Weight Loss
HOW DOES THE WEIGHT LOSS PROGRAM WORK?
It’s simple! When you call to book an appointment with us for our weight loss program, we will set up an initial phone call with us to discuss any questions you may have going into treatment, and we will go over costs and expectations. After that, we will see you in-office with our nurse practitioner to begin your journey.
WHAT IS SEMAGLUTIDE/TIRZEPATIDE?
Semaglutide (brand name Ozempic) and tirzepatide (brand name Mounjaro), are injectable medications which, when used in combination with diet and exercise, help with blood sugar control in type 2 diabetics and have recently been approved for treating obesity.
Semaglutide is a medication that mimics the hormone your body releases to tell you it’s full, by telling it to lower your blood sugar levels. This hormone is called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1).
Tirzepatide also mimics this same hormone, however it also has a secondary function where it additionally mimics another hormone receptor called GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) that works in your gut to regulate blood sugar levels.
Altogether, both of these medications slow down the rate your stomach empties food, leaving you feeling fuller, longer. Additionally, they cause your pancreas to release insulin, while also blocking a hormone that causes your liver to release sugars. Together, these functions can help you feel less hungry, causing you to eat less food and lose more weight.
It is, however, important to understand that these medications alone will not achieve miraculous results. Healthy habits like diet and exercise will increase your benefits greatly when using these medications, and with maintaining your results when you are finished with treatment.
HOW DO THESE MEDICATIONS WORK?
GLP-1 and GIP agonists like semaglutide and tirzepatide help to control your blood sugar, but people taking them also tend to lose weight. GLP-1, the key hormone involved, slows down how fast your stomach empties food. GIP works in the brain to decrease food intake, in the body to increase insulin sensitivity, and in the pancreas to increase insulin and glucagon. In a sense, it tricks your body into eating less.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO LOSE WEIGHT ON THIS PROGRAM?
Some individuals on these medications can start to see weight loss within the first month or two, but more commonly, patients start to see results within 12 weeks or three months. Every person is different, so results may vary. It is important to maintain healthy habits in conjunction with your medication to achieve these results, as these habits will help you maintain your results long-term.
ARE SEMAGLUTIDE OR TIRZEPATIDE STIMULANTS?
No, they are not stimulants. While other weight loss medications like phentermine, have stimulating effects that help curb your appetite, these medications work differently (see above).
ARE THESE MEDICATIONS SAFE?
Yes, these medications are safe – however, like any other medication, it has its risks and possible side effects. This is why we take care to have a comprehensive medical history, blood tests, and informed consent for every patient. We acknowledge that these treatments could possibly carry risks and we want to do everything we can to ensure your comfort and quality of care throughout your weightloss journey. The most common side effects of these medications are nausea and vomiting. These side effects are typically mild and will resolve on their own within a few days or weeks of treatment. We will always encourage our patients to contact our office immediately if they think they are experiencing an adverse effect from their medication.