Okay bestie, so you’ve done your research, watched all the TikToks, and you’re ready to figure out how to start semaglutide or how to start tirzepatide? I see you taking charge of your health journey, and honestly, we love that energy! 🙌
But let’s pump the brakes for just a hot second – starting a GLP-1 telehealth prescription isn’t like ordering your usual Starbucks. There’s a right way to do this that keeps you safe, minimizes those not-so-fun side effects, and sets you up for actual success (not just Instagram-worthy before/after pics).
This is your step-by-step roadmap for how to take GLP-1 for weight loss like the informed queen you are. No medical jargon that makes your brain fog up, just real talk about what you actually need to know on how to start semaglutide or tirzepatide!
Step 1: Where to Get Semaglutide or Tirzepatide Online
First things first – let’s talk about getting your hands on the good stuff legally and safely. How to start semaglutide or tirzepatide without lurking in sketchy Facebook groups selling “research chemicals”.
Legit Telehealth Options That Actually Care
GobyMeds has become my go-to recommendation for people serious about starting their GLP-1 journey. They are a LegitScript-certified business, meaning they meet strict compliance standards for safe, trusted healthcare.
If you’re new to semaglutide, you’ll qualify for their GLP-1 Starter Bundle which will get you started with 3 months of medication and supplies shipped straight to you for $349. BONUS, if you use this GobyMeds coupon code: xmmJYx you’ll get $50 off your first order! Yeah, that’s $99 per month for your first 3 months. Gone are the days of 4 figure price tags!
OrderlyMeds is another solid choice, especially if you’re looking for competitive pricing and excellent customer service. They’re known for their thorough onboarding process and ongoing support throughout your journey. Keep an eye out for OrderlyMeds coupon deals – but if you are new you’ll qualify for their SimpleStart program which gets you your first 3 months of semaglutide for $249 or tirzepatide for $499. Yeah, we know – a total steal.
What to Expect During Your Consultation
Your GLP-1 telehealth prescription consultation isn’t just a quick chat. Expect:
- Comprehensive health history review
- Discussion of your weight loss goals
- Lab work requirements (usually basic metabolic panel)
- Education about semaglutide safety or tirzepatide safety
- Detailed injection training (yes, you’ll be a pro!)
We actually did a full walkthrough of what questions are asked when you sign-up with OrderlyMeds and even took some screenshots so you don’t have any surprises when you decide to go for it! Link to the article is here.
Step 2: What’s the Best Starting Dose?
This is where things get real, and honestly, it’s the most important part of learning how to start semaglutide or how to start tirzepatide successfully.
Semaglutide Starting Dose: Slow and Steady Wins
As you’re learning how to start on semaglutide, you’ll notice that the starting dose is typically 0.25mg once weekly for the first month. I know, I know – it feels like you’re barely taking anything, but trust the process! From what we’ve learned, about half of the people starting semaglutide feel the appetite suppression from the get-go, and the other half just take a few weeks to fully take effect!
Standard semaglutide dosage for beginners progression looks like:
- Week 1-4: 0.25mg weekly
- Week 5-8: 0.5mg weekly
- Week 9-12: 1.0mg weekly
- Week 13+: Up to 2.4mg weekly (if needed and tolerated)
Just keep in mind, every provider and pharmacy is a tad different. Your dosing and schedule may look a little different but that won’t slow down your progress! For example, your provider might have you splitting up your dosing into two injections weekly!
Tirzepatide Starting Dose: The Gentle Giant
Tirzepatide starting dose starts at 2.5mg weekly, which sounds like way more than the semaglutide dosing. Don’t let the different numbers confuse you – these medications have different potencies so it’s actually comparable.
