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GLP-1 Medications
How GLP-1 and GLP-1/GIP medications work, how to take them correctly, dosing schedules, contraindications, FDA approvals, and important safety guidance.


Can GLP-1 Medications Help With Addiction? Alcohol, Smoking, Opioids Explained
Medically authored by Joshua Silva, MD | Evidence-Based Weight Loss at Potere Health MD Yes—early research shows GLP-1 medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide may reduce cravings and reward-driven behaviors related to alcohol and other substances. However, they are not FDA-approved for addiction, and evidence varies by substance and study type.¹ How GLP-1 Medications Affect Addiction (Brain and Dopamine Explained) GLP-1 medications may influence addiction by modulating r
Joshua Silva, MD
Apr 295 min read


Can Semaglutide Help Delay Knee Replacement? What STEP 9 Shows
A physician-written review of the STEP 9 trial explaining how semaglutide improves knee osteoarthritis pain, how weight-loss milestones relate to knee replacement risk, and what this means for patients in Utah.
Joshua Silva, MD
Apr 205 min read


Can You Take GLP-1 Medications Every Other Week? (What the Data Shows)
s taking GLP-1 medications every other week a good idea? Discover what 2025 pharmacologic models and clinical trials actually say about bi-weekly dosing, the risk of weight regain, and why consistent weekly treatment remains the gold standard for metabolic health.
Joshua Silva, MD
Apr 83 min read


Can You Drink Alcohol on Ozempic® or Mounjaro®? A Doctor’s Safety Guide
A physician-written guide to alcohol use on GLP-1 medications like Ozempic®, Wegovy®, Mounjaro®, and Zepbound®. Covers GI side effects, blood sugar risk, altered tolerance, and emerging research on cravings.
Joshua Silva, MD
Mar 106 min read


Microdosing GLP-1 Drugs (Semaglutide, Tirzepatide): Definitions, Patterns, and Clinical Reality
"GLP-1 microdosing" is a popular, patient-driven trend for medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide. Understand the clinical reality behind sub-therapeutic doses, split dosing, and weight maintenance strategies.
Joshua Silva, MD
Mar 36 min read


Ozempic Face Explained: Why Weight Loss Changes Facial Appearance
"Ozempic Face" is trending, but is it the medication or the weight loss causing the change? Dr. Silva separates the myths from the massive weight loss science, explains why some patients look "gaunt" while others don't, and reviews which treatments actually restore facial volume.
Joshua Silva, MD
Feb 165 min read


Breastfeeding on Ozempic® or Mounjaro®: Is Semaglutide or Tirzepatide Safe?
Is it safe to breastfeed while taking Ozempic® or Mounjaro®? While limited data suggests low transfer into breast milk, official FDA guidance remains cautious due to unknown long-term risks. Learn about the science of peptide transfer, washout periods, and why most clinicians recommend discontinuing GLP-1s during lactation.
Joshua Silva, MD
Feb 94 min read


Ozempic® Sulfur Burps, Gas, and Bloating: Why GLP-1 Medications Cause the “Food-Stuck” Feeling
Experiencing sulfur burps or a "stuck" feeling on Ozempic? Dr. Joshua Silva, MD explains the science of delayed gastric emptying and offers 6 actionable tips to reduce gas and bloating.
Joshua Silva, MD
Jan 268 min read


What Is Retatrutide—and Is It More Effective Than Semaglutide or Tirzepatide for Weight Loss?
Retatrutide is an investigational weight-loss medication often described as a “GLP-3.” This article explains what it is, how it works, how it compares to semaglutide and tirzepatide, safety considerations, FDA status, and whether patients should wait or start treatment now.
Joshua Silva, MD
Jan 87 min read


Who Shouldn’t Take GLP-1 or GLP-1/GIP Weight Loss Medications? Semaglutide (Ozempic®, Wegovy®) and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro®, Zepbound®) Safety Explained
A physician-written guide explaining who should avoid or use caution with GLP-1 and GLP-1/GIP weight-loss medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide.
Joshua Silva, MD
Dec 29, 20257 min read


GLP-1 (semaglutide or tirzepatide) Therapy in Older Adults: Balancing Benefit & Risk Beyond Age 65
Older adults enjoying the benefits of weight loss and eating healthy while using GLP-1 medications (semaglutide or tirzepatide) for safe weight loss, heart health, and muscle and bone support.
Joshua Silva, MD
Dec 12, 20255 min read


GLP-1, GIP & Inflammation: What These Medications Really Do — and What They Don’t
What GLP-1/GIP medications really do for inflammation — and what they don’t. A clear, evidence-based guide for patients.
Joshua Silva, MD
Dec 5, 20257 min read


Semaglutide and Tirzepatide for PCOS: Evidence-Based Benefits for Hormones, Insulin Resistance, and Weight
Semaglutide and tirzepatide can significantly improve insulin resistance, hormones, and weight in women with PCOS. Learn what clinical research shows—and whether these medications may be right for you.
Joshua Silva, MD
Nov 23, 20256 min read


Zepbound (Tirzepatide) vs. Wegovy (Semaglutide): Which Weight-Loss Medication Is Right for You?
If you’re comparing Zepbound (tirzepatide, GLP-1/GIP) vs. Wegovy (semaglutide, GLP-1) for weight loss, you’re not alone. These two medications are the most effective weight-loss injections available today — and both can help you lose significant weight safely under physician supervision. This guide breaks down how each medication works, how they differ, which one produces more weight loss, what side effects to expect, and how to choose the option that fits your goals, bud
Joshua Silva, MD
Nov 19, 20255 min read


Wegovy® Tablets (Oral Semaglutide) 25 mg: FDA Approval, Dosing, and What to Know
Oral semaglutide (Wegovy® tablets) is now FDA-approved for chronic weight management. This once-daily 25 mg pill uses the same active ingredient as injectable Wegovy®, offering a needle-free option for patients who can’t tolerate injections or prefer a daily tablet. Learn how it works, how it compares to Wegovy® injections, and what this new approval means for access, dosing, and real-world weight-loss results.
Joshua Silva, MD
Oct 30, 20255 min read


Wegovy (semaglutide) & MASH Approval
Wegovy (semaglutide) is now FDA-approved for MASH with fibrosis (F2–F3) in adults. See what this means for treatment, eligibility, and weight management.
Joshua Silva, MD
Oct 17, 20253 min read


Compounded Semaglutide & Tirzepatide in 2026: FDA Rules, Safety Risks, and How to Choose a Legitimate Pharmacy
Medically authored by Joshua Silva, MD | Evidence-Based Weight Loss at Potere Health MD As of 2026, compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide are no longer broadly permitted in the United States. Following resolution of nationwide shortages, the FDA ended its temporary enforcement discretion, meaning these medications may now only be compounded under limited, legally defined circumstances .¹–³ On February 21, 2025 , the U.S. Food and Drug Administration formally declared the
Joshua Silva, MD
Oct 3, 20255 min read


Wegovy (Semaglutide) Cardiovascular Risk Reduction
Wegovy (semaglutide) is FDA-approved to reduce major heart risks in adults with obesity/overweight and cardiovascular disease. Learn what it means and who qualifies.
Joshua Silva, MD
Sep 26, 20253 min read
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