The GLP-1 Starter Guide

The four medications, in plain language

GLP-1 receptor agonists mimic a gut hormone released after you eat. They slow stomach emptying and reduce appetite signals in the brain — so you feel full sooner and longer.

Semaglutide is sold as Ozempic (diabetes) and Wegovy (weight). Tirzepatide — a dual GLP-1/GIP agonist — is sold as Mounjaro (diabetes) and Zepbound (weight). Compounded versions of semaglutide and tirzepatide are also offered by many telehealth providers.

What the first 90 days actually look like

Weeks 1–4: doses start low and side effects (nausea, fatigue) peak. Weight change is minimal. Most people who quit, quit here — before the medication is doing much.

Weeks 5–12: side effects usually settle, appetite suppression becomes noticeable, and average loss in this window is roughly 5–8% of body weight.

Months 3–6: the compounding effect shows. Average total loss by month 6 is about 10–12% on semaglutide and 15–18% on tirzepatide in clinical trials.

Side effects and how people handle them

The common ones are gastrointestinal: nausea, constipation, reflux. They are usually worst right after a dose increase and improve with smaller, slower meals and adequate hydration.

Rare but serious risks (pancreatitis, gallbladder issues, thyroid considerations) are why a licensed provider — not a website — decides whether these medications are appropriate for you.

Cost, with and without insurance

Brand-name Wegovy/Zepbound can run $900–$1,300/month without coverage. Insurance coverage for weight management varies widely — call your pharmacy benefits line and ask specifically about prior authorization.

Cash-pay telehealth using compounded GLP-1 is often the most accessible route, commonly $129–$196/month. Medicare does not cover GLP-1 for weight loss (only for diabetes).

How to talk to a provider

Bring your numbers (BMI, any conditions) and your full medication list. Ask: what is the compounding pharmacy source, what happens if I react badly, how is dosing adjusted, and what is the cancellation policy.

The medications work best alongside real lifestyle change — protein, movement, and sleep — not instead of it. That part is where day-to-day coaching matters most.