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By: The Hidden Epidemic of Sexual Health and What We Can Do
Tempe 480.968.5673
Glendale 602.374.3374
Phoenix 602.441.3305
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Tempe 480.968.5673
Glendale 602.374.3374
Phoenix 602.441.3305
Chandler480.447.1165
Troubleshooting Your Weight Loss Journey By: Not losing weight on GLP-1? Weight loss injections provide a revolutionary means of treating obesity. However, they aren’t for everyone. We mostly hear success stories, but let’s dive into why your weekly injections might not be working. Most importantly, what to do if the
Not losing weight on GLP-1? Weight loss injections provide a revolutionary means of treating obesity. However, they aren’t for everyone. We mostly hear success stories, but let’s dive into why your weekly injections might not be working. Most importantly, what to do if the number on the scale isn’t going down.
At Valley Medical Weight Loss across all four Phoenix metro locations, we’ve helped thousands of individuals achieve success with GLP-1 medications. When results aren’t meeting expectations, we know exactly what questions to ask and how to optimize your treatment plan.
A common misconception is that all you must do is take your weekly injection. However, GLP-1 is not designed to eliminate exercise or dietary changes. It’s designed to aid those who don’t lose weight when they make healthy lifestyle changes. Those who combine their weekly weight loss injections with healthy lifestyle changes can accelerate their results.
In fact, strength training is essential to ensure you look and feel your best while taking GLP-1. Any time you lose weight rapidly, you lose muscle mass too. In fact, two-thirds of your weight loss is body fat, and one-third is muscle mass. So, it’s not just about the number on the scale!
Strategies to minimize muscle loss on GLP-1:
Our protein supplements, like Skip-A-Meal, can help you meet your protein goals while managing reduced appetite.
As an added bonus, strength training minimizes the sagging skin that can come with rapid weight loss. Strength training may not be enough, though. Not to worry, as Valley Medical Weight Loss and Med Spa offers a range of minimally invasive aesthetic treatments to tighten your skin from head to toe. Some even accelerate fat loss!
Skin tightening options during GLP-1 weight loss:
Learn more about preventing sagging skin during weight loss.
GLP-1 can aid you in losing between 15 to 20 percent of your body weight! While impressive, results aren’t delivered overnight. The higher your BMI, the greater the percentage of weight you’re likely to lose.
Realistic expectations:
If your BMI is over 27, you may be a candidate for weekly weight loss injections. Since results take time, it’s not a quick fix to lose a few pounds.
Who is a good candidate:
Now let’s dive into the top 6 reasons you’re not losing weight on GLP-1.
While highly effective, weekly weight loss injections take time to deliver results. This is because GLP-1 has a tiered dosage. This means that you start out with 0.25 mg for at least the first 4 weeks. Then you go up 0.25 mg per week every 4 weeks or so until you reach a maximum of 2.4 mg per week.
Tiered dosage minimizes the side effects of nausea by giving your body time to adjust to your new prescription.
If you’re in your first 4 to 8 weeks, you might not experience any weight loss. Some patients experience weight loss in the first few weeks, but it’s not uncommon for progress to be delayed. For maximum results, you’ll need to take it for about 60 to 70 weeks which is between 13 and 16 months.
Typical GLP-1 timeline:
Weeks 1-4 (0.25 mg):
Weeks 5-8 (0.5 mg):
Weeks 9-12 (1.0 mg):
Weeks 13-16 (1.5-1.7 mg):
Weeks 17+ (2.0-2.4 mg):
Through experience at Valley Medical Weight Loss, we’ve observed that patience during the initial titration phase is crucial for long-term success.
Weight loss injections are weekly injections. These GLP-1 receptors gradually fade from your bloodstream. They have a half-life of about 7 days, which is why you need to commit to taking it on the same day each week.
We understand that things come up. If you’re sick, heading on vacation, or have a week when your usual day doesn’t work, we’ll advise you on how to adjust your injection day. This might be 1 or 2 days early, or up to 5 days late.
However, if you’re not losing weight on GLP-1, it may be because you can’t commit to a consistent schedule.
Why consistency matters:
Tips for staying consistent:
What to do if you miss a dose:
Unfortunately, many patients are getting their weight loss medications online from unidentified sources. If it’s not prescribed by a medical professional, you can’t be sure what you’re taking. It might not contain the active ingredients to deliver results and could contain unidentified ingredients.
For many, cost savings are a primary driver in taking weight loss medications without medical supervision. Most GLP-1 medications aren’t covered by insurance, leaving the out-of-pocket expense at up to $1,400 per month. This isn’t sustainable for most. We understand, which is why we are proud to offer our GLP-1 at a rate that may fit more comfortably in your budget.
