Products to buy before starting a GLP-1
In May 2022, after a routine colonoscopy, I was diagnosed with high blood pressure and immediately put on medication. During the procedure, the doctor flagged my dangerously high levels and advised me to consult my primary care provider. High blood pressure wasn’t unexpected—both my mother and grandmother had been diagnosed around my age—but the difference was I was also overweight.
After a brief conversation with my doctor, he suggested what I had heard so many times before: diet and exercise. While I left with a prescription in hand, I knew I needed to try something different.
That summer, I saw a friend who had dropped 30 pounds, and I had to ask her how she did it. I was expecting her to say keto or some new workout trend, but she told me it was Wegovy—a weekly injection that had finally worked after years of struggle. Naturally, I went down the rabbit hole of TikTok research.
After lots of consideration, I landed on Mounjaro (a medication typically prescribed for type 2 diabetes, used off-label for weight loss). It had fewer side effects than Ozempic and Wegovy, and at that time, I was able to get it with a $25 prescription card.
On August 14, 2022, I took my first injection, and here I am, over 60 pounds lighter and feeling better than ever.
If you're considering starting a GLP-1 medication like Mounjaro, Ozempic, Zepbound, or Wegovy, here are a few tips I wish I had known before I started:
Disclaimer: This is not medical advice, but personal tips from my experience. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any medication.
Stay Hydrated
GLP-1 medications can slow down gastric emptying, increasing the risk of dehydration. Drink half your body weight in ounces of water daily. To help with hydration, I recommend Saltt and Liquid IV for electrolytes. If plain water isn’t your favorite, water enhancers like Stur can be a game changer—my kids love it so much, I have to hide it!
Digestive Enzymes
Trust me on this one: always carry digestive enzymes. These will help break down food efficiently, reducing discomfort such as bloating and indigestion caused by slower digestion. They're a must, especially when traveling.
Hair Growth Serum
Hair loss can be a side effect of rapid weight loss and body stress on GLP-1 medications. To keep hair healthy, I use serums from Vegamour. I love them as they act like a styling product!
Multivitamins
Nutritional balance is key on GLP-1 medications, so don’t skip your daily multivitamin. I swear by Mary Ruth's for added energy and support.
Collagen
Collagen is crucial for maintaining healthy hair, skin, and nails. It acts as a structural protein, contributing to the production of keratin—the protein that keeps these tissues strong and healthy. I make sure to include collagen in my daily routine for overall support. I love 1st Phorm and Garden of Life.
It’s important to find a trusted telehealth provider when starting GLP-1 medications. After researching, I chose Mochi Health because they offered generic tirzepatide from a third-party-tested pharmacy at an affordable rate. Now, prices have dropped to $275 for compounded tirzepatide and $99 for semaglutide. If you’re interested, use my code 3dud17 to save $40 on your monthly membership and see if you’re eligible for their program!
Whether you're just starting out or are already on your GLP-1 journey, having the right products on hand can make all the difference in managing side effects and staying on track with your weight loss goals.