Your first 6 weeks on GLP-1 medication
A SengMed getting-started guide · Reviewed by our clinical team
The first six weeks on a GLP-1 medication are about letting your body adjust. Doses usually start low and increase gradually, and the early focus is building habits — not chasing the scale. Here’s a realistic week-by-week picture of what to expect.
This guide is general information, not medical advice. Your dose schedule and timeline are set by your SengMed doctor and may differ from the example below. Always follow your own treatment plan.
Why doses start low
GLP-1 medications are titrated — started at a low dose and stepped up over several weeks. This gives your body time to adapt and keeps side effects, mainly nausea, as mild as possible. A higher dose is not better if your body isn’t ready for it; steady and tolerable wins.
Weeks 1–2: Settling in
- You’ll start at the lowest dose, which is mainly to help you adjust — not to drive big weight loss yet.
- Expect reduced appetite and feeling full sooner. Some people notice mild nausea, especially in the day or two after their injection.
- Build the basics: pick a consistent injection day, drink water regularly, and start eating smaller portions slowly.
- It’s normal for the scale to move only a little, or not at all.
Weeks 3–4: First dose increase
- Your doctor will likely step up your dose if the starting dose was well tolerated.
- Side effects such as nausea or constipation may briefly return after each increase, then ease as your body adapts.
- Prioritise protein and vegetables, and keep portions modest — see our guide on foods to limit.
- Many people see steady, gradual weight loss begin around now.
Weeks 5–6: Finding your rhythm
- Routines start to feel automatic — injection day, meals, hydration, movement.
- Appetite changes are more predictable, so it’s easier to plan meals.
- This is a good point to review progress with your SengMed care team and discuss whether to continue stepping the dose up.
Habits worth building early
- Protein first at each meal to stay full and protect muscle.
- Move most days — even a brisk walk counts; resistance exercise helps preserve muscle as you lose weight.
- Hydrate — it eases nausea and constipation.
- Sleep — poor sleep works against appetite control.
- Track simply — weight weekly (not daily), plus how you feel and your energy.
Managing side effects
Most side effects are mild and improve with time. To stay comfortable: eat smaller meals, avoid fried and very fatty foods, eat slowly, and stop when comfortably full. Message your SengMed care team if side effects are severe or persistent.
When to contact your care team
Reach out to your SengMed doctor if you experience persistent vomiting, severe abdominal pain, signs of dehydration, or anything that worries you. For severe symptoms or a suspected allergic reaction, call 995 immediately.