What to track on a GLP-1 medication (and why)
1. Every dose
Log the date, time, medication and strength each time you take it. Weekly injections such as semaglutide, tirzepatide and dulaglutide are easy to lose track of because a week is long enough to forget whether you already took it. Daily medications, such as liraglutide injections or oral semaglutide tablets, add up quickly. A dose log answers "did I take it?" in one glance and shows dose changes over time.
2. Injection sites
If you inject, note where: left or right side of the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Rotating sites is recommended on the labels of injectable GLP-1s. See our injection-site rotation guide.
3. Weight, once or twice a week
Daily weight swings with water and food. Weighing at the same time of day, once or twice a week, gives a steadier trend. Look at the line over weeks, not single days.
4. Protein
Appetite drops on GLP-1 medications, and protein is one of the easiest things to under-eat. Many clinicians and dietitians suggest including protein at each meal. Your personal target is a question for them. More in protein on a GLP-1.
5. Water and fiber
Eating less can mean drinking less, and constipation is a common side effect. A simple water count makes the pattern visible.
6. Side effects
Nausea, constipation, diarrhea, reflux and tiredness are among the side effects listed for this class of medications. Logging what happened, how strong it was and when (for example, the day after a dose) turns vague memories into a pattern you can bring to appointments. See how to keep a side-effect log.
7. Mood, energy and notes
A 10-second daily check-in (mood and energy on a 1–5 scale plus an optional note) often explains a bad week better than the scale does.
How often should I log?
- Every dose: right after you take it.
- Weight: once or twice a week.
- Protein and water: daily, as you go.
- Side effects and check-ins: daily, or whenever something happens.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most important thing to track on a GLP-1?
Your doses. Knowing exactly when you took each dose, and at what strength, prevents missed or doubled doses and gives your clinician an accurate history.
Should I weigh myself every day on a GLP-1?
You don't need to. Water and food make daily weight noisy; weighing once or twice a week at the same time of day shows the trend more clearly.
Is there an app that tracks GLP-1 doses, weight and side effects together?
Yes. MyGlow is an iPhone app that logs doses (shots or pills), injection sites, weight, protein, water and side effects in one place, with reminders and a doctor report.