Short, plain-language guides on GLP-1 therapy and metabolic health, written and reviewed by ZIVOLABS doctors. No clickbait. No miracle promises.
Browse the full article libraryClosely during titration (every few weeks), then every few months once stable. A supervised program keeps follow-up and dose changes on track.
Typically blood sugar/HbA1c, kidney and liver function, lipids, thyroid, and sometimes lipase. Baselines let your doctor track benefits and catch problems early.
Wegovy (semaglutide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide) are the weight-focused choices for non-diabetics meeting BMI criteria. A doctor picks based on goals and tolerance.
For weight loss, clearly yes — metformin gives only modest loss. They're often combined for diabetes, where each adds value.
Injectable is more potent and convenient (weekly, no fasting); oral (Rybelsus) avoids needles but needs strict empty-stomach dosing and gives milder results.
Both semaglutide and tirzepatide work well for PCOS by improving insulin resistance. Choice depends on goals, cost and tolerance, often alongside metformin.
There's no universal 'best' — your doctor matches the molecule to your goal, budget and health. Many start on semaglutide; tirzepatide suits higher weight-loss targets.
Oral semaglutide (Rybelsus) is usually the most affordable, with older options like liraglutide or dulaglutide variable. The cheapest injectable depends on dose and pharmacy.
In trials, tirzepatide (Mounjaro) produced the most (~20%), ahead of semaglutide (Wegovy/Ozempic, ~15%). Your own response, diet and dose still matter most.
Side effects are broadly similar across the class and depend more on how slowly you titrate than the brand. Some find tirzepatide's nausea milder; individual response varies.
There's no strong evidence of harm to sperm, and weight loss generally improves male fertility markers. Discuss timing with your doctor if you're actively trying to conceive.
Yes — visceral (belly) fat often responds fastest to GLP-1, so waist size frequently drops quicker than the scale. That's the fat that most affects health.
