GLP-1 Weight Loss

Welcome to your weight loss Journey with TVRTW!

What is a GLP-1 and what are the benefits?

GLP-1 stands for Glucagon-like Peptide-1, which is a hormone naturally produced in your small intestine after you eat.

GLP-1 are a class of medications that mimic the action of this natural hormone, leading to several powerful effects:

  • Reduces Appetite and Increases Satiety: They act on the appetite centers in the brain, reducing hunger cues and making you feel full faster and for longer, which significantly lowers calorie intake.

  • Slows Digestion (Gastric Emptying): They slow the movement of food from the stomach into the intestines. This helps control blood sugar spikes and contributes to the feeling of fullness.

  • Regulates Blood Sugar: They stimulate the pancreas to release more insulin only when blood sugar levels are high, and they suppress the release of glucagon (a hormone that raises blood sugar).

These combined mechanisms make GLP-1 agonists highly effective treatments for both Type 2 Diabetes and Obesity. Common examples of the active ingredients in this class are semaglutide and tirzepatide

What are the Pro’s and Con’s of Using a GLP-1

Efficacy

Health

Mechanism

Accessibility

Pros (Benefits)

Significant weight loss (often 10-20% or more) by reducing appetite and increasing satiety.

Improved metabolic markers like blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol. 

Decreases "food noise" or constant thoughts about food, making adherence to a lower-calorie diet easier.

Compounded versions can offer a more accessible option when brand-name medications like adding B12 or Glycine that have added benefits

Cons (Risks/Drawbacks)

Weight Regain is highly likely after stopping the medication, necessitating a long-term strategy.

Gastrointestinal Side Effects are very common (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain).

Decreases "food noise" or constant thoughts about food, making adherence to a lower-calorie diet easier.

Compounding Risk: Compounded drugs are not FDA-approved, meaning their safety and efficacy are not reviewed in the same way as brand-name products.

What is a Compounding Pharmacy and how is it different?

A compounding pharmacy is a specialized pharmacy that creates custom medications from scratch by combining, mixing, or altering drug ingredients to meet the unique needs of an individual patient, based on a licensed practitioner's prescription.

The difference between a brand name drug and a compounded drug is primarily regulatory:

What are the Benefits to adding B12  (Methocobalamine) or Glycine?

Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin vital for various bodily functions. It’s potential benefits include Combat Fatigue, Boost Energy levels, Supports Metabolism, potentially Reduces Nausea and Prevents Deficiency.

Glycine is a conditionally essential amino acid, meaning the body can typically produce it, but supplemental amounts may be beneficial under certain metabolic stress, such as rapid weight loss. Its benefits include preserve lean muscle mass, improve sleep quality, reduce inflammation and reduce injection site pain.

Are There Side Effects, and What are they?

Unfortunately there can be side effects from GLP-1s; not everything can be perfect. Most common are GI symptoms including:

  • Nausea

  • Vomiting

  • Constipation

  • Diarrhea

  • Bloating

  • Cramping

  • Fatigue

  • Headache

  • Reduced Appetite

How can I manage side effects?

Most side effects are temporary and managed by slow dose titration.

  • Eat Slow, Stop Early: Chew food thoroughly and stop eating immediately when you feel satisfied, not full. Overeating will likely lead to nausea and vomiting.

  • Dietary Choices: Avoid high-fat, fried, greasy, and overly sweet foods, as they are slower to digest and often worsen nausea. Focus on bland, low-fat options when side effects are severe (BRAT diet: Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast).

  • Stay Hydrated: Sip on water, clear liquids, or electrolyte beverages throughout the day, especially if experiencing diarrhea or vomiting, to prevent dehydration.

  • For Nausea: Try ginger (ginger tea, candies) or peppermint. Over-the-counter anti-nausea medication may be needed (consult your provider).

  • For Constipation: Increase fiber intake gradually (fruits, vegetables, whole grains), drink more water, and consider over-the-counter laxatives or stool softeners if needed (consult your provider).

