Reference
GLP-1 terms, in plain English.
Quick definitions for terms you'll see across GLP-1 communities and inside My GLP Shot. Skim, search, or share.
- GLP-1
- Glucagon-like peptide-1. A hormone your gut releases after eating. GLP-1 receptor agonists (the "shots") mimic it to lower blood sugar and reduce appetite. Includes Tirzepatide and Semaglutide.
- Tirzepatide
- The active ingredient in Mounjaro and Zepbound. A dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist taken as a weekly shot.
- Semaglutide
- The active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy. A GLP-1 receptor agonist taken as a weekly shot, also available as a daily oral tablet (Rybelsus).
- Titration
- Stepping up your dose gradually to let your body adjust and reduce side effects. Most GLP-1 protocols start low (for example 2.5 mg tirzepatide) and increase every 4 weeks.
- Peak and trough
- "Peak" is the highest concentration of medication in your blood after a shot. "Trough" is the lowest, right before the next dose. The active-medication chart in the app visualizes both.
- Half-life
- How long it takes for half of a dose to clear your system. Tirzepatide is about 5 days; semaglutide is about 7 days. That is why both are dosed weekly.
- Bioavailability
- The fraction of a dose that actually reaches your bloodstream. Subcutaneous GLP-1 shots have high bioavailability; oral semaglutide is much lower, which is why oral doses are bigger.
- Microdosing
- Splitting a weekly dose into smaller, more frequent shots (for example twice a week). Some users do this to smooth side effects. Talk to your doctor before changing your protocol.
- Injection sites
- The areas where GLP-1 shots are given subcutaneously: abdomen (avoid 2 inches around the navel), upper outer thigh, and back of the upper arm. Rotate sites to reduce irritation; My GLP Shot suggests the next site for you.
- Reconstitution
- Mixing a powdered peptide with bacteriostatic water to make an injectable solution. The mixing calculator tells you how many insulin-syringe units equal your prescribed dose.
- Plateau
- A period (typically 4+ weeks) where weight loss stalls. Common at every dose level. Plateau alerts in My GLP Shot flag this and suggest questions to ask your doctor.
- PWA (Progressive Web App)
- A website you can install to your home screen like an app. Works offline, sends push notifications, no app-store download.
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