How To Lose Weight Without Excessive Diets And Workouts
Kim Phelps
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Dec 1, 2023
Lifestyle changes are an important part of any weight loss journey, but they shouldn’t impact your wellbeing. Here’s our healthy approach to losing weight.
GLP-1 medications like semaglutide, tirzepatide, and liraglutide are helping more people take control of their weight and health. But starting treatment can still come with some unexpected twists, especially if you're not sure what to expect.
To better understand those early experiences, we asked 250 GLP-1 users what they wish they'd known before getting started. Their answers were honest and insightful. And with the right care and support, you can feel more prepared, more confident, and more in control from the very beginning.
Nearly one-third of users said they wish they had known how common side effects would be before starting GLP-1s. The most frequently reported issues for new patients were nausea, constipation, and GI issues.
A smaller percentage (29%) experienced mental side effects such as brain fog, mood swings, or anxiety. The youngest patients, Gen Z, reported the highest rates (61%), followed by millennials (34%), Gen X (21%), and baby boomers (19%). In hindsight, 44% of Gen Z regretted brushing off early side effects as unimportant when they started their treatment.
Surprisingly, 1 in 7 GLP-1 users (14%) began treatment without a prescription, including 19% of millennials — the highest of any generation. Without medical oversight, patients are more likely to miss key labs, struggle with side effects, or stop treatment early due to avoidable issues like incorrect dosing or lack of support.
Personalized care models can address these gaps with regular check-ins, side effect education, and real-time support that help GLP-1 users stay informed and on track.
Brain fog and anxiety may catch patients off guard, but they can be managed with the right tactics:
"This is what could happen when your body is adjusting to treatment," explains Dr Zoe Lees (PhD), Medical Writer at Levity. "To minimize brain fog and mood changes, we recommend staying well hydrated, eating protein early in the day, and keeping a consistent sleep routine."
And managing common GLP-1 side effects like nausea and constipation often comes down to small, daily habits:
"For nausea, eat slowly, avoid greasy or rich foods, and consider starting your day with bland, high-protein meals like eggs or Greek yogurt," says Dr. Zoe Lees (PhD). "If you're dealing with constipation, add fiber gradually, drink plenty of water, and keep your body moving. Even light walks can make a difference."
Starting GLP-1 treatment can feel like a leap, and not everyone gets the support they need to stick with it.
Nearly 1 in 3 users (29%) reported feeling under-supported during their first 30 days. Gen Z led at 28%, followed by baby boomers (23%), millennials (22%), and Gen X (22%). And 15% of patients said their treatment was never formally tracked — no labs, no follow-ups.
On average, 1 in 2 users paused or stopped their medication within the first 4 months. The most common reasons for stopping included:
Millennials were the quickest to do so (about 3 months, on average), while baby boomers tended to stay on longest (about 5 months). But here's the good news: Most people believe better care could have changed their experience.
Four in five users (81%) said prescriber-led, personalized care would improve their journey. Gen Z (94%) and millennials (83%) were especially likely to feel this way, though many Gen X (79%) and baby boomers (77%) also agreed. Here's what patients say this kind of care can help with:
"The first few weeks of GLP-1 treatment can bring a lot of change, which is why regular check-ins and a responsive care team are so important,” explains Dr Zoe Lees (PhD), Medical Writer at Levity. "When patients feel seen, supported, and educated, they're more likely to stick with their treatment and see meaningful results."
Starting GLP-1 treatment can be a life-changing decision, but it often comes with more surprises than patients expect. Preparation and personalized care are essential for long-term success. With the right support, like regular check-ins, expert guidance, and real-time help, patients are more likely to feel confident, informed, and in control. A thoughtful care model can make all the difference in helping people stay on track and feel their best throughout the journey.
We surveyed 250 GLP-1 users to uncover their emotional, physical, and lifestyle challenges through firsthand accounts. The average age of respondents was 45; 67% were women, and 33% were men. Generationally, 10% were baby boomers, 39% were Gen X, 43% were millennials, and 7% were Gen Z.
Levity is dedicated to providing long-term weight management solutions using clinically proven medications paired with personalized lifestyle support. Our team of US-based experts, including clinicians and dietitians, is committed to helping you reach your goals with confidence and care.
This content is for noncommercial use only. If you'd like to share or republish it, please include a link back to Levity with proper attribution.
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Lifestyle changes are an important part of any weight loss journey, but they shouldn’t impact your wellbeing. Here’s our healthy approach to losing weight.
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