GLP-1 Weight Loss, From Home

GLP-1 and GIP/GLP-1 injections such as semaglutide and tirzepatide are powerful tools for treating obesity, with large studies showing average weight loss of 15–25% when they are combined with realistic lifestyle changes. This easy-to-read Doctors365 guide explains how these medicines work, how much weight people typically lose, and what side-effects to expect. It also covers who is a good candidate, who should avoid them, and why obesity behaves like a long-term medical condition rather than a simple willpower problem. You’ll see how telemedicine on doctors365.org lets you talk to experienced specialists from home, get personalised treatment plans, and maintain regular follow-up to keep the weight off. Practical preparation tips and clear FAQs help you decide whether GLP-1 treatment via telemedicine is right for you.

This article is for educational purposes only. It does not replace a consultation with your own doctor and is not suitable for emergencies.

If you have severe symptoms like chest pain, trouble breathing, confusion, or signs of stroke, call your local emergency number immediately.

Author: Dr. Diellza Rabushaj

Injections for weight loss – and why online care fits so well

Weekly “weight loss injections” like semaglutide and tirzepatide have changed how we treat obesity.

In a large study of nearly 2,000 adults with obesity, people using a weekly GLP-1 injection plus lifestyle changes lost around 15% of their starting body weight over a little more than a year, while people on placebo lost only a small amount.

The best part for many people? You can often:

• Be assessed
• Start treatment
• Get prescriptions
• And have follow-up visits

all online, through secure video appointments on doctors365.org.

2. How do GLP-1 injections actually work?

2.1 What is GLP-1? (In simple terms)

GLP-1 is a natural hormone your gut releases when you eat. It tells your brain and body things like:

• “You’re getting full”
• “Slow down digestion”
• “Control blood sugar”

The medicines we call GLP-1 receptor agonists are basically strong, long-acting versions of this hormone.

They help you:

• Feel full with smaller portions
• Stay full for longer
• Have fewer cravings and “food noise”
• Slow down how quickly your stomach empties
• Improve blood sugar control (especially in type 2 diabetes

2.2 What about tirzepatide? (The “double hormone” injection)

Tirzepatide is a newer medication that acts on two hormone systems (GIP and GLP-1) rather than just one.

This seems to make it particularly powerful for:

• Lowering blood sugar
• Helping people lose a large amount of weight

This is backed up by a huge analysis that combined results from 76 different trials, which found that the newer drugs, including tirzepatide, often outperformed older GLP-1 medicines for both sugar control and weight loss.

2.3 Which injections are commonly used for obesity?

Depending on your country, you may hear about:

• Semaglutide 2.4 mg once weekly – a higher dose used specifically for obesity
• Tirzepatide 10–15 mg once weekly – originally for diabetes, now also approved or used for obesity in many regions
• Other GLP-1 medicines like liraglutide and dulaglutide – helpful, but usually not quite as strong for weight loss as high-dose semaglutide or tirzepatide

All of them are tools, not magic. The best results come when they’re combined with healthier eating, more movement, better sleep, and support for emotional and stress-related eating.

3. What has the research actually shown?

Let’s break down the key findings in normal language.

3.1 Weekly semaglutide in adults with obesity

In a large study of nearly 2,000 adults with obesity, people were given:

• Either a weekly semaglutide injection + lifestyle support
• Or placebo injections + the same lifestyle support

After about 68 weeks:

• People on semaglutide lost about 15% of their starting body weight on average
• People on placebo lost only about 2–3%

And it wasn’t just the scale:

• Blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar improved
• People reported being able to move more easily and feeling physically better day-to-day

Most side-effects were stomach-related (nausea, diarrhoea), usually mild or moderate and getting better with time. A small number of people stopped the medicine because of side-effects.

3.2 What happens when you stop semaglutide?

Here’s the reality no one likes, but everyone needs to hear.

In a follow-up project that looked at what happened a year after stopping the injections, people who had lost a lot of weight on semaglutide were observed after they stopped:

• While taking the injection, they’d lost about 17% of their body weight
• A year after stopping, they had regained about two-thirds of that weight

So they were still a bit lighter than when they started, but a lot of the benefit had faded.

Their blood pressure, cholesterol and other health markers also drifted back towards their original levels.

This shows very clearly that obesity behaves like high blood pressure:

• Stop effective treatment → the problem tends to come back.

3.3 Stay on vs stop: is long-term use worth it?

Yes – and this has also been tested.

