The “Oops, I Did It Wrong” Moment: A Funny Introduction
When I first started my GLP-1 journey, I was terrified. The needle anxiety, the horror stories about side effects, the thoughts of “what if I fail?” Even though I made myself crazy and sat with the medication in my refrigerator for a week, I was finalize convinced I had everything under control. That was until I accidentally injected myself at the wrong angle and spent the next hour Googling, “Did I just break my stomach?” Spoiler alert: I did not. But that moment made me realize how overwhelming starting this medication can be.
Fast forward a year, and now I’m the go-to person for several friends and family members who are just beginning their GLP-1 journey. If you have been using Mounjaro, Zepbound, or any other GLP-1 medication for a while, you might be in the same boat. So, let’s talk about how to be the mentor you wish you had when you started.
Why Become a GLP-1 Mentor?
Taking GLP-1 medications can be life changing, but the adjustment period can be filled with questions, side effects, and the occasional panic moment (see: “Did I break my stomach?”). Being a mentor means offering reassurance, sharing experiences, and helping new users avoid common pitfalls. Plus, it feels amazing to help someone else feel confident in their journey. It can be exciting to share your lessons, but remember to try and not be too preachy.
How to Support New GLP-1 Users
1. Share Your “Day 1” Story (The Good, The Bad, and The Awkward)
No one starts this journey as an expert. Sharing your own struggles, whether it was dealing with nausea, figuring out injection techniques, or realizing you shouldn’t eat a giant plate of greasy food right after a shot makes new users feel less alone. You remember how you felt when you made those mistakes. A good mentor wants to make sure others don’t fall into those pitfalls.
2. Help Them Set Realistic Expectations
Many new users expect instant results. You know who they are. They tell you about all the amazing things they have read in only forums and have already planned out their future posts to boast their success. A good mentor will gently remind them that weight loss and metabolic changes take time. The scale may not move right away, but changes in appetite, energy levels, and clothing fit often happen first.
3. Encourage Small Wins
Celebrate non-scale victories! Whether it’s skipping the second helping at dinner without feeling deprived or having more energy for a walk, these moments add up. A good mentor reminds people to notice and appreciate progress beyond just the numbers.
4. Demystify the Side Effects
From “Why am I burping so much?” to “Is this nausea normal?” – new users have a lot of questions. Let them know which side effects are common, how long they usually last, and tips for managing them (like ginger tea for nausea or fiber for digestion issues).
5. Teach Injection Best Practices
Let’s be honest, not many people enjoy injecting themselves, especially at first. It was one of my greatest fears when I started. Sharing tips on the best spots to inject, how to rotate sites, and even little tricks like letting the medication warm up for a few minutes before injecting can make a huge difference. By now you have done 30, or 50 or more. Sharing stories about your successes and failures are exactly what your friends need to hear.
6. Remind Them That Plateaus Are Normal
Every GLP-1 user hits a plateau at some point. Instead of panicking, it’s helpful to assess things like protein intake, hydration, and movement. A good mentor reminds new users that progress is not always linear, but consistency pays off. Share with them the physical and emotional struggles you went through during your stall. Everyone’s journey is different, but encourage them to share both their frustrations and excitement.
7. Encourage Community and Support
Direct them to Facebook groups, Reddit threads, or even local support groups where they can connect with other users. Having a network of people and your own personal community on the same journey makes all the difference.
What Makes a Great GLP-1 Mentor?
- Patience – New users will ask the same questions you once had. Be kind and understanding.
- Honesty – Share your real experiences, not just the highlight reel.
- Encouragement – Sometimes, all someone needs is a reminder that they are doing great. Time seems to crawl at the beginning of your journey and sometimes new users are impatient. Remind them about taking time to learn and enjoy the journey.
- A Sense of Humor – Because, let’s be real, GLP-1 life has its funny moments (like realizing you can’t finish a meal for the first time ever) or when you finally realize you can never trust a fart!
- Empathy – Everyone’s journey is different. A great mentor listens without judgment and offers advice tailored to each person’s needs.
- Reliability – Be someone new users can count on when they have questions or need reassurance.
- The GLP1 Gift Basket – Put together a small token of your support with a new water bottle, protein bars, electrolyte packets, favorite products and supplements that have helped you.
How Being a Mentor Benefits You
Becoming a GLP-1 mentor isn’t just about helping others—it can be incredibly rewarding for you as well. Here’s why:
- Reinforces Your Own Knowledge – Teaching others helps solidify your own understanding of GLP-1 medications and weight loss strategies. Chances are you will learn something from them along their journey too.
- Keeps You Accountable – When you support others, you are more likely to stay consistent with your own habits and progress.
- Builds a Support System – By mentoring, you create deeper connections with others on the same journey, which can be just as beneficial for you.
- Boosts Confidence – Knowing that your experiences and insights can genuinely help someone else feels amazing and boosts your own self-esteem.
- Gives Back to the Community – You once had questions, concerns, and fears. Being able to help others navigate their journey can be a fulfilling way to give back.
Full-Circle Moment: Becoming the Mentor You Needed
I remember about a month into my journey I felt so fatigued and had recurring headaches and generally felt sluggish. I decided to go to my local pharmacy and talk to the pharmacist because I just couldn’t stand how I felt. My pharmacist taught me two things that day that changed me forever. I was irregular and experiencing constipation and was dehydrating myself and learned the benefits of electrolytes. The other day, a friend texted me the same question, and I got to be the reassuring voice that my Pharmacist was. Being a GLP-1 mentor isn’t just about giving advice—it’s about making the journey less scary and more successful for someone else. It’s funny, I still see that pharmacist regularly, and every time, she compliments how great I look and cheers me on. And every time, I thank her for being that inspiration I needed last year. If you are interested in more helpful tips, try our 5-Minute Podcasts available on your favorite streaming services.
Are you mentoring new GLP-1 users or thinking about it? Or if you are looking for a mentor, leave a comment and make a new friend here!
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