GLP-1 Terminology 101: NSV, Food Noise, and Other Phrases to Know
- Jennifer Hardy
- 1 day ago
- 5 min read
Starting a GLP-1 journey can feel overwhelming — not just because of the medication, but because of the new language that comes with it. From “food noise” to “maintenance mode,” GLP-1 users (Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound) have developed their own way of talking about the experience.
If you’re just getting started or simply want to understand the conversations happening around medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Zepbound, this guide to GLP-1 terminology will help you feel right at home.
The Basic GLP-1 Terminology
GLP-1
Short for glucagon-like peptide-1, GLP-1 is a natural hormone in the body that helps regulate blood sugar, appetite, and digestion. In the world of medication, "GLP-1" also refers to a class of drugs that mimic this hormone to help with weight loss, blood sugar control, and overall metabolic health.
Agnoist
In simple terms, an agonist is something that activates or mimics a natural process in the body. GLP-1 agonists are medications that act like the body’s own GLP-1 hormone, helping control appetite, slow digestion, and manage blood sugar. Semaglutide is a GLP-1 agonist.
Semaglutide
A GLP-1 receptor agonist used to manage blood sugar and support weight loss by mimicking the body’s natural satiety hormone. It’s the active ingredient in medications like Ozempic and Wegovy. Novo Nordisk owns the patent.
Tirzepatide
A dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist that supports weight loss and blood sugar control by targeting two hunger-regulating hormones. Tirzepatide is the active ingredient in Mounjaro and Zepbound, which Eli Lilly and Company makes.
Compounded (Semaglutide or Tirzepatide)
Refers to non-branded versions of GLP-1s made by compounding pharmacies. These are often cheaper but may vary in availability, quality, and legality depending on location.
Tirtration
The gradual increase of medication dosage helps the body adjust and minimize side effects. Titration schedules are essential to prevent overwhelming nausea, fatigue, or digestive issues.
Both Mounjaro and Zepbound titrate similarly, but Zepbound goes up to 20 mg for maximum therapeutic weight loss effect. Ozempic typically maxes at 2 mg, while Wegovy is designed to reach 2.4 mg for weight loss patients.
Dose
Refers to the amount of medication (semaglutide or tirzepatide) taken each week. Users often discuss their “dose jumps” when they move to higher levels.
Food Noise
The constant thoughts about eating, cravings, and food planning that GLP-1 medications help quiet. Reduced food noise is one of the biggest reported quality-of-life improvements.
Ozempic Face (Neck, Mouth, etc.)
Refers to the facial volume loss and loose skin some experience after rapid weight loss, leading to a gaunt or older appearance. It can also affect the neck and mouth area. While the brand name Ozempic is in the title, the risk is there for everyone on a GLP-1 medication.
Ozempic Tongue
No, your tongue doesn't lose weight. Though this term comes from the dry mouth, odd tastes, or changes in the tongue's texture, as reported by some semaglutide users.
Ozempic Dreams
Vivid, intense dreams that some users report while on GLP-1s, likely due to changes in metabolism, brain chemistry, and improved sleep quality.
Nature’s Ozempic
A playful reference to natural appetite suppressants like berberine or bitter melon, often compared (inaccurately) to GLP-1 medications. These supplements are not true substitutes.
Sulfur Burps
IYKYK! Foul-smelling and tasting burps caused by slower digestion and bacterial fermentation in the gut. A common (and unpleasant) side effect when starting or adjusting GLP-1 doses.
Delayed Gastric Emptying
A slowdown in how quickly food moves from the stomach to the intestines, intentionally caused by GLP-1s to promote fullness. It can also cause bloating, nausea, and sulfur burps.
Metabolic Syndrome
A cluster of conditions (high blood sugar, high blood pressure, excess abdominal fat) that GLP-1 medications often help improve. Managing metabolic syndrome is a major reason GLP-1s are prescribed. Yet another reason that GLP-1 meds aren't a "Quick Fix," but a biological benefit.
Plateau
A period where weight loss stalls despite continuing medication and habits. Plateaus are normal but can feel frustrating during a GLP-1 journey.
Super Responder
Someone who experiences very rapid, dramatic weight loss on a GLP-1 compared to average rates. Often used in forums to describe those who lose significantly faster than expected.
Maintenance Mode
The phase where someone shifts from active weight loss to maintaining their new weight. It may involve lowering the GLP-1 dose, changing the injection schedule, or focusing more on habits.
Maintenance Dose
The dose someone stays on long-term to maintain results after reaching their health goals. For example, many stay on 2 mg Ozempic, 2.4 mg Wegovy, 15 mg Mounjaro, or 20 mg Zepbound once weight loss or A1c targets are met.
Onederland
A huge milestone where someone’s weight drops below 200 pounds (into the 100s). Widely celebrated in the GLP-1 and weight loss communities.
Twoderville
A playful term for being in the 200s weight range while working toward Onederland. It acknowledges progress while staying motivated. For those who started their GLP-1 journey in the 300+ pound range.
Shot Day
The day each week when a GLP-1 injection is taken. For some, it’s a celebrated reset day; for others, it’s a day to brace for side effects.
Hunger Creep
A slow return of appetite after months of strong suppression. Often prompts conversations about dose adjustments or focusing on nutrition and movement.
Skin Suit
Slang for the loose skin left behind after major weight loss. Describes the feeling of living inside extra folds of skin that haven’t fully tightened yet.
Satiated
The feeling of being comfortably full, not overly stuffed. GLP-1s aim to help users reach satiety with smaller portions and fewer cravings.
Injection Site
The area of the body where the weekly GLP-1 shot is given — typically the stomach, thigh, or upper arm. Rotating sites helps minimize irritation. The injection is given into the subcutaneous fat layer, not into the muscle.
NSV
Non-Scale Victory—A milestone or achievement that isn’t related to the number on the scale, like fitting into old clothes, improved energy, better sleep, or simply feeling stronger. NSVs are a massive part of staying motivated during a GLP-1 journey, especially when weight loss temporarily stalls.
Fatigue
One of the possible GLP-1 side effects, known for being not just sleepy, but outright drained. It can also be a side effect in perimenopausal women.
Zepiversary
A playful celebration of the anniversary of starting Zepbound. Users often celebrate 1 month, 6 months, or 1 year milestones with this term.
One More GLP-1 Term to Know
People spend a lot of time in chat forums, like Reddit, for their particular medication. The support system is incredible. You'll notice many people have a summary of letters and numbers as their flair on subreddits.
It looks something like this: SW:354 CW:198 GW:199 Dose:10mg
That stands for:
Their Starting Weight (SW)
Their Current Weight (CW)
Their Goal Weight (GW)
Their Current Dose
Did I miss any of the essential or slang terms? Let me know in the comments below!
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