GLP-1 Frequently Asked Questions

A: Yes. Used safely for 20+ years in diabetes patients. Millions globally. Side effects decrease over time. Most concern about "off-label" use for weight loss only - but same drug, same safety profile.

A: 70% of people do regain 50% of weight without medication. That's why most stay on maintenance dose indefinitely. It's not about "addiction" - it's how your body is wired. Like blood pressure medication: you stop, pressure returns.

A: No. FDA reviewed this extensively. Black box warning is theoretical risk in rare thyroid cancer cases (family history). Screening catches this. No human cases of GLP-1 causing cancer in 20-year history.

A: Approved 2022. Millions users now. Safety profile excellent. "New" doesn't mean risky - just newer data. Same regulatory approval as Semaglutide.

A: Weight loss starts week 3-4 (1-2 kg). Clothes fit different by week 6-8. People comment by week 8-12. Expecting week 1 results = setup for disappointment.

A: Average 10-15 kg in 6 months (Semaglutide), 15-20 kg (Tirzepatide). Depends: starting weight, exercise, nutrition, genetics. No guarantee - but data is solid.

A: No, but you should. GLP-1 alone = weight loss. GLP-1 + exercise = faster loss + better body composition + preserved muscle. Don't skip it.

A: Technically yes. Practically: GLP-1 + alcohol = increased intoxication + more nausea. First 4 weeks: skip. After: limit to 1-2 drinks weekly with food.

A: Yes. EkoPeptide requires initial screening labs + monthly check-ins. This isn't optional - it's safety. Black market GLP-1 = dangerous (no dosing guidance, no monitoring).

A: Subcutaneous injection (under skin) in abdomen/thigh. Needle is tiny (31-gauge). Looks scary, feels like gentle pinch. We video train you. Most people find it easy after first injection.

A: Refrigerated (2-8°C) in original packaging. Keep needle in cool bag during travel. Room temperature = degrades. Pharmacy temp bags provided with delivery.

A: Take when you remember (if <2 days late). If late >2 days, skip that dose, resume next scheduled day. Don't double up.

A: Yes. Keep in cool bag. Flying within Nigeria = fine. International = check destination country laws (some restrict GLP-1 imports). EkoPeptide can advise specific countries.

A: Yes. But other diabetes meds may need dose reduction (risk of low blood sugar). Doctor monitors and adjusts. Very common scenario.

A: No direct interaction. But GLP-1 often lowers blood pressure. Your BP med dose may need reduction. Doctor monitors BP and adjusts medications.

A: Hypothyroidism (most common) = fine. TSH monitoring recommended. Hyperthyroidism = generally ok but monitor. Thyroid cancer history = contraindicated.

A: Yes, but your "normal" shifts. Most people stay on maintenance dose to keep appetite suppressed. Without medication, appetite returns to baseline. You choose maintenance or accept regain.

A: Yes. GLP-1 suppresses portion size, not food type. You can have junk food - but appetite suppression means you eat less, so less damage. Doesn't mean healthy eating not important.

A: Week 1-2 = slightly lower energy (normal). By week 3-4 = energy returns. Most people report feeling MORE energetic at lower weight. Lagos professionals do this successfully while working full-time.

A: Individual variation is normal. If <1 kg/month after 8 weeks, protocol adjustment needed: escalate dose, improve nutrition, add exercise, or investigate medical issues. Not a failure.

A: Yes. Completely reversible. No withdrawal. But expect appetite return + weight regain (70% of lost weight, typically). Stopping is medical decision, not emergency.

A: If losing 30+ kg, some loose skin likely. Decreases with time, exercise, hydration. Rarely requires surgery. Slow loss (over 1 year) = less excess skin than crash dieting.

A: Some (15-30% of loss is lean mass typical). Minimize with: high protein (120+ g/day), strength training 3-4x/week. Tirzepatide preserves more muscle than Semaglutide.