GLP-1 Starter Guide: Your First Month Under $150

If you're considering GLP-1 medication for weight loss, the number of options is overwhelming. This guide cuts through the noise: here's exactly what to do, what to expect, and how to start for under $150/month.

Am I eligible?

GLP-1 medications for weight loss are typically prescribed for adults with a BMI of 30 or greater (obesity), or a BMI of 27 or greater with at least one weight-related health condition such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol. A licensed clinician will determine your eligibility during the telehealth consultation.

Choosing your medication

Semaglutide (the active ingredient in Ozempic/Wegovy) is the standard starting point. It's the most studied GLP-1 for weight loss, with clinical trials showing average weight loss of about 15% of body weight. It's also the cheapest compounded option.

Tirzepatide (the active ingredient in Mounjaro/Zepbound) targets two receptors instead of one and produces about 22.5% average weight loss in trials. It costs more but may be worth considering if semaglutide doesn't produce adequate results.

Our recommendation: Start with compounded semaglutide for your first 3–6 months. It's cheaper and gives you a baseline for how your body responds to GLP-1 therapy.

3 providers under $150/month

What to expect in month one

Week 1: You'll start at the lowest dose (typically 0.25mg semaglutide). Most patients notice reduced appetite within the first few days. Common side effects include mild nausea, which typically improves as your body adjusts.

Week 2–3: Side effects usually diminish. You may start noticing reduced cravings and smaller portions feeling more satisfying. Weight loss is typically minimal in the first month — 2–5 pounds is normal.

Week 4: Most providers will have you continue at the starting dose for at least 4 weeks before considering a dose increase. Your clinician will check in via telehealth.

Side effects to know about

The most common side effects are gastrointestinal: nausea (reported by about 44% of patients in clinical trials, usually mild and temporary), diarrhea, constipation, and stomach pain. These are typically worst in the first 2–4 weeks and improve as your body adapts.

Serious side effects are rare but include pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, and allergic reactions. GLP-1 medications carry a boxed warning about thyroid C-cell tumors based on animal studies — patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma should not use these medications.

Tips for your first month

Eat smaller meals. Your appetite will decrease, but eating too much when you're not hungry is the top cause of nausea. Stay hydrated. GLP-1s can slow gastric emptying, making dehydration more likely. Avoid high-fat, greasy food for the first few weeks. Exercise normally — GLP-1s don't require dietary changes to work, but healthy habits improve results significantly.

⚕️ FDA Notice: Compounded medications are not FDA-approved. They are prepared by licensed compounding pharmacies using FDA-approved active ingredients but are not individually reviewed by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or quality. Always consult a licensed clinician before starting any GLP-1 therapy.