Transformational Weight Loss with Semaglutide/ Tirzepatide injections and Oral medications
At MD Optimal Health & Aesthetics we offer a medically supervised weight loss program designed to help you achieve sustainable weight loss and improve your overall health. Using the latest in weight loss medication including compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide, we can create personalized treatment plans that align with your uniqueness and lifestyle. Our approach is different from other programs because it combines cutting edge medications with on-going support (both in person and through virtual appointments) setting you up for long-term success. Melissa Donelson, CRNP, provides attentive care to her patients, and will ensure you feel informed about what these medications do and how they can help you.
Whether you choose semaglutide or tirzepatide, or oral medications, we will guide you through your weight loss journey, providing personalized care and support every step of the way. At MD Optimal Health & Aesthetics we understand that consistent medication use is crucial for optimal results. That is why we are partnered with a specialized company to ensure:
- Easy medication management for patients
- Medications delivered to your home
- Timely 28-day cycle adherence
- Ability to help patients in numerous states through virtual appointments
Ready to transform your life? Contact us today to learn more about our weight loss programs featuring semaglutide and tirzepatide and other options. You can either book an appointment for an office appointment here or book a virtual weight loss consultation here.
Medical Weight Loss FAQs
Semaglutide and Tirzepatide are both called GLP-1 receptor agonists, which are medications that regulate blood sugar levels and significantly reduce appetite, making it easier for individuals to lose weight. These GLP-1 medications work by mimicking a hormone in the body that regulates insulin and satiety, helping you feel fuller for longer, and therefore eat less quantities of food. They are administered once weekly via injection.
People familiar with Semaglutide might know it by its brand names Ozempic and Wegovy. Semaglutide is a peptide that mimics the effect of our body’s naturally occurring GLP-1 (Glucagon-like peptide) hormone in the small intestine that triggers insulin release from the pancreas and lowers blood glucose levels. It also slows the digestive process resulting in the desire to eat less often and less quantities of food. It reduces appetite by affecting the brain centers to calm “food noise” therefore decreasing overall calorie consumption. Clinical trials reported patients treated with Semaglutide for weight loss lost an average of 15% of their body weight over a 68-week period. Frequent side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation. When using compounded medications, your medication doses can be at lower doses to minimize side effects.
People familiar with Tirzepatide might know it by its brand name, Mounjaro or Zepbound. Tirzepatide is another GLP-1 agonist, meaning like Semaglutide it stimulates glucose-dependent insulin from the pancreatic islets, resulting in lower blood glucose levels. In addition, Tirzepatide also activates the GIP (Gastric Inhibitory Polypeptide) receptors which improved glycemic control by increasing insulin sensitivity and lipid (fat) metabolism. This results in more rapid weight loss with fewer negative side effects compared with Semaglutide. Clinical trials reported patients treated with Tirzepatide lost an average of 20-22% of their body weight in a 64-week period. Frequent side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation. When using compounded medications, your medication doses can be at lower doses to minimize side effects.
GLP-1 therapy helps with weight loss by slowing the emptying of the stomach by binding to the receptors that are in the stomach. The brain is sent a signal of fullness from the stomach, and this helps to reduce your food intake and decrease your appetite.
Taking the medication is a tool to help you with your weight loss. Weight loss depends on the duration of treatment. Weight loss occurs with a balanced diet of proteins, carbohydrates, fat and lower caloric intake. On average, those taking Semaglutide can lose 14-18% of their body weight. With Tirzepatide the average weight loss is 18-22% of their body weight.
Ideal candidates have a BMI of 30 or higher or people who have a BMI of 27 or higher and at least one weight-related health condition, such as: Type-2 diabetes, pre-diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea. A free consultation is available to see if you are the ideal candidate.
Most common sides effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation. Headache can also occur within the first 24-48 hours of taking medicine. There are usually less side effects with Tirzepatide than Semaglutide
Cost ranges from $400-600 per month depending upon the medication and dosage needed. Cost includes the following:
1. Convenient online visits, unlimited access to follow-ups.
2. Regular check-ins for accountability and supervision (in person or virtual).
3. Medications and supplies shipped to your door monthly.
4. Management of medication side effects.
5. Personalized dosing plans to help your body ease into treatment and minimize side effects.
6. Easily switch medications with support from NP if needed.
7. Support guide with meal plans, recipes, exercise plans.
1. Request consult with Obesity Nurse Practitioner (either in office or virtual).
2. Answer some questions about your health history, lifestyle and goals.
3. Your intake information will be reviewed by the NP and determine what’s right for you. If prescribed you will get a customized plan to work for you.
