GLP-1 & Medical Weight Loss Glossary
Plain-language definitions of the terms you'll encounter in medical weight loss, reviewed by Dr. Anjmun Sharma, M.D.
GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1)
A natural gut hormone released after eating that signals fullness to the brain, slows stomach emptying, and helps regulate blood sugar. GLP-1 receptor agonist medications (semaglutide, tirzepatide) mimic this hormone to reduce appetite.
Semaglutide
A GLP-1 receptor agonist used for weight management, the active ingredient in Wegovy and Ozempic. In clinical trials it produced about 15% average body-weight loss. If compounded semaglutide is considered, individual medical review and separate pharmacy verification are required before fulfillment.
Tirzepatide
Zepbound and Mounjaro are FDA-approved brand products that contain tirzepatide for specific indications. SURMOUNT-1 studied a brand product in a defined population, dose, and period. Its results do not establish outcomes for a compounded preparation, which is not FDA-approved or brand-identical; results vary.
GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide)
A second gut hormone involved in insulin and fat metabolism. Tirzepatide activates both GIP and GLP-1 receptors, which is why it is described as 'dual-action.'
Food noise
The constant mental preoccupation with food, thinking about the next meal, fighting cravings, and negotiating with yourself throughout the day. GLP-1 medications quiet this hormonal hunger signal, which patients describe as the most transformative effect.
Compounded medication
The dispensing pharmacy label identifies the compounded preparation as the ingredient stated on the label. It is a different product from FDA-approved brands, is not FDA-approved or brand-identical, and results vary. A compounded prescription may be considered only when applicable federal and state conditions and the patient, location, and pharmacy facts are satisfied. It is not FDA approval or brand identity, and results vary.
503A pharmacy
A state-licensed compounding pharmacy that prepares customized medications pursuant to a prescription for an individual patient, regulated under section 503A of the U.S. Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.
Titration
The gradual increase of a medication dose over time. GLP-1 therapy is titrated upward over weeks so the body adjusts and gastrointestinal side effects stay manageable.
BMI (body mass index)
A weight-to-height ratio used as an initial screening measure. GLP-1 medications are generally indicated for a BMI of 30+ (obesity), or 27+ with a weight-related condition. BMI is a screening tool, not a complete picture of health.
Insulin resistance
A condition in which cells respond poorly to insulin, prompting the pancreas to produce more. High insulin drives abdominal fat storage and hunger, making weight loss difficult. GLP-1 therapy improves blood-sugar regulation.
Lipotropic / MIC injection
An injection of methionine, inositol, and choline (often with B12) used as an optional energy and metabolic add-on alongside a weight-loss program. It is a complement to GLP-1 therapy, not a substitute.
Telehealth (telemedicine)
The delivery of medical care remotely by secure video and messaging. New Hope Weight Loss is physically located in Costa Mesa, CA and serves patients elsewhere by telehealth, consultation, prescription, and follow-ups online. Medication fulfillment separately requires an approved prescription and dispensing-pharmacy confirmation for the patient and location. The pharmacy confirms packaging and any shipping details before fulfillment.
Contraindication
A specific health condition or factor that makes a treatment inadvisable. The medical intake form screens for GLP-1 contraindications (such as a personal/family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or MEN-2) before any prescription.
Compounded vs brand-name
Brand-name GLP-1 products (Wegovy, Ozempic, Mounjaro, Zepbound) are FDA-approved and made by Novo Nordisk or Eli Lilly. The dispensing pharmacy label identifies the compounded preparation as the ingredient stated on the label. It is a different product from FDA-approved brands, is not FDA-approved or brand-identical, and results vary.
Certificate of Analysis (COA)
A document from the compounding pharmacy's testing process that reports what a specific batch contains, including potency and purity results. Asking for a COA is one of the best ways to judge compounded medication quality; A patient considering a compounded prescription should request the dispensing pharmacy's identity, license, legal authority, and available batch documentation before fulfillment.
A1c (hemoglobin A1c)
A blood test that reflects your average blood sugar over roughly the past three months. Physicians use it to screen for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes and to track metabolic improvement during weight loss treatment.
Off-label prescribing
When a physician prescribes an FDA-approved medication for a use other than the one on its official label. It is common and legal when medically appropriate; the physician weighs the evidence for your situation.
Prior authorization
An insurance company's requirement that your physician obtain approval before a prescription is covered. It is a common hurdle for brand-name GLP-1 weight-loss coverage; cash-pay programs do not require it.
Hypoglycemia
Low blood sugar. GLP-1 medications alone rarely cause it, but the risk rises when they are combined with insulin or sulfonylureas. Symptoms include shakiness, sweating, and confusion; your physician plans around this.
Satiety
The feeling of fullness after eating. GLP-1 medications increase satiety by slowing stomach emptying and acting on appetite centers in the brain, so smaller meals feel satisfying.
Dual agonist (GLP-1/GIP)
A medication that activates two gut-hormone receptors at once. Tirzepatide is a dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist, one reason its average weight loss in clinical trials exceeded single-pathway GLP-1 medications.
Maintenance dose
The steady dose you remain on after titration, once results and tolerability are balanced. Your physician sets it, and some patients later taper or hold a lower maintenance dose under supervision.
Note: These definitions are educational and do not replace professional medical advice.
New Hope Weight Loss | 1503 South Coast Drive, Suite 322, Costa Mesa, CA 92626 | (657) 837-3342
Wegovy® and Ozempic® are registered trademarks of Novo Nordisk A/S. Mounjaro® and Zepbound® are registered trademarks of Eli Lilly and Company. New Hope Weight Loss is not affiliated with Novo Nordisk or Eli Lilly. Compounded medications are not FDA-approved products.