GLP-1 Patient Education Handouts: Downloadable Resources for Your Practice
Ready-to-use patient education materials for GLP-1 medications. Injection instructions, side effect management, nutrition guidance, and what-to-expect timelines.
More on Provider-Facing
Provider Resource
Comprehensive patient education content covering the essential information your patients need when starting GLP-1 treatment. Use these sections as the basis for your practice's patient handouts.
Handout 1: Getting Started with GLP-1 Medication
What to Expect in Your First Month
Week 1-2: You may notice reduced appetite within the first few days. Some patients experience mild nausea. This is normal and usually improves within 1-2 weeks. Eat small, bland meals and stay hydrated.
Week 3-4: Appetite reduction becomes more consistent. You should notice you feel full faster and think about food less. Most patients lose 2-5 pounds in the first month. Focus on eating protein at every meal.
Important: Take your injection on the same day each week. Store medication in the refrigerator. Rotate injection sites. Drink at least 64 oz of water daily.
Handout 2: Side Effect Quick Reference
Common (Expected) -- Manage at Home
- Mild nausea: eat small meals, ginger tea, bland foods
- Constipation: increase water and fiber
- Fatigue: ensure adequate protein intake
- Injection site redness: rotate sites, apply ice
Call Your Provider If:
- Vomiting that lasts more than 24 hours
- Severe stomach pain (especially upper abdomen)
- Unable to eat or drink anything
- Signs of allergic reaction (swelling, rash, breathing difficulty)
Handout 3: Nutrition Priorities
The Protein-First Rule
Eat Protein First
At every meal, eat your protein before anything else. Your reduced appetite means you may not finish everything -- make sure the protein gets eaten. Aim for 25-40g protein per meal.
Stay Hydrated
Drink 64-80 oz water daily. Set reminders if needed. Dehydration worsens nausea and fatigue. Add electrolytes if you experience diarrhea.
Protein Shake Backup
When you cannot eat solid food, use a protein shake (25-40g protein). This ensures minimum nutrition on low-appetite days. Keep ready-to-drink options on hand.
Clinical Disclaimer: These handout templates are for licensed healthcare providers. Customize with your practice information, specific medication details, and contact numbers. Not intended for direct patient distribution without provider review.
Frequently Asked Questions
What information should patient handouts include?
Essential handout content: medication storage and handling, injection technique with site rotation, expected side effects and management tips, when to call the office, dietary guidance (protein priorities), hydration requirements, and dose titration schedule with appointment dates.
How should I educate patients about injection technique?
Key points: rotate injection sites (abdomen, thigh, upper arm), inject at same time on same day weekly, room temperature medication is less painful, pinch skin fold, insert at 90-degree angle, inject slowly, hold for 5-10 seconds, do not rub injection site afterward.
What dietary guidance should patients receive at initiation?
Priority message: eat protein first at every meal (0.8-1.0g per pound of body weight daily). Secondary: stay hydrated (64-80 oz water daily), eat smaller meals more frequently, avoid high-fat and high-sugar foods that worsen nausea, consider protein shakes when appetite is very low.
When should patients contact their provider?
Contact triggers: persistent vomiting (>24 hours), severe abdominal pain, signs of dehydration, inability to eat or drink, rapid weight loss (>3 lbs/week), injection site reactions lasting >48 hours, new or worsening mood changes, any allergic reaction symptoms.
Partner with Trimi
Compounded semaglutide from $99/mo or tirzepatide from $125/mo with full clinical support.
View Treatment OptionsMedical Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any medication or treatment program.
Sources & References
- Wilding JPH et al. Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity. NEJM 2021;384:989-1002.
- Jastreboff AM et al. Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity. NEJM 2022;387:205-216.
- Lincoff AM et al. Semaglutide and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Obesity without Diabetes. NEJM 2023;389:2221-2232.
- FDA Prescribing Information for Wegovy (semaglutide) and Zepbound (tirzepatide).