Our current GLP-1 rates:
*Prices vary by location and dosage. Contact your nearest location for current pricing.
Available GLP-1 options:
In addition to ensuring you know what you’re taking, Valley Medical Weight Loss and Med Spa ensures you’re an ideal candidate for your prescription. GLP-1 medications aren’t the right fit for everyone. We also provide tailored medical advice, talking you through how to manage and minimize potential side effects, and what supportive lifestyle changes to implement.
Benefits of medical supervision:
If a weekly injection is not the right fit, we’ll discuss our other medically guided and nonsurgical weight loss solutions, like our Weekly Weight Loss Program or Premier Weight Loss Program.
Plateaus are to be expected! So, if you’re not losing weight on GLP-1 like you once were, we know what questions to ask to reignite your results.
Your body is intelligent and adjusts your metabolism to your standard daily caloric intake and calories burned. So, it’s not as simple as eating or burning a set number of calories per day. Also, when it comes to physical activity, it’s good to mix things up. Your muscles adjust to the challenge they know, which can lead to a strength-building and fat-burning plateau.
Navigating a plateau is yet another reason to obtain your prescription under medical supervision.
Common plateau-breaking strategies:
Dietary adjustments:
Exercise modifications:
Medication adjustments:
Lifestyle factors:
Through work at Valley Medical Weight Loss, we’ve helped countless individuals break through plateaus by identifying the specific factors holding them back.
If stress is high, you aren’t prioritizing sleep, aren’t staying physically active, or haven’t made the appropriate dietary changes you won’t achieve maximum results.
Many of our patients feel fuller faster and have fewer hunger pangs and cravings while taking GLP-1. As such, they naturally reduce their caloric intake. However, this isn’t always enough. The quality of your food needs to improve, too.
Nutrition priorities:
Focus on protein:
Prioritize whole foods:
Stay hydrated:
Eat mindfully:
Physical activity:
Sleep and stress:
Valley Medical Weight Loss and Med Spa provides general exercise, dietary, and lifestyle suggestions for all patients we prescribe GLP-1. For those who want to personalize their weight loss journey and accelerate results, we suggest combining your weekly injection with one of our Weight Loss Programs. These programs are based on scientifically proven principles and can deliver an additional 2 to 5 pounds of weight loss per week!
Program options:
If you’re not losing weight on GLP-1, it may not be right for you. Approximately 10 to 15 percent of patients are nonresponsive to GLP-1. This might mean that you lose weight, but less than 5% of your starting weight.
This could be because you are on a medication or have one or more medical conditions that make it more difficult for your body to respond positively. The reason could also be unidentified. You may also be someone for whom the side effects (typically nausea) are so severe that you just don’t feel good taking it.
Whatever the reasons may be, we’ll advise you on your options.
Factors affecting GLP-1 response:
Alternative options if GLP-1 doesn’t work:
If you were prescribed your GLP-1 elsewhere, but it’s not working, we invite you to schedule an appointment with Valley Medical Weight Loss and Med Spa. We understand what questions to ask to determine if it’s not the right fit for you. While it’s safe and effective for most, there may be a better option.
Not to worry, as this weekly injection isn’t your only non-surgical medically assisted weight loss option! This is an exciting time, as this new generation of medications is shining a light on medically assisted solutions that have been accessible for quite some time, without getting the attention they deserve
Our comprehensive approach includes:
GLP-1’s side effects include nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, excessive feelings of fullness that go beyond the desired results, feeling dizzy or light-headed, a persistent lethargic feeling, and irritation at the injection site. This being said, the medication is usually well-tolerated.
Our comprehensive approach includes:
Gastrointestinal:
General:
For nausea:
For constipation:
For fatigue:
GLP-1 and alcohol should usually not be taken together. Combining GLP-1 with alcohol can:
If you choose to drink:
Prescription medications containing GLP-1 should not be used by people allergic to it. Tell your doctor if you experience any negative side effects. Your doctor will be able to adjust your dosage to ensure that your GLP-1 treatment is working as efficiently, effectively, and safely as possible. As long as you report side effects to your doctor, he or she will likely lower your dose to the previous level until your body adjusts fully to the medication.
Contraindications – Do not use GLP-1 if you have:
If you’ve been at maximum dose for 12+ weeks with proper diet and exercise but have lost less than 5% of your starting weight, you may be a non-responder. We’ll evaluate your complete situation before making that determination.
Yes! Tirzepatide is a dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist and may work better for some individuals. We can discuss switching options.