Timing: If side effects are most pronounced on the day after your injection, consider adjusting the injection day to a time that better fits your weekly schedule.

What Should I eat while taking a GLP-1?

The primary focus is Protein, Hydration, and Micronutrients to support muscle and overall health while restricting calories.

  • Protein is King: Aim for high-quality, lean protein at every meal (e.g., chicken, fish, eggs, Greek yogurt, tofu, protein shakes). Adequate protein is essential to help maintain muscle mass, which is often lost along with fat during rapid weight loss.

  • Focus on Whole Foods: Prioritize non-starchy vegetables and fruits for vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

  • Avoid "Slippery Calories": Limit liquid calories (soda, sweetened coffee, juice, alcohol) and highly processed, energy-dense snacks, as they contribute to weight gain without providing satiety or nutrition.

  • Monitor Nutrient Intake: With a lower food intake, you may need a daily multivitamin to prevent nutrient deficiencies.

What should I avoid eating?

The beauty of GLP-1 medications is that they make adherence easier by curbing appetite and boosting satiety. While you can integrate all foods into your diet, it's essential to practice moderation and self-control. By consistently honoring your body's signals and consciously avoiding overconsumption, you can sustain a healthy, enjoyable relationship with food. 

Here is a list of foods that may worsen side effects. Fried foods, High fat meats, Heavy sauces, Sugary beverages, High sugar candy, Processed snacks, Spicy Food, High-acidity foods, Alcohol

Can I Exercise while on GLP-1’s? What Exercises Should I Do?

Yes! exercise is essential! While GLP-1 medications are highly effective for fat loss, they can also cause a loss of lean muscle mass. Exercise is vital to counteract this, helping you preserve muscle and keep your metabolism strong. As you lose weight and your mobility improves, regular activity will also prepare your body for new experiences—making it easier and safer to participate in activities you've missed or always wanted to try.

Types of Excercise

Resistance Training

Aerobic Activity

Flexibility/Balance

Goal

Preserve/Build Muscle Mass

Improve Heart health and burn calories

Improve mobility and prevent injury

Examples

Squats, Lunges, Push-ups, Rows, Shoulder presses, Planks. Use Weights, bands or body weight

Walking (7,000-10,000 steps/day), cycling, swimming, light jogging.

Yoga, Pilates, Stretching

Frequency

2-3 x per week, rest days between

150+ min of moderate intensity per week

Daily

How Much Can I Expect to Lose?

The amount of weight loss is generally measured as a percentage of your starting body weight over a period of about one year (52 to 72 weeks). Semaglutide on average is 10-15%, Tirzepatide average 15-22% of starting body weight. Losing just 5% of your body weight is considered clinically significant, as it often leads to improvements in health markers like blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar. These medications typically lead to two to three times that result. For most people starting GLP-1 therapy, the expected weekly rate of weight loss is generally 1-2 pounds per week.

What is a Titrated Dose?

Dose titration is the essential, gradual process of increasing the amount of a GLP-1 medication over a specific period, typically starting with a very low dose and increasing it every four weeks until a therapeutic or optimal dose is achieved. The primary benefit of this slow approach is to significantly limit side effects, particularly nausea and other gastrointestinal issues, by giving the body ample time to adjust to the medication's effects, such as slowed digestion. Furthermore, titration helps optimize effectiveness by identifying the "lowest effective dose"—the point at which the patient experiences successful appetite control and weight loss with minimal side effects—which is crucial for improving long-term adherence and overall success of the weight loss program.

Feature

Production

FDA Status

Brand Name (FDA Approved) Drug

Mass-produced in standardized doses and formulas

FDA-Approved after rigorous testing safety, efficacy, and quality

Compound Drug

Custom-made for a specific patient.

Not FDA-Approved, meaning the compounded drug itself has not undergone the same review process.

Are there any Reasons I Should not take GLP-1’s?

You should not take a GLP-1 receptor agonist if you have certain pre-existing conditions or circumstances, as these medications carry specific warnings and contraindications.