In a study that compared people who stayed on semaglutide with those who stopped, everyone had already:

• Taken semaglutide for 20 weeks
• Lost about 10% of their starting weight

Then they were split into two groups:

• One group continued the weekly injection
• The other group switched to placebo

Over the next 48 weeks:

• The “stay on” group lost almost another 8% of their body weight
• The “stop” group regained nearly 7%

So by the end, there was about a 15-percentage-point difference between continuing vs stopping. The people who continued also had better waist size, blood pressure and physical functioning.

3.4 Tirzepatide: a powerful option for big weight loss

Tirzepatide appears to be at least as strong – and in some studies, stronger – than semaglutide for weight loss.

In a long study of tirzepatide in people with obesity:

• Everyone took tirzepatide for 36 weeks and lost about 21% of their starting weight on average
• Then they were split into:
  • A group that continued tirzepatide
  • A group that switched to placebo

After another year:

• Those who stayed on tirzepatide had lost about 25% of their starting weight in total
• Those who stopped regained a lot of weight and ended up with only about 10% total weight loss

Almost 9 out of 10 people who stayed on tirzepatide kept most (at least 80%) of their weight loss. Only about 1 in 6 who stopped the injection managed to do that.

Again, the most common side-effects were nausea, diarrhoea and other stomach issues, usually mild to moderate.

3.5 Looking at all GLP-1-type drugs together

In a huge analysis that combined results from 76 different trials:

• All GLP-1-type medicines improved blood sugar
• Many also helped with weight loss
• Newer drugs like tirzepatide and certain combinations produced the largest average weight loss
• Some medicines, like semaglutide, also lowered “bad” cholesterol
• The main downside across the group was stomach-related side-effects, especially at higher doses

This supports what we see in practice: GLP-1-type injections are among the most effective medicines we have for obesity, especially when used long-term.

4. Obesity is a long-term medical condition

The message from all of these studies is very consistent:

• While you’re on medicines like semaglutide or tirzepatide, you can lose a lot of weight and improve your health.
• When you stop, your body often fights to regain that weight.

This is not a willpower issue. It’s biology.

Just like:

• Stop blood pressure tablets → blood pressure goes back up
• Stop GLP-1 injections → appetite and weight tend to creep back up

This is why most people do best when they see these medicines as part of a long-term plan, not as a short “detox” or summer fix.

Telemedicine makes this long-term approach easier, because you can keep checking in with your doctor without constantly travelling to a clinic.

5. Who might be a good candidate for GLP-1 injections?

You might be a good candidate if:

• Your BMI is 30 or higher, or
• Your BMI is 27 or higher and you have a weight-related condition, such as:
  • High blood pressure
  • High cholesterol or triglycerides
  • Type 2 diabetes or prediabetes
  • Fatty liver disease
  • Obstructive sleep apnoea

And if:

• You’ve already tried lifestyle changes but still struggle with your weight
• You’re willing to work on your food, movement, sleep and stress alongside the injections
• You’re okay with regular online follow-up
• You understand this is long-term treatment, not a quick fix

6. Who should be extra careful or avoid them?

GLP-1 and GIP/GLP-1 injections are not suitable for everyone.

Your doctors365 specialist will ask about:

• Personal or family history of certain thyroid cancers (e.g. medullary thyroid carcinoma) or MEN2
• Any previous pancreatitis
• Serious stomach or gut problems (very slow stomach emptying, major GI diseases)
• Advanced kidney or liver disease
• Unstable heart disease
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding
• Plans to become pregnant in the near future
• Certain eating disorders or severe mental health conditions

If any of these apply, you may:

• Need a different treatment, or
• Need to see a specialist in person before starting

7. Side-effects and safety checks

7.1 Common side-effects

Most people who have side-effects notice them in the stomach and gut:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea or constipation
• Bloating, burping or stomach cramps

These usually:

• Are stronger when the dose is increased
• Are milder if you eat slowly and smaller portions
• Improve with time in many people

To minimise this, your online doctor will usually:

• Start with a low dose
• Increase the dose gradually
• Give clear tips on how to eat (small, simple meals, less greasy food, plenty of fluids)

7.2 Serious but less common problems

These are less common but important:

• Gallbladder problems – pain in the upper right side of the tummy, sometimes with fever or yellowing of the eyes/skin
• Pancreatitis – sudden, severe upper stomach pain that may go through to the back, usually with vomiting
• Sudden worsening of vision in people with long-standing diabetes

If any of these happen, you need urgent in-person medical help.

