Weight loss medications can be a great tool to help you lose weight and improve your health. Some of them also help lower your blood sugar, protect your heart, and support your kidneys.
These medications affect people differently, which is why most people start with a low dose. Then, as your body adjusts, your doctor will slowly increase it. This helps your body get used to the medicine and lowers the chance of side effects.
Why You Start With a Low Dose
Many weight loss medications act like a hormone in your body called GLP-1. This hormone helps you feel full, eat less, and keep your blood sugar in balance.
But it can also slow down your digestion. That might cause side effects like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation. Starting with a small dose gives your body time to adjust and helps reduce those side effects.
Usually, you’ll take a low dose for the first four weeks. Then your doctor might increase it, depending on how you’re feeling and how the medicine is working for you.
Why Slow Increases Are Important
If your dose goes up too fast, you’re more likely to have side effects. In fact, up to half of people taking these medicines have stomach problems at first. But when the dose goes up slowly, those symptoms are usually easier to manage and often fade with time.
Also, your body needs time to get used to each new dose. It takes a few weeks for each dose to fully work. So be patient—this slow and steady process helps the medicine work better in the long run.
What to Expect Over Time
💡 First few weeks: Your body is adjusting. You may not see big changes yet, and that’s okay. Your doctor or healthcare provider may increase the dose at this point.
💡 8 to 12 weeks in: You may notice less hunger and some weight loss. That means the medicine is working.
💡 After 3 to 4 months: Your doctor or healthcare provider will check how things are going. If your weight loss slows down, they might increase your dose.
When to Talk to Your Doctor
If your weight loss has stopped, your hunger is back, or you’re still having side effects, talk to your doctor or healthcare provider. They can help adjust your dose or even switch you to a different medicine.
Some people continue to do well on a lower dose and don’t need to go higher. Others need a higher dose to keep losing weight. Your doctor or healthcare provider can help you find what works best for you.
What Happens When You Reach Your Goal Weight?
When you reach your goal, your doctor may suggest staying on the same dose, lowering it, or trying something new. Everyone is different, and your care team will help you find what’s best for your body.
Most people reach a “plateau” about a year into treatment—this means weight loss slows down. That’s one reason many doctors recommend staying on the medication long-term.
Key Takeaways
✔️ Start with a low dose and increase slowly.
✔️ Dose changes usually happen every 4 weeks.
✔️ Talk to your doctor if you feel stuck or have side effects.
✔️ Be patient—slow progress is the best kind for lasting results.
Weight loss medications aren’t a quick fix. They are part of a long-term plan to help you feel better and live a healthier life. Working with your doctor is the best way to make sure the medicine works for you.
Sources
- American Diabetes Association. (2023). Pharmacologic Approaches to Glycemic Treatment. https://diabetes.org/
- Mayo Clinic. (2024). GLP-1 agonists for weight loss: What you need to know. https://www.mayoclinic.org/
Note: Anyone prescribed these medications should read the medication guide for the full list of side effects and use instructions. In addition, these medications should only be prescribed under the care of a physician.
The medical information on My Weight – What To Know’s website is provided as an information resource only. The content is not in any way intended to be nor should you rely on it as a substitute for professional medical evaluation, diagnosis, advice and treatment.
