Fad diets come and go. Every few years, there is a new “miracle” weight loss pill everyone is talking about. Since about 80 percent of diets fail and there is always a “next big thing,” it is understandable if you have tuned out some of the buzz around GLP-1.
But we are now more than a year into the GLP-1 conversation – and this time, the hype is backed by strong clinical data.
This new class of weight loss prescriptions is so in demand that many companies have struggled to keep it in stock.
Why? GLP-1 medications are being hailed as Hollywood’s weight loss secret. Elon Musk has publicly credited GLP-1 with his trimmer physique. Dr. Oz has highlighted it on his show. It is even rumored (though not confirmed) to be a favorite among certain celebrities.
Celebrities aside, GLP-1 offers sustainable weight loss for many patients, with manageable side effects when monitored properly.
Here is what you need to know.
What Is GLP-1?
GLP-1 medications work by mimicking a natural hormone produced in the gut called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1).
This hormone helps:
- Regulate insulin and blood sugar levels
- Slow gastric emptying (how quickly food leaves your stomach)
- Signal fullness to your brain
GLP-1 has far-reaching benefits, including:
- Reduced inflammation
- Lower risk of certain cardiovascular events in appropriate patients
When GLP-1 medications were first used to treat type 2 diabetes, researchers noticed something important:
- Patients felt fuller longer.
- They had fewer food cravings.
- They were less likely to go back for “seconds” or snack between meals.
That appetite control led to clinically significant weight loss, which is why GLP-1 is now used as a powerful weight management tool.
For weight loss, GLP-1 injections:
- Start at a low dose
- Are gradually increased (titrated) every 4+ weeks
- Do not always need to reach the highest dose – some patients do well at lower levels
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Do I Have to Be Diabetic to Take GLP-1?
No.
While GLP-1 medications were originally created for type 2 diabetes, they are now approved for weight management in many non-diabetic adults who meet specific criteria.
If you have tried liraglutide in the past, GLP-1 medications like semaglutide often:
- Deliver better weight loss results
- Require only one injection per week instead of daily injections
If you are taking other weight loss prescriptions, your physician will:
- Review your current medications
- Discuss whether GLP-1 should replace or complement them
Always tell your provider about:
- All prescription medications
- Over-the-counter supplements
- Medical conditions
- Family medical history
What Kind of Weight Loss Results Can I Expect?
GLP-1 injections are not a quick fix. They require:
- Weekly injections
- Consistency
- Lifestyle changes for best results
You will typically:
- Use GLP-1 for at least 8 weeks before you see steady weight loss
- Notice gradual, sustainable changes rather than rapid drops
For weight loss to be maintainable, most patients need to:
- Continue weekly injections long term
- Pair GLP-1 with nutrition, movement, and behavioral changes
Is GLP-1 Right for Me?
You are not alone if you struggle to lose weight. There is no one-size-fits-all solution.
Even identical twins who eat the same foods and do the same workouts can gain and lose weight differently. If two people with the same DNA need personalized solutions, it makes sense that everyone else does too.
In addition to appearance and confidence, being overweight or obese increases your risk for many health problems.
According to the CDC:
- A BMI of 25–29.9 is considered overweight.
- A BMI of 30 or higher is considered obese.
You can use an online BMI calculator to estimate your BMI.
A BMI of 25 or higher increases the risk of:
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Type 2 diabetes
- Stroke
- Coronary heart disease
- Gallbladder disease
- Osteoarthritis and joint pain
- Sleep apnea and breathing problems
- Several types of cancer
- Depression and anxiety
GLP-1 is generally designed for weight management in adults who:
- BMI is 27 kg/m² or higher with at least one weight-related condition (such as diabetes or high blood pressure), or
- BMI is 30 kg/m² or higher, regardless of other conditions
If you only have 10–20 pounds to lose, GLP-1 may not be the best tool for you – but you still have many effective options.
What Are the Side Effects of GLP-1?
