Medical Weight Loss

One of the newest FDA approved medications for weight loss, Semaglutide, A GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonist, works on the pancreas to produce insulin and which increases the stomach‘s emptying time, send a signal of fullness to the brain and triggers the body to burn fat that is stored for energy . This causes a curb in appetite, reduction of food and cravings and an increase in food control,  which with proper diet and exercise, increases weight loss. Semaglutide, the generic form of Ozempic and Wegozy has been found to decrease weight loss by 15-18% of the initial body weight in the first 12 months during clinical trials. 

Semaglutide is administered once a week as a subcutaneous injection. The dosing is gradually increased (typically every four weeks)  by your practitioner until you reach a therapeutic dose, which may vary from person to person. Benefits include diet control, stabilized blood sugars, increase satiety, decreased cardiovascular risks, improvement of sleep apnea, improved sleep, improved fertility and many other health benefits.

Side effects of Semaglutide includes stomach discomfort, nausea vomiting, constipation, bloating, heartburn, headache, dizziness and fatigue, however the symptoms tend to be mild and tolerated by most patients and decreases over time. Supplements and adjunct medications can be prescribed to decrease side effects. As with any weight loss, there may be an increase in acute pancreatitis and gallbladder disease with use of Semaglutide.

Semaglutide should not be used in patients with Medullary Thyroid Disease, Endocrine Neoplasia and Diabetic Retinopathy. It should be used with caution in patients on medications for diabetes due to the effect of decreased blood sugar.

The brand names Ozempic and Wegovy although used for weight loss, are covered by insurance only for treatment of blood sugar management in patients diagnosed with Type II Diabetes, The out of pocket price is very expensive. However, the active ingredient, Semaglutide is available through compounding pharmacies at affordable prices.

Recommend 12 weeks for optimal weight loss effects.

Tirzepatide Plus (commercially known as Mounjaro) is both a GLP-1 (Glucagon-like peptide- 1) receptor agonist and a GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide), a new class of medications used to treat obesity. This medication, combined with B-12, causes a decrease in apetite which decreases food intake, slows down gastric emptying which causing longer feelings of satiety and increased use of energy stores which in turn results in weight loss. Other benefits include improvement in HgbA1c results as well cardioprotection. Because of the added GIP polypeptide, this weekly injection has a superior weight loss effect than Semaglutide.