Trulicity® (dulaglutide) for weight loss

Trulicity® (dulaglutide) is Trulicity® is the brand name for dulaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 agonist (or GLP-1) medication. It is a once-weekly injectable medication and one of several GLP-1 medications prescribed by Calibrate clinicians as a part of our Metabolic Reset program.

Trulicity® is FDA-approved and indicated primarily for the management of type-2 diabetes. It helps lower blood sugar by stimulating insulin release and slowing down digestion, giving patients better control over their glucose levels. 

But what is Trulicity® for, beyond diabetes? Increasingly, Trulicity® has been observed to promote weight loss, making it a dual-purpose treatment for many individuals. While its FDA-approved use is for managing type-2 diabetes, Trulicity®’s role in weight management is gaining attention—with several clinical studies showing that the drug can assist in weight loss for those with overweight and obesity.

Trulicity®, like other GLP-1 drugs, works by mimicking the natural incretin hormones that your body produces. 

Incretin hormones signal to the brain, endocrine, and gastrointestinal systems that food has been consumed. This results in a complex cascade of hormones and neurotransmitters which effectively communicate feelings of satiety (feeling full) and slow down the rate at which food leaves your stomach (making you feel fuller for longer).

In addition, GLP-1 medications can improve blood sugar levels in people living with impaired glucose tolerance or diabetes. As explained by the manufacturer, Trulicity® “helps your pancreas release insulin in response to high levels of sugar in your blood after you eat” and “can limit how much sugar gets into your blood from your liver.”

When combined with healthy lifestyle choices, like small changes to food and exercise, Trulicity® has shown promise in helping people lose weight. It is particularly effective when used in conjunction with a holistic program that helps you make steady adjustments to your lifestyle to promote metabolic health.

As is the case with all GLP-1s, Trulicity® makes it easier to lose weight and stick to healthy habits—but it’s more effective when used in combination with lifestyle interventions, a.k.a. habit adjustments to support metabolic health and avoid weight regain. This may include modifications to what you eat, how and when you exercise, and other healthy lifestyle changes. 

Calibrate’s Metabolic Reset combines GLP-1 medication with evidence-based lifestyle recommendations to help participants maximize their success with Trulicity®. They’re called the Four Pillars of Metabolic Health, and they include food, sleep, exercise, and emotional Health.

Throughout your Calibrate program, you’ll work your way through a curriculum developed by a world-class medical advisory board that teaches you how to integrate healthy changes into your day-to-day routine, taking a science-based approach to weight loss. You’ll learn how to eat more whole foods and fewer fast-digesting carbohydrates, improve sleep quality, participate in at least 150 minutes of physical activity per week, and develop strategies for managing stressors. 

Through the Calibrate curriculum, both your mind and body will be set up for sustainable progress—allowing Trulicity® (or any other GLP-1 drug you might be prescribed, as clinically appropriate and insurance-eligible) to work even more effectively.

How to administer a Trulicity® injection

How to use Trulicity® is straightforward. The medication comes in a pre-filled pen that’s administered as a once-weekly injection. If prescribed Trulicity® by your Calibrate clinician, you’ll receive detailed instructions on how to use your medication. However, here’s a high-level overview on what to expect when giving a Trulicity® injection:

1. Prepare the injection site: Choose an area such as your stomach, thigh, or upper arm. Clean the area with alcohol.

2. Uncap the pen: Remove the grey base cap of the pen.

3. Place the pen against the skin: Hold the pen at a 90-degree angle to your skin.

4. Press the button: Once you hear a click, the injection has started. Keep the pen in place until the green bar stops moving, which takes about 5–10 seconds.

How long does it take for Trulicity® (dulaglutide) to work?

Many people begin to notice improvements in blood sugar levels within a few weeks of starting Trulicity®. However, the weight loss effects may take longer, with some individuals reporting changes after 4 to 6 weeks.

When to increase your Trulicity® dose

Trulicity® is typically prescribed in doses starting at 0.75 mg once a week, with adjustments made based on the individual’s response.

Your Calibrate clinician may recommend increasing your Trulicity® dose if the initial dose isn’t providing adequate blood sugar control or if you aren’t seeing the desired weight loss. The standard dosage increase is from 0.75 mg to 1.5 mg once weekly, but always follow your Calibrate clinician’s advice on timing and dosage adjustments. Increasing the dose too quickly can increase the risk of side effects, so it’s essential to work closely with your clinical team.

The most common side effects of Trulicity® (dulaglutide) are:

• Nausea

• Constipation

• Diarrhea

• Stomach discomfort

• Vomiting

• Decreased appetite

• Indigestion

• Fatigue

The good news is that, in most cases, these side effects will go away between 3-4 weeks after starting the medication. According to the manufacturer, Eli Lilly, “8% to 29% using Trulicity® experienced some nausea, which typically occurred during the first 2 to 3 days after they took their first dose.”

“Nausea generally subsided after the first 2 weeks, but some people experienced nausea with Trulicity® beyond their second week of treatment. Less than 2% needed to stop taking Trulicity® because of nausea.” 

How to manage Trulicity® side effects

If you’re experiencing side effects at the start of your Metabolic Reset, know that they are temporary, and don’t stop taking your medication. It’s important to stick to your dosing schedule to give your body a chance to acclimate.

Here are some tips for reducing nausea and stomach discomfort with Trulicity®:

• Eat blander foods

• Refrain from eating fatty, processed, or greasy foods

• Eat smaller meals or stick to smaller portion sizes

• Do your best to stay active

Learn more about foods to avoid with Trulicity®.

Talk to your health care provider about any side effects of Trulicity® that become bothersome or that don’t go away. If you experience any allergic reaction such as anaphylaxis or shortness of breath, please seek immediate medical care.

Risks and warnings associated with Trulicity® (dulaglutide)

In rare cases, Trulicity® has been associated with an increased risk of thyroid cancer. People with a family history of thyroid cancer or certain other risk factors should consult their clinician before starting the medication. Always discuss the potential risks and benefits with your healthcare provider.

If you’re worried about hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), rest assured that GLP-1 medications pose a relatively small risk. Hypoglycemia is typically only a concern when GLP-1s are used in conjunction with other diabetes medications such as insulin. 

As one 2015 study evaluating Trulicity® concluded, “The long-acting GLP-1 receptor agonists improve glycemic control and help to promote weight loss. Furthermore, based on their glucose-dependent mechanism of action, the GLP-1 receptor agonists have a low risk for hypoglycemia.”

In conclusion, while Trulicity® (dulaglutide) is indicated for the management of type 2 diabetes, it can also help with weight loss by reducing appetite and promoting a feeling of fullness. 

For those looking to achieve sustainable weight loss, the Calibrate Metabolic Reset program offers an integrated approach, combining medications like Trulicity® with personalized coaching, lifestyle changes, and emotional health support. By using Trulicity® as part of a broader weight loss strategy, individuals can see long-term benefits in both weight management and overall health.

Always consult with your clinician to determine if Trulicity® is right for you and how it fits into your personalized health plan.

Learn more about Trulicity®:

What Foods to Avoid with Trulicity® (dulaglutide)

Mounjaro® vs. Trulicity®: What's the Difference?

Why Does Calibrate Prescribe Trulicity® (dulaglutide)?

GLP-1 Agonist List: An Overview of Common Brands & Uses