Weight regain is possible if you return to your previous eating habits. We help you establish sustainable lifestyle changes and develop a maintenance plan before discontinuing.
Yes! Many individuals combine GLP-1 with our weight loss programs, lipotropic injections, or B12 injections for enhanced results.
Pricing varies by location and dosage. Contact your nearest location for current rates. We offer affordable compounded options starting around $50/week.
Many individuals have enhanced their weight loss results by incorporating protein powder strategically. One person shared, “Adding a protein shake to my morning routine with Valley Medical’s Weekly Weight Loss Program helped me stay full until lunch and preserve my muscle. I lost 52 pounds and actually got stronger!”
Another told us, “I was skeptical about protein powder, but Skip-A-Meal made it so easy to get enough protein during my busy days. It kept me on track, and I lost 38 pounds!”
Subscribe for expert insights on building confidence, overcoming mental barriers, and achieving lasting weight loss success. Join patients who are transforming both body and mind.Join our newsletter for expert insights on treating melasma, hyperpigmentation, and other skin concerns. Our medical aesthetic team shares practical advice to help you achieve clear, radiant skin.
Valley Medical Weight Loss has been helping individuals achieve their health and wellness goals for over 15 years, with more than 80,000 patients served across the Phoenix metro area. Our four convenient locations in Phoenix, Tempe, Glendale, and Chandler offer physician-supervised weight loss programs, advanced treatments, and personalized support, all with transparent pricing and no hidden fees. We believe in making effective weight loss accessible, affordable, and sustainable for everyone. Learn more about our approach.
We can’t stress this enough, but diets don’t work! Your body is unique, and what it needs is unique. Our team will work with you to determine the medically assisted options that will optimize your health, energy, and quality of life. Whether GLP-1 does not work for you, or you want to discuss your full range of options, we’re here to help!
We have four convenient locations in Phoenix, Tempe, Glendale, and Chandler. If GLP-1 is right for you, you can drop in during business hours for your weekly injection. After your initial consultation, we aim to get you in and out of the office in under 20 minutes, so drop by on your lunch break!
Visit us at any location:
Walk-In Hours: Mon–Fri: New patients until 4:30 PM, existing patients until 5:30 PM; Sat: until 2:30 PM; Sun: Closed.
GLP-1 Medication Options:
Complementary Treatments:
Weight Loss Programs:
Skin Tightening During Weight Loss:
Nutritional Support:
Additional Resources:
By Dr. Samuel Zuniga, ND
Valley Medical Weight Loss | Chandler, Arizona
Not losing weight on GLP-1? Weight loss injections provide a revolutionary means of treating obesity. However, they aren’t for everyone. We mostly hear success stories, but let’s dive into why your weekly injections might not be working. Most importantly, what to do if the number on the scale isn’t going down.
At Valley Medical Weight Loss across all four Phoenix metro locations, we’ve helped thousands of individuals achieve success with GLP-1 medications. When results aren’t meeting expectations, we know exactly what questions to ask and how to optimize your treatment plan.
A common misconception is that all you must do is take your weekly injection. However, GLP-1 is not designed to eliminate exercise or dietary changes. It’s designed to aid those who don’t lose weight when they make healthy lifestyle changes. Those who combine their weekly weight loss injections with healthy lifestyle changes can accelerate their results.
In fact, strength training is essential to ensure you look and feel your best while taking GLP-1. Any time you lose weight rapidly, you lose muscle mass too. In fact, two-thirds of your weight loss is body fat, and one-third is muscle mass. So, it’s not just about the number on the scale!
Strategies to minimize muscle loss on GLP-1:
Our protein supplements, like Skip-A-Meal, can help you meet your protein goals while managing reduced appetite.
As an added bonus, strength training minimizes the sagging skin that can come with rapid weight loss. Strength training may not be enough, though. Not to worry, as Valley Medical Weight Loss and Med Spa offers a range of minimally invasive aesthetic treatments to tighten your skin from head to toe. Some even accelerate fat loss!
Skin tightening options during GLP-1 weight loss:
Learn more about preventing sagging skin during weight loss.
GLP-1 can aid you in losing between 15 to 20 percent of your body weight! While impressive, results aren’t delivered overnight. The higher your BMI, the greater the percentage of weight you’re likely to lose.
Realistic expectations:
If your BMI is over 27, you may be a candidate for weekly weight loss injections. Since results take time, it’s not a quick fix to lose a few pounds.
Who is a good candidate:
Now let’s dive into the top 6 reasons you’re not losing weight on GLP-1.
