Compounded GLP-1

GLP-1/GIP medications mimic two natural gut hormones—GLP-1 and GIP—that help regulate blood sugar, appetite, and digestion. They increase insulin release when blood sugar is high, reduce glucagon (the hormone that tells your liver to make more sugar), slow how quickly your stomach empties, and reduce hunger signals.

Together, these effects can help you feel fuller for longer, improve blood sugar control, and support medically supervised weight loss.

Compounded GLP-1/GIP is typically used as part of a medical weight management plan for adults with obesity, or for overweight adults who may also have conditions such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, cardiovascular disease, or high cholesterol. It is always paired with lifestyle changes like nutrition and movement.

These medicines belong to a class called GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonists. They help by:
• increasing insulin release when blood sugar is elevated
• reducing glucagon, which tells the liver to produce glucose
• slowing how quickly food leaves the stomach
• reducing appetite, which can lower calorie intake

A compounded version is prescribed only when a clinician decides that a customized formulation is more appropriate than a standard FDA-approved product—for example, due to dose, tolerability, or other individual needs.

GLP-1/GIP medication is taken as a subcutaneous (under the skin) injection that you give yourself at home after proper training from your care team. Common injection sites include:
• the abdomen, at least 2 inches away from the belly button
• the front or outer thigh
• the outer back of the upper arm (this site should be injected by someone else)

Key safety steps:
• Rotate injection sites with each dose. Avoid scars, moles, irritated skin, or bruises, and never inject through clothing.
• Check the medication before use: the liquid should be clear and colorless. Do not use it if it looks cloudy, discolored, or contains particles.
• Always use a new, sterile needle for each injection. Never share pens, needles, or syringes with anyone.
• Take your injection on the same day each week, at any time of day, unless your clinician gives you specific instructions.
• Follow the step-by-step guide that comes with your medication and any training from your care team. If you are unsure about your technique or have questions, contact your clinician or pharmacist before injecting.

Results vary a lot from person to person, and no provider can guarantee a specific number of kilos or pounds you’ll lose. Your starting weight, medical history, dose, consistency with injections, nutrition, movement, and sleep all play a role.

In clinical trials of a branded tirzepatide (a GLP-1/GIP medicine) at higher doses in adults without diabetes but with obesity or excess weight plus a weight-related condition, patients lost on average around 20% of their body weight over more than a year when treatment was combined with diet and exercise. By comparison, people who only changed diet and exercise in the same study lost only a small amount of weight.

Your own results may be higher or lower than this. GLP-1/GIP should always be used as part of a broader medical weight management plan, not as a quick fix, and your clinician will focus on safe, sustainable progress, not a race to reach a number.

Weight loss with GLP-1/GIP is not instant, and the timeline is different for everyone. Some patients notice changes within the first few weeks, while for others it may take a month or longer before the scale and clothes start to reflect progress.

What matters most is consistency: taking your injections as prescribed, following your nutrition plan, and staying in touch with your care team. Your clinician will adjust your dose over time based on how you’re responding, any side effects, and your goals.

As a general guideline, a medically safe rate of weight loss is often around 1–2 pounds per week (about 4–8 pounds per month), but your individual target and pace may differ depending on your starting point and overall health.

Our compounded GLP-1/GIP injection program is available in much of the United States. Eligibility and prescribing availability can vary by state due to local regulations, and we’ll clearly show you whether we can treat you based on your location during the online eligibility check.

Eligibility is always decided by a licensed clinician after reviewing your medical history, current health, and goals. Compounded GLP-1/GIP is not suitable for everyone, and it’s only prescribed when it is clinically appropriate and when a compounded formula makes sense for your specific needs.

In general, patients who may be considered for compounded GLP-1/GIP usually:
• are 18 years of age or older
• have a BMI of 27 or higher
• are not pregnant
• do not have certain medical conditions, such as:
  o a history of thyroid cancers or some serious thyroid disorders
  o gastroparesis (significantly delayed stomach emptying)
  o pancreatic cancer or pancreatitis
  o MEN2 (multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2)
  o some forms of inflammatory bowel disease

In addition, a compounded medication must provide a meaningful difference compared with an FDA-approved product for that individual—for example, a different dose, formulation, or ingredient profile that better fits their needs.

