Medically managed weight loss

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Semaglutide is a revolutionary GLP-1 receptor agnoist that was originally developed for patients with Type 2 Diabetes, but when providers and pharmaceutical developers noticed how much weight their patients were losing, they began to study semaglutide exclusively for weight loss. A series of clinical trials knows as the STEP clinical trial demonstrated that almost 90% of the patients lost 5% or more of their body weight. There is no other weight loss drug on the market that compares. In June 2021, the FDA approved semaglutide for weight loss.  Click here to reach more about the STEP Clinical Trials. 

A glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) agonist - mimicks the action of the hormone GLP-1 - when blood sugar levels start to rise after someone eats, these drugs stimulate the body to produce more insulin. The extra insulin helps lower blood sugar levels. The lower blood sugars help manage diabetes,  and GLP-1s appear to help curb hunger. These drugs also slow the movement of food from the stomach into the small intestine. As a result, you may feel full faster and longer, so you eat less.

Along with helping to control blood sugar and boost weight loss, GLP-1s  seem to have other major benefits. Research has found that some drugs in these groups may lower the risk of heart disease, such as heart failure, stroke and kidney disease. People taking these drugs have seen their blood pressure and cholesterol levels improve. But it's not clear whether these benefits are from the drug or the weight loss. Find more details at Mayo Clinic.org.

Tirzepatide works by activating both GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) and GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) hormone receptors. GLP-1 helps control appetite and calorie intake, and GIP is thought to contribute to regulating food intake as well. (Definition by: drugs.com)

Common side effects of semaglutide may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain. In some cases, it can cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) in individuals with diabetes. Rare but serious side effects may include pancreatitis and gallbladder problems. Tirzepatide may have the same side effects but is often better tolerated. 

These medications are typically prescribed for adults with a BMI of 30 or higher or those with a BMI of 27 or higher who have at least one weight-related health condition, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, sleep apnea, etc. 

Your weight loss varies from person to person and is not just dependent on medication but several individual factors. Clinical trials have shown that these medications can lead to significant weight loss when combined with diet and exercise. Over 12 weeks, patients may see weight loss of 5-10% of their initial body weight, but this does vary. Healthy weight loss is defined as 1-2 lbs per week. 

Typically they are administered in a once-weekly injection under the skin (subcutaneously). The dosage may vary depending on individual patients and tolerance. 

The following are contraindications for semaglutide/tirzepatide which will make the individual ineligible for this treatment:

Personal or Family History of Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma

MEN 2 (Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Syndrome Type 2)

Hypersensitivity

Diabetes Type 1

Current Suicidal Ideation

Pancreatitis

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Your medication will come from high-quality compounding pharmacy. These pharmacies prepare medications in sterile pharmacies that are licensed by their State Board of Pharmacy, or FDA-licensed facilities. By using compounding pharmacies, we can safely provide you with the medication for your treatment, without costing you thousands of dollars for the brand name version. 

The Medical and Wellness Clinic, does not accept insurance. Often times we see patients are unable to get these medications covered by insurance. We utilize a cash-pay system, which allows us to offer weight loss services to clients at a more affordable cost. 

No. At this time, all visits are completed in telehealth, or virtual, setting. Visits can be done anywhere in Minnesota, provided you have a good internet connection for a video visit. We have a secure, HIPAA Compliant video visit program that works great for our 1:1 appointments. 

If medications are prescribed, those will be mailed to your home. If labwork is ordered, we will send you to the closest lab for blood draw.