GLP‑1s & Weight Loss Medications – Clinical Protocols for NPs

Upon completion of this course, the learner will be able to:

1. Apply the adiposity-based chronic disease (ABCD) model to stage obesity severity and document clinical rationale for pharmacotherapy.

2. Compare the mechanism of action, efficacy, and safety profiles of semaglutide and tirzepatide in the management of obesity and type 2 diabetes.

3. Explain the current FDA regulatory status of compounded GLP-1 preparations and the legal framework for patient-specific compounding.

4. Select appropriate compounded GLP-1 additives based on patient-specific clinical indications and document the prescribing rationale.

5. Apply a GLP-1 titration protocol using the lowest-effective-dose principle and manage common GI side effects pharmacologically.

6. Document a GLP-1 initiation visit including off-label disclosure, shared decision-making language, and monitoring plan.

Module 1: Obesity Medicine Foundations

By the end of this module the learner will be able to:

• Classify obesity as a chronic neurobiological disease and apply person-first language in clinical practice.

• Identify the limitations of BMI as a sole clinical metric and apply the ABCD staging model.

• Apply candidate selection criteria for GLP-1 pharmacotherapy including FDA-approved indications and contraindications.

• Counsel patients on the lifestyle medicine foundation required alongside GLP-1 therapy.

Module 2: The GLP-1 and Weight Loss Drug Landscape

By the end of this module the learner will be able to:

• Explain the multi-system mechanism of action of GLP-1 receptor agonists.

• Distinguish between semaglutide and tirzepatide based on mechanism, efficacy data, and candidate selection.

• Explain the current FDA regulatory landscape for compounded GLP-1 preparations as of early 2026.

• Select appropriate compounded GLP-1 additives based on patient-specific indications with documentation language.

• Identify appropriate adjunct anti-obesity medications and combination strategies.

Module 3: Dosing, Titration, and Side Effect Management

By the end of this module the learner will be able to:

• Apply GLP-1 titration protocols using the lowest-effective-dose principle.

• Manage GI side effects pharmacologically using appropriate agents at appropriate doses.

• Counsel patients on muscle preservation requirements during GLP-1 therapy.

Module 4: Monitoring, Documentation, and Communication

By the end of this module the learner will be able to:

• Construct a GLP-1 baseline lab evaluation and monitoring schedule.

• Document a GLP-1 initiation visit for standard, off-label, and compounded prescribing.

• Apply patient communication language for the three foundational GLP-1 conversations.