for side effects mentally

Understand that nausea, fatigue, and digestive changes are common in the first few weeks but typically improve. Having realistic expectations helps you push through the adjustment period. Review our Side Effects Management Guide.

Build a support system

Tell close friends and family about your journey. Having people who understand what you're doing and can cheer you on makes a huge difference. Consider joining online support groups for additional community.

Plan for plateaus

Weight plateaus are normal and don't mean the medication stopped working. Your body naturally adjusts. Stay consistent with medication and lifestyle habits, and the scale will move again.

Recognize non-scale victories

The number on the scale is just one measure of success. Celebrate improved energy, better sleep, normal blood work, clothes fitting better, and increased stamina. These victories matter just as much.

Confirm what's included with your medication

Most providers include needles and alcohol swabs with your medication. Verify this so you know what you'll receive and what you may need to purchase separately.

Set up medication storage

Most GLP-1 medications require refrigeration. Clear a spot in your fridge where the medication won't be jostled or frozen. Keep it away from the freezer compartment.

Get a sharps container

You'll need a proper sharps disposal container for used needles. These are available at pharmacies or online. Never throw needles in regular trash.

Choose your injection day

Pick a specific day of the week for your weekly injection. Many people choose Friday or Saturday evenings so they can rest through any initial side effects on the weekend.

Set medication reminders

Use your phone calendar or a medication tracking app to remind you to take your weekly dose. Consistency is key for best results.

Prepare a travel plan

If you travel frequently, research how to transport your medication safely (cooler bags for refrigerated meds, TSA rules for needles). Plan ahead so travel doesn't disrupt your treatment.

Choose a tracking method

Decide how you'll track your journey:

• • Notebook or journal
• • Spreadsheet or document
• • Weight loss tracking app
• • Photos to document visual changes

Plan your weigh-in schedule

Decide how often you'll weigh yourself. Once a week at the same time is ideal - frequent enough to track progress without obsessing over daily fluctuations.

Track side effects

Note any side effects you experience, their severity, and what helped manage them. This information is valuable for your provider and helps optimize your treatment.

Document health improvements

Track changes beyond weight - energy levels, blood pressure, blood sugar, joint pain, sleep quality, and mood. These improvements are often just as important as the number on the scale.