At WORTHY Self-Care Studio in Berkeley, we work with many clients who are on GLP-1 medications or considering starting them. As wellness professionals who see the complete transformation journey, we wanted to create a comprehensive guide to help you understand your options and set realistic expectations.
If you’ve been hearing about medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, or Mounjaro and wondering if they might be right for you, this guide will help you navigate your choices.
Understanding GLP-1 Medications
GLP-1 (Glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonists are medications that mimic a hormone naturally produced in your intestines. Originally developed for Type 2 diabetes, these medications have revolutionized weight management by working with your body’s natural hunger and satiety signals.
How they work:
- Slow gastric emptying (food stays in your stomach longer)
- Reduce appetite by signaling fullness to your brain
- Regulate blood sugar levels
- Decrease food cravings and “food noise”
Your GLP-1 Medication Options
Weekly Injectable Options
Ozempic (semaglutide)
- Dosing: 0.25mg to 2mg weekly injection
- Primary use: Type 2 diabetes (used off-label for weight loss)
- Average weight loss: 12-15% of body weight
- Coverage: Often covered by insurance for diabetes
- What we see: Clients typically start noticing appetite changes within 2-3 weeks
Wegovy (semaglutide)
- Dosing: Up to 2.4mg weekly injection
- Primary use: FDA-approved specifically for chronic weight management
- Average weight loss: 15-20% of body weight
- Coverage: Limited insurance coverage, expensive without coverage
- What we see: Higher dose often means more pronounced appetite suppression
Mounjaro (tirzepatide)
- Dosing: 2.5mg to 15mg weekly injection
- Primary use: Type 2 diabetes
- Mechanism: Dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist (more effective)
- Average weight loss: 20-25% of body weight
- Coverage: Insurance coverage for diabetes
- What we see: Often the most dramatic results, but also more side effects initially
Zepbound (tirzepatide)
- Dosing: Same as Mounjaro
- Primary use: FDA-approved for weight management
- Average weight loss: 20-25% of body weight
- Coverage: Limited insurance coverage for weight loss
- What we see: Same effectiveness as Mounjaro with weight loss indication
Daily Options
Saxenda (liraglutide)
- Dosing: Daily injection, up to 3mg
- Primary use: Weight management
- Average weight loss: 8-12% of body weight
- What we see: Less convenient but some clients prefer daily control
Rybelsus (oral semaglutide)
- Dosing: Daily pill, 7mg or 14mg
- Primary use: Type 2 diabetes
- Average weight loss: 5-10% of body weight
- What we see: Appeals to needle-averse clients, but less dramatic results
What We Observe: Real Client Experiences
After working with hundreds of clients on GLP-1 medications, here’s what we typically see:
Timeline Expectations
- Week 1-4: Initial side effects, gradual appetite reduction
- Month 2-3: Noticeable weight loss begins
- Month 6-12: Peak weight loss achieved
- Month 12+: Maintenance phase – this is often when clients seek our services
Common Experiences
Physical Changes:
- Significant overall weight loss
- Stubborn fat pockets that remain despite medication
- Loose skin, especially around the midsection
- Some facial volume loss (“Ozempic face”)
- Potential muscle mass loss during rapid weight loss
Emotional/Social Changes:
- Reduced “food noise” and obsessive food thoughts
- Changed relationship with eating and social situations
- Increased confidence from weight loss
- Sometimes frustration with remaining problem areas
Side Effects We Help Clients Navigate
Common:
- Nausea and digestive issues
- Initial fatigue
- Changes in bowel habits
- Loss of muscles mass
- Skin laxity after rapid weightloss
What we support through wellness services:
- Lymphatic drainage for reduced inflammation
- Infrared sauna for improved circulation
- Red light therapy for skin health during weight changes
- Electromuscle Stimulation to aid in combating muscle loss
- CryoSkin for skin laxity concerns
- NMS Face for volume loss in the face
Cost Reality in the Bay Area
Living in the Bay Area, we understand cost is a significant factor:
With Insurance:
- Diabetes indication: Often well-covered ($25-100/month copay)
- Weight loss indication: Limited coverage ($200-500/month copay)
Without Insurance:
- Ozempic/Mounjaro: $900-1,200/month
- Wegovy/Zepbound: $1,200-1,500/month
- Saxenda: $1,000-1,300/month
Local Resources:
- Many Bay Area employers offer health savings accounts
- Some clients use manufacturer savings programs
- Compounded versions available through local pharmacies (proceed with medical guidance)
Who Benefits Most from GLP-1 Medications?