This is not a complete list of eligibility criteria. As part of the Fittlly process, you’ll complete an online health screening with our telehealth clinicians, who will make the final decision about whether compounded GLP-1/GIP is appropriate and safe for you.

Your starting dose is always determined by a licensed clinician. When you begin GLP-1/GIP treatment with Fittlly, you’ll typically start on a low introductory dose. The goal of this first phase is to let your body adjust gently to the medication and to minimize potential side effects, so the full effect on weight loss may not be visible until you’ve been on treatment for several weeks. That’s normal and part of a safe titration process.

After your initial weeks on treatment, your clinician will review your progress, how you’re feeling, and any side effects before deciding whether to increase, maintain, or adjust your dose.

If you’ve previously used a GLP-1 medication, you may be able to start closer to the dose you were on before. In that case, we’ll ask you to provide valid documentation of your prior prescription (such as a prescription label, clinic note, or pharmacy record) during your health screening. If proper documentation isn’t available, your clinician may recommend starting at a lower introductory dose for safety and then adjusting from there.

There isn’t a single “GLP-1/GIP diet” or a list of forbidden foods, but what you eat will strongly influence how you feel on treatment and how well it works. Your clinician or dietitian may give you personalized nutrition advice, and it’s important to follow their recommendations.

In general, a balanced way of eating and regular movement will help support weight loss, reduce side effects, and make your GLP-1/GIP treatment more effective. Many patients feel better when they:
• Limit heavy, greasy, fried, and high-sugar foods that can worsen nausea or digestive discomfort.
• Cut back on alcohol, which can affect blood sugar and digestion.
• Stay well hydrated by drinking enough water throughout the day.

Your Fittlly care team can help you understand what kind of eating pattern fits best with your lifestyle, your health, and your GLP-1/GIP treatment plan.

Common side effects of compounded GLP-1/GIP can include nausea, abdominal discomfort, bloating, burping, and sometimes dizziness or changes in digestion. Not everyone experiences these, and for many patients they are mild and tend to improve as the body adjusts to treatment and the dose is increased gradually.

Serious side effects are less common but can occur. You should contact a clinician urgently if you experience severe or persistent abdominal pain, vomiting, signs of dehydration, or any new or worrying symptoms.

If you’re concerned about how you’re feeling on your medication, reach out to the Fittlly care team or your primary healthcare provider before making changes to your dose or stopping treatment. Your clinician can review your symptoms, adjust your plan if needed, and help you manage side effects safely.

If you miss a scheduled GLP-1/GIP injection, take it as soon as you remember unless too much time has passed. If more than 4 days have gone by since the missed dose, skip it and wait for your next scheduled injection.

Do not take two doses close together or inject a “double dose” to make up for the one you missed.

If you’re unsure what to do or you’ve missed more than one dose, contact your Fittlly clinician or your primary healthcare provider so they can advise you on the safest way to get back on track.

To keep your GLP-1/GIP treatment safe and effective, it’s important to store and dispose of it correctly.

Storage guidelines:
• Keep all vials, pens, syringes, and needles out of reach of children and pets.
• Store your medication away from direct light and heat.
• Refrigerate unused GLP-1/GIP between 36°F and 46°F (2°C–8°C), and avoid placing it right next to the cooling element.
• Do not freeze the medication. If it has been frozen, do not use it—dispose of it properly.

Disposal guidelines:
• Never throw loose needles or syringes directly into the trash. Use an approved sharps container or follow your local regulations for sharps disposal.
• Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them down the sink unless specifically instructed to do so.
• Whenever possible, use a medicine take-back program to dispose of unused or expired medication. Your pharmacist or local waste authority can tell you what options are available in your area.

If you’re unsure how to store or dispose of your GLP-1/GIP safely, ask your pharmacist or clinician—they can walk you through the best options for your location.