Medical Weight Loss
Semaglutide & Tirzepatide
What To Know
SEMAGLUTIDE
What is semaglutide?
Semaglutide is a GLP-1 glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist. GLP-1 medications were initially approved in 2004 to treat Type 2 Diabetes and have become increasingly popular due to the common side effect of weight loss. Semaglutide is sold under brand names Ozempic and Wegovy.
How does it work?
Semaglutide mimics the hormone GLP-1 which triggers insulin release, prevents glucose from entering the bloodstream, slows digestion, and increases the feeling of fullness.
How much weight loss can I expect?
Studies have demonstrated loss of up to 15-20% of body weight. Semaglutide should be used in conjunction with a healthy diet & active lifestyle. Lifestyle changes both enhance results and allow patients to develop lifestyle habits which, if continued, will help with weight loss maintenance.
What are the most common side effects?
Since one of the ways semaglutide works is by slowing digestion, most of the common side effects are gastrointestinal related. Common semaglutide side effects include constipation, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, acid reflux, bloating, belching, and abdominal pain. It is important to work closely with your provider to monitor and manage side effects.
How is semaglutide administered?
Semaglutide is a once weekly injection that can be given in the office or at home.
How is Semaglutide stored?
Semaglutide must be stored in the refrigerator.
What are the requirements for me to start semaglutide?
Lab work from the last 6 months is required prior to starting semaglutide. These labs should include: complete blood count (CBC), complete metabolic panel (CMP), lipids (cholesterol), thyroid levels (TSH, free T4), and hemoglobin A1C (blood sugars over the past 3 months). Lab work helps the provider evaluate your overall health and evaluates for other medical causes which might prevent someone from losing weight.
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TIRZEPATIDE
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What is tirzepatide?
Tirzepatide is dual acting. Like semaglutide, tirzepatide is a GLP-1 agonist but it also acts as a GIP (glucose –dependent insulinotropic polypeptide). Tirzepatide is sold under brand names Mounjaro and ZepBound.
How does it work?
Like semaglutide, tirzepatide mimics the hormone GLP-1 which triggers insulin release, prevents glucose from entering the bloodstream, slows digestion, and increases the feeling of fullness. It also acts as a GIP which stimulates insulin release, improves fat metabolism, promotes bone formation, and prevents bone breakdown.
How much weight loss can I expect?
Studies have demonstrated that patients may lose slightly more weight on tirzepatide than on semaglutide. Like semaglutide, tirzepatide should be used in combination with a healthy diet & active lifestyle which both enhance results and allow patients to develop lifestyle habits which, if continued, will help with weight loss maintenance.
What are the most common side effects?
Since one of the ways tirzepatide works is by slowing digestion, most of the common side effects are gastrointestinal related. However, tirzepatide users frequently report fewer side effects than those using semaglutide.
How is it administered? How often?
Tirzepatide is a once weekly injection that can be given in the office or at home.
How is it stored?
Tirzepatide must be stored in the refrigerator.
What are the requirements for me to start tirzepatide?
Lab work from the last 6 months is required prior to starting tirzepatide. These labs should include: complete blood count (CBC), complete metabolic panel (CMP), lipids (cholesterol), thyroid levels (TSH, free T4), and hemoglobin A1C (blood sugars over the past 3 months). Lab work helps the provider evaluate your overall health and rue out an underlying cause for inability to lose weight such as thyroid disorder.
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Currently Offering:
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Semaglutide: $399/4 weeks
Tirzepatide: $799/4 weeks