Everything You Need to Know About GLP for Weight Management

At MedBridge, we are committed to providing our patients with the latest, evidence-based treatments to support their overall health and wellness goals. One notable medication we offer for weight management is GLP, which has demonstrated significant effectiveness for weight loss in both clinical studies and real-world applications.

GLP was initially developed and approved for managing type 2 diabetes but has since gained recognition for its powerful impact on weight loss. It belongs to a class of medications known as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, which work by regulating appetite, reducing hunger, and promoting a feeling of fullness.

Clinical trials evaluating GLP’s effectiveness in weight management have shown impressive results. In the STEP (GLP Treatment Effect in People with Obesity) clinical trial program, participants receiving weekly injections of GLP achieved significant weight loss compared to those receiving a placebo. Specifically, participants on GLP lost an average of approximately 15% of their body weight over 68 weeks, while those on placebo lost only around 2-3%. Importantly, many participants in these studies achieved clinically meaningful weight reductions of 5% or more, which have been associated with improved overall health outcomes.

Beyond weight loss, patients using GLP at MedBridge have also experienced improvements in various metabolic markers, including reductions in blood pressure, blood glucose levels, and cholesterol. We understand that successful weight loss and improved metabolic health require a comprehensive approach. This is why we combine GLP therapy with personalized lifestyle interventions, including dietary guidance, nutritional counseling, and recommendations for increased physical activity, all tailored to each patient’s unique needs.

As with any medication, GLP can have side effects. Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, constipation, and mild abdominal discomfort. Typically, these symptoms are temporary and tend to decrease as the body adjusts to the medication. Less common but more serious side effects are possible, emphasizing the importance of careful medical supervision. 

At MedBridge, we are committed to providing safe, effective, and personalized weight management solutions. One of the advanced treatments we offer is GLP, approved specifically for medical weight loss under the brand name Wegovy.

To enhance patient comfort and maximize effectiveness, we follow a carefully structured dosing plan. Typically, our providers will start you on a low dose of 0.25 mg administered once weekly through a simple subcutaneous injection. After four weeks, your dose is increased to 0.5 mg weekly. Following another four weeks, the dose moves up to 1 mg weekly, then after another four weeks, to 1.7 mg weekly, and eventually, if tolerated well, to the optimal maintenance dose of 2.4 mg weekly.

This gradual approach is designed specifically to minimize potential gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, which can occasionally appear when beginning therapy. At MedBridge, we closely monitor your progress and comfort level. If you experience significant side effects at any stage, our healthcare providers may adjust your dosage, either delaying the increase or temporarily maintaining a lower dose to ensure your comfort and safety.

Your health and comfort are our top priorities. Our dedicated medical team will work closely with you to determine the most appropriate GLP dosing schedule and duration of treatment, helping you achieve your optimal weight-loss outcomes safely and effectively.

At MedBridge, we understand that managing your weight effectively is an important part of your overall health and wellness. GLP is a medication we frequently prescribe to help patients achieve meaningful weight loss, typically in conjunction with personalized dietary and lifestyle modifications guided by our experienced medical team.

Patients often ask us whether they can safely discontinue GLP after reaching their desired weight-loss goals. It’s important to understand how GLP works: it suppresses appetite, slows gastric emptying, and promotes a lasting sense of fullness, enabling you to better adopt and sustain healthier eating behaviors.

Research has shown that when individuals stop taking GLP, they may experience the gradual return of appetite and an increased likelihood of regaining some or all of the weight previously lost. This occurs because the beneficial hormonal and appetite-regulating effects of GLP decrease once the medication is discontinued, potentially making it more challenging to maintain weight loss.

At MedBridge, we emphasize the importance of working closely with our healthcare providers to determine the most appropriate plan for you. If you’re considering discontinuing GLP, our team can help create a personalized strategy involving continued dietary guidance, lifestyle support, and careful monitoring to help you sustain your weight-loss achievements.

Additionally, for some patients, continued use of GLP may be recommended as a long-term solution to maintain optimal weight and overall health. Others may successfully manage their weight through ongoing lifestyle adjustments alone, provided they have the proper support and guidance.

At MedBridge, we strive to offer individualized, evidence-based solutions to help our patients achieve their health and wellness goals. GLP, a medication FDA-approved for weight management, is often integrated into our comprehensive weight-loss programs, which include personalized dietary counseling and exercise recommendations tailored to each patient’s unique needs.

Currently, GLP is typically prescribed as a standalone treatment, and there is limited clinical information regarding its safety and effectiveness when combined with other weight-loss medications. At MedBridge, patient safety is always our top priority; therefore, our experienced healthcare providers approach combining medications cautiously to minimize potential side effects or interactions. For instance, some weight-loss medications share similar side effects—such as gastrointestinal upset, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea—which might become intensified when medications are combined. Additionally, weight-loss medications each work differently on appetite regulation, metabolism, or energy balance, and combining therapies could produce unexpected outcomes.

However, in certain circumstances, our healthcare providers may consider combination therapy if a patient does not achieve desired weight-loss results with GLP alone. Any decision to combine medications is highly individualized, taking into account your medical history, current health conditions, medication tolerance, and personal weight-loss objectives.

If you’re interested in exploring GLP or combination therapy for weight management, please schedule a consultation at MedBridge. Our dedicated healthcare team is here to thoroughly discuss your options, ensuring we develop a safe, effective, and personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and wellness goals. To consult our professionals, please contact us or book an appointment online. We have two convenient locations in Fairmont WV, Mannington WV, and Kingwood, WV. We serve patients in Fairmont WV, Mannington WV, Kingwood WV, White Hall WV, Pleasant Valley, WV, Monongah WV, Barrackville WV, Metz WV, and surrounding areas.