8-item list

8 things to do before your first GLP-1 injection

The most common reason patients drop GLP-1 medications in the first month is unprepared GI distress. A small amount of prep — stocking the pantry, calibrating expectations, scheduling the right week — substantially raises the odds of staying on the medication long enough to see results.

1. 1

   Stock easy-on-the-stomach foods

   Greek yogurt, eggs, bone broth, plain rice, bananas, applesauce, ginger tea. Prep for nausea in the first 2-4 weeks.

2. 2

   Buy a hydration tracking bottle

   GLP-1s blunt thirst signals. Aim for 0.5-0.7 oz/lb body weight daily. A marked bottle removes the guesswork.

3. 3

   Get an electrolyte mix

   LMNT, Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier, or a homemade mix. Sodium + potassium prevents the "GLP-1 lightheadedness" common in weeks 4-12.

4. 4

   Pre-fill your protein plan

   Aim for 0.7-1.0 g/lb body weight daily. Stock protein shakes, jerky, edamame for low-appetite days. Use the macros calculator.

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5. 5

   Schedule injection day to avoid major events

   Side effects peak 24-72 hrs after the first few injections. Inject on a Friday if your weekends are quieter; avoid travel.

6. 6

   Read the FDA prescribing information for your drug

   Wegovy, Zepbound, Ozempic, Mounjaro PIs are on accessdata.fda.gov. Especially: contraindications, warnings, and the titration schedule.

7. 7

   Take a starting photo and measurements

   Scale fluctuates daily. Measurements and photos tell the actual story over 8-12 weeks.

8. 8

   Save your provider's message-the-clinician contact

   You'll want quick access during week 1 nausea or to request a dose-pause. Top-rated providers respond within 4 hours.

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