FDA-approved GLP-1 and GLP-1/GIP medicines include semaglutide and tirzepatide products for labelled indications (Drugs@FDA). Trial averages in STEP-1 and SURMOUNT-1 exceeded placebo with lifestyle support (Wilding et al., 2021; Jastreboff et al., 2022). Labels warn about GI effects, dehydration-related kidney injury and gallbladder disease (Wegovy; Zepbound). Individual results vary.

Winter under-eating or comfort-eating. Some clients on GLP-1 medicines barely eat on dark afternoons; others lean on deep-dish and bar food on weekends. Both patterns need structure: small protein-first meals, planned grocery lists, and a rule for eating out (Mozaffarian et al., 2025 joint advisory).

Indoor strength. Lean-mass loss is a documented concern on these therapies (Neeland et al., 2024). Guidelines recommend muscle-strengthening at least twice weekly (Physical Activity Guidelines). A Loop or neighbourhood gym session that survives January is more valuable than a perfect outdoor plan that dies in December.

Transit days. CTA / Metra days can mean long gaps without food. Agree a portable protein option and a fluid target before the client leaves home. Persistent vomiting or inability to keep fluids down is a same-day prescriber issue.

Restaurant culture. Chicago's food scene is part of the city's identity. Practise protein-first ordering, smaller portions and a stop-at-comfortable-fullness rule — not a ban on social meals.

1. Winter walking route that is indoor-capable (mall, gym track, parking garage loops if safe).
2. Two strength sessions booked like meetings.
3. Restaurant script: protein first, smaller portions, slow eating.
4. Transit kit: protein + fluid that fits a bag.
5. Weekly symptom check — medical problems leave the coaching lane.
6. No compounding workarounds; FDA states semaglutide and tirzepatide are not currently on the shortage / 503B bulks posture described in its 1 Apr 2026 update (FDA).

Persistent vomiting, inability to keep fluids down, severe abdominal pain, fainting, chest pain, or any symptom the client fears — contact the prescriber or urgent care.

• Suggest a dose, a dose change or skipping a dose.
• Source, resell or recommend pens, vials, compounded products or "research" peptides.
• Interpret labs or CGM traces as a diagnosis.
• Promise a weight number or a timeline.

Scope reference: NBHWC scope of practice.

• "Can I skip my shot before a restaurant week?" "Dose changes are your prescriber's call, not mine."
• "Where should I buy compounded semaglutide?" "I don't source medicines. Ask your clinician and pharmacist."
• "I barely eat after 3pm in winter." "Let's build two small protein-first meals you can actually finish, and tell your doctor if under-eating is extreme."

Level 1 is free. Level 3 (US$300) covers GLP-1 foundations and evidence quality. Level 4 (US$500) covers working alongside a prescriber and US state scope. Level 5 (US$500) covers jurisdiction case studies. Profile: /coach. We do not promise income or client results.

Aim for the aerobic and strength minutes in the Physical Activity Guidelines even when the lake wind is brutal: indoor walks count, short strength sessions count, and "I'll start again in April" does not. Pair that with the protein-first pattern from the 2025 joint advisory so winter under-eating does not quietly erase lean mass.

Write your scope down. Use NBHWC language. Practising medicine, pharmacy, dietetics and PT are regulated. Decline sourcing requests in writing when they become persistent.

Education only. Not medical advice. LetsGo Academy is not a licence to practise.