GLP-1 Tips &Expert Advice
Proven strategies to maximize your success on Zepbound, Mounjaro, Wegovy, or Ozempic. Learn from thousands of users and medical experts.
Injection Tips
Ice Before, Not After
Apply ice to the injection site for 30-60 seconds before injecting to numb the area. Icing after can slow absorption.
Room Temperature Medication
Let your pen sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before injecting. Cold medication stings more and can increase bruising.
Pinch and Push Technique
Pinch an inch of skin, inject at a 90-degree angle, and push steadily. Count to 10 before removing the needle to ensure full dose delivery.
Rotate Injection Sites
Use a different quadrant each week. Map your injection sites to avoid hitting the same spot within 4-6 weeks.
Avoid the Belly Button Zone
Stay at least 2 inches away from your belly button. This area has more nerve endings and is more painful.
Managing Nausea
Eat Small, Frequent Meals
Instead of 3 large meals, eat 5-6 smaller portions throughout the day. Large meals can trigger nausea on GLP-1s.
Avoid Fatty and Greasy Foods
Fatty foods slow digestion, which is already slowed by GLP-1s. This combination often causes severe nausea. Stick to lean proteins and vegetables.
Ginger Everything
Ginger tea, ginger chews, ginger ale (real ginger, not artificial), and ginger capsules can significantly reduce nausea.
Stay Upright After Eating
Don't lie down for at least 2-3 hours after eating. This helps prevent reflux and reduces nausea.
B6 Supplement
Vitamin B6 (25-50mg) can help reduce nausea. Many users report success with pregnancy nausea supplements like Unisom + B6.
Protein & Nutrition
Protein First, Always
With reduced appetite, prioritize protein at every meal. Aim for at least 0.8-1g per pound of goal body weight to preserve muscle mass.
Protein Shakes Are Your Friend
If solid food is hard to stomach, protein shakes count. Fairlife, Premier Protein, or Greek yogurt smoothies are easy options.
Track Your Minimum
Know your minimum calorie needs (BMR). Eating too little can slow your metabolism and cause extreme fatigue. Most people need at least 1200-1500 calories.
Prioritize Nutrient Density
Every calorie counts when you're eating less. Choose nutrient-dense foods: eggs, fish, chicken, vegetables, berries, nuts.
Consider a Multivitamin
With reduced food intake, you might not get all essential vitamins and minerals. A quality multivitamin can fill the gaps.
Hydration
Drink Before You're Thirsty
GLP-1s can reduce thirst cues. Set reminders to drink water throughout the day. Aim for 64-100oz daily.
Electrolytes Matter
With increased water intake and potentially fewer calories, electrolytes are crucial. LMNT, Liquid IV, or even pickle juice can help.
Water Before Meals
Drink 8-16oz of water 30 minutes before eating. This aids digestion and helps you feel more comfortable during meals.
Combat Constipation with Water
Constipation is common on GLP-1s. Adequate water intake is your first line of defense. Add fiber gradually.
Managing Side Effects
Give Each Dose 4 Weeks
Side effects typically improve by week 3-4 as medication levels stabilize. Don't rush to increase doses before your body adjusts.
Miralax for Constipation
Take 1-2 capfuls of Miralax daily in water. It's gentle and can be used long-term. Magnesium citrate at night also helps.
Famotidine for Heartburn
Pepcid (famotidine) 20mg before meals can prevent reflux and heartburn. Many doctors recommend this proactively.
Hair Loss Prevention
Hair thinning is usually from rapid weight loss and protein deficiency, not the medication itself. Ensure adequate protein, biotin, and collagen intake.
Combat Fatigue Strategically
Fatigue often indicates undereating. Track your calories and protein. If you're hitting targets, consider B12 supplementation.
Maximizing Results
Resistance Training
Lift weights 2-3x per week to preserve muscle during weight loss. You don't need to go hard - consistency beats intensity.
Walk Daily
Even a 20-30 minute walk daily makes a difference. Movement aids digestion, reduces constipation, and increases calorie burn.
Sleep is Critical
Poor sleep increases cortisol and can stall weight loss. Aim for 7-9 hours. GLP-1s work better when you're well-rested.
Don't Fear Plateaus
Plateaus lasting 2-3 weeks are normal. Your body is adjusting. Stay consistent with your habits and trust the process.
Take Progress Photos
The scale doesn't show everything. Take photos from the same angles in the same lighting every 2-4 weeks.
Medication Management
Same Day, Same Time
Inject on the same day at roughly the same time each week. This maintains steady medication levels and reduces side effect fluctuations.
Set Multiple Reminders
Use your phone, calendar, and a medication tracking app. Missing doses disrupts your medication levels and can worsen side effects when you resume.
Proper Storage
Unopened pens in the fridge. Opened pens at room temperature (or fridge, per manufacturer). Never freeze. Keep away from direct sunlight.
Travel Prepared
Use a medication cooler bag for travel. Carry your prescription and a doctor's note. Most pens are fine at room temp for several weeks.
Track Everything
Use an app like GLP Compass to log every injection, dose change, side effect, and weight measurement. Data helps you and your doctor make better decisions.
⚠️Important Safety Information
Always consult your doctor before making changes to your medication or treatment plan.
Seek medical attention immediately if you experience:
- Severe abdominal pain (could indicate pancreatitis)
- Vision changes
- Signs of allergic reaction (rash, difficulty breathing, swelling)
- Extreme or persistent vomiting
- Signs of thyroid tumors (lump in neck, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing)
These tips are based on common user experiences and medical guidelines, but everyone responds differently to GLP-1 medications. Work closely with your healthcare provider to find what works best for you.
Track Your Success
Follow these tips and track your progress with GLP Compass - the app built specifically for Zepbound, Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Ozempic users.
Download Free on App StoreAbout These GLP-1 Tips
These tips and strategies are compiled from medical research, healthcare provider recommendations, and the collective experience of thousands of GLP-1 medication users. Whether you're taking tirzepatide (Zepbound, Mounjaro) or semaglutide (Wegovy, Ozempic), these evidence-based practices can help you:
- Minimize common side effects like nausea and constipation
- Maximize weight loss while preserving muscle mass
- Improve your injection technique and reduce discomfort
- Stay consistent with your medication schedule
- Track your progress effectively
Remember that everyone's experience with GLP-1 medications is unique. What works for one person may not work for another. Use these tips as a starting point and adjust based on your individual response and your doctor's guidance.
For comprehensive tracking of your GLP-1 journey, download GLP Compass - the only app with advanced medication level calculations, shot tracking, side effect monitoring, and progress analytics specifically designed for weight loss medications.