Before You Start GLP-1 Weight Loss:
A Patient's Checklist
Everything you need to know before your first injection. Preparation is key to a safe, successful weight loss journey.
Your Pre-Treatment Checklist
Complete these 8 steps before your first GLP-1 injection for the safest and most effective results
Get a Comprehensive Health Assessment
Schedule a full medical evaluation including BMI calculation, blood pressure, and review of your health history. Your provider needs a complete picture of your health before prescribing GLP-1 medications. This includes any history of thyroid issues, pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, or eating disorders.
Tip: Bring records from your primary care physician if you have recent lab work or a medical history summary.
Review Your Medications
GLP-1 medications can interact with certain drugs, especially insulin, sulfonylureas, and oral contraceptives. Make a complete list of everything you take including prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, and supplements. Your provider will check for interactions and may adjust dosages.
Tip: Use your phone to photograph all medication bottles so you have the exact names and dosages.
Set Realistic Weight Loss Expectations
Clinical trials show average weight loss of 15% with semaglutide and 20% with tirzepatide over 12-18 months. That means a 200-pound person might lose 30-40 lbs. Results vary individually. The first month focuses on tolerability with minimal weight loss (3-5 lbs). Significant results take 3-6 months.
Tip: Focus on health markers (blood sugar, energy, mobility) rather than just the scale.
Understand the Commitment
GLP-1 weight loss is not a quick fix. Plan for 12-18 months of active treatment, followed by a maintenance phase. You will need regular follow-up visits (typically monthly), ongoing medication, and sustained lifestyle changes. Stopping medication abruptly often leads to weight regain.
Tip: Think of this as a medical treatment program, not a one-time procedure.
Budget for the Full Program
Compounded semaglutide runs $150-$500/month and compounded tirzepatide $250-$600/month at med spas. Over 12 months, expect to invest $2,000-$7,000 total. Some programs include consultations and labs in the monthly fee, while others charge separately. Ask for a complete cost breakdown upfront.
Tip: Ask about package deals, payment plans, and whether HSA/FSA cards are accepted.
Choose the Right Provider
Look for a med spa with a licensed medical director (MD, DO, NP, or PA), transparent pricing, positive patient reviews, and a structured follow-up protocol. The provider should require lab work, perform an in-person or thorough telehealth evaluation, and have a clear plan for dose adjustments and monitoring.
Tip: Ask who prescribes the medication and what their credentials are. A good provider will happily share this.
Prepare Your Diet
Start shifting your eating habits before your first injection. Increase protein intake to 80-100g per day to preserve muscle mass during weight loss. Reduce processed sugars and refined carbs. Eat smaller, more frequent meals. This preparation helps minimize GI side effects and sets you up for better results.
Tip: Stock your kitchen with lean proteins, vegetables, and low-sugar snacks before your start date.
Know What to Expect at Your First Visit
Your first appointment typically lasts 30-60 minutes. It includes a health history review, vital signs, body composition assessment, discussion of medication options, and potentially your first injection. You will learn self-injection technique and receive instructions for managing side effects.
Tip: Wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access to your abdomen or thigh for the injection.
10 Questions to Ask Your Provider
Bring this list to your consultation. A good provider will answer all of these openly.
What are your credentials and medical licensing? Who is the medical director?
Which compounding pharmacy do you source from? Is it 503B registered?
What lab work do you require before prescribing, and is it included in the cost?
How often will I have follow-up appointments, and what do they include?
What is your protocol for managing side effects or adverse reactions?
Do you offer both semaglutide and tirzepatide? How do you decide which to recommend?
What is the total monthly cost, and what exactly is included?
What is your plan if I plateau or stop losing weight?
Do you have a maintenance or off-ramp protocol for when I reach my goal?
Can I see before-and-after results from your actual patients (with consent)?
Red Flags to Watch For
5 warning signs of a GLP-1 provider you should avoid
No Medical Director or Licensed Prescriber
Any clinic prescribing GLP-1 medications must have a licensed physician, NP, or PA overseeing treatment. If they cannot tell you who the prescribing provider is, or if non-medical staff are managing your care without oversight, walk away.