If you have had severe side effects from other weight loss pills in the past, you may be relieved to know that GLP-1 medications:
- Are non-stimulant
- Are non–habit forming
- Have been shown to be safe and effective for many patients with obesity across age, BMI, and race/ethnicity
Common, usually mild side effects include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Gastrointestinal discomfort
- A very full feeling (sometimes more than desired)
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Low energy or a “sluggish” feeling
Side effects are often minimized by:
- Starting at a low dose
- Gradually increasing the dose over time
- Working closely with a medical provider
Always tell your physician if you experience:
- Persistent or severe side effects
- Symptoms that interfere with daily life
How Do I Get a GLP-1 Prescription?
GLP-1 must be prescribed by a licensed physician.
If you live in Phoenix, Glendale, Chandler, or Tempe, you can walk into Valley Medical Weight Loss and Med Spa when it fits your schedule.
We will:
- Take a thorough medical history
- Review your medications and risk factors
- Determine whether GLP-1 is appropriate for you
GLP-1 may not be the right fit if:
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding
- You have type 1 diabetes
- You are hypoglycemic
- You have certain preexisting gastrointestinal issues.
You should also avoid GLP-1 if you or a family member has a history of:
- Medullary thyroid cancer
- Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN2)
- Pancreatic cancer
If you notice potential symptoms of thyroid cancer, such as:
- A lump in your neck
- Neck or jaw pain
contact your physician as soon as possible.
If side effects are mild, notify your provider so your plan can be adjusted. If side effects are severe (which is rare), seek medical attention immediately.
Can Children Be Prescribed GLP-1?
Currently, about 14.7 million children in the United States are clinically obese.
Because children are still growing and developing, their health and weight loss options are different from adults. That said, there are many safe, body-positive weight management options for kids and teens.
GLP-1 medications for youth (when appropriate and supervised) must be paired with:
- A reduced-calorie meal plan
- Increased physical activity
- Ongoing medical monitoring
If your child is overweight or obese, your physician will:
- Review their health history
- Discuss appropriate options
- Address factors beyond just nutrition and exercise, such as sleep, stress, and environment.
Is GLP-1 Covered by Insurance?
When GLP-1 is prescribed specifically for weight loss, it is often not covered by insurance.
For many patients, the biggest barrier is cost. In some settings, GLP-1 can cost up to $1,400 per month for a 2.0–2.4 mg injection.
At Valley Medical Weight Loss and Med Spa, we believe health should be accessible.
We offer:
- Weekly GLP-1 injections up to 2.0 mg
- Starting at $50 per week
And:
- No appointment is necessary – we are a walk-in-only clinic.
Walk in any time:
- Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri: 9:00 am – 4:30 pm
- Saturday: 8:00 am – 1:30 pm
To get results with GLP-1, you must have injections every 7 days, ideally on the same day each week. The exact time can vary, but consistency matters.
What Are My Other Non-Surgical Weight Loss Options?
Even with excellent clinical results, GLP-1 is not the right choice for everyone. That does not mean you are out of options.
One of the most harmful myths about obesity is that it is caused by laziness. It is not. Obesity is a complex disease influenced by genetics, hormones, environment, psychology, and more.
Going it alone, you may struggle to achieve sustainable results. With a personalized medical approach, your odds of success increase dramatically.
When you come in to discuss GLP-1, we can also walk you through other non-surgical options, including:
- Weekly Weight Loss Program
- 5-Day Prolon Fast
- Lipotropic injections
- Youth Weight Loss Program
- Lipo Laser
- Anti-aging aesthetic therapies
If you are curious about GLP-1 or want help deciding which medical weight loss tools are right for you, reach out today or walk into our Phoenix, Glendale, Chandler, or Tempe clinics for a same-day visit.
Visit Valley Medical Weight Loss
Walk-In Hours: Mon–Fri: New patients until 4:30 PM, existing patients until 5:30 PM; Sat: until 2:30 PM; Sun: Closed.


