Starting a weight management medication is often a very personal decision inspired by months or years of trying other ways to achieve your health goals. While various drugs are available to support your weight loss goals, it’s vital to take your time to educate yourself and set correct expectations to avoid feeling discouraged.
Know Your Body Takes Time To Adjust To The Medication
One of the most important things to understand is that your body will take time to adjust to any new weight loss drug. During this time, you may notice certain “changes” happening in your body.
For instance, when your doctor recommends GLP-1 agonists, like semaglutide or tirzepatide, be prepared to notice dramatic shifts in your appetite, especially during the first week of treatment. That’s mainly because this group of drugs works by limiting certain naturally-occurring hormones in your body to control appetite and blood sugar. But still, what to expect on tirzepatide or similar GLP-1 drugs may change from person to person, but ultimately, they will change your appetite and digestion.
While your body is still adjusting to the new drug, you may experience gastrointestinal side effects, especially nausea, which is usually the first to come. Then, you may notice other issues like constipation, diarrhea, and sometimes vomiting. However, these issues resolve when your body gets used to the new drug.
Set A Realistic Timeline
You need to understand that no weight loss drug works like a magic pill and takes time to show any changes. For instance, most drugs only lead to subtle changes in your appetite during the first week or two. Don’t expect any noticeable reduction in your body size just yet.
Your body will adjust to the new drug over the next few weeks and your hunger patterns will become more stable. By week two to four, you may lose some weight, usually around two to five pounds, but it may vary from person to person. Eventually, you may lose 5% to 10% percent of your body weight per month in one to three months, especially with GLP-1 drugs.
Work Under The Supervision Of A Medical Expert
Another thing to know about weight management drugs is that they all require ongoing medical supervision, and that’s especially true for GLP-1 drugs. You must also see your doctor to confirm the right dose or if you need to change anything down the road. It’s vital to educate yourself about different situations, like what to do if you skip doses? Only an expert can help you in this regard, as your action can disrupt the whole treatment process.
You also need to inform your healthcare provider about other drugs you’re taking, or any existing medical conditions, like diabetes or renal issues. Keep in mind that some drugs aren’t safe for people with pre-existing conditions, which is why careful monitoring is so important.
Final Thoughts
Starting weight management therapy and adding a new drug to your routine are big steps toward achieving your health goals. While it may feel tempting to try a new drug, be sure to talk to your doctor to know how it will work in your situation and what side effects to expect early on. Doing this ensures you approach treatment with the right mindset and get the results you desire.