Absolute Contraindications (Should Not Take):

  • Personal or Family History of Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma (MTC): This is the strongest contraindication due to a risk of thyroid C-cell tumors observed in animal studies.

  • History of Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Syndrome Type 2 (MEN 2): This is a genetic condition that increases the risk of MTC.

  • Known Hypersensitivity or Severe Allergic Reaction to the active ingredient (e.g., semaglutide or tirzepatide) or any component of the formulation.

  • Pregnancy: These medications are generally stopped before or immediately upon learning of pregnancy due to potential fetal harm.

Situations Requiring Extreme Caution/Discussion with a Provider:

  • History of Pancreatitis: GLP-1s can rarely cause pancreatitis; caution is needed if you have a history of this condition.

  • Severe Gastrointestinal Disease: If you have severe gastroparesis (paralysis of the stomach) or other serious GI conditions, as the drug slows digestion further.

  • Severe Renal Impairment (Kidney Disease): Use requires close monitoring, as adverse GI reactions (vomiting, diarrhea) can lead to acute kidney injury.

  • Type 1 Diabetes: GLP-1s are not approved for and should not be used in people with Type 1 Diabetes, as they do not replace the need for insulin.

  • Diabetic Retinopathy (Eye Disease): There have been reports of worsening retinopathy in patients with pre-existing disease, particularly with rapid blood sugar changes.

Any Other Added Benefits?

YES, there are !!!

Cardiovascular and Metabolic Protection: 

  • Heart Protection: Large clinical trials have shown that GLP-1 agonists significantly reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), including non-fatal heart attack, non-fatal stroke, and cardiovascular death, particularly in patients with pre-existing cardiovascular disease or high risk factors.

  • Improved Risk Factors: They help lower blood pressure and have a beneficial effect on cholesterol and lipid levels, contributing to the prevention of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries).

  • Reduced Inflammation: They appear to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that improve overall metabolic health and vascular function.

The "Food Noise" Phenomenon:

  • Quieting Food Cravings: Users frequently describe a dramatic reduction or complete quieting of "food noise"—the constant, intrusive thoughts about when, what, and how much they will eat.

  • Affecting Reward Centers: GLP-1 receptors are expressed in the reward centers of the brain (mesolimbic system). By acting here, the medication may reduce the compulsive, dopamine-driven desire for hyper-palatable foods (high fat/sugar), making disciplined eating feel effortless rather than a struggle of willpower.

Potential for Other Addictions:

Because GLP-1s affect the reward pathways in the brain, research is exploring their potential application for managing other compulsive behaviors. Studies have suggested that GLP-1 agonists may help reduce cravings and compulsive behaviors associated with alcohol, nicotine, and potentially other addictive substances, although this is still an active area of research.

Disclaimer: This webpage and its contents are provided for informational and educational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. The information regarding GLP-1 medications, benefits, risks, side effects, dietary advice, and exercise guidelines is general in nature. It is not a substitute for professional medical consultation, examination, diagnosis, or treatment by a licensed physician or qualified healthcare provider. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, treatment, lifestyle changes, or before starting, stopping, or changing any medication or supplement. Individual results may vary; the results described on this page, including expected weight loss percentages and side effect profiles, are based on clinical trial averages or general medical literature. Your individual experience and results may vary significantly.
Information regarding compounded GLP-1 medications (e.g., compounded semaglutide or tirzepatide) highlights that compounded drugs are not FDA-approved. This means they have not undergone the same rigorous safety, efficacy, and quality review process as brand-name products. The decision to use a compounded medication must be made in consultation with a prescribing medical provider who can assess the specific risks and benefits for your unique situation. Any decision to pursue GLP-1 therapy or use a specific type of medication must be made in collaboration with a licensed healthcare provider and pharmacy.
By accessing this information, you acknowledge and agree that TVRTW is not responsible for any adverse health outcomes or results that may arise from your reliance on the information provided herein.