04/08/2026
Why do we need to take the injections weekly even if we are in maintenance/Why “stretching/spacing” out your injections is decreasing efficacy..
The magic word ~ PHARMACOKINETICS~
Pharmacokinetics is the study of how the body reacts to medications through absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion (ADME). By using your favorite subjects in school, math and science, models are designed to determine dosage and efficacy.
First, why do we take the injections weekly? GLP-1s have a long half-life of 7 days (the amount of time it takes for half of the medication to leave your body) versus oral medications that are taken daily. This long half-life allows for steady blood levels, which is a phrase you have probably heard Nita say plenty of times. This is important because GLP-1 receptor agonists work by stimulating insulin release, inhibiting glucagon, and slowing gastric emptying.
These processes are most efficient when receptors are continuously activated, leading to the injections being taken weekly. To maintain therapeutic effects, continuous activation of the receptors is required.
When you delay doses:
• Receptors are no longer consistently activated
• The body partially “resets” between doses
• You don’t get the cumulative metabolic benefit
It’s similar to:
• Taking an antibiotic inconsistently
• Or stopping and restarting a hormone
You lose the therapeutic momentum!
