5 GLP-1 Lessons from Real Patients

GLP-1 medications have helped thousands of people transform their relationship with food, weight, and health. But while the science is solid, the experience can vary from person to person. We spoke with Flow Wellness patients—real people at different stages of their journey—about what’s helped them feel their best while on a GLP-1. Here are the five most common (and honest) pieces of advice.

1. “Start low and slow.” — female, 47

When she started her medication, this patient was excited—but quickly realized that trying to “power through” wasn’t sustainable.

“I thought I could jump right in and handle it. But it hit harder than I expected—nausea, no appetite, digestion was off. Once I slowed down and gave my body time to adjust, I felt so much better. I wish I had understood sooner that slower is not a setback.”

Flow Tip: Talk with your provider about a dosing schedule that fits your body, not just a standard timeline. Don’t rush to increase your dose just to see faster results. Some people see great results at lower levels, and increasing too quickly can actually make things harder with more side effects. The key is finding what works for your body. Stay in close touch with your provider and focus on how you’re feeling—not just following a standard timeline.

2. “Tiny meals with nutrients made a huge difference.” — male, 51

This patient quickly realized that while the medication cut their hunger, it didn’t mean their body stopped needing fuel.

“At first I’d go hours without eating or just grab a few crackers, and I’d end up feeling completely drained. Once I started making a point to eat small amounts of real, nutrient-dense food—especially protein—I had way more energy and fewer side effects. Weirdly, when I wasn’t eating enough, I stopped losing weight. I know it sounds backwards, but that’s what happened for me.”

Flow Tip: Even if your appetite is low, your body still needs fuel to function and metabolize fat efficiently. Focus on meals with protein, fiber, and hydration—not just empty snacks. Avoid processed “fillers” that don’t nourish you. Nutrient-dense protein shakes can be a great option to sip throughout the day when full meals feel like too much. We also offer curated supplements to help support energy, metabolism, and overall wellness during your GLP-1 journey. See our recommended supplements here →

3. “Water was the game-changer I didn’t see coming.” — female, 54

GLP-1s can suppress thirst, which caught this patient off guard.

“I had no idea I was low-key dehydrated until I started getting headaches and feeling super sluggish. I think I was just used to being dehydrated all the time. I’m not a very thirsty person, I guess. But once I started tirzepatide, it really caught up with me and I didn’t feel good. Once I made water a priority—like literally setting reminders—I started feeling so much better. If I start getting headaches, I know I’m getting dehydrated and need to push the water more.”

Flow Tip: Dehydration is common on GLP-1s, especially early on. Start your day with a full glass of water and keep a bottle nearby throughout the day. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty—drink regularly, especially between meals since food fills you up faster on GLP-1 medication. Adding electrolytes can also help with energy and balance, particularly in the first few weeks.

If you want a quick rehydration solution, check out our IV therapy suite: IV Infusions in Bend and Sunriver, Oregon

4. “Progress isn’t just about the scale.” — male, 38

This patient learned to look beyond just pounds lost to measure his success.

“I got a little obsessed with the number on the scale at first. I was weighing myself every day, sometimes more than once. But then my wife mentioned my face looked slimmer, and I realized my clothes were fitting better. I also wasn’t binge-snacking every night like I used to. I’m hitting the gym really hard lately, so I know progress is happening. Now I just weigh myself on shot day so I don’t get weird about it and try to let the rest go.”

Flow Tip: The scale is just one piece of the puzzle. If you’re tracking every decimal on the scale (you know you who are!), it might be time to zoom out. Weight can fluctuate for all kinds of reasons—and it doesn’t tell the whole story. Focus on what’s really changing: body composition, more energy, fewer cravings, less joint pain, etc. Are you splitting meals at restaurants without even thinking about it? Not constantly fixated on food? Those are real, meaningful wins. Non-scale victories often say more about your progress than the number ever could.

5. “Talking to my partner helped more than I expected.” — female 44

Opening up to her partner made this journey feel more manageable and less isolating.

“At first, I didn’t really tell anyone. It felt awkward, like I was taking cheating or something. Especially since my husband can drop weight just by eating a salad and hitting the gym a little more—while I’d been struggling for years. But when I finally opened up, he started checking in on me, reminding me to eat, and didn’t complain when I started cooking healthier meals for us.”

Flow Tip: Sharing your experience with a partner or friend can make a huge difference—emotionally and practically. GLP-1s aren’t a shortcut or a cheat; they’re a medically backed tool for improving metabolic health, just like taking medication for high blood pressure or diabetes. The science behind GLP-1s is growing fast, and research is showing benefits that go far beyond weight—possibly even supporting long-term health and quality of life. You deserve support, not secrecy.

The Takeaway

GLP-1s work best when you pair the medication with healthy habits, support, and patience. Everyone’s journey is unique, but these shared lessons—**slow dosing, nutrient-dense meals, hydration, celebrating progress, and leaning on support—**can make the experience smoother and more sustainable. At Flow Wellness, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Have a tip or story to share?
Email us at info@theflowwellness.com or tag us on Instagram @flowwellnessforyou with #GLP1Journey!

GLP-1 medications must be obtained with a prescription by a licensed medical provider. Compounded GLP-1 medications nor injected vitamins are not reviewed by the FDA for safety, efficacy, or quality. Compounded medications are only indicated for patients when a prescribing practitioner determines that the compounded preparation produces a significant difference for their patient compared to the FDA-approved product. This blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider for personalized medical advice.