New: Telehealth GLP-1 — Enroll
    Patient Education

    GLP-1 Education

    A clear, no-nonsense guide to GLP-1 medications — how the hormone works, what compounded options involve, what results patients may see, and how our program supports you from sign-up through ongoing care coaching.

    01 — The Basics

    What is naturally occurring GLP-1?

    GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) is a hormone produced in your small intestine in response to food. It plays a vital role in regulating blood sugar and appetite. Naturally, GLP-1 helps the body by:

    • Stimulating insulin release when blood sugar rises after a meal.
    • Inhibiting glucagon, the hormone that raises blood sugar.
    • Slowing stomach emptying, leading to gradual glucose absorption and longer-lasting fullness.
    • Increasing satiety by signaling the brain to reduce appetite.

    02 — The Medications

    GLP-1 Receptor Agonists (GLP-1 RAs)

    Synthetic versions of GLP-1 — called GLP-1 receptor agonists — mimic the actions of the natural hormone. They are used to support:

    Type 2 Diabetes

    May help lower blood sugar and reduce cardiovascular risk.

    Weight Management

    May be used for individuals with obesity or weight-related health concerns.

    Sleep Apnea

    May improve symptoms via weight loss and reduced inflammation.

    Single-agonist medications act on the GLP-1 receptor alone, while dual-agonist formulations act on both GLP-1 and GIP receptors — which may produce additional weight loss benefits depending on the individual.

    03 — Compounded Care

    What are compounded medications?

    Compounded medications are customized formulations made specifically for individual treatment needs. They are prepared by state-licensed and regulated sterile compounding pharmacy partners with rigorous third-party testing.

    While compounded drugs can be prescribed under federal law, they are not FDA-approved and do not undergo FDA review for safety, effectiveness, or manufacturing standards. Independent testing assesses three key characteristics:

    • Potency
    • Sterility (injectables)
    • Endotoxicity

    We do not make definitive claims about how a compounded medication may or may not work. Outcomes vary, and all care is supervised by a licensed provider.

    04 — Results

    How much weight may patients lose?

    Results vary based on the specific medication, dosage, individual response, and how well treatment is paired with lifestyle modifications like diet, supplements, sleep, and exercise. Patients in our program have seen meaningful weight loss over the first four to twelve weeks, and continued progress over time as the full effects of the program take hold.

    05 — Additional Benefits

    Potential additional benefits of GLP-1

    • Lower blood pressure — a modest blood pressure-lowering effect.
    • Reduced risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (heart attack, stroke, cardiovascular death).
    • Improved glycemic control with a lower risk of hypoglycemia compared with some other diabetes medications.

    Ongoing research is also exploring the role of GLP-1s in substance use and addiction, inflammatory conditions like IBD, and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's.

    06 — What to Expect

    Common GLP-1 side effects

    While typically mild and temporary, GLP-1 medications can cause:

    • Nausea and vomiting
    • Diarrhea
    • Constipation
    • Abdominal pain
    • Fatigue and trouble sleeping
    • Mild injection site reactions

    07 — Side Effect Management

    How to mitigate side effects

    Take ondansetron for nausea

    If prescribed, take as needed and follow all instructions provided by your provider.

    Exercise frequently

    Short walks after eating may help digestion and accelerate weight loss progress.

    Injections — administer correctly

    Let the medication sit at room temperature for ten minutes before injecting. Rotate injection sites and try an ice pack if you experience discomfort. Rotating to the thigh may help with gastrointestinal symptom relief. Our program allows for splitting weekly injections into twice per week.

    Oral medications — administer correctly

    Take the tablet on an empty stomach and let it dissolve under the tongue with your mouth closed — do not swallow. Take it at the same time every day and don't skip a dose. Avoid water immediately before or after, brushing teeth for 45 minutes, and smoking or chewing tobacco for two hours.

    08 — Our Program

    What does our GLP-1 program include?

    • Personalized consultation with a licensed provider
    • Custom treatment plan based on your goals and health history
    • Compounded GLP-1 medication options (injectable and oral)
    • Ongoing care coaching and support
    • Refills managed through a simple patient portal

    Available both in-clinic in Westminster, CO and through our new Telehealth GLP-1 Program for patients who prefer fully virtual care.

    09 — Getting Started

    The sign-up process

    1. 1

      BMI qualification

      We confirm height and weight to determine program fit.

    2. 2

      Tell us your goals

      Share what you want to achieve — weight loss, energy, mental clarity, or all of the above.

    3. 3

      Health history

      We learn about your medical situation to ensure safe, personalized care.

    4. 4

      Preferences

      Choose injectable or oral options and add-on supports.

    5. 5

      Contact info & consent

      Accept telehealth, terms of use, and privacy policy.

    6. 6

      Recommended solution

      A licensed provider reviews and recommends the best path forward.

    10 — Ongoing Care

    How do refills work?

    Refills are managed through the patient portal. For patients on an injectable medication, the refill form becomes available after the third dose. Our team reviews each refill request to make sure your plan continues to match your progress and goals.

    11 — Care Coaching

    What is Care Coaching?

    Included in every patient's program at no additional cost, Care Coaching is one of the biggest differentiators of our program. It pairs medical treatment with structured lifestyle support across nutrition, sleep, stress, exercise, and behavior.

    Optimizing Nutrition

    What to eat — and what to limit — for sustainable weight loss.

    Behavior & Mindset

    Breaking the cycle of emotional and habitual eating.

    Sleep Optimization

    Tips for better sleep during weight loss.

    Active Lifestyle

    Cardio and strength training built around your life.

    Portion Control

    Practical techniques for everyday meals and eating out.

    Stress & Holidays

    Managing entertaining, travel, and high-pressure seasons.

    Ready to See if GLP-1 is Right for You?

    Talk with our team at Go Figure Health in Westminster, CO. We'll review your goals, health history, and recommend the right path forward.

    Request Your Free Consultation