Weight Loss Medications
Our goal for injections are: LOW dosing, LOW side effects with HIGH results
What is Semaglutide?
Known from brand names Ozempic/Wegovy
Semaglutide is a once weekly injectable Glucagon like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. It works on the stretch receptors in our stomach that help with feelings of fullness, increases insulin production, and lowers glucagon secretion. It also targets areas in the brain that regulate appetite, satiety, food intake and calm our dopaminergic response and emotional response to food.
- Pros: Slightly cheaper by $25 – $50 per month depending on dose
- Cons: Less weight loss, slower weight loss and more negative gastrointestinal side effects
What is Tirzepatide?
Known from brand names Mounjaro/Zepbound
Tirzepatide is once weekly injectable dual Glucagon like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor and glucose dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor agonist. It works on the stretch receptors in our stomach that help with feelings of fullness, increases insulin production, and lowers glucagon secretion. It also targets areas in the brain that regulate appetite, satiety, food intake and calm our dopaminergic response and emotional response to food.
- Pros: Much more health benefits with the added GIP molecule, potential for faster and more overall weight loss
- Cons: Slightly more expensive by $25 – $50 per month depending on the dose
Some Benefits found with use of Semaglutide GLP-1 and Tirzepatide/GIP-GLP1:
We want these medications to be used as the training wheels you need to learn how to ride your bike again. We monitor your muscles/fat content/visceral fat etc. with the Inbody 570, focus on lifestyle management and behavior changes with the medication just being the boost you need to reach your health and weight loss goals.
- Weight Loss
- Improved glycemic control and insulin sensitivity and insulin secretion
- Decrease in Fatty Liver, decreased LDL/hyperlipidemia
- Improved kidney filtration and diuretic effect
- Decreased stomach acid secretion
- Improved memory and protective properties against dementia and Alzheimer’s/Parkinsons.
- Improved heart function
- Decrease in cardiovascular events such as heart attack and stroke
- Decrease in atherosclerosis (hardening of arteries) and hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Improved bone health/bone density
- Decrease in behaviors associated with addiction, binge eating, fatty/sugary food cravings, smoking, alcohol, drug use, compulsiveness ect.
Cautions:
Rapid weight loss can lead to gallbladder issues. Generic prescription available to help prevent issues if desired.
Potential side effects are typically associated with gastrointestinal issues so underlying conditions could be effected.
Who can not use this medication:
Tirzepatide is not recommended in patients with a history of pancreatitis or with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or in patients with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2. Studies showed increased risk with growth of these cells in rodents but not particularly in humans, but cautions must be taken.
- Known serious hypersensitivity to Tirzepatide.
- Those pregnant/breastfeeding or plan to become pregnant.
Dosing and cost can vary depending on Semaglutide/B12 or Tirzepatide/B12
- Can increase monthly if desired but the price does start to go up depending on the dosing.
- Dosing is increased up based on patient direction and can be increased monthly; however it is recommended that we stick with the lowest effective dose to minimize GI issues, high costs and depending more on the medication effects than other lifestyle changes that are needed along the way.
- Average cost of compounded Semaglutide/Tirzepatide starts at $375/mo.
- Consults, other products and services can add to this.
Other FDA approved weight loss medications
- Orlistat
- Lorcaserin
- Phentermine/TopiramateER
- Naltrexone ER/Bupropion
- Liraglutide 3mg
How long will you be on this?
Varies by patient, 3-12 months is average but can require much longer or even lifetime for some patients.
What happens when I hit my goal weight?
Stability at the same dose that the goal weight was achieved on for 2 months is recommended to “re-calibrate your internal system” and then we will work on an individual tapering schedule with you.
How much weight will I lose?
Weight loss is never guaranteed but average weight loss tends to be 5-10 pounds per month and can vary greatly.
How high should I go with dosing?
Typically the highest maintenance dose for this medication is 100 units or 10mg but you do have the option to increase higher.