What We’ll Cover:

• What to expect when starting a weight management medication 
• How your dose is chosen and adjusted over time
• The virtue of slow and steady weight loss 
• Common misunderstandings 
• Celebrating non-scale victories

Starting a new medication for weight management can feel like a big step. We’re here to guide and support you on this journey. This medication is not a quick fix; it’s a tool to help you build long-term, healthy habits at a pace that works for you.

Here’s what you can expect as you begin.

Finding the right dose for you:

Your body is unique. That means the right dose for you might be different from someone else. We don’t expect everyone to follow the same path.

• Most people start on a low dose.
• You’ll stay at each dose for a while so your body can get used to it. This is a good way of managing side effects.
  

Our clinical team will work with you to decide if the dose should go up, stay the same, or even go down. The goal is to find a dose that:

• Helps you feel full with less food
• Causes few or no side effects
• Allows you to eat a healthy and balanced diet
  

It’s not a race: 

It’s easy to think weight loss should be fast but slower is often better. This is a marathon, not a sprint. Losing weight slowly is more likely to last. It gives your body and mind time to adjust and helps protect your muscles.

Remember:

• It’s not about how quickly you lose weight.
• It’s about feeling well and making changes you can keep up long term.

Everyone’s journey is different: 

It’s normal to feel unsure if your progress looks different from others. Some people may lose weight faster or need a different dose, and that’s OK. 

Please don’t worry if:

• You stay on a lower dose
• You need to reduce your dose due to side effects
• Your weight loss is slower than that of others
  

This is not a sign of failure. What matters is that you’re making progress in a way that’s safe and right for you.

Common Misunderstandings: 

Now is a good time to clear up a few myths:

• “If I’m not hungry, I don’t need to eat.”
  Your body still needs food to stay healthy, even if you don’t feel hungry. Try to eat regular, balanced meals with foods like rice, chapati, vegetables, lentils, grilled chicken, or tofu.
• “I’ll lose all the weight quickly.”
  Weight loss often takes time. That’s a good thing.
• “More side effects mean it’s working better.”
  Not true. Feeling very unwell is a sign your body may need more time to adjust.

Celebrate your non-scale victories: 

Weight is just one part of your health. You might notice other changes, like:

• More energy
• Sleeping better
• Moving more easily
• Better mood
• Clothes fitting differently
  

These are all signs you’re on the right path.

Summary: 

Your journey is personal. We’ll support you in finding what works best for you, without pressure to rush or compare. You’re not alone, and every step forward matters.