Before you start
- Weigh yourself: Record your starting weight. Same time of day, same clothes (or none), same scale.
- Take measurements: Waist, hips, chest. The scale doesn't capture everything — body composition changes matter.
- Photograph yourself: Front, side, back. You won't want to later, but you'll be glad you did.
- Stock your kitchen: High-protein foods, ginger tea (for nausea), plenty of water. Clear out trigger foods if that helps you.
- Set realistic expectations: The first month is about starting, not finishing. Dramatic results come later.
Week 1: the beginning
What you'll feel: For GLP-1 medications (Wegovy, Mounjaro), you start at the lowest dose. Most people notice reduced appetite within the first few days — sometimes dramatically so. You may feel mild nausea, especially after eating large or fatty meals. For Duromine, appetite suppression is usually immediate and strong.
Weight change: 0–1kg loss is typical. Some people see more due to water weight and reduced food intake. Others see no change yet — both are normal.
Tips: Eat smaller meals even if you're not yet feeling the full effect. Stay hydrated. Take GLP-1 injections at the same time/day each week. Take Duromine first thing in the morning (never afternoon).
Week 2: adjusting
What you'll feel: Appetite suppression becomes more consistent. You may notice you think about food less — many patients describe this as the most surprising change. Nausea, if present, may fluctuate.
Weight change: 0.5–1.5kg total loss from baseline is typical.
Tips: Don't force yourself to eat large meals just because it's "mealtime." Eat when hungry, stop when satisfied. Focus on protein at every meal — it helps preserve muscle mass.
Week 3: settling in
What you'll feel: Your body is adjusting to the medication. Early side effects (nausea, headache) typically start improving. You may notice you get full faster and are naturally choosing smaller portions.
Weight change: 1–2kg total loss is typical for GLP-1 medications. Duromine users may see more (2–3kg) due to the stronger initial appetite suppression.
Tips: Start or continue regular exercise — even 30 minutes of walking daily makes a difference. If nausea persists, try eating 5–6 small meals instead of 3 large ones.
Week 4: your first check-in
What you'll feel: You've likely established a new eating pattern by now. The medication feels less "new" and more routine. Most early side effects have improved.
Weight change: 1–3kg total loss in the first month is typical for GLP-1 medications at the starting dose. Don't be discouraged if it's less — you're on the lowest dose. The real weight loss accelerates at higher doses.
Your follow-up: Most providers schedule a check-in after 4 weeks. Your doctor will assess tolerability, review your weight, and discuss moving to the next dose level.
What if nothing is happening?
If you haven't noticed any appetite change or weight loss after 4 weeks, don't panic. You're on the starting dose — it's intentionally low to minimise side effects. The therapeutic dose is much higher. Discuss with your doctor at your follow-up, but generally the advice is: be patient and continue the escalation schedule.
Common first-month mistakes
- Eating too little: Severely restricting food on top of medication can lead to muscle loss, fatigue, and nutritional deficiency. Let the medication do its job — eat when hungry.
- Expecting immediate dramatic results: The starting dose is low. Major weight loss comes at maintenance dose (month 4–5+).
- Weighing too often: Daily weight fluctuates by 1–2kg due to water, food, and hormones. Weekly weigh-ins at the same time are more useful.
- Skipping protein: When eating less, what you eat matters more. Aim for 1.2–1.6g protein per kg body weight daily to preserve muscle.