Gaining weight is easy but losing weight is much harder, which is why weight gain is one of the most common complaints that we hear in office. We work with patients to create a comprehensive weight loss plan including:
- Investigating metabolic reasons for weight gain including hormone imbalances, diabetes, and thyroid disorders.
- Helping patients to create sustainable nutrition and exercise plans.
- Increasing water intake.
- Monthly accountability checks.
- Prescription medications for some, if warranted.
Using this comprehensive weight loss plan can help you achieve the weight loss you have been looking for while teaching you healthier lifestyle so you can lose weight and keep it off. For good!
We also offer MICC and LIPO-Mino vitamin injections to help boost your body’s fat-burning capabilities while curbing appetite and boosting metabolism. These injections are recommended to be done weekly and you can do one injection or both. These injections help your body convert fat to energy, increase metabolism, and decrease appetite, along with boosting mood and energy.
Weight loss Injections – Semaglutide and Tirzepatide
Everyone seems to be talking about weight loss injections these days. They are all over social media and the one most people are asking about are the class of Type 2 Diabetes medications called GLP-1 agonists that are now also approved for weight loss.
How do GLP-1 agonists work?
These drugs mimic the action of a hormone called glucagon-like peptide 1, hence the name GLP-1. These meds help stimulate the body to produce more insulin which helps to lower blood glucose levels. But since GLP-1s do not cause low blood sugar, they can be used in people without diabetes.
They also work in an area of the brain called the hypothalamus to reduce cravings and curb appetite and cause the stomach to have delayed emptying which helps you to eat less and stay fuller longer. Many patients say these medications feel like “it flipped a switch in my brain” giving them more control over hunger and cravings.
Who can take a GLP-1 agonist for weight loss?
To qualify for these medications for weight loss you have to have a
- Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or higher OR
- BMI of 27 or higher with other significant medical conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or arthritis.
This is the part where most people get confused – there are only three GLP-1 drugs that are approved for weight loss, Saxenda, Wegovy, and Zepbound. You cannot get the diabetic GLP-1s – Ozempic, Trulicity, Victoza, Byetta, Mounjaro, Rybelsus – IF YOU ARE NOT DIABETIC. Insurance is watching this closely so they are not going to cover these medications if you are not diabetic.
We do have another option though….compounded SEMAGLUTIDE and TIRZEPATIDE – Semaglutide is the active ingredient in the brand name GLP-1s Ozempic (for diabetes) and Wegovy (for weight management) and Tirzepatide is the active ingredient in Mounjaro (for diabetes) and Zepbound (for weight management). Because we know these medications can be difficult to get approved by insurance and the out-of-pocket costs are high, we have provided another option for patients. Semaglutide and Tirzepatide can be compounded by a specialty pharmacy at self-pay pricing and shipped right to your door!
Who cannot take a GLP-1 agonist for weight loss?
- Pregnant, trying to conceive, or breastfeeding
- Personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer of multiple endocrine neoplasia
- Precautions for people with history of pancreatitis or gallbladder disease as this could cause a flare in some people.
What are the side effects?
- Most common is nausea
- Some experience other GI symptoms – diarrhea, indigestion, or constipation
Most of these are not enough for people to stop taking the meds.
How much weight will I lose?
Weight loss amount can vary depending on the medication, dose, and how well the patient participates in the journey. However, these medications have shown greater weight loss results than any other prescription medication available for weight loss!! GLP-1s are showing results similar to that of bariatric surgery.
We expect our patients to lose 1-2 lbs. per week, 4-8 lbs. a month. The average weight loss after 1 year of treatment is around 33 lbs., or about 15% decrease in weight
However, these are not miracle drugs! You still have to put in the work. You have to eat right, drink the stupid water, exercise, cut stress, and get sleep. That is why we focus on lifestyle changes, not a “diet”.
What happens when I stop the medication?
When you eat less, you lose weight but since “diets” are not sustainable, the hunger and cravings never go away so once you stop your “diet,” the weight comes back.
Unlike “dieting”, this medication helps you to stick to a lower calorie nutrition plan and cuts back on your cravings and hunger. Once you reach your goal weight, you are more likely to maintain your results as you have shrunk your stomach and changed your eating habits. By making a conscious effort to remain consistent with these new lifestyle changes, you can successfully maintain your weight loss.
We also recommended once you hit your goal weight, to use the next 6 months to help you wean off the medication. Studies have shown this is the best way to help keep the weight off!
What is it going to cost me?
The initial consultation is $125 and the weight loss subscription starts at $350 per month, depending on the medication and dose, with a highly recommended 3-month commitment. This subscription includes everything you need – monthly check-ins with your healthcare provider, Semaglutide or Tirzepatide and all supplies you need for injections, and nutrition and exercise support!
Because these are ordered from a specialty pharmacy, they cannot be returned nor can they be given to another patient in the practice therefore there are no refunds on these medications.
How often do I inject?
You will be given a dosing schedule to follow. If you are having significant nausea, you can split your doses into two injections for that week.
How long will my vial last?
The length of time depends on what dose you are currently using.
How should I store it and does it expire?
These medications need to be kept refrigerated and will come with an expiration date on the vial.
What do I do if I miss a dose?
Take it as soon as you remember and adjust your day for the following week.