4. Medication is shipped to your door so you can start your journey!
Oral Weight Loss Medication FAQs
Topiramate is commonly prescribed to people who are trying to lose weight because it has been shown to help reduce appetite and cravings. Topiramate works by increasing the levels of a neurotransmitter called GABA in the brain, which helps to reduce the activity of certain neurons that are associated with hunger and cravings. It has been shown to be effective at helping people lose weight, especially when combined with a healthy diet and exercise routine.
Phentermine, on the other hand, is a stimulant medication that is commonly referred to as an appetite suppressant. It works by increasing the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, including norepinephrine and dopamine, which can help to reduce hunger and cravings. Phentermine has been shown to be an effective medication for weight loss when used in conjunction with a healthy diet and exercise program.
When used together, Topiramate and Phentermine can suppress the appetite and increase energy levels. This can help to create a positive weight loss environment, as people are able to stick to their diet and exercise program more easily. The combination of these two medications can also help people achieve their desired weight loss goals in a shorter period (less than 6 months).
A once-daily prescription in pill form can help you maintain your weight loss results, and when combined with healthy habits, can transform your body and your life.
It should be taken once daily in the morning, with or without food.
Currently, insurance companies do not cover these prescriptions.
You shouldn't take it with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or other medications that contain phentermine or topiramate. It's also best to limit alcohol and avoid taking other sedating medications with topiramate and phentermine. It can raise the risk of breakthrough bleeding if you take it with birth control pills.
Do not use this medicine if you also take an MAO inhibitor (MAOI), such as isocarboxazid (Marplan®), phenelzine (Nardil®,), selegiline (Eldepryl®), or tranylcypromine (Parnate®), or if you have used an MAOI within the past 14 days. Using these medicines together may cause serious unwanted effects.
Topiramate also increases the risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior in patients taking these drugs for any indication. Patients should be monitored for the emergence or worsening of depression, suicidal thoughts or behavior, and/or any unusual changes in mood or behavior.
Numbness or tingling in the hands, arms, feet, or face (paraesthesia); dizziness; changes in the way foods taste or loss of taste (dysgeusia); trouble sleeping (insomnia); constipation; and dry mouth.
Monthly cost will range from $150-200 and can be delivered to your home.
It is a combination of two drugs that help you lose weight. This product should be used with a reduced calorie diet and exercise. It can also help you maintain weight loss.
How long does it take to lose weight on bupropion and naltrexone?
It contains two active ingredients: naltrexone and bupropion. They work together in your brain to help reduce appetite and manage cravings. You may notice initial weight loss results after taking it for about 4 weeks. But it can take up to 12 weeks (3 months) to understand if the med is truly working for you.
A once-daily prescription in pill form can help you maintain your weight loss results, and when combined with healthy habits, can transform your body and your life.
Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:
- any medicines used to stop taking opioids such as methadone or buprenorphine
- linezolid
- MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate
- methylene blue (injected into a vein)
- often take narcotic medicines for pain or cough
- other medicines that contain bupropion like Zyban or Wellbutrin
This medicine may also interact with the following medications:
- alcohol
- certain medicines for blood pressure like metoprolol, propranolol
- certain medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances
- certain medicines for HIV or hepatitis
- certain medicines for irregular heartbeat like propafenone, flecainide
- certain medicines for Parkinson's disease like amantadine, levodopa
- certain medicines for seizures like carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital
- certain medicines for sleep
- cimetidine
- clopidogrel
- cyclophosphamide
- digoxin
- disulfiram
- furazolidone
- isoniazid
- nicotine
- orphenadrine
- procarbazine
- steroid medicines like prednisone or cortisone
- stimulant medicines for attention disorders, weight loss, or to stay awake
- tamoxifen
- theophylline
- thiotepa
- ticlopidine
- tramadol
- warfarin
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
- allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
- breathing problems
- changes in vision
- confusion
- elevated mood, decreased need for sleep, racing thoughts, impulsive behavior
- fast or irregular heartbeat
- hallucinations, loss of contact with reality
- increased blood pressure
- rash, fever, and swollen lymph nodes
- redness, blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
- seizures
- signs and symptoms of liver injury like dark yellow or brown urine; general ill feeling or flu-like symptoms; light-colored stools; loss of appetite; nausea; right upper belly pain; unusually weak or tired; yellowing of the eyes or skin
- suicidal thoughts or other mood changes
- vomiting
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
- constipation
- headache
- loss of appetite
- indigestion, stomach upset
- tremors
Monthly cost is will range from $70-100 per and can be delivered to your home.
Some insurance plans may cover these meds, and you would need to pursue getting them through your primary care provider to see if it can be done. At present, we do not accept insurance plans.
