How GLP-1 medications work
GLP-1 is a hormone your gut releases after a meal. It tells your brain you are full, slows the stomach so food stays longer, and steadies blood sugar. Semaglutide copies that signal for a full week per dose. Tirzepatide adds a second hormone signal (GIP), which is why it tends to produce more weight loss.
What the trials showed
In the semaglutide STEP 1 trial, adults without diabetes lost about 15% of body weight over 68 weeks, compared with about 2% on placebo. In the tirzepatide SURMOUNT-1 trial, the highest dose produced about 21% loss over 72 weeks. Real-world results are usually a little lower because of dose and consistency, but 10% to 15% in a year is common.
Why the dose goes up slowly
Everyone starts low and steps up every four weeks. This is what keeps nausea mild. Rushing the dose is the most common reason people quit; our provider adjusts your schedule to how you feel, not a fixed calendar.
Food noise
Most people notice within two weeks that constant thoughts about food quiet down. That is the medication working on appetite signals in the brain, and it is why portion control becomes easy instead of a fight.
What the medication does not do
It does not build muscle or fix sleep. That is why every program includes a protein target, a movement plan and a sleep check, and why we offer labs to track muscle, iron and vitamin levels along the way.
Side effects, honestly
Nausea, constipation and tiredness in the first weeks are common and usually pass. Serious problems are rare but real; our provider screens for thyroid cancer history, pancreatitis and pregnancy before prescribing, and you can message the care team any time.
Maintenance
Weight comes back if the medication is stopped suddenly. Our Maintenance Program tapers the dose and holds the habits so the result lasts. See the Maintenance Program page.
All treatments are medical services provided only under the clearance, prescription or standing protocol of a licensed medical provider. Nothing on this page is a diagnosis or a promise of results.