What to Ask Before Starting Ozempic, Mounjaro or Other GLP-1 Medications

GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic and Mounjaro have transformed the way we think about obesity treatment. For many people, they can be life-changing. But before you start, it's worth remembering that while the medication may be prescribed in minutes, the journey itself lasts much longer.

My role as a dietitian is never to tell you what to do. It’s to give you the tools to make an informed decision—and support you no matter what that decision is.

Before beginning treatment, I encourage every client to pause and ask themselves a few simple questions.

What should I know before starting Ozempic, Mounjaro or other GLP-1 medications?

Before starting a GLP-1 medication, it's important to think beyond the weight loss itself. Consider whether you have a plan for maintaining muscle, meeting your nutritional needs, managing potential side effects and building sustainable habits that will support you during and after treatment. The medication can help create change, but long-term success comes from the habits you build alongside it.

Before you start, ask yourself...

Before beginning treatment, I encourage every client to ask six simple questions.

1.     Do I actually need this medication?

2.     What is my plan on the medications and after?

3.   Am I willing to strength train, rebuild my eating habits and work on my mind state while the medication is working?

4.    Am I prepared for the potential side effects?

5.    Am I obtaining it from a reputable provider?  

6.    What does my wrap around support look like?

Those questions often determine long-term success far more than the medication itself.

 

Make the medication work for you—not instead of you

GLP-1 medications create an incredible opportunity, but they are exactly that—an opportunity. Rather than simply seeing this as a period of eating less, think of it as a window to rebuild the foundations of your health. Use the reduction in appetite to create habits that will still be there long after the medication has gone.

Protect your muscle by eating enough protein (at least 70g a day as a minimum), aim for around 30g of fibre each day, stay well hydrated, strength train regularly and start rebuilding a healthy relationship with food. This is also the time to practise the everyday skills that underpin long-term weight maintenance—planning meals, recognising hunger and fullness, eating mindfully and finding an eating pattern that genuinely fits your life. A multivitamin, protein powder or fibre supplement may help fill nutritional gaps while appetite is reduced, but they should support—not replace—a balanced diet.

Life after GLP-1

The finish line isn't reaching your goal weight. The finish line is maintaining it.As appetite returns, your biology begins encouraging you to regain weight. This isn't because you've failed or suddenly lost your willpower. It's because your body is trying to defend the weight it was carrying before.

That's why protecting muscle, prioritising protein and fibre, moving consistently, sleeping well and creating an environment that supports healthy habits become even more important after the medication stops. Weight maintenance isn't about having more willpower. It's about having a better plan.

In fact, that is exactly why I wrote my book, Life After Weight Loss Medications. I saw a massive gap in both the conversation and the resources available for people navigating life after GLP-1s. My vision was to create a practical weight maintenance toolkit that helps people bridge the gap between losing weight and keeping it off.

Looking ahead

The world of GLP-1s is evolving rapidly. Newer medications are delivering even greater weight loss, oral formulations are making treatment more accessible and combination therapies are already being investigated. The future of obesity treatment is incredibly exciting.

But regardless of how powerful these medications become, one principle is unlikely to change.

Medication may help you lose the weight.

The habits you build while taking it are what help you keep it off.

Weight loss is only one part of the journey.

Whether you're considering GLP-1 medication, currently taking it or planning for life afterwards, the habits you build today will shape your long-term success.

Dr Linia Patel supports individuals with practical, evidence-based nutrition strategies that protect muscle health, support weight maintenance and help create sustainable habits for life beyond medication.

Discover more in Linia's book, Life After Weight Loss Medications, or book a consultation for personalised support on your GLP-1 journey.