Your 1st Month on GLP-1s with Red Mountain: What to Expect

By: Samantha Posch, FNP-C, Red Mountain’s Assistant Clinical Director

Congratulations! You’ve taken a major step toward better health by booking a consultation with a Medical Provider to discuss starting a GLP-1 medication. Whether you’ve spent days, weeks, or even years considering this decision, you’re now on your way to sustainable weight loss. To help you feel more prepared and confident, we’ll walk you through everything you can expect in your first month—from emotional shifts and side effects to lifestyle changes and check-ins.

The Emotional Journey

Starting a GLP-1 can bring a mix of emotions—excitement, anticipation, and even a little nervousness. These feelings are completely normal. When your medication arrives from our trusted PCAB Certified Compounding Pharmacy, you might feel a sense of relief—it’s finally here!

After watching the instructional video, which walks you through how to draw up and administer your first injection, you might wonder: What happens next?

Your First Dose: What to Expect

Your first GLP-1 injection starts at a low dose to help your body adjust and minimize the likelihood of GI side effects. The most common side effects include nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, and/or heartburn.

Not all patients experience these side effects, as individual responses to medication vary based on genetics and other metabolic factors. If you do encounter GI discomfort, you may benefit from BPC-157, a peptide therapy that promotes gut health. Many patients find that BPC-157 helps significantly reduce—or even eliminate—GLP-1-related GI discomfort.

We also offer the GLP Essentials Kit, which contains three essential supplements designed to help reduce side effects, protect lean muscle, support skin and bone health, and optimize metabolism.

How Do You Know It’s Working?

One of the most common questions patients ask is: “Do I need to feel side effects to know it’s working?” The answer is no! Side effects are not an indicator of effectiveness. Instead, you may notice:

• Reduced food cravings and “food noise”
• Improved appetite control
• Steady weight loss
• Feeling satisfied with smaller portions
• Increased energy levels and more stable blood sugar levels

GLP-1s help quiet the constant background chatter about food by slowing how quickly your stomach empties and helping your brain better recognize when you’re full. Even if you don’t feel dramatic changes right away, the medication is working behind the scenes to improve your body’s response to insulin, keep blood sugar more stable, and support your metabolism in reaching your long-term weight loss goals.

Monthly Check-ins & Dosing Adjustments

When you are on our GLP Elite™ program, each month you’ll meet with a member of our Clinical Team to review your progress and adjust your dose as needed. Typically, patients will increase their dose each month until they reach their optimal dose—one that supports weight loss, controls hunger and has minimal side effects.

There is no one-size (or dose)-fits-all approach to GLP-1s. The dose that works for you may differ from someone else’s, and that’s okay! Your journey is unique.

End of Month One: Check-In With Yourself

As you complete your first month on a GLP-1, take a moment to reflect on how you’re feeling. Ask yourself, do I have more energy? Are my clothes fitting differently? Do I have less brain fog? How are my overall mood and well-being?

Your weight loss journey isn’t just about the number on the scale—it’s about how you feel. Tracking these non-scale victories can help you stay motivated and recognize the positive changes happening in your body and mind.

Final Thoughts: Stay Focused on Your Own Path

This is your time—your commitment to your health and well-being. Don’t compare your progress to others. As the saying goes, “Comparison is the thief of joy.” Instead, celebrate each milestone, no matter how small. Your first month is just the beginning, and you are taking steps toward a healthier, happier version of yourself.

Welcome to your journey—you’re not alone in this. We’re here to guide, support, and cheer you on every step of the way.