Based on our client experience, ideal candidates typically:
- Have BMI 30+ or BMI 27+ with weight-related health conditions
- Have tried traditional diet and exercise without sustained success
- Understand this requires long-term commitment
- Are prepared for potential side effects
- Have realistic expectations about where weight loss will occur
The “GLP-1 Gap” We Address at WORTHY
While GLP-1 medications are incredibly effective for overall weight loss, we consistently see clients who need additional support for:
Targeted Body Contouring:
- Stubborn fat areas that don’t respond to medication
- Need for muscle building during weight loss (EMS therapy)
- Skin tightening from rapid weight loss (CryoSkin)
Facial Volume Restoration:
- “Ozempic face” concerns (NMS Face therapy)
- Skin quality improvement during weight changes
Body Composition Optimization:
- Preserving muscle mass during weight loss (InBody tracking)
- Lymphatic support for enhanced fat elimination (BallancerPro)
Wellness Integration:
- Infrared sauna for circulation and skin health
- Red light therapy for cellular healing
- Contrast therapy for recovery and metabolism
Maximizing Your GLP-1 Success
Nutrition Strategies:
- Prioritize protein (0.8-1g per pound of target body weight)
- Eat smaller, frequent meals to manage nausea
- Stay consistently hydrated
- Work with a nutritionist familiar with GLP-1 effects
Lifestyle Integration:
- Maintain resistance training to preserve muscle
- Plan for gradual, sustainable changes
- Build new habits during the weight loss phase
- Consider complementary wellness therapies
Body Composition Focus:
- Track muscle mass, not just weight
- Address loose skin proactively
- Target stubborn areas with appropriate technology
- Support your lymphatic system for optimal results
When to Consider Complementary Services
Many of our clients find that around 6-12 months into their GLP-1 journey, they’re ready to:
- Target specific areas that haven’t responded to medication
- Address loose skin from rapid weight loss
- Build muscle definition and strength
- Restore facial volume if needed
- Optimize their body composition for long-term success
This is typically the perfect time to integrate targeted body contouring and wellness services.
The WORTHY Difference for GLP-1 Clients
As Berkeley’s premier wellness destination, we specialize in helping GLP-1 clients optimize their transformation:
Comprehensive Assessment:
- InBody analysis to track true body composition changes
- Understanding of how GLP-1 medications affect your body
- Personalized planning based on your specific needs
Advanced Technology Suite:
- CryoSkin for targeted fat reduction and skin tightening
- EMS for muscle building and preservation
- NMS Face for facial volume restoration
- BallancerPro for enhanced lymphatic function
Holistic Wellness Approach:
- Infrared sauna, red light therapy, contrast therapy
- Supportive community of others on similar journeys
- Expert guidance throughout your transformation
Your Next Steps
If you’re considering GLP-1 medications:
- Consult with your healthcare provider about which option suits your health profile
- Set realistic expectations about timeline and results
- Plan for long-term success with lifestyle and wellness support
- Consider how complementary services can optimize your results
If you’re already on GLP-1 medications and ready to take your results to the next level, we’re here to help you achieve the complete transformation you’re seeking.
WORTHY Self-Care Studio is Berkeley’s premier wellness destination, offering comprehensive body transformation services including CryoSkin, EMS, NMS Face, InBody analysis, BallancerPro, and more. Our supportive community and expert team specialize in helping GLP-1 clients achieve their complete wellness goals.
