Losing weight on your own can be an impossible task, and many people who are combating obesity are unsuccessful at their attempts at weight loss. Achieving sustainable weight loss usually requires some type of medical intervention, and fortunately today there are injectable prescription medications (GLP-1) that can help your metabolism run more efficiently so you can successfully lose weight.
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What Is GLP‑1 Medication, and How Does It Work?
GLP‑1 receptor agonists are medicines like semaglutide (known by brand names Ozempic and Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro and Zepbound) that work with your own hormones. These medications copy natural hormones made by your body that help control your blood sugar, slow down how fast your stomach empties, and make you feel full sooner, so you eat less.
Semaglutide and tirzepatide are most often administered through subcutaneous injections that are given once a week, but semaglutide is also available in oral form.
The GLP-1 dosage for weight loss is different for each medication and is administered using a titration schedule to allow your body to adjust without experiencing severe side effects.
GLP-1 Dosage For Weight Loss
When you first begin using GLP-1 medications, you always start on the lowest dose and gradually work your way up so the common side effects of nausea, vomiting, and other GI issues are kept to a minimum while your body gets used to the medication.
The above GLP-1 dosing chart is just a suggested outline for the typical patient, but your doctor will help guide your dose, so it works best for your needs and circumstances. Not everyone will need to escalate their dose to the highest level, but just high enough to find the dose that is effective for them. Some will begin to lose weight on the lowest dose and some will need the medication to be a bit stronger to promote weight loss.
How Fast Do People Lose Weight On GLP-1 Medications?
GLP-1 medications begin to work behind the scenes right away, optimizing your metabolism and working to reprogram the signals that are sent to and from your brain.
Within the first 7 days, many people notice their hunger is significantly reduced and they are experiencing fewer cravings, so they naturally eat less. Most people begin to see noticeable weight loss between 4 and 6 weeks after starting GLP-1 injections.
By the third or fourth month, many people see steady and meaningful weight loss of about 1 to 2 pounds per week. In clinical studies, tirzepatide users lost 15–21% of their starting body weight over around 72 weeks and semaglutide users typically lost 15% over 68 weeks.
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What Is Micro‑Dosing?
Micro‑dosing means using much lower doses than the standard amounts listed in the above chart and is often used to reduce side effects, lower costs, or keep some of the benefits the medication provides to help maintain a healthy weight.
What Is Considered A Microdose Of GLP-1?
- For semaglutide, micro‑doses start around 0.1–0.25 mg a week.
- For tirzepatide, micro‑doses might begin at 0.25–2 mg a week.
Some people may also space their doses further apart after reaching a certain level just to help them control their appetite and maintain their results. Microdosing tirzepatide and semaglutide might slow side effects, but they might also slow or limit weight loss.
How Can I Learn More About GLP-1 Drugs?
Dr. Steven Batash is an expert in obesity medicine, and he and his team at Batash Endoscopic Weight Loss Center will guide you every step on your weight loss journey. They will provide you with the knowledge and tools you need to successfully lose weight and improve your health.
After learning more about your health and weight loss history, they will work with you to create a personalized plan to help you reach your goals.
Batash Endoscopic Weight Loss Center offers a variety of non-surgical weight loss options, including GLP-1 medications like Wegovy and Zepbound. They will help you find the solution or the combination of strategies that will work best for you to help you reduce your BMI and improve your health. Set up your consultation today to get started on your journey to better health. You have nothing to lose but excess pounds!
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