This section is for you if you are new to GLP1 medications or haven’t taken GLP1s in the last 2 months or longer. There is no right way to get started, but there are a few options for new users that I think are going to give you a better experience.
New to GLP1s
Starter or Titration Pack
If you are just starting you are ideally going to start on a “starter pack.” This is several months of medication, all shipped to you at once. You start on the lowest dose as directed by your medical team and then move up as needed. ‘
These starter packs are usually a cost saving to get you started and allow you some flexibility if you need to take it slower in the beginning. Here are the providers that I recommend for starter doses.
GLP1s: Semaglutide, Tirzepatide
Price: 3 month titration pack
Semaglutide- $224
Tirzepatide- $449
Discounts:
Use Code BETTERLIVING25 for $25 Off Your Order
Perks:
Best prices to get started
GLP1s: Semaglutide, Tirzepatide
Price: 3 month titration pack
Semaglutide- $299
Tirzepatide- $399
Discounts:
Use CODE: BETTERLIFE for $50 Off Your Order
Perks:
You can select your pharmacy
US based customer service
Medical Criteria to Start GLP-1 Therapy
GLP-1 medications are designed to treat obesity as a medical condition, not a willpower problem. For compounded GLP-1 options, the typical eligibility criteria includes a BMI of 25 or higher, especially when weight is impacting overall health, energy, or metabolic markers.
That said, GLP-1s are not for everyone. There is a very short list of people who should not take a GLP-1 at all, regardless of dose or formulation.
You should not use GLP-1 therapy if you have:
A personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer
A diagnosis of MEN2 (Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2)
A known severe allergy to GLP-1 medications
A history of severe pancreatitis directly linked to GLP-1 use
Are currently pregnant, trying to conceive, or breastfeeding
For most others, GLP-1 therapy is considered safe when prescribed appropriately and monitored correctly. The key is proper screening, education, and realistic expectations. This is about finding the right tool for the right person, not forcing a one-size-fits-all approach.
This information is educational and not a substitute for individualized medical care. A medical provider will ultimately decide if GLP1 therapy is right for you.
BMI Lower Than 25
If your BMI is below 25, you may not qualify for standard GLP-1 dosing under most prescribing guidelines. That does not automatically mean GLP-1 therapy is off the table.
In some cases, microdosing may be an option.
Microdosing uses much lower, carefully titrated doses and is not always focused on weight loss. The goal is often metabolic or inflammatory support rather than changes on the scale.
Microdosing may be considered for individuals struggling with:
Chronic inflammation
Insulin resistance or metabolic dysfunction
Perimenopause-related changes such as weight redistribution, appetite changes, or energy shifts
Food noise that interferes with healthy habits
Because microdosing is highly individualized, it requires thoughtful screening, conservative dosing, and close monitoring. It is not a shortcut and it is not cosmetic. It is about precision, not intensity.
If your BMI is lower but your symptoms are real, a nuanced, personalized approach may be more appropriate than standard protocols.
This content is educational and does not replace personalized medical advice.