Let’s be honest, starting a new weight loss medication like wegovy can feel equal parts hopeful and intimidating. We see it every day at Greenleaf Medical Associates. Patients walk in curious, cautious, sometimes excited, sometimes skeptical, and often just tired of trying the same things over and over again.
If you’ve been hearing about wegovy and wondering whether it might finally be something that works for you, you’re not alone. And no, it’s not a magic shot that instantly fixes everything (we wish). But for the right person, used the right way, it can be a genuinely helpful tool.
So let’s walk through what starting wegovy actually looks like step by step, without the hype, and without the medical jargon overload.
Step 1: Figuring Out If Wegovy Is Actually Right for You
This is where we start every conversation, and it’s important. Wegovy isn’t for quick cosmetic weight loss or fitting into an outfit for an event next month. It’s a prescription medication approved for chronic weight management, and there are specific criteria.
Generally, it’s considered if:
- Your BMI is 30 or higher
- Or your BMI is 27 or higher with a related condition like high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol
Just as important is ruling out who shouldn’t take it. Certain thyroid conditions, specific endocrine disorders, and a few other medical factors matter here. This is why starting wegovy should never be an internet decision; it needs a real medical evaluation.
Step 2: Your First Visit (No Judgment, We Promise)
We know some people avoid doctor visits because they’re worried about being judged. That’s not how we operate.
At your appointment, we talk through your health history, current medications, past weight loss attempts, and what’s realistically been hard for you. Stress eating? Busy schedule? Hormonal changes? All of it matters.
Starting wegovy works best when we understand the full picture, not just the number on the scale.
Step 3: How Wegovy Works
Here’s the simple version: wegovy helps regulate appetite and fullness. It slows digestion a bit, helps reduce constant food noise, and makes it easier to feel satisfied with smaller portions.
What it doesn’t do:
- Melt fat overnight
- Replace healthy eating
- Cancel out habits like late-night snacking every single day
Patients who do well usually say the same thing: “It gave me breathing room to make better choices.” That’s the goal.
Step 4: Starting Low and Going Slow (This Matters More Than You Think)
One of the biggest mistakes people make is thinking more is better. With wegovy, that’s not true.
The medication is started at a very low dose and increased gradually over several weeks. This helps your body adjust and reduces side effects like nausea or stomach discomfort.
We’ll guide you through the dosing schedule and adjust it if needed. There’s no prize for rushing, just more side effects.
Step 5: The Injection Part (It’s Not as Bad as You’re Imagining)
Yes, wegovy is a once-weekly injection. No, it’s not as scary as it sounds.
Most patients inject it into the abdomen or thigh, and after the first or second time, it becomes routine, like brushing your teeth, just once a week. We’ll show you exactly how to do it, and we’re always here if you have questions.
Step 6: Side Effects Let’s Be Real About Them
The most common side effect is nausea, especially early on. Some people feel it mildly, some more noticeably, and some hardly at all.
Things that help:
- Eating smaller meals
- Avoiding greasy foods
- Drinking plenty of water
- Not skipping meals
Side effects usually improve as your body adjusts. If something feels off or too intense, we want to hear about it. Starting wegovy shouldn’t feel like suffering through it alone.
Step 7: Lifestyle Changes (Yes, They Still Matter)
We’ll be honest, wegovy works best when you meet it halfway.
That doesn’t mean perfection. It means:
- Prioritizing protein
- Eating a little slower
- Moving your body in ways that feel doable
- Letting go of the “all or nothing” mindset
This is where long-term success really happens.
Step 8: Ongoing Follow-Ups and Real Progress
Weight loss isn’t linear. Some weeks the scale moves, some weeks it doesn’t. That’s normal.
We schedule regular follow-ups to track progress, adjust dosing, and make sure wegovy is supporting your health, not complicating it. The goal is sustainable change, not just a short-term drop.
Step 9: Thinking Long-Term
Many patients ask, “Will I be on this forever?” The answer depends on you.
Some people stay on wegovy long-term. Others transition off with a plan. What matters is having a strategy because stopping suddenly without support often leads to a relapse. We help you think ahead, not just react.
More Than Weight Loss: How Else Do We Support You
At Greenleaf Medical Associates, weight management is just one part of what we do. We also provide:
- Comprehensive primary care
- Preventive care to keep small issues from becoming big ones
- Botox treatments for both cosmetic and medical needs
- Immigration physical exams with clear guidance and efficient scheduling
We believe healthcare should feel connected, not fragmented.
Current Offers You Should Know About
If you’re considering weight loss treatment, we’re currently running a Refer a Friend program. When you refer a friend, and they sign up, you’ll receive $25 as our thank-you.
We also have Botox specials: buy 40 units and get 10 units free. Simple, straightforward, no fine print games.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you’ve been thinking about starting wegovy, this might be your sign to stop wondering and start a real conversation.
We’ll answer your questions, walk you through your options, and help you decide what actually makes sense for you, not just what’s trending. Your health journey doesn’t need perfection. It just needs a starting point.
Schedule your consultation with Greenleaf Medical Associates today.