Just finishing up month 1 and am pleased with initial progress
Patients losing weight very rapidly face higher risk than those with more gradual weight reduction
What is the key research question
Safety monitoring for GLP-1 therapy itself includes: Assessment for gastrointestinal adverse effects, which are common but usually transient Monitoring for signs of pancreatitis (severe, persistent abdominal pain) Vigilance for symptoms suggesting thyroid masses (neck lump, difficulty swallowing, persistent hoarseness) Regular review of glycaemic control in diabetic patients Blood pressure and cardiovascular risk factor assessment Monitoring for gallbladder disease (right upper abdominal pain, fever, jaundice) Eye examinations for people with diabetes, particularly those with pre-existing diabetic retinopathy Renal function checks, especially if experiencing severe gastrointestinal symptoms that could lead to dehydration If you have diabetes and take insulin or sulfonylureas, your doctor may reduce these doses when starting GLP-1 therapy to prevent hypoglycaemia
Your intake, physician review, dose adjustments, and check-ins all happen in writing, on your schedule
For those planning a pregnancy, medical guidelines in 2026 suggest a two-month washout period to ensure the medication is fully eliminated
