Alongside the medication, you get telehealth consultations and educational resources
Judelson DA, Preston AG, Miller DL, Muoz CX, Kellogg MD, Lieberman HR (2013) Effects of theobromine and caffeine on mood and vigilance
Waiting for full approval and established prescribing guidelines is the prudent path
FDA-approved medications undergo years of clinical trials before they ever reach a patient

Step 4: Schedule Your Consultation Depending on the provider, youll either: Have a live video consultation Complete an asynchronous evaluation (provider reviews and responds) Schedule a phone appointment What to Prepare: List of current medications and supplements Recent blood work results (if available) Questions about side effects, dosing, and expectations Information about any relevant medical conditions Step 5: Get Your Prescription If your provider determines GLP-1s are appropriate, theyll send a prescription to: A partner pharmacy (for compounded medications) Your local pharmacy (for brand-name medications) A mail-order pharmacy (for home delivery) Typical Timeline: Compounded medications: 3-7 days for delivery Brand-name medications: 1-3 days at local pharmacy (if in stock and insurance approves) Step 6: Start Treatment Your provider will typically start you on the lowest dose to minimize side effects: Semaglutide Starting Dose: 0.25 mg weekly for 4 weeks, then increase gradually Tirzepatide Starting Dose: 2.5 mg weekly for 4 weeks, then increase gradually What to Expect: Week 1-4: Side effects most common (usually mild nausea) Week 4-8: Appetite reduction becomes noticeable Week 8-12: Weight loss typically becomes visible (5-10 pounds) Month 3+: Continued steady weight loss (1-2 pounds per week) Step 7: Attend Follow-Up Appointments Regular check-ins allow your provider to: Monitor side effects Adjust dosage as needed Track weight loss progress Modify treatment plan if necessary Most programs schedule monthly follow-ups, though some offer more frequent support
