GLP-1 receptor agonists have become one of the most talked-about developments in weight management over the past few years. With so much information — and misinformation — circulating online, it is important to understand the facts before considering any treatment.
What Are GLP-1 Receptor Agonists?
GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonists are a class of medications originally developed for type 2 diabetes management. They work by mimicking a natural hormone your body produces after eating, which helps regulate appetite and blood sugar levels.
In clinical settings, these medications have shown significant results for weight management when combined with lifestyle changes such as improved nutrition and regular physical activity.
How Do They Work?
GLP-1 medications work through several mechanisms:
- Appetite regulation — They act on receptors in the brain that control hunger and satiety, helping you feel full sooner and for longer
- Slowed gastric emptying — Food moves through your stomach more slowly, which contributes to feeling satisfied after smaller meals
- Blood sugar stability — By improving insulin response and reducing blood sugar spikes, they help reduce cravings associated with blood sugar fluctuations
Who Might Be Suitable?
GLP-1 medications are not for everyone. They are typically considered for individuals who:
- Have a BMI of 30 or above, or a BMI of 27 or above with weight-related health conditions
- Have not achieved sufficient results through diet and exercise alone
- Are committed to making ongoing lifestyle changes alongside medication
- Do not have contraindications such as a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2
A thorough medical assessment is always required before any prescription is issued. At Velora HealthConnect, our prescribers take the time to review your full health history, discuss your goals, and determine whether this treatment pathway is clinically appropriate for you.
What to Expect During Treatment
Starting a GLP-1 medication is a process, not an event. Here is what a typical treatment journey looks like:
Weeks 1-4: You will start on a low dose to allow your body to adjust. Some patients experience mild nausea during this period, which typically subsides. Your prescriber will check in to monitor how you are responding.
Weeks 4-12: The dose is gradually increased based on your tolerance and response. Most patients begin to notice meaningful changes in appetite and eating patterns during this phase.
Ongoing: Regular follow-up appointments are essential. Your prescriber will review your progress, adjust dosages as needed, and ensure the medication continues to be appropriate for you. This is where genuine follow-up care makes a real difference in outcomes.
The Importance of Ongoing Care
One of the most common mistakes we see is patients starting a GLP-1 medication without adequate medical support. These medications require monitoring — not just for side effects, but to optimise dosing, track health markers, and make adjustments based on your individual response.
At Velora HealthConnect, every weight management patient receives scheduled follow-up appointments, access to our support team between visits, and ongoing treatment monitoring. We believe this level of care is not optional — it is essential for safe, sustainable results.
Key Takeaways
- GLP-1 medications are a clinically proven tool for weight management when used under proper medical supervision
- They are not a standalone solution — lifestyle changes remain an important part of the equation
- A thorough assessment is required to determine suitability
- Ongoing medical monitoring and dosage adjustments are critical for safe, effective outcomes
- Choose a provider that offers genuine follow-up care, not just a prescription
If you are considering medically supervised weight management, contact our team to discuss whether this pathway is right for you. All consultations are conducted by Australian-registered prescribers via secure telehealth.
