GLP-1 weight loss drugs effective even at low starter doses

Even staying on the low starter doses of GLP‑1 drugs can produce modest weight loss — about 5.5% at one year for tirzepatide and 2.2% for semaglutide — but far less than the double‑digit losses seen at higher doses.
Low doses cause much less nausea than higher doses, yet side effects still occur and differ by drug (tirzepatide had more constipation, muscle cramps and a slightly higher rate of kidney injury; semaglutide had more ear inflammation and swelling).
Many patients never escalate to recommended maintenance doses because of tolerability, cost or access, and researchers are studying whether lower long‑term doses might be a viable option.