7.3 Monitoring while on treatment

Your doctor may ask you to:

• Check your weight and waist regularly
• Monitor your blood pressure
• Do blood tests to watch:
  • Blood sugar or HbA1c
  • Kidney function
  • Liver function
  • Cholesterol and triglycerides

Many of these tests can be done at local labs, while your specialist reviews the results via telemedicine.

8. How doctors365.org works for GLP-1 treatment

8.1 Step-by-step journey

1. Browse doctors
   • Visit doctors365.org and look under specialties such as endocrinology, obesity medicine, internal medicine or family medicine.
2. Choose your doctor and time slot
   • Filter by language, gender, experience and availability.
   • Pick a time that suits your schedule – evenings and weekends are often available.
3. Confirm and pay
   • You see the exact fee before you book.
   • Payment is handled through secure, encrypted systems.
4. Fill out a short medical form
   • Your current conditions and medications
   • Weight history and previous weight-loss attempts
   • Any symptoms or concerns you have
   • Your goals (e.g. less joint pain, better sleep, lower diabetes risk)
5. Have your online video consultation
   • Discuss whether GLP-1 or tirzepatide is right for you
   • Go through possible benefits, risks and side-effects
   • Agree on lifestyle steps you can start right away
   • Decide on any tests you might need
6. Tests and prescription
   • Your doctor may request blood tests before or shortly after starting treatment.
   • If it’s safe and appropriate, they issue a digital prescription to a local or partner pharmacy (depending on your country’s regulations).
7. Follow-up visits
   • Typically every 4–12 weeks.
   • Used to:
     • Adjust your dose
     • Deal with side-effects
     • Review your weight, waist, blood pressure and lab results
     • Keep you motivated and supported
8. Visit summary and documents
   • After each visit you receive:
     • A written summary of what you discussed
     • Prescriptions, referrals or sick notes as needed

9. Why GLP-1 injections and online care work so well together

9.1 Convenience

• No travel, parking or crowded waiting rooms
• Easy to fit around work, family and other commitments
• Accessible even if you live far from specialist clinics

9.2 Better long-term follow-up

The research clearly shows that staying on treatment and being followed up regularly is key to keeping the weight off. Online visits make those regular check-ins much easier.

9.3 Privacy and comfort

• Talk from the privacy of your own home
• Many people find it easier to be open about eating habits, emotional eating and body image in a calm online setting

9.4 Lower indirect costs

• Less time off work
• No travel or parking costs
• No need to arrange childcare just to see a doctor

10. Quality, trust and security on doctors365.org

While the exact details are on the platform itself, typically:

• Doctors are verified
  • Medical licences and identity are checked
  • Qualifications and experience are clearly shown on profiles
• Clinical standards are maintained
  • Doctors use evidence-based guidelines for obesity and diabetes
  • They can advise when you need in-person tests or urgent care
• Technology is secure
  • Video and messaging are encrypted
  • Medical records are stored securely
• Continuity is possible
  • You can usually book follow-up visits with the same doctor, building a long-term partnership

11. Example specialist types for GLP-1 care

On doctors365.org, you can look for:

• Endocrinologists – experts in hormones, metabolism, diabetes and obesity
• Internal medicine doctors – especially helpful if you have several health problems at once
• Family doctors / GPs – good for ongoing support and whole-person care

12. What’s safe to do online – and when is it an emergency?

12.1 Good reasons to use telemedicine

Telemedicine works well for:

• Deciding if GLP-1 injections are right for you
• Getting started on treatment
• Adjusting doses and checking side-effects
• Reviewing blood tests and progress
• Long-term support and motivation

12.2 Red-flag symptoms – get urgent in-person help

Do not wait for a routine online appointment if you have:

• Sudden severe chest pain, pressure or tightness
• New or severe shortness of breath
• Sudden weakness on one side of the body, trouble speaking, or confusion
• Severe, constant tummy pain (especially with vomiting or fever)
• Vomiting blood or passing black, tarry stools
• Fainting or severe dizziness
• Very high fever with chills and feeling extremely unwell

These may be emergencies. Call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department.

