A Medically-Guided
Weight Management
Journey with GLP-1
Long-term weight loss doesn’t begin with a fad diet. It starts
with science, structure, and support.
If you’ve struggled with weight loss despite your best efforts, you’re not alone. Obesity is a complex, chronic condition, driven by more than just willpower. This program combines expert care, tailored nutrition guidance, and the proven benefits of a GLP-1 (semaglutide) to support a healthier, more sustainable path to weight management.
What is a GLP-1?
A GLP-1 is a once-weekly injectable prescription medication used for chronic weight management in adults with:
- A BMI of 30 or greater (obesity), or
- A BMI of 27 or greater (overweight) with at least one weight-related condition such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol.
It works by mimicking a GLP-1, a natural hormone that regulates appetite and food intake. By acting on the areas of the brain that control hunger and satiety, a GLP-1 helps reduce calorie intake, supporting gradual and sustained weight loss.
But a GLP-1 is just one part of the bigger picture. It’s most effective when used in combination with a reduced-calorie eating plan, increased physical activity, and the right medical guidance.
Dosing Schedule
A Gradual Step-Up to the Full Dose
A GLP-1 is introduced slowly to allow your body to adjust and reduce the risk of side effects. Over the first 16 weeks, the dose increases in five clearly defined steps:
| Week | Dose | Purpose |
| Week 1 – 4 |
0.25mg once weekly | Start dose to begin treatment |
| Week 5 – 8 |
0.5mg once weekly | Step-up to help your body adjust |
| Week 9 – 12 |
1.0mg once weekly | Continued dose escalation |
| Week 13 – 16 |
1.7mg once weekly | Final step before full dose |
| Week 17 onward |
2.4mg once weekly | Maintenance dose for ongoing use |
Key tips:
Inject once weekly, on the same day each week.
Can be taken any time of day, with or without food.
Injections are given under the skin (abdomen, thigh, or upper arm).
The same general body area can be used each time, but not the same exact spot.
What to Expect on a GLP-1
Many people notice a decrease in appetite and improved control over food choices early on in treatment. As weight loss progresses, it may also positively impact blood pressure, blood sugar, and energy levels.
Common side effects may include nausea, constipation, diarrhoea, or headache. These often lessen over time and can be managed by:
- Eating smaller, slower meals.
- Staying well hydrated.
- Avoiding greasy or spicy foods.
- Listening to fullness cues and stopping before feeling overly full.
Ongoing medical check-ins help monitor your response to treatment and manage any side effects or dose adjustments if needed.
Lifestyle Support: Nutrition,
Habits, and Hydration
Medication is one piece of the puzzle. The rest? Building daily habits that support your weight-loss goals. That’s why this program includes a structured lifestyle component designed to work hand-in-hand with a GLP-1. You’ll receive guidance on:
This is not about perfection, it’s about consistency. Together, these changes help you create the calorie deficit needed for weight loss while nourishing your body with what it needs to stay healthy and energised.
What exactly is Semaglutide?
Semaglutide is a medication primarily used to treat type 2 diabetes and, more recently, for weight management in certain individuals.
What exactly does it do for the body?
It’s a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, which means it mimics a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels by stimulating insulin secretion, reducing glucagon release, and slowing gastric emptying. This leads to improved blood sugar control and can help with weight loss by promoting a feeling of fullness.
How much weight can I expect to lose?
This all depends on how your physiology responds to the therapy, and provided you focus on high-protein meals, minimizing processed foods and exercise. You can expect to lose about 5-20% of your body weight.
What are the side effects of the therapy?
There are no major side effects to the therapy, and is extremely safe, as the microdosing principle aims to respect your physiology. Short term side effects may include the following:
- Transient nausea
- Transient abdominal discomfort
- Increased urination
- Mild fatigue in the first 2 weeks
- Mild constipation
It is important to adhere to the prescribed dosage to minimise the risk of developing severe side effects.
There is no risk of hair loss, cancers, heart attacks or cardiovascular disease associated with this therapy, due to the conservative microdosing nature, and the continuous medical monitoring.
How long before I start to lose weight?
You need to give the therapy at least 6 weeks before you start to see weight loss, as the initial loading phase is important to ensure mitigation of side effects.
For how long do I need to be on the therapy?
You can be on the therapy as long as is required to get to your desirable weight. You can also continue a microdosing protocol if you choose to do so.
Does the therapy cause me to lose muscle mass?
With any weight loss program, you will lose some degree of muscle mass. The best means to counteract this, is to prioritise healthy protein intake and resistance exercise.
Do I need to be on a specific diet and exercise program?
The answer to this is yes, and we do encourage a healthy diet that is rich in whole foods with minimal processed foods, sugar and alcohol. The healthier the diet, the better and faster your outcome will be. Regular exercise, especially resistance exercise, will aid in complementing your healthy diet. We also encourage patients to book a consultation with our clinical nutritionist.
Can semaglutide interfere with other medication?
Yes, it’s important to disclose all your medications in your medical questionnaire so our medical team can assess your suitability for the medication.
Can Semaglutide cause fertility issues?
No, current research does not indicate that semaglutide directly causes fertility issues. Most studies focus on its effects on blood sugar control, weight management, and potential side effects. However, any medication can have varying effects on individuals, so it’s essential to discuss concerns about fertility with your healthcare provider, especially if you are planning to conceive.
What happens if I just stop using Semaglutide?
If you stop using semaglutide, you may experience a return of the symptoms it was managing, such as elevated blood sugar levels if you were using it for type 2 diabetes or weight regain if it was for weight management. This is why it is important to have regular follow ups with your doctor and discuss slowly weaning off the medication to avoid any adverse effects.
Can I drink alcohol while on semaglutide?
It’s generally advisable to limit alcohol consumption while taking semaglutide, as alcohol can affect blood sugar levels and may increase the risk of gastrointestinal side effects, such as nausea or vomiting. Additionally, drinking alcohol can interfere with your ability to monitor your blood sugar effectively. It’s best to discuss your alcohol intake with your healthcare provider for personalized guidance based on your health situation.
Can I use Semaglutide if I am pregnant?
Semaglutide is not recommended during pregnancy, as there may be potential risks to the developing fetus. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, it’s important to discuss this with your doctor during your initial consultation.
Will I need to stay on Semaglutide indefinitely?
Whether you need to stay on semaglutide long-term depends on your individual health goals and circumstances. For some people, especially those using it for type 2 diabetes, ongoing use may be necessary to maintain blood sugar control. For weight management, some may find they can transition to lifestyle changes that sustain their results after a period on the medication.
Is Semaglutide safe for long term use?
Yes, it is considered safe for long-term use for many individuals, especially when monitored by your doctor.
How does Semaglutide compare to other weight loss medications?
Clinical studies have shown that semaglutide can lead to significant weight loss, often more than many other weight loss medications. In some trials, participants lost around 15-20% of their body weight.
Introduction to GLP-1
Getting Started
You’ll begin with a consultation to assess your health profile and determine if a GLP-1 is right for you. From there, you’ll receive:
This is a step-by-step journey designed to work with your body, not against it.
A clear dosing schedule and training on how to use the pen.
Ongoing support and dose tracking tools.
Meal planning resources and access to nutrition professionals.
Check-ins to monitor progress, manage side effects, and adapt as needed.
Ready to Begin?
If you’re ready to take the first step toward a healthier, more sustainable approach to weight loss, we’re here to help guide the way.
Managing weight isn’t just about losing kilos, it’s about gaining back control.