Standard tirzepatide dosage for beginners follows this path:
- Week 1-4: 2.5mg weekly
- Week 5-8: 5mg weekly
- Week 9-12: 7.5mg weekly
- Week 13+: Up to 15mg weekly (maximum dose)
Why Starting Low Is Actually Smart AF
Your body needs time to adjust to these hormonal changes. Starting too high too fast is like going from couch potato to marathon runner overnight – you’re just asking for a bad time. The low starting doses help minimize side effects while your digestive system figures out what’s happening. Trust us, you’ll start dropping the lbs and feeling the health benefits sooner than you think.
Step 3: What to Expect in the First Month
Real talk time – your first month learning how to take GLP-1 for weight loss might feel like a rollercoaster. Here’s what’s actually normal (and what’s not):
Week 1-2: The Honeymoon Phase
- You might feel slightly less hungry
- Some people experience mild nausea (totally normal)
- Energy levels might fluctuate
- Weight loss is usually minimal (and that’s okay!)
Week 3-4: Things Get Real
- Appetite suppression becomes more noticeable
- Digestive side effects peak around this time
- You start understanding your new hunger cues
- Some people see their first significant weight drop
Red Flags That Need Medical Attention
- Severe, persistent vomiting
- Signs of dehydration
- Extreme fatigue or dizziness
- Any concerning digestive symptoms
Make sure to check out our favorite supplements to help ward off some of the most common side effects in our GLP-1 Survival Kit post here.
Managing Those First Month Feels
Semaglutide safety and tirzepatide safety start with listening to your body. Here are some tips from people that have been around the block before:
- Eat smaller, more frequent meals
- Stay hydrated (seriously, water is your BFF now)
- Avoid high-fat, greasy foods initially
- Take your injection at the same time weekly
- Keep a simple food and symptom journal
Step 4: Supplements & Support Tools
Once you know how to start semaglutide or tirzepatide, your GLP-1 journey also deserves the ultimate support squad! Here are my tried-and-true Amazon finds:
Essential Supplements:
- High-quality probiotics for gut health
- Ginger supplements for nausea management
- Complete multivitamin (absorption might change initially)
- Unflavored collagen powder for easy protein
Must-Have Tools:
- Sharps disposal container (safety first!)
- 32oz water bottle with time markers
- Digital food scale for portion awareness
- Weekly pill organizer for supplements
Your First Month Action Plan
Week 1: Focus on injection technique and timing consistency.
Week 2: Start tracking how foods make you feel.
Week 3: Dial in your hydration and supplement routine.
Week 4: Assess and prepare for your first dose increase.
The Real Tea on Starting GLP-1s
Learning how to start semaglutide or how to start tirzepatide isn’t just about the medical stuff – it’s about preparing mentally and practically for a different relationship with food and your body.
This isn’t a quick fix or magic bullet situation. These medications are tools that work best when combined with sustainable lifestyle changes and realistic expectations. Some weeks you’ll feel like a wellness guru, other weeks you’ll struggle with side effects or slow progress. Both are totally normal parts of the journey.
The most successful people I see approach this with curiosity rather than perfection. They track what works for their bodies, adjust their approach when needed, and celebrate non-scale victories along the way.
Your Next Steps
Ready to take the leap? Here’s your homework now that you have an idea of how to start semaglutide and tirzepatide:
- Research reputable telehealth providers (GobyMeds and OrderlyMeds are great starting points)
- Gather your health history and current medications list
- Set realistic timeline expectations (this is months, not weeks)
- Stock up on support tools and supplements
- Find your accountability system (friend, family, or online community)
Remember: you’re not broken, you don’t lack willpower, and if GLP-1 medications help you achieve better health, that’s worth celebrating. Take it slow, listen to your body, and trust the process.
You’ve got this, bestie! 💪
DISCLAIMER: Some links on this site are affiliate links, which means we might earn a small commission if you shop through them (no extra cost to you—think of it as buying us a matcha 🍵 for the research).
While some of us are doctors, we’re not your doctors. The info on this site is meant to educate and empower, not diagnose or treat. Always chat with your own healthcare provider before starting new meds, peptides, supplements, or that intense cold plunge-fasting-stack we’re raving about. You do you—but do it safely. 💪