13. Pricing and availability

On doctors365.org:

• Each doctor sets their own consultation fee
• You always see the price before you book

The cost will depend on:

• The doctor’s specialty and experience
• The length of the consultation
• Your country and local regulations

Medication prices for semaglutide, tirzepatide and similar drugs depend on:

• Pharmacy pricing
• Insurance coverage or national health funding
• The dose and specific product prescribed

Your online doctor can talk you through:

• Expected ongoing costs
• Whether any cheaper options might be available in your system
• How often to schedule follow-up visits

14. How to prepare for your online GLP-1 visit

Before your appointment, it helps to:

• Write down your measurements
  • Weight
  • Height
  • Waist size (if you can measure it)
• List your medical conditions
  • High blood pressure, diabetes, sleep apnoea, heart problems, thyroid issues, etc.
• List all your medicines
  • Prescription tablets or injections
  • Over-the-counter drugs (painkillers, reflux tablets, etc.)
  • Vitamins, herbal supplements, “fat-burners”
• Think about your weight story
  • When your weight started to change
  • What diets or programs you’ve already tried
  • Anything that helped, even for a short time
• Clarify your goals
  • Less pain? More energy? Better blood sugar? Easy movement? Fertility plans?
• Write down questions
  • How long might I need this medicine?
  • What should I do if I get side-effects?
  • How does this interact with my other medicines?
  • What happens if I want to stop in future

15. FAQs

15.1 Will these injections make me lose weight without any effort?

No. They make losing weight much easier, but they don’t replace healthy habits. In the big trials, everyone also received advice and support on diet and physical activity. The best results come when you combine the injections with realistic lifestyle changes.

15.2 How long will I need to stay on GLP-1 treatment?

Many people stay on these medicines for years, not weeks. Studies show that when people stop, they tend to regain weight. That’s why GLP-1 injections are usually part of a long-term plan, similar to how we use tablets for blood pressure or cholesterol. The exact duration is something you’ll decide together with your doctor over time.

15.3 Can I get GLP-1 injections online if I don’t have diabetes?

Often yes. Some of the biggest studies were done in people with obesity who did not have diabetes. What matters more is your BMI, your overall health, and your risk factors. Your doctors365 specialist will check this carefully, taking into account local rules in your country.

15.4 Are injections better than weight-loss surgery?

They’re different options:

• Injections can give 15–25% weight loss in many people
• Surgery can sometimes give even greater and longer-lasting weight loss, especially with very high BMI or serious complications

Some people may use both at different stages of life. Your doctor can help you compare what’s best for your situation.

15.5 Can I use GLP-1 injections if I want to get pregnant?

Generally no. These medicines are not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and they usually need to be stopped some time before trying to conceive. If pregnancy is in your plans, make sure you tell your doctor so they can choose the safest approach with you.

16. Conclusion – your next step

GLP-1 and GIP/GLP-1 injections like semaglutide and tirzepatide are some of the most powerful medical tools we have for treating obesity:

• Research shows they can help people lose 15–25% of their body weight and improve blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol.
• When treatment stops, weight and health risks often creep back, proving that obesity is a long-term medical condition, not a simple willpower issue.
• Telemedicine on doctors365.org lets you:
  • Speak to experienced specialists from home
  • Start and adjust treatment safely
  • Stay on track with regular, flexible follow-up visits

If you’re ready to see whether GLP-1 or tirzepatide might be right for you:

Book an online visit with an endocrinology or weight-management specialist (or your local obesity/weight-management category on doctors365.org).

Take the first step today and turn “I’ve tried everything” into a structured, medical plan for long-term weight and health.

17. References

Wilding JPH, Batterham RL, Calanna S, Davies M, Van Gaal LF, Lingvay I, et al. Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity. N Engl J Med. 2021;384(11):989–1002. https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183

Wilding JPH, Batterham RL, Davies M, Van Gaal LF, Kandler K, Konakli K, et al. Weight regain and cardiometabolic effects after withdrawal of semaglutide: The STEP 1 trial extension. Diabetes Obes Metab. 2022;24(8):1553–1564. doi:10.1111/dom.14725.

Rubino D, Abrahamsson N, Davies M, Hesse D, Greenway FL, Jensen C, et al. Effect of continued weekly subcutaneous semaglutide vs placebo on weight loss maintenance in adults with overweight or obesity: The STEP 4 randomized clinical trial. JAMA. 2021;325(14):1414–1425. doi:10.1001/jama.2021.3224.

Aronne LJ, Sattar N, Horn DB, Bays HE, Wharton S, Lin WY, et al. Continued treatment with tirzepatide for maintenance of weight reduction in adults with obesity: The SURMOUNT-4 randomized clinical trial. JAMA. 2023;330(22):2176–2188. doi:10.1001/jama.2023.24945.

Yao H, Zhang A, Li D, Wu Y, Wang CZ, Wan JY, et al. Comparative effectiveness of GLP-1 receptor agonists on glycaemic control, body weight, and lipid profile for type 2 diabetes: Systematic review and network meta-analysis. BMJ. 2024;384:e076410. doi:10.1136/bmj-2023-076410.

Written by Diellza Rabushaj, Medical Writer & Researcher.