Why Choose Medical Weight Loss?

A medical weight loss program helps you reduce weight under the supervision of a physician, and along with your healthy eating and exercise habits, includes prescription medication to enhance success. Our program provides prescription GLP-1 agonists to assist patients in reaching their weight loss goals.

What is a GLP-1 Agonist?

GLP-1 agonists belong to a class of medications that may be used to treat Type 2 diabetes and/or obesity. The medications work by mimicking the effects of the natural hormone GLP-1, which regulates blood sugar and feelings of hunger. GLP-1 agonists activate receptors in the brain to curb appetite and in the gut to slow stomach emptying. As digestion slows, you feel full longer, and therefore eat less, which leads to weight loss. The effect on the brain helps reduce the “food noise” that often plagues people who have tried various diets in efforts to lose excess weight.

We offer generic versions of two GLP-1 agonists that are FDA approved for chronic weight management and diabetes:

• SEMAGLUTIDE (brand Wegovy for weight loss, or Ozempic for diabetes)
• TIRZEPATIDE (brand Zepbound for weight loss, or Mounjaro for diabetes)

Some of the Scientific Data on GLP-1 Agonists:

• In a 68- and 72-week clinical trial studying Wegovy (2.4mg) and Zepbound (15mg) in non diabetic patients, average weight loss was 15% and 20%, when paired with diet and exercise changes, compared to 2.4% and 3.1% respectively with diet and exercise alone.
• A study of over 17,500 participants with history of heart disease, reported those taking Semaglutide for over three years had a 20% reduced chance of heart attack, stroke, or death compared to the placebo group.

Side Effects of GLP-1 Agonists

Digestive issues are the most common side effects of GLP-1 agonists: diarrhea, bloating, constipation, nausea, and vomiting. Other side effects have also been reported, including dizziness, headaches, and fatigue. Abdominal complaints can often be alleviated by starting at lower doses and slowly increasing, and by avoiding dosing when you have a very full stomach, right after a large meal.

Who Should Not Use GLP-1 Agonists

GLP-1 agonists are not recommended for people who are, or may become pregnant, for those with a history of pancreatitis or digestive conditions like gastroparesis, or with a family or personal history of multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN), or medullary thyroid cancer.

Maintain a Healthy Diet and Exercise Program for Maximum Benefit, Long Term Health

Keep in mind these medications should not be a substitute for a healthy diet and exercise to promote long-term weight management. Generally, avoid foods high in sugar/refined carbohydrates, and unhealthy fats.

In addition, remember when losing pounds rapidly, it is important to consume adequate protein for you to optimize the body’s nutritional needs and maintain muscle mass. Include plenty of protein in your diet, and include weight training with your exercise program. Without adequate nutrition, you may experience atrophy of muscle tissue that may be very difficult to regain. The challenge is that appetite suppression experienced on these medications often reduces desire for eating meat and other protein rich foods. In that case, supplementing with protein shakes or protein smoothies is a great solution for getting the daily protein your body needs without excess calories.

Insurance and Payment

Some insurers will cover the name brands of these medications for individuals with diabetes. However, it is often difficult to access coverage for weight loss alone. You may wish to check with your primary care provider to determine whether your insurance will cover the medication. Our program does not offer prescriptions for the name brand GLP-1 agonists, which run about $1,300 per month.

We provide our patients with generic formulations of GLP-1 medications, which are available for a fraction of the cost, compared to name brands. These are ordered from a reputable PCAB-accredited compounding pharmacy. Insurance will not pay for compounded medications. Payment is due at the time of ordering your medication. Fees will include the medication itself, and all materials needed for self-administration of medication.

Your Medical Weight Loss Consultation

During initial consultation with Dr. Mark Grant, he will discuss your health history and goals, review labs, and develop a prescription medical weight loss plan to include one of the GLP-1 agonist medications. You will be trained by a qualified medical assistant to self-administer subcutaneous injections.

 Clinical Follow Up

You’ll meet with our medical assistant regularly (via tele-health or in person) to review progress, instruct on the next steps of treatment, and order your medications.

Expected Results and Long-Term Goals

Most people will notice results within the first month or two of therapy, with ongoing weight loss over the following months, depending on starting weight and goals of therapy. Like all medications for chronic conditions, these drugs are intended for long-term use in order to be long-term effective. Regaining of weight is likely after you discontinue the medication. Often, spacing out doses to longer than one-week intervals will be sufficient to maintain your weight. It is of course necessary to continue healthy food choices and regular exercise (including weight training) during this treatment, and for the rest of your life to maintain muscle mass and optimal health.