10 Questions Every Patient Should Ask Before Starting a GLP-1
GLP-1 medications can deliver life-changing results, but only when patients start informed, supported, and guided by the right care team. Too often, people begin treatment without knowing what to expect, how to manage side effects, or how to sustain results. The outcome? Frustration, early drop-offs, and wasted spend for both patients and employers.
When members are educated, monitored, and supported throughout their GLP-1 journey, adherence improves, outcomes last longer, and total program value increases.
These are the ten questions every patient should be able to answer, and the ones your benefits strategy should be designed to address.
1. Am I the right candidate for a GLP-1?
GLP-1s aren’t a first-line solution. Most people benefit from first focusing on healthy routines like nutrition, movement, sleep, and stress management. Determining whether a GLP-1 is appropriate requires reviewing medical history, health goals, and past weight-management efforts.
At Goodpath, Members interested in a GLP-1 first complete a comprehensive assessment to see if they meet clinical criteria. If a GLP-1 is appropriate, our medical team builds a personalized plan that prioritizes lifestyle strategies first and adds medication only when clinically necessary.
2. What habits should I work on before and during treatment?
GLP-1s are most effective when paired with lifestyle support. Studies show that patients who receive nutrition and behavioral counseling alongside medication lose more weight, stay on treatment longer, and maintain results after stopping. Yet in practice, fewer than two percent of patients receive GLP-1 therapy paired with intensive lifestyle support. Without that foundation, even effective medications lose their impact.
In short, patients need to understand not only what habits to change, but how to change them.
What to look for in an effective lifestyle program:
- Comprehensive Education: Guidance on moderate calorie reduction, balanced nutrition, and realistic weight-loss goals.
- Behavioral and Emotional Support: Tools for managing stress, improving sleep, and building sustainable habits.
- Continuous, Coordinated Care: Regular contact with their medical team to adjust plans and maintain motivation.
- Strong Nutritional Foundation: Personalized meal guidance to preserve muscle and prevent nutrient deficiencies.
3. What side effects are normal — and how do I manage them?
Almost everyone experiences some gastrointestinal symptoms when starting a GLP-1, most often nausea, constipation, or fatigue. These side effects are typically mild and temporary but can be discouraging if people aren’t prepared.
Patients who know what to expect and how to manage potential side effects are far more likely to stay on treatment and achieve lasting results.
Your benefits strategy should offer that kind of support from day one:
- Education before GLP-1 therapy begins, setting clear expectations for side effects and how to manage them.
- Practical nutrition guidance to minimize side effects.
- Frequent check-ins during dose increases to monitor comfort and adjust as needed.
When members feel informed and supported, they are more likely to stay the course, see better outcomes, and sustain their results long-term.
4. How will my dose change over time?
GLP-1 medications are designed to start at a low dose and increase gradually, a process called titration. This approach allows the body to adjust and helps minimize side effects. But success depends on getting the pacing right. Move too quickly, and patients may struggle to tolerate the medication; move too slowly, and they might not see the benefits soon enough.
5. How will I know if it’s working?
Success with GLP-1 therapy is about more than weight loss. Progress can show up as reduced appetite, improved energy, better sleep, lower blood sugar, or simply feeling more in control of eating habits. These are early signs that the medication and lifestyle changes are working together.
To truly understand impact, members need more than a single number. They need a complete view of their health!
Through Goodpath’s integrated care platform, we track weight, nutrition, and movement all in one place. Members can see tangible progress week to week, while employers gain a broader understanding of overall health improvement, engagement, and ROI.
6. What if I can’t tolerate the side effects?
With the right medical support, side effects can often be managed through dose adjustments, slower titration, or behavioral and dietary changes. But if the discomfort outweighs the benefit, continuing the medication may not be the best option.
At Goodpath, our care team works closely with members to find the right balance. We adjust dosing when needed, explore alternatives if GLP-1s aren’t well tolerated, and reinforce lifestyle strategies that help members sustain progress — with or without medication.
7. How long will I need to stay on this medication?
The right duration varies from person to person. Some may taper off once they reach their goals and maintain new habits; others may need ongoing treatment to sustain results. What matters most is that any decision to continue, pause, or stop is guided by medical supervision and supported by strong lifestyle foundations.
8. What happens if my insurance stops covering it?
Coverage changes are common, and they can be deeply stressful for patients who’ve built momentum on GLP-1 therapy. Suddenly losing access often leads to interrupted care, anxiety about cost, and, in some cases, rapid weight regain.
Goodpath offers self-pay GLP-1 access at negotiated rates, guidance on alternative therapies when needed, and lifestyle continuity planning so members can maintain progress — with or without ongoing medication coverage.
9. What kind of results should I expect?
Everyone’s journey with GLP-1s looks a little different, but clinical trials give a helpful benchmark. In studies of Zepbound®, participants who also reduced calories and increased activity lost 15% to 21% of their starting weight, depending on the dose. Most of that progress happened within the first 6 months, with weight loss typically leveling off between 12 and 18 months.
The pace and total amount of weight loss can vary based on factors like dose, duration of treatment, lifestyle habits, and underlying health. It’s also completely normal for progress to slow after the first several months.
10. What risks should I be aware of?
GLP-1s are generally safe and effective when prescribed appropriately, but like any medication, they come with potential risks.
Every Goodpath member completes a detailed medical assessment reviewed by a physician before starting therapy, ensuring safety and eligibility. Once treatment begins, our medical team closely monitors progress, adjusts dosing as needed, and provides personalized guidance on nutrition, hydration, and resistance exercise to maintain muscle and metabolic health.
The goal isn’t just to make GLP-1s accessible. It’s to make them safe, effective, and sustainable for the long term.
The Bottom Line
GLP-1s are powerful tools for weight management, but they’re only as effective as the support that surrounds them. The best outcomes come from programs that combine medication with education, behavioral coaching, and lifestyle support.
Goodpath’s integrated GLP-1 program delivers this wraparound care, giving employers confidence that their investment leads to measurable, lasting results. With Goodpath, members don’t just lose weight; they build sustainable habits that improve health outcomes and strengthen your benefits ROI.
Written by Our Goodpath Expert: Anne Lowell, NBC-HWC, RYT-500, ACSM-EP.