Health Library
Straight answers about weight loss medication
Articles on GLP-1 medication, metabolic health and weight management, written for adults considering treatment in the United States.
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Semaglutide vs. tirzepatide: how the two differ
Both are weekly prescription injectables for weight management, but they act on different receptors and differ in dosing, side effects and trial results.
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What compounded semaglutide is — and what it is not
Compounded medication is prepared by a licensed pharmacy against an individual prescription. What that means, how it differs from FDA-approved drugs.
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GLP-1 side effects: what to expect and when to call
Most GLP-1 side effects are digestive, arrive early and ease with time. Here is what is typical, what is not, and which symptoms need a provider now.
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What GLP-1 weight loss treatment actually costs
Branded, compounded, with insurance or without — the price ranges differ enormously. Here is how the routes compare and what drives the gap.
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Your first month on a GLP-1, week by week
What the starting dose feels like, when appetite changes, and why the scale in week one tells you very little. A realistic timeline.
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What happens when you stop taking a GLP-1
Appetite returns and most people regain weight after stopping. Here is what the trial follow-ups show and how to think about it before you start.
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Protecting muscle while losing weight on a GLP-1
A share of weight lost on GLP-1 treatment is lean mass. Protein intake and resistance training are what the evidence points to for limiting that.
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Who qualifies for GLP-1 weight loss treatment
Eligibility rests on BMI thresholds, medical history and a provider's judgement. Here is what is assessed and what rules people out.