Weight Loss Injections

Types of Weight Loss Injections: What Providers Prescribe Today

There are many types of weight loss injections that work by targeting the hormonal pathways your body uses to regulate appetite, digestion, and blood sugar. The most widely prescribed class today is GLP-1 receptor agonists, which mimic a naturally occurring gut hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1. When activated, GLP-1 receptors slow gastric emptying, signal fullness to the brain, and help stabilize blood sugar levels after meals.

A newer category combines GLP-1 activity with GIP, a second gut hormone. This dual-agonist approach acts on two receptor pathways simultaneously, which has become a focus of ongoing clinical research into metabolic health. Compounded tirzepatide, which targets both GLP-1 and GIP receptors, and compounded semaglutide, which targets GLP-1 receptors, are the two injectable options our licensed providers may prescribe through Belle when they determine treatment is clinically appropriate for you.

It is worth knowing that compounded medications are not FDA-approved. They are prepared by licensed US compounding pharmacies and are not evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or quality. What that means in practice is that a licensed provider reviews your health history before any prescription is issued, so the decision about whether an injectable is right for you is always a clinical one.

How To Get Weight Loss Injections Through A Telehealth Platform

Getting started with weight loss injections does not require an in-person clinic visit, a referral, or an insurance approval to begin the process. Here is what the path looks like when you work with a telehealth platform like Belle:

Start With An Online Screening

The first step is a short online health questionnaire. You share your health history, current medications, and goals, and a licensed provider on our medical team reviews everything. We recommend reading about what to expect from your telehealth visit so you feel prepared going in.

A Licensed Provider Makes The Clinical Decision

Once your screening is reviewed, a licensed US provider determines whether treatment is clinically appropriate for you. There is no automated approval. According to the FDA, compounded medications must be prescribed by a licensed practitioner as part of a valid patient-provider relationship, which is how our process works.

Medication Ships From A Licensed US Compounding Pharmacy

If your provider prescribes a compounded injectable, it is prepared and shipped from a licensed US compounding pharmacy directly to your door. To understand how compounded GLP-1s are made and what quality standards apply, we cover the full process on our blog.

Shots For Weight Loss: What To Know Before You Start

Starting any new injectable treatment comes with practical questions, and having clear answers before your first dose makes the experience much smoother. Here is what we want you to know going in:

Where And How You Inject Matters

Compounded GLP-1 injectables are administered subcutaneously, meaning just under the skin, typically in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Clinical injection guidelines recommend rotating injection sites to reduce tissue changes from repeated injections. Our step-by-step dosing guidance walks you through the process, and you can find detailed information on where to inject tirzepatide in our blog.

Dosing Is Gradual And Clinician-Guided

Most GLP-1 injectable protocols begin at a low dose and increase gradually over time, a process sometimes called titration. According to StatPearls via the NIH, gradual dose escalation is a standard approach used to help the body adjust. Your provider manages your dose adjustments as part of your ongoing care with Belle.

Side Effects Are Common, Especially Early On

The most frequently reported side effects with GLP-1 injectables are gastrointestinal, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, particularly during the early weeks of treatment, according to the NIH. These effects often ease as your body adjusts, but your care team is available to help you manage them. For those in or approaching menopause, GLP-1 for menopause covers additional considerations worth discussing with your provider.

If you experience side effects, contact your care team. In an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room — do not wait for a chat response.

Is Belle The Right Fit For Your Weight Loss Journey?

What sets a trustworthy process apart is clinician oversight at every step: a real provider reviewing your health history, a licensed US compounding pharmacy preparing your medication, and a medical team you can reach with questions. At Belle, all of that is built into how we operate, along with LegitScript Certification, HIPAA compliance, and FSA/HSA eligibility for added peace of mind.

If you are weighing your options, it helps to understand what GLP-1 online access looks like, and how to get weight loss injections that include proper clinical support. The right next step is a conversation with a licensed provider who can review your individual health picture and help you decide whether weight loss injections are appropriate for you.

Disclaimer:

• Compounded medications are not evaluated or approved by the FDA. This means the FDA does not assess them for safety, effectiveness, or quality. This content is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or replace personalized medical advice. It is not a substitute for medical advice from your care team. Always talk with your provider about your treatment. Compounded medications are not FDA-evaluated for safety or effectiveness. GLP-1 medications are not recommended for individuals with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). Not suitable for type 1 diabetes. Results may vary. All prescriptions are issued by licensed healthcare providers. Belle Health is not a pharmacy. This information is not medical advice.
• Ozempic® and Wegovy® are registered trademarks of Novo Nordisk A/S. Mounjaro® and Zepbound® are registered trademarks of Eli Lilly and Company. Belle is not affiliated with or endorsed by Novo Nordisk A/S or Eli Lilly and Company.

Sources:

1. Müller, T. D., Clemmensen, C., Finan, B., DiMarchi, R. D., & Tschöp, M. H. (2018). Anti-obesity therapy: From rainbow pills to polyagonists. Pharmacological Reviews, 70(4), 712–746. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30087160/
2. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2023). Compounding and the FDA: Questions and answers. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/human-drug-compounding/compounding-and-fda-questions-and-answers
3. Collins, L., & Costello, R. A. (2024). Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists. In StatPearls. National Library of Medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK551568/
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