I'm a Weight Loss NP and Here Are 4 Things Patients Don't Expect When Starting GLP-1s

It can be quite intimidating—and confusing—to plan a weight-loss journey. Where does one begin? The first step is to educate yourself, and consulting with a healthcare professional can help set you up for success.  Not only can they plan a course that's realistic, but one that's sustainable—after all, there's much more involved in losing weight than simply cutting calories. And if you're considering a course of GLP-1 meds such as Wegovy or Ozempic, it's essential to learn every aspect involved with that particular medication.

"Knowing what potential side effects and risks are, and how to deal with them, including how to contact their provider, gives patients a lot of reassurance and limits treatment anxiety," says Katie Sorensen, Nurse Practitioner, Weight Loss NP, LLC. "Having full confidence in your treatment plan and in the support of your provider is essential in having a smooth weight loss and GLP-1 journey."

To help simplify the process, we asked Sorensen to share four things patients may not expect when starting GLP-1s—points she makes a top priority to stress.

1. Learn Everything You Can Expect From Your Weight-Loss Journey Beforehand

Your first step is to educate yourself and seek the right support in your GLP-1 journey. Not only will being prepared maximize your success, it will also eliminate surprises, securing a better chance you'll stay with your treatment plan.

"Patient education is so important, so people know what to expect and can make informed decisions on their treatment plan," Sorensen tells us.  "Before a patient starts GLP-1 medication, we go over benefits, risks, potential side effects, as well as expectations for lifestyle modifications to support their GLP-1 journey."

Let's delve into the steps that will help make your weight-loss experience as easy as possible with Sorensen's tips.

2. Drink Water—and Plenty of It

Sorensen warns of GI side effects that can be expected with the medications, including constipation, nausea, and heartburn—to name a few. Although typically sporadic and mild, taking certain steps can help alleviate these symptoms, and staying ultra-hydrated is a big one.

"Our practice strongly recommends people stay very hydrated—pushing their water intake up to a nonnegotiable 64 oz + plus per day, but then working their way up to 80 to 100 oz/day," Sorensen notes.

3. Keep Your Meals Small and Clean

It's really important to eat smaller, cleaner meals, which means being selective with your choices.

"Keep meals smaller and cleaner; avoid meals that are greasy, heavy, or carb-heavy. We notice a clear uptick in side effects if people have meals like the ones just described," Sorensen says.

4. Always Be Mindful of Your Body's Signals When Eating

It's essential to be mindful when feeling full—and hungry. Sorensen warns if you eat after feeling full when on a GLP-1 course, you can count on paying a hefty price.

"One of the first effects of the medication people will notice is that they're getting full faster. I tell people to expect to feel full faster and to listen and abide by that feeling, even if it means they are wasting food," Sorensen stresses.

If you're curious to learn what else GLP-1s can do, check out 5 Surprising Health Benefits of GLP-1 Drugs That Have Nothing to Do With Weight Loss.