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The Post-GLP-1
Protocol.

A twelve-week functional medicine protocol for women on, coming off, or recently off GLP-1 agonist medications (Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro). Designed to preserve muscle mass, repair micronutrient gaps, restore energy and mood, and prevent the predictable 60-70% weight regain seen in untreated discontinuation.

Protocol summary · 12 weeks

A twelve-week functional medicine protocol for women on, coming off, or recently off GLP-1 agonist medications (Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro). Designed to preserve muscle mass, repair micronutrient gaps, restore energy and mood, and prevent the predictable 60-70% weight regain seen in untreated discontinuation.

Overview.

GLP-1 agonist medications are remarkably effective at producing weight loss. They are remarkably bad at producing the kind of body composition, mood state, and metabolic foundation that hold the loss after the medication stops.

Published data shows that without structured support, 60-70% of weight lost is regained within twelve months of stopping these medications. The reason isn't willpower — it's that the underlying physiology hasn't been rebuilt.

The Post-GLP-1 Protocol is the twelve-week intervention that changes this trajectory. It runs alongside ongoing medication for women staying on; it bridges the come-off for women tapering; it repairs the body for women already off.

The phases.

Weeks 1-2 · Baseline

We suggest a comprehensive blood panel is done by your doctor prior to starting the medication, including (where relevant) full thyroid, sex hormones, fasting insulin, HbA1c, vitamin D, B12, iron studies, ferritin, magnesium and zinc. List any results you already have — you can bring these along to your appointment. In-person clients can do a full body-composition assessment with me; these are done every 2 weeks to monitor your progress.

Weeks 3-6 · Protein & micronutrients

We work on your daily protein targets, as well as supplemental support if needed. Common supplements are magnesium glycinate, vitamin B complex, vitamin D3+K2 and omega-3, along with a hydration and electrolyte protocol.

Weeks 7-10 · Lifestyle & exercise structure

Resistance training monitoring, gut support and sleep support.

Weeks 11-13 · Maintenance

Maintenance nutrition, maintenance lifestyle, and a training schedule to carry forward.

Indications.

This protocol is appropriate for women who present with one or more of the following:

  • Active GLP-1 medication use (semaglutide, tirzepatide, liraglutide)
  • Planning to start GLP-1 medication and wanting to do it properly
  • Planning to come off GLP-1 medication in the next 6 months
  • Recently off (≤12 months) with weight regain occurring
  • Loss of muscle mass, energy, libido, or mood while on the medication
  • Hair loss, skin changes, or nutrient deficiency markers while on the medication

Evidence base & references.

The protocol draws on published research and clinical practice across functional medicine, women's hormone health, and nutritional science. Selected references:

  • Wilding J.P.H. et al. Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity. NEJM 2021;384:989-1002.
  • Wilding J.P.H. et al. Weight regain and cardiometabolic effects after withdrawal of semaglutide. Diabetes Obes Metab 2022;24:1553-1564.
  • Conte C. et al. Nutritional and lifestyle management of patients treated with GLP-1 receptor agonists. Diabetes Res Clin Pract 2024.
  • Dutch Test clinical brief. GLP-1s and Perimenopause: what practitioners need to know (2024).

Frequently asked.

Will this protocol slow down my weight loss while I'm on Ozempic?
No. The protein and lifting targets do not slow fat loss — they preserve muscle mass that would otherwise be lost. Women in this protocol often see better body composition outcomes than women without it, even at the same scale weight.
I'm planning to come off in six months. When should I start this?
Now. The earlier the muscle preservation and micronutrient repair begin, the more stable the come-off will be. Twelve weeks of preparation before tapering gives the best results.
Can I do this protocol if I'm not on medical aid?
Yes. Lab costs in South Africa for the necessary panel range R2,500-R4,500 cash-pay (Pathcare or Ampath). The supplements range R800-R1,500/month. Total out-of-pocket for the 12 weeks is R 5,500-R 8,000 in addition to the programme fee.
Does this work with compounded semaglutide?
Yes. The protocol works regardless of whether you're on brand-name (Ozempic, Wegovy) or compounded semaglutide, or tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound).

How to begin.

This protocol is delivered inside a structured programme — typically one of the six on this site. Book a free 20-minute discovery call to find the right programme for your situation.

Your next step

Twenty minutes. No cost.

If the work fits, we map the right entry point together.

Book the free consult