Tirzepatide-based therapy may be used in clinician-guided programs for chronic weight management in appropriate patients, alongside nutrition and physical activity changes.
A clinician must screen for contraindications and risk factors. Patients should disclose current medications, past adverse reactions, pregnancy status, and relevant family history.
Patients must know what symptoms require immediate medical attention (severe or persistent vomiting, dehydration signs, severe abdominal pain, allergic reactions), and how to reach your clinical support.
If compounded: state clearly that compounded drugs are not FDA-approved and are not evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or quality prior to marketing.
If medication is provided in a vial, dosing errors are a known risk when patients measure doses themselves. Provide a step-by-step injection basics guide, measurement safety reminders, and “contact your clinician if unsure” instructions.
If you’re not losing weight on semaglutide, the situation is usually solvable—but it requires a structured review rather than guesswork. Weight loss can stall for reasons that have nothing to do with “willpower.”
If you’re stalled, a clinician can evaluate whether the plan needs adjustment and screen for issues that require medical attention. Avoid self-adjusting dosing.
When appetite is lower, your grocery strategy matters. A GLP-1-friendly nutrition plan isn’t about perfection—it’s about making it easier to meet protein, fiber, and hydration goals consistently.
Choose a few reliable protein anchors (e.g., yogurt, eggs, lean meats, tofu, beans) and fiber anchors (berries, vegetables, oats, legumes). If meals are smaller, protein and fiber help you stay satisfied and support body composition.
Many stores place whole foods around the outer aisles: produce, proteins, dairy, and frozen basics. Start there and treat packaged snacks as “optional extras,” not the foundation.
Complex cooking can backfire when appetite is low. Aim for repeatable meals: protein + vegetable + a fiber-rich carbohydrate in a portion that feels comfortable.
Dehydration can feel like fatigue or nausea. Keep low-sugar hydration options available (water, sparkling water, broths). If your clinician recommends electrolytes, keep them on hand—especially during the adjustment period.
Some people find heavy, greasy, or very sugary meals worsen nausea or reflux when digestion is slower. If you notice patterns, reduce those foods and focus on gentler options (soups, cooked vegetables, lean protein, simple carbs).
Wondering whether you qualify for a GLP-1 medication? The goal of eligibility screening is to confirm that treatment is medically appropriate, safe, and sustainable for your health profile.
While only a licensed clinician can determine eligibility, most evaluations consider:
Many programs use BMI plus clinical context. Some individuals qualify based on weight thresholds alone; others qualify based on weight plus weight-related conditions. Your clinician should also consider weight history and prior lifestyle interventions.
Your current prescriptions and supplements matter, especially if you take medications that affect blood sugar or appetite.
GLP-1 therapy is most effective with nutrition, movement, and follow-up. A responsible provider sets expectations about timelines, side effects, and what happens if you stop treatment.
Not everyone is a candidate. A proper review screens for conditions where GLP-1 therapy may be inappropriate or require special caution, along with pregnancy status and relevant family history.
Have your height, weight, medication list, and any recent labs available. Write down your goals and constraints (budget, travel schedule, injection comfort).
If you’re told you do not qualify, your next step should still be constructive: alternatives, lifestyle support, or in-person medical referral when needed. Eligibility is not about “selling a product.” It’s about matching the right care to the right patient.
