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Semaglutide
Semaglutide is a GLP-1 agonist medication used for weight loss.
So, how does it work?
The short version is that it helps to control hunger – it mimics the action of the hormone GLP-1, helps to decrease appetite by making you feel full sooner and stay feeling full longer, so you eat less and you lose weight. It also helps to control cravings. It has been proven effective and we have seen amazing results in our patients!
What is Semaglutide and how exactly does it work
Semaglutide was originally developed to treat Type 2 Diabetes. The active ingredient in the brand name medications Ozempic and Wegovy is Semaglutide.
Semaglutide is a GLP-1 (Glucagon-like peptide) receptor agonist. GLP-1 (the satiety hormone) is a hormone produced in the small intestine after you eat that tells your brain you are full and don’t need to eat any more. Semaglutide works the same way as your body’s GLP-1 with one significant difference – it lasts longer than the body’s natural hormone – so you feel satisfied for longer. You eat less and are also much less likely to snack and feel hungry between meals. Semaglutide also helps to keep your glucose and insulin levels balanced and to prevent the liver from making too much sugar (glucagon). Semaglutide promotes satiety (the feeling of fullness) by slowing how quickly food moves through the digestive tract.
Since it works in the part of the brain that controls hunger, it is a game changer. Developing healthier eating and lifestyle habits is essential for losing weight and keeping it off and the medication is an effective tool!
If I'm not diabetic will Semaglutide cause low blood sugar?
No, it will not make your blood sugar drop if you are not diabetic. GLP-1 can increase the production IF your glucose level is too high, as in someone with Diabetes.
What are the side effects of Semaglutide?
It is important to remember that every medication can have side effects and that not everyone who takes a medication experiences side effects. With Semaglutide those who do experience side effects usually find that they are GI related and go away within a few weeks once their body gets used to the medication.
We have found the key to minimizing side effects is to titrate the dose slowly giving your body time to adjust to the medication.
The most common side effects of Semaglutide include:
- Nausea/vomiting
- Diarrhea/constipation
- Bloating
- Abdominal discomfort
- Heartburn/Indigestion
Semaglutide slows down the digestive process so you need to monitor for constipation and increase your water and fiber intake. Taking a fiber supplement, especially during the first few weeks often prevents constipation. Side effects associated with starting Semaglutide usually resolve within a few weeks as your body adjusts to the slower digestion.
Is Semaglutide safe for me?
Semaglutide is safe for most people. Wegovy is FDA approved for weight loss and well tolerated.
If you have a history of any of the following you may not be able to take Semaglutide and need to be sure to discuss with your provider:
- History of medullary thyroid cancer or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia
- Allergy to Semaglutide, Ozempic, Wegovy
- Type 1 Diabetes
- Diabetic eye disease
- Gallbladder disease or history of pancreatitis
There are some medications that may interact with Semaglutide and you should discuss with your provider before starting to decide if this will be a safe treatment for you including:
- Warfarin or other blood thinners
- Insulin
- Other diabetes medications
Tirzepatide
Tirzepatide is a GLP-1/GIP agonist medication used for weight loss.
How does it work?
Tirzepatide works in the same way as Semaglutide to help control hunger, promote earlier satiety (that feeling of fullness), decrease appetite, slow how quickly food moves through the digestive tract, balance insulin and blood sugar levels and prevent production of excess sugar by the liver. It has also been shown to increase insulin sensitivity and improve Triglyceride clearance which may prevent fat deposition.
How is Tirzepatide different?
Tirzepatide was developed to treat Type 2 Diabetes. The active ingredient in Mounjaro and Zepbound is Tirzepatide.
Tirzepatide is also a GLP-1 receptor agonist, working to suppress appetite and increase satiety (fullness). Tirzepatide has an additional layer, mimicking a second hormone, GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide). GIP also helps to suppress hunger, stimulate insulin release and increase insulin sensitivity which may prevent fat deposition.
If I'm not diabetic will Tirzepatide cause low blood sugar?
No, it usually does not cause low blood sugar. GLP-1 can increase the production IF your glucose level is too high, as in someone with Diabetes or after you eat.
Is Tirzepatide safe for me?
Tirzepatide is safe for most people.
If you have a history of any of the following you may not be able to take Tirzepatide and need to be sure to discuss with your provider:
- History of medullary thyroid cancer or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia
- Allergy to Tirzepatide
- Type 1 Diabetes
- Diabetic eye disease
- Gallbladder disease or a history of pancreatitis
There are some medications that may interact with Semaglutide and you should discuss with your provider before starting to decide if this will be a safe treatment for you including:
- Insulin
- Other diabetes medications
What are the side effects of these medications?
It is important to remember that every medication can have side effects and that not everyone who takes a medication experiences side effects. With Semaglutide or Tirzepatide those who do experience side effects usually find that they are GI related and go away within a few weeks once their body gets used to the medication.
We have found the key to minimizing side effects is to titrate the dose slowly giving your body time to adjust to the medication.
The most common side effects include:
- Nausea/vomiting
- Diarrhea/constipation
- Bloating
- Abdominal discomfort
- Heartburn/Indigestion
Semaglutide and Tirzepatide slow down the digestive process so you need to monitor for constipation and increase your water and fiber intake. Taking a fiber supplement, especially during the first few weeks often prevents constipation. Side effects associated with starting GLP medications usually resolve within a few weeks as your body adjusts to the slower digestion.
No Commitment
No monthly membership fees. No contracts. No automatic billing. Pay only when you order a medication refill.
Transparent pricing that includes everything
Transparent pricing that includes provider visits, medication and supplies and ongoing support including nutrition and exercise coaching.
Weight Loss Services Pricing
Semaglutide with B12 (Glycine coming soon)
Price increases after 1st fill becasue you receive a larger vial of medication to account for dose increasing. Price remains the same to the max dose.
Tirzepatide with B12 and Glycine
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1st 6 weeks - 20 mg total (10 mg/ml - 2 ml vial) $365
2.5 mg for 4 weeks & 5 mg for 2 weeks
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5 mg dose - 20 mg total (10 mg/ml - 2 ml vial) $365
5 mg for 4 weeks
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7.5 mg dose - 40 mg total (10 mg/ml - 4 ml) $515
7.5 mg for 5 weeks
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10 mg dose - 40 mg total (10 mg/ml - 4 ml) $515
10 mg for 4 weeks
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12.5 or 15 mg dose - 60 mg total (10 mg/ml - 6 ml) $690
Why add B12 and Glycine?
Glycine is an amino acid abundant in collagen and connective tissues that helps with protein synthesis and reduces inflammation. Glycine may help preserve lean muscle mass and improve physical resilience in patients losing weight.
B12 can help prevent nausea and can help with energy.
How long will I need to take medication? Will I regain once I stop?
Our belief is that medication is a tool and only part of the solution to long term success. While taking the medication you are also changing the way you eat, live and think about food.
You will start at a low dose and titrate up. This doesn’t always look the same for everyone. Once you achieve your goal weight you will start to titrate the dose back down. Usually once you are back down to the lowest dose and have maintained your goal weight for 3 months the medication is discontinued. You continue with a healthy lifestyle, diet and exercise to maintain your healthy new weight.
Again, everyone is different and this is something we would need to discuss with you individually.