While highly effective, weekly weight loss injections take time to deliver results. This is because GLP-1 has a tiered dosage. This means that you start out with 0.25 mg for at least the first 4 weeks. Then you go up 0.25 mg per week every 4 weeks or so until you reach a maximum of 2.4 mg per week.
Tiered dosage minimizes the side effects of nausea by giving your body time to adjust to your new prescription.
If you’re in your first 4 to 8 weeks, you might not experience any weight loss. Some patients experience weight loss in the first few weeks, but it’s not uncommon for progress to be delayed. For maximum results, you’ll need to take it for about 60 to 70 weeks which is between 13 and 16 months.
Typical GLP-1 timeline:
Weeks 1-4 (0.25 mg):
Weeks 5-8 (0.5 mg):
Weeks 9-12 (1.0 mg):
Weeks 13-16 (1.5-1.7 mg):
Weeks 17+ (2.0-2.4 mg):
Through experience at Valley Medical Weight Loss, we’ve observed that patience during the initial titration phase is crucial for long-term success.
Weight loss injections are weekly injections. These GLP-1 receptors gradually fade from your bloodstream. They have a half-life of about 7 days, which is why you need to commit to taking it on the same day each week.
We understand that things come up. If you’re sick, heading on vacation, or have a week when your usual day doesn’t work, we’ll advise you on how to adjust your injection day. This might be 1 or 2 days early, or up to 5 days late.
However, if you’re not losing weight on GLP-1, it may be because you can’t commit to a consistent schedule.
Why consistency matters:
Tips for staying consistent:
What to do if you miss a dose:
Unfortunately, many patients are getting their weight loss medications online from unidentified sources. If it’s not prescribed by a medical professional, you can’t be sure what you’re taking. It might not contain the active ingredients to deliver results and could contain unidentified ingredients.
For many, cost savings are a primary driver in taking weight loss medications without medical supervision. Most GLP-1 medications aren’t covered by insurance, leaving the out-of-pocket expense at up to $1,400 per month. This isn’t sustainable for most. We understand, which is why we are proud to offer our GLP-1 at a rate that may fit more comfortably in your budget.
Our current GLP-1 rates:
*Prices vary by location and dosage. Contact your nearest location for current pricing.
Available GLP-1 options:
In addition to ensuring you know what you’re taking, Valley Medical Weight Loss and Med Spa ensures you’re an ideal candidate for your prescription. GLP-1 medications aren’t the right fit for everyone. We also provide tailored medical advice, talking you through how to manage and minimize potential side effects, and what supportive lifestyle changes to implement.
Benefits of medical supervision:
If a weekly injection is not the right fit, we’ll discuss our other medically guided and nonsurgical weight loss solutions, like our Weekly Weight Loss Program or Premier Weight Loss Program.
Plateaus are to be expected! So, if you’re not losing weight on GLP-1 like you once were, we know what questions to ask to reignite your results.
Your body is intelligent and adjusts your metabolism to your standard daily caloric intake and calories burned. So, it’s not as simple as eating or burning a set number of calories per day. Also, when it comes to physical activity, it’s good to mix things up. Your muscles adjust to the challenge they know, which can lead to a strength-building and fat-burning plateau.
Navigating a plateau is yet another reason to obtain your prescription under medical supervision.
Common plateau-breaking strategies:
Dietary adjustments:
Exercise modifications:
Medication adjustments:
Lifestyle factors:
Through work at Valley Medical Weight Loss, we’ve helped countless individuals break through plateaus by identifying the specific factors holding them back.
If stress is high, you aren’t prioritizing sleep, aren’t staying physically active, or haven’t made the appropriate dietary changes you won’t achieve maximum results.
Many of our patients feel fuller faster and have fewer hunger pangs and cravings while taking GLP-1. As such, they naturally reduce their caloric intake. However, this isn’t always enough. The quality of your food needs to improve, too.
Nutrition priorities:
Focus on protein:
Prioritize whole foods:
Stay hydrated:
Eat mindfully:
Physical activity:
Sleep and stress:
Valley Medical Weight Loss and Med Spa provides general exercise, dietary, and lifestyle suggestions for all patients we prescribe GLP-1. For those who want to personalize their weight loss journey and accelerate results, we suggest combining your weekly injection with one of our Weight Loss Programs. These programs are based on scientifically proven principles and can deliver an additional 2 to 5 pounds of weight loss per week!
Program options:
If you’re not losing weight on GLP-1, it may not be right for you. Approximately 10 to 15 percent of patients are nonresponsive to GLP-1. This might mean that you lose weight, but less than 5% of your starting weight.
This could be because you are on a medication or have one or more medical conditions that make it more difficult for your body to respond positively. The reason could also be unidentified. You may also be someone for whom the side effects (typically nausea) are so severe that you just don’t feel good taking it.
