Compounded GLP-1

Compounded GLP-1 uses the same type of active molecule found in GLP-1 medicines prescribed for weight management. GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) is a hormone released in the gut after you eat.

When used as a treatment, it can help:
• improve blood sugar control by increasing insulin release when blood sugar is elevated
• reduce glucagon, the hormone that signals the liver to release stored sugar
• slow how quickly the stomach empties, so you feel fuller for longer after meals
• decrease appetite, which can naturally lower how much you eat

A compounded GLP-1 medication is prepared individually in a licensed compounding pharmacy instead of coming as a standard prefilled pen from a large manufacturer. It’s only prescribed when a clinician decides that a customized strength, formula, or format better fits a specific patient’s needs.

GLP-1 injections are usually prescribed as part of a medical weight management plan for adults living with obesity, or for overweight adults who may also have conditions such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or high cholesterol. Treatment is meant to work alongside changes in nutrition, movement, and overall lifestyle—not as a stand-alone quick fix.

GLP-1 belongs to a class of medicines called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. These medications help by:
• enhancing insulin secretion when blood sugar levels are elevated
• reducing glucagon, the hormone that signals the liver to release stored sugar
• slowing how quickly food leaves the stomach
• reducing appetite, which can support lower calorie intake and weight loss

At Fittlly, GLP-1 is prescribed only after a clinician reviews your health history and determines that it is safe and appropriate for your situation.

GLP-1 medication is taken as a subcutaneous (under the skin) injection that you give yourself 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 part of the thigh
• the outer back of the upper arm (this area should be injected by someone else)

Key steps to remember:
• Rotate injection sites with each dose and avoid injecting into scars, moles, irritated skin, or bruises. Never inject through clothing.
• Check the medicine 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 every injection, and never share pens, needles, or syringes with anyone else.
• Take your injection on the same day each week, at any time of day, unless your clinician gives you different instructions. It can usually be taken with or without food.
• Follow the step-by-step instructions that come with your medication, and contact your clinician or pharmacist if you’re unsure about your injection technique or have any concerns before using the medication.

Results with GLP-1 injections vary from person to person, and no one can guarantee a specific amount of weight you will lose. Your starting weight, health conditions, dose, lifestyle, and consistency all play a role.

In a 68-week clinical trial of a branded semaglutide GLP-1 (2.4 mg) in adults without diabetes but with obesity or excess weight plus a weight-related condition, patients lost on average around 15% of their body weight when the medication was combined with diet and exercise changes. In the same study, people who received only diet and exercise support lost about 2–3% of their body weight.

Your own results may be higher or lower than these averages. At Fittlly, the goal is not rapid, extreme loss at any cost, but safe, sustainable progress as part of a supervised medical plan.

The timeline for seeing results with GLP-1 varies from person to person. Some patients notice changes in appetite or eating habits within the first few weeks, while for others visible weight loss may take a month or more. Both patterns can be normal.

The most important factor is consistency: taking your medication as prescribed, following your nutrition and activity plan, and staying in touch with your care team. Your clinician will adjust your dose over time based on how you’re responding and any side effects you may experience.

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 pace may be slower or faster depending on your starting point, health conditions, and goals. At Fittlly, the focus is on steady, sustainable progress, not extreme or rushed changes.

Compounded GLP-1 injections are available to many patients across the United States, but access can vary by state due to local telehealth and pharmacy regulations. During your online eligibility check, we’ll ask for your location and clearly show whether Fittlly can prescribe and ship compounded GLP-1 to your state.

If compounded GLP-1 is not available where you live, our clinicians may discuss alternative options that are appropriate for your situation.

Eligibility for compounded GLP-1 is always determined by a licensed clinician after reviewing your health history, current medications, and goals. Compounded GLP-1 is not right for everyone, and it is only prescribed when it is both medically appropriate and when a compounded formulation makes sense for your specific needs.

In general, patients considered for compounded GLP-1 typically:
• are 18 years of age or older
• have a BMI of 27 or higher
• are not pregnant or breastfeeding
• do not have certain medical conditions, such as:
  o a history of certain thyroid cancers or serious thyroid disease
  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 GLP-1 product—for example, a different dose, formulation, or ingredient profile that better suits your individual situation.

This is not a complete list of 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 treatment is appropriate and safe for you.

Your starting dose is always chosen by a licensed clinician after reviewing your medical history, current medications, and overall health. When you begin GLP-1 treatment with Fittlly, you’ll typically start on a low introductory dose, often around 0.25 mg for the first few weeks.

This “starter phase” is designed to let your body adjust gradually, which means you may not see the full effects on weight loss until you move into the later doses. That’s normal and part of a safe titration process, not a sign that the treatment isn’t working.

After this initial period, your clinician will look at how you’re feeling, any side effects, and how your weight and appetite are changing before deciding whether to increase, maintain, or adjust your dose.

If you’ve previously taken a GLP-1 medication, you may be able to start closer to the dose you were already using. 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 we don’t receive appropriate documentation, or if there are safety concerns, your clinician may recommend starting at a lower introductory dose and adjusting from there.

There isn’t a strict “GLP-1 diet” you must follow, but what and how you eat will strongly influence how you feel on treatment and how well it works. Your doctor or dietitian may give you personalized guidance, and it’s important to follow their advice.

In general, a balanced way of eating and regular movement will support weight loss, reduce side effects, and help your GLP-1 treatment be more effective. Many patients feel better when they:
• limit heavy, greasy, fried, and high-sugar foods, which can worsen nausea or digestive discomfort
• reduce alcohol intake, as it can affect blood sugar and digestion
• stay well hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day

Your care team can help you find an eating pattern that fits your lifestyle, your health, and your GLP-1 treatment plan.

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

More serious side effects are less common but can occur. You should seek medical advice urgently if you develop severe or persistent abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, signs of dehydration, difficulty swallowing, or any new or worrying symptoms.

If you’re concerned about how you feel on GLP-1, do not change your dose on your own. Contact your Fittlly clinician or your primary healthcare provider so they can review your symptoms, adjust your treatment if needed, and help you manage side effects safely. For full safety information, always refer to the medication guide that comes with your prescription and the instructions provided by your care team.

If you miss a scheduled GLP-1 injection, take the missed dose 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 until 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 if 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 restart or adjust your schedule.

To keep your compounded GLP-1 safe and effective, it’s important to follow proper storage, handling, and disposal steps.

Storage and handling:
• Keep all vials, pens, syringes, and needles out of reach of children and pets.
• Store your medication away from direct light and heat, in its original packaging when possible.
• Refrigerate unused GLP-1 between 36°F and 46°F (2°C–8°C), and avoid placing it directly next to the cooling element.
• Do not freeze the medication. If it has been frozen, do not use it—dispose of it safely.
• Always check the expiration date or beyond-use date on the label. Do not use the medication after it has expired.
• Follow any additional storage instructions printed on your prescription label or provided by the pharmacy, as these are specific to your formulation.

Disposal:
• Never throw loose needles or syringes directly into household trash. Use an approved sharps container or a sturdy puncture-resistant container if a sharps container is not available, and follow your local regulations for sharps disposal.
• Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into the sink unless explicitly instructed.
• When you have expired or unused medication, use a medicine take-back program or follow your local guidelines for safe medicine disposal. Your pharmacist or local waste authority can help you find the best option in your area.

If you are unsure how to store or dispose of your compounded GLP-1, ask your pharmacist or clinician—they can give you instructions tailored to your specific medication and location.