Week 1: Take a Low Dose to Start
You’ll start the medication at the lowest dose. This eases your body into the medication and reduces the risk of side effects, such as nausea and constipation. You may notice a decreased appetite, feeling full faster, fewer cravings, and less food noise in the first few days or weeks, says Vinton. It’s likely too early to start noticing any weight loss.
Weeks 2–4: Gauge Side Effects
If you experience gastrointestinal side effects, such as nausea, Huang suggests giving it a week or two to see if it subsides on its own. If not, talk to your doctor to see if anti-nausea medication might be right for you as you continue to adjust to the medication.
You may also start to notice reduced cravings and an aversion to high-calorie or fried foods around this time.
Month 1: Check In
After the first 30 days, you’ll likely have a follow-up appointment with your doctor to evaluate your progress and side effects. Many people don’t see much of an impact at this point and are ready to take the next step, increasing the dose, says Huang.
A higher dose may increase the drug’s effectiveness, but it could also result in a wave of gastrointestinal side effects. Drink lots of water and eat low-calorie, nutritious foods, and the side effects should clear up in about a week, says Vinton.
Month 2: Make Adjustments, as Necessary
What happens at the two-month mark depends on the person. Some people may be doing well and losing weight at a healthy rate, so they may stay on the second dose longer — even up to six months. Others will need another dose increase to see results, says Huang.
Month 3: Check In Again
“I see my patients at least every three months, so we have a check-in point and are setting goals,” says Huang. You may stay on the same dose or increase it again.
Many people will have lost five percent or more of their body weight in the first three months, says Velamala. If you don’t, your doctor may make tweaks to your diet and exercise routine. They may also discuss other medication options with you, such as switching to an injectable GLP-1 or adding another treatment to the plan.
Months 4+: Find the Sweet Spot and Manage Things Long Term
Depending on which oral GLP-1 medication you’re taking and how quickly you’ve “leveled up,” you could be either at the maximum dose or lower. You’ll continue to check in with your doctor to find the right dose, providing a balance of gradual weight loss with manageable side effects.
GLP-1s are meant for long-term use. It’s common for people to regain weight after stopping the medication, and that rebound can come with health risks, such as heart disease and liver scarring, says Huang.
So, as long as things are going well, you’ll likely stay on the medication to help you achieve and maintain your weight loss goals. Other potential health benefits of staying on the medication long term include improved blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol, says Vinton.
Month 3: Check In Again
“I see my patients at least every three months, so we have a check-in point and are setting goals,” says Huang. You may stay on the same dose or increase it again.
Many people will have lost five percent or more of their body weight in the first three months, says Velamala. If you don’t, your doctor may make tweaks to your diet and exercise routine. They may also discuss other medication options with you, such as switching to an injectable GLP-1 or adding another treatment to the plan.
Month 3: Check In Again
“I see my patients at least every three months, so we have a check-in point and are setting goals,” says Huang. You may stay on the same dose or increase it again.
Many people will have lost five percent or more of their body weight in the first three months, says Velamala. If you don’t, your doctor may make tweaks to your diet and exercise routine. They may also discuss other medication options with you, such as switching to an injectable GLP-1 or adding another treatment to the plan.