Whatever the reasons may be, we’ll advise you on your options.
Factors affecting GLP-1 response:
Alternative options if GLP-1 doesn’t work:
If you were prescribed your GLP-1 elsewhere, but it’s not working, we invite you to schedule an appointment with Valley Medical Weight Loss and Med Spa. We understand what questions to ask to determine if it’s not the right fit for you. While it’s safe and effective for most, there may be a better option.
Not to worry, as this weekly injection isn’t your only non-surgical medically assisted weight loss option! This is an exciting time, as this new generation of medications is shining a light on medically assisted solutions that have been accessible for quite some time, without getting the attention they deserve
Our comprehensive approach includes:
GLP-1’s side effects include nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, excessive feelings of fullness that go beyond the desired results, feeling dizzy or light-headed, a persistent lethargic feeling, and irritation at the injection site. This being said, the medication is usually well-tolerated.
Our comprehensive approach includes:
Gastrointestinal:
General:
For nausea:
For constipation:
For fatigue:
GLP-1 and alcohol should usually not be taken together. Combining GLP-1 with alcohol can:
If you choose to drink:
Prescription medications containing GLP-1 should not be used by people allergic to it. Tell your doctor if you experience any negative side effects. Your doctor will be able to adjust your dosage to ensure that your GLP-1 treatment is working as efficiently, effectively, and safely as possible. As long as you report side effects to your doctor, he or she will likely lower your dose to the previous level until your body adjusts fully to the medication.
Contraindications – Do not use GLP-1 if you have:
If you’ve been at maximum dose for 12+ weeks with proper diet and exercise but have lost less than 5% of your starting weight, you may be a non-responder. We’ll evaluate your complete situation before making that determination.
Yes! Tirzepatide is a dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist and may work better for some individuals. We can discuss switching options.
Weight regain is possible if you return to your previous eating habits. We help you establish sustainable lifestyle changes and develop a maintenance plan before discontinuing.
Yes! Many individuals combine GLP-1 with our weight loss programs, lipotropic injections, or B12 injections for enhanced results.
Pricing varies by location and dosage. Contact your nearest location for current rates. We offer affordable compounded options starting around $50/week.
Many individuals have enhanced their weight loss results by incorporating protein powder strategically. One person shared, “Adding a protein shake to my morning routine with Valley Medical’s Weekly Weight Loss Program helped me stay full until lunch and preserve my muscle. I lost 52 pounds and actually got stronger!”
Another told us, “I was skeptical about protein powder, but Skip-A-Meal made it so easy to get enough protein during my busy days. It kept me on track, and I lost 38 pounds!”
Subscribe for expert insights on building confidence, overcoming mental barriers, and achieving lasting weight loss success. Join patients who are transforming both body and mind.Join our newsletter for expert insights on treating melasma, hyperpigmentation, and other skin concerns. Our medical aesthetic team shares practical advice to help you achieve clear, radiant skin.
Valley Medical Weight Loss has been helping individuals achieve their health and wellness goals for over 15 years, with more than 80,000 patients served across the Phoenix metro area. Our four convenient locations in Phoenix, Tempe, Glendale, and Chandler offer physician-supervised weight loss programs, advanced treatments, and personalized support, all with transparent pricing and no hidden fees. We believe in making effective weight loss accessible, affordable, and sustainable for everyone. Learn more about our approach.
We can’t stress this enough, but diets don’t work! Your body is unique, and what it needs is unique. Our team will work with you to determine the medically assisted options that will optimize your health, energy, and quality of life. Whether GLP-1 does not work for you, or you want to discuss your full range of options, we’re here to help!
We have four convenient locations in Phoenix, Tempe, Glendale, and Chandler. If GLP-1 is right for you, you can drop in during business hours for your weekly injection. After your initial consultation, we aim to get you in and out of the office in under 20 minutes, so drop by on your lunch break!
Visit us at any location:
Walk-In Hours: Mon–Fri: New patients until 4:30 PM, existing patients until 5:30 PM; Sat: until 2:30 PM; Sun: Closed.
GLP-1 Medication Options:
Complementary Treatments:
Weight Loss Programs:
Skin Tightening During Weight Loss:
Nutritional Support:
Additional Resources:
By: The Hidden Epidemic of Sexual Health and What We Can Do
By: Health and wellness technology has exploded in recent years. From smartwatches
How to Stay Motivated with Slow Weight Loss By: You’re doing everything
M, Tues, Thurs, F: 9axm-4:30pm
Sat: 8am-1:30pm
Wed, Sun: Closed