Getting Started

    Your Guide to Starting GLP-1 Medications

    Everything you need to know to begin your weight loss journey with GLP-1 medications safely and successfully.

    Beginning Your Weight Loss Journey

    Starting GLP-1 medications is an exciting step toward achieving your health goals. This comprehensive guide walks you through every stage of the process, from getting your initial prescription to understanding what to expect in your first weeks of treatment.

    Step 1
    Consultation & Eligibility
    Step 2
    Choose Your Medication
    Step 3
    Get Prescription
    Step 4
    Start Treatment

    Essential Guides for Beginners

    How to Get Prescribed GLP-1 Medications

    Step-by-step guide to getting a prescription for weight loss medications including eligibility requirements and consultation process.

    What to Expect: First Month on GLP-1s

    Detailed guide on what to expect during your first month, including side effects, dosing, and lifestyle adjustments.

    Choosing Between Semaglutide and Tirzepatide

    Compare the two leading medications to determine which might be the best fit for your weight loss goals.

    Finding the Right Healthcare Provider

    How to find a qualified healthcare provider who can prescribe and monitor your GLP-1 therapy.

    Am I Eligible for GLP-1 Medications?

    BMI Requirements

    Eligibility is determined individually by a licensed provider through the online assessment. Your clinician reviews your medical history, current medications and health goals, and decides whether treatment is appropriate for you. Some patients are not candidates, and no single number decides it on its own.

    For reference, the FDA-approved prescribing information for the brand-name GLP-1 medications describes use in adults with a BMI of 30 or higher, or 27 or higher with at least one weight-related condition such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension or obstructive sleep apnea. That is a reference point, not Trimi's limit. Your licensed clinician may prescribe off-label at their clinical discretion based on your individual case.

    Medical Evaluation

    A healthcare provider will review your medical history, current medications, and perform necessary lab tests to ensure GLP-1 medications are safe and appropriate for you.

    Contraindications

    GLP-1 medications may not be suitable for individuals with personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma, Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2, or severe gastrointestinal disease.

    Ready to Get Started?

    Compounded semaglutide is $99/month and compounded tirzepatide is $125/month on the annual plan, with no membership fee and the same price at every prescribed dose. A licensed clinician reviews your intake and decides whether treatment is appropriate for you.

    Start your online visit

    Medical 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.

    About compounded medications: Trimi dispenses compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide, which are prepared per individual prescription by state-licensed 503A pharmacies. Compounded medications are not FDA-approved as drugs, and the FDA does not review them for safety or effectiveness.

    Risks: GLP-1 medications commonly cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and constipation. Less common but serious risks include pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, kidney injury and, in rodent studies, thyroid C-cell tumors. Do not use if you or a family member has had medullary thyroid carcinoma or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2. Discuss your full history with your clinician.

    Results vary. Individual outcomes differ, and no particular result is promised or guaranteed. Trimi's clinician network, provided through Arora Health, is licensed across all 50 states; treatment is dispensed only where the reviewing clinician is licensed and only when clinically appropriate.

    Sources & References

    1. Wilding JPH et al. Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity. NEJM 2021;384:989-1002.
    2. Jastreboff AM et al. Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity. NEJM 2022;387:205-216.
    3. Lincoff AM et al. Semaglutide and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Obesity without Diabetes. NEJM 2023;389:2221-2232.
    4. FDA Prescribing Information for Wegovy (semaglutide) and Zepbound (tirzepatide).

    How do I get started on GLP-1 weight-loss treatment?

    Getting started on GLP-1 weight-loss treatment through a legitimate US telehealth provider takes 5–7 days end-to-end: complete an online health assessment (5–10 minutes), wait for board-certified clinician review (usually within 24 hours), prescription is dispatched to an FDA-regulated pharmacy if appropriate, pharmacy fulfills (1–2 days), then free overnight shipping. Eligibility is determined individually by a licensed provider through the online assessment, based on your full medical history; FDA brand-label BMI thresholds are a reference point, not Trimi's limit. Once medication arrives, patients should review the dosing schedule, prepare an injection-site rotation plan (abdomen, thigh, upper arm), and pace meals smaller and more frequent during the first 2 weeks to manage tolerability.

    5–7 day end-to-end timeline through legitimate telehealth.
    Eligibility is determined individually by a licensed provider, not by a published BMI cutoff.
    Smaller, more frequent meals improve first-month tolerability.

    Key Takeaways

    • Starting GLP-1 weight-loss treatment involves: eligibility check (BMI threshold + clinical history), provider evaluation, prescription, pharmacy fulfillment, and shipped medication.
    • Standard timeline through a legitimate telehealth provider: 5–7 days from initial assessment to receiving the first dose.
    • Eligibility is determined individually by a licensed provider; FDA brand-label BMI thresholds are a reference point, not Trimi's limit.
    • First-dose preparation: room-temperature medication storage per label, prep injection site with alcohol wipe, follow injection-site rotation guidance.

    Medically Reviewed

    DSA

    Dr. Sean Arora

    MD

    Weight Loss Medicine, Obesity Medicine & Telemedicine

    Last reviewed: May 4, 2026

    TCCT

    Written by Trimi Clinical Content Team

    Medical Writers & Healthcare Professionals

    Our clinical content team includes registered nurses, pharmacists, and medical writers who specialize in translating complex medical information into clear, actionable guidance for patients.

    Medically reviewed by Dr. Sean Arora, MD

    What real Trimi patients say

    Verbatim quotes from Trimi's Facebook and Reddit community reviews. First name and last initial preserved per editorial policy.

    21 lbs down in 6 weeks! So happy I started with you guys!

    Outcome: 21 lbs lost in 6 weeks

    - Robyn C.Facebook
    Amazing company and care team support! Fast response time, no hidden fees and they actually care enough to work with you and your needs on your weight loss journey. Down 12.5 pounds in 2 months!

    Outcome: Down 12.5 lbs in 2 months

    - Sarah M.Facebook
    See all community reviews →

    Editorial Standards

    Trimi publishes patient education using a medical-review workflow, source-based claim checks, and dated updates for fast-changing pricing, access, and safety topics.

    Review our Editorial Policy and Medical Review Policy for more details about sourcing, updates, and reviewer attribution.

    Scientific References

    1. Novo Nordisk (2025). Wegovy (semaglutide) prescribing information. U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Read Study
    2. Eli Lilly and Company (2025). Zepbound (tirzepatide) prescribing information. U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Read Study
    3. The Endocrine Society (2024). Pharmacological Management of Obesity: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.Read Study
    4. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (2026). BeSafeRx: Your Source for Online Pharmacy Information. FDA.Read Study

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