No Lab Work Required
Reputable providers always require baseline labs before prescribing GLP-1 medications. Labs help identify contraindications (thyroid issues, pancreatitis risk) and establish a health baseline. Any provider willing to prescribe without labs is cutting dangerous corners.
Unrealistic Promises
Claims like "lose 50 pounds in 2 months" or "guaranteed results" are red flags. Clinical data shows average results of 15-20% body weight loss over 12-18 months. While some patients exceed this, no legitimate provider can guarantee specific outcomes.
No Follow-Up Plan
GLP-1 treatment requires regular monitoring and dose adjustments. If a provider prescribes medication with no scheduled follow-ups, no plan for titration, and no protocol for managing side effects, they are not providing adequate medical oversight.
Unregulated or Unknown Compounding Source
Ask where the medication is compounded. Reputable providers source from FDA-registered 503B outsourcing facilities. If they cannot or will not tell you the pharmacy name, or if they are mixing medications in-house without proper licensing, the safety and quality of the medication is questionable.
What to Expect at Your First Visit
A step-by-step walkthrough of a typical first GLP-1 consultation at a med spa
Check-in and Paperwork
10 minutesComplete health history forms, list current medications, and sign consent documents. Some clinics send these digitally before your appointment.
Vital Signs and Body Composition
10 minutesWeight, height, blood pressure, heart rate, and often a body composition scan (InBody or similar) to establish your baseline measurements.
Provider Consultation
15-20 minutesA licensed prescriber reviews your health history, discusses your goals, explains medication options (semaglutide vs tirzepatide), and reviews lab results. This is your chance to ask questions.
Treatment Plan and Prescription
5-10 minutesYour provider creates a personalized plan including medication choice, starting dose, titration schedule, and follow-up timeline. They will explain what to expect in the first 4 weeks.
First Injection and Training
10 minutesMany clinics administer your first dose on-site. A nurse or provider teaches you self-injection technique for future weekly doses. You will practice on yourself with guidance.
Discharge and Next Steps
5 minutesYou receive written instructions for managing side effects, dietary guidelines, and your follow-up appointment date (typically 2-4 weeks out). Most clinics provide a direct contact for questions between visits.
Total First Visit Duration
45-60 minutes
Some clinics offer expedited visits if you complete paperwork and labs in advance
Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly can I start GLP-1 treatment after my first visit?
Most patients can receive their first injection on the same day as their consultation, provided lab results are available. Some providers run rapid in-office labs and can prescribe immediately. Others require a separate lab visit first, which means you may start treatment within 3-7 days of your initial appointment.
Do I need to fast before my consultation?
If your provider is drawing blood for lab work at your consultation, you may need to fast for 8-12 hours beforehand (especially for glucose and lipid panels). Ask when you schedule your appointment. If labs are done separately or were done recently, fasting is typically not required for the consultation itself.
Can I start GLP-1 medication if I take other prescriptions?
Most patients on other medications can safely take GLP-1 medications, but there are important interactions to discuss. GLP-1s can affect absorption of oral medications due to slowed gastric emptying. Insulin and sulfonylureas may need dose adjustments to prevent low blood sugar. Always bring a complete medication list to your consultation.
What if I have a needle phobia?
GLP-1 injections use very small needles (similar to insulin pens) and most patients report minimal discomfort. Many med spas will administer your first injection so you can learn proper technique with guidance. Some providers also offer numbing cream for injection sites. The injection takes only a few seconds.
Should I change my diet before starting?
While not strictly required, starting dietary changes 1-2 weeks before treatment can improve your early experience. Focus on increasing protein intake (aim for 80-100g daily), reducing processed sugars, and eating smaller meals. This helps your body adjust and may reduce GI side effects when you begin medication.
Ready to Take the First Step?
Find a verified GLP-1 provider near you. Every listing on Medical Spa Locator features licensed medical professionals with proper oversight and protocols.
Find GLP-1 Providers Near YouOr go back to the GLP-1 Weight Loss Guide