How Do GLP-1 Shots Help With Weight Loss?
GLP-1 shots are a hot topic among the beauty and wellness community, often described as celebrities’ best-kept secret behind their miraculous weight loss. The drug (known by the brand name Ozempic in the mainstream) was initially developed to manage type 2 diabetes, but it can also be an effective option to shed some pounds. Here’s how they work to support weight loss.
How Do GLP-1 Shots Help With Weight Loss?
Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) is a hormone your body naturally releases after you eat. Its job is to help trigger insulin release from your pancreas, regulate your blood sugar levels, slow your digestion and increase satiety.
GLP-1 receptor agonists mimic this hormone, essentially amplifying a process your body already uses to manage appetite and metabolism. They’re usually taken as weekly or daily injections through the abdomen, thigh or upper arm. Common types include semaglutide, liraglutide and tirzepatide.
One of the main ways GLP-1 medications work for weight loss is by slowing down your digestion. This means that food moves more slowly from your stomach to your intestines, so you feel full for a longer period. They also send signals to the brain that’s responsible for feelings of fullness, which helps you reduce the urge to overeat.
When doctors prescribe this medication for obesity, they typically give them at higher doses compared to those used for diabetes. The types of GLP-1 medications approved by the FDA for weight loss include:
- Semaglutide (Wegovy)
- Liraglutide (Saxenda)
- Tirzepatide (Zepbound)
Where To Get FDA-Approved GLP-1 Shots
About 12% of people in the U.S. have used GLP-1 medications to aid in weight loss. Here’s a round-up of the top four places to get GLP-1 shots.
1. Synergy Wellness
Synergy Wellness is well-known for its effective weight loss solutions for both men and women. Led by Dr. Jan Trobisch, it offers only safe and clinically proven procedures to help you achieve your weight goal, including Smartlipo and GLP-1 shots.
The medical and aesthetic clinic’s GLP-1 shots program combines weekly injections with a comprehensive online weight loss plan. It’s very convenient and tailored to your specific needs. It includes GLP-1 shots, your personal accountability coach and real-time insights through an advanced connected scale. Plus, the program is available both online and offline at the clinic’s Bakersfield and Clovis locations.
With years of experience in medical weight loss, Synergy Wellness is trusted for its safety and expertise. One patient shared her positive experience with weight loss.
“I was really self-conscious, and it really prevented me from enjoying time with family and friends. I feel so much better about how I look. It really changed my self-confidence. It wasn’t what other people might be thinking when they saw me — it was how I felt about myself. It’s almost like getting to have a new lease on life,” she says.
Key features:
- Membership and non-membership GLP-1 weight loss plans are customizable to your target weight
- Regular check-ins with medical professionals
- Immediate feedback, tailored advice and trackable progress through its advanced scale
2. Weight Watchers
Founded in 1963, Weight Watchers has been a familiar name in weight loss treatment for many years. Although it’s best known for its points-based program, the brand has expanded into clinical care by offering GLP-1 medications as part of a medically supervised solution.
Getting started with its GLP-1 program is fairly easy. All you have to do is complete an online intake quiz that checks body mass index eligibility and screens for medical or pharmaceutical contraindications. If you qualify, you can book a consultation with a healthcare provider to review your medical history and discuss suitable treatment options.
Weight Watchers also offers flexible membership plans, including month-to-month, three-month, six-month and 12-month options. As a member, you’ll also receive access to workshops, a dedicated care team, dietitian support and structured food plans.
Key features:
- An easy to use and reliable app with comprehensive features
- 1:1 check-ins with expert teams for ongoing support
- Custom treatment plan, with a month-to-month no commitment option
3. Ro Body
Ro Body offers a fully online, end-to-end telehealth experience for GLP-1 weight loss treatment. Convenience is the best feature it offers, with a platform that combines medical oversight, personalized coaching and prescription delivery in one monthly membership.
The process starts with an online health assessment that focuses on your goals and medical background. After that, the team will confirm your eligibility within two days. If approved, a licensed provider reviews your information and prescribes a GLP-1 medication tailored to your needs.
Medications are shipped directly to your home, with ongoing care provided through unlimited messaging with healthcare professionals. Additionally, the platform features tools for weight tracking and dose logging.
Key features:
- Dedicated 1:1 health coaching throughout your membership
- Weight tracking and dose logging in one platform
- A wide range of GLP-1 weight loss medications is available
4. GobyMeds
GobyMeds provides compounded and FDA-approved GLP-1 medications through a streamlined online model that includes telehealth consultations and home delivery. Its three-month starter bundle is a good option because it gradually increases the dosage from 0.25mg to 1.0mg. This strategy is known to reduce side effects.
The clinic takes a holistic, medically supervised approach to weight management. To get the medications, you’ll need to complete an online questionnaire and consult with a licensed healthcare provider. Once approved, you can receive a personalized treatment plan and have your medication delivered to your door.
Key features:
- Starter bundle with a gradually increasing dose
- Self-serve customer portal to refill your medication and track orders
- Free and quick consultation to see if you qualify
Comparing The Top Four GLP-1 Providers
Here’s a quick overview of the best clinics offering GLP-1 medications.
| Clinic Name | Availability | Plan Type | Best For |
| Synergy Wellness | In-clinic or online | Custom and monthly plans | People who want close medical supervision and in-person clinic access. |
| Weight Watchers | Online | Monthly plans | Anyone looking for medication alongside structured lifestyle guidance. |
| Ro Body | Online | Monthly plans | Those who prioritize convenience and an all-digital experience. |
| GobyMeds | Online | Monthly plans | First-time users seeking a structured and accessible starting point. |
How The Top GLP-1 Providers Are Selected
Each clinic is selected based on what matters most to people looking for medical weight loss options, including:
- Expertise and license to ensure safe and effective treatment
- The level of medical oversight, including access to licensed healthcare professionals and ongoing supervision
- Ease of onboarding, such as eligibility screening, consultation and prescription
- Flexibility of treatment plans and clarity around program structure
- Convenience factors like telehealth access, home delivery and digital tracking
Frequently Asked Questions
Now that you know how GLP-1 shots help with weight loss and where to find the best providers, below are some common questions people ask before starting the program.
Is GLP-1 the same as Ozempic?
Ozempic is a brand name of a GLP-1 receptor agonist. Interestingly, it isn’t FDA-approved for weight loss, despite how commonly the term “Ozempic weight loss” is used. It’s licensed specifically for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
What are the common side effects of GLP-1s?
About half of the people who have used GLP-1 medications said they experienced nausea, while one-third reported diarrhea. Other common side effects include vomiting and local skin reactions at the injection site.
How much weight can I lose?
A 2023 study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that individuals who took semaglutide in conjunction with lifestyle changes lost an average of 15% of their body weight. That number is significant, as research shows that a 5% to 10% reduction in body weight can offer various health benefits. These include lowering your blood pressure and reducing your risk of conditions such as fatty liver disease and obstructive sleep apnea.
A Medically Supervised Option To Weight Loss
GLP-1 shots offer an effective option for people who have struggled to see results through diet and exercise alone. Although it’s backed by clinical evidence and growing adoption, it’s not a quick fix. The most sustainable results are achieved when treatment is combined with lifestyle changes and ongoing medical guidance. It’s also essential to select the right provider to achieve the best results while ensuring your health and safety.
