The Medical Weight Loss Revolution

The medical weight loss revolution is a movement that promotes health, longevity, and quality of life for millions of individuals. With semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) or tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound) weight loss injections, those struggling to lose weight have been able to find a lasting solution that eliminates unhealthy cravings and helps them achieve a healthier weight.

If you are interested in learning more about your options, book a consultation at Evolved Medical, a practice at the forefront of these innovative treatments. At our location in Walnut Creek, near Oakland, Dr. Amit Rajguru can introduce you to these FDA-approved injections and how they can transform your health and confidence.

Inquire online or call (925) 433-8444, and our staff will assist you in scheduling your first appointment with Dr. Rajguru.

The Rise of Weight Loss Medications

In 2016, the World Health Organization (WHO) cited the United States as the 12th most obese nation out of 191 countries. Among U.S. adults, the obesity rate (from 2017-18 data) is about 42.4%. (1) Worldwide, obesity affects roughly 13% of the world population based on other WHO data. As a rule of thumb, a BMI (body mass index) of 30 or more is considered obese and raises one’s risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, arthritis, and more. Not only that, but obesity can severely affect one’s sense of confidence and self-esteem. With this global issue on the rise, it is no wonder why semaglutide and tirzepatide have become so prevalent, especially in the U.S.

Semaglutide has become one of the most highly requested medications in the United States. According to the Pew Research Center, as of 2021, doctors wrote about 8.2 million prescriptions for semaglutide. This amount was quadruple the amount written in 2019, demonstrating a rapid rise in popularity. Tirzepatide- in the form of Mounjaro- was not far behind; by 2022, sales for Mounjaro in the U.S. reached $5.2 billion. In November of 2023, Zepbound- another brand for tirzepatide- successfully launched into the weight loss market.

Why Are Weight Loss Medications So Popular?

Several types of weight loss medications have gained the public’s attention over the years, but there are several reasons that semaglutide and tirzepatide have earned their reputation as the gold standard for weight loss treatment:

  • They are FDA-approved. Unlike some other OTC medications and supplements, semaglutide and tirzepatide have undergone rigorous testing for safety and efficacy.
  • They can keep you satiated. One of the major hurdles of weight loss involves fighting insatiable cravings. With these injections, you can gain more control over your eating habits.
  • Feel more confident and attractive. Shedding the extra pounds can highlight your attractive features and help you feel more comfortable in your body.
  • Reduce your risk of weight-related conditions. Unwanted weight gain is not just an aesthetic issue; it significantly impacts your health as a whole.
  • Avoid weight loss surgery. Bariatric surgeries are effective, but they can be risky, require weeks of downtime and are associated with significant side effects..
  • Injections are easy to self-administer. With proper instruction, you will be able to easily self-inject just once a week to reap the benefits.
  • Dosage is adjustable. If you experience any sort of gastrointestinal discomfort, Dr. Rajguru can alter the dosage to one that works for you. When first taking the medication, he will prescribe the lowest dosage possible and gradually increase it over weeks.

What is Semaglutide?

Semaglutide can help you revive your energy and sustain a healthier weight as you strive to incorporate better eating habits and a workout routine that works for you. The medication allows patients to gradually lose weight, which prevents the likelihood of weight fluctuations in the future. Dr. Rajguru can provide you with the personalized guidance you need to successfully attain your goals.

Most people know semaglutide by its names Ozempic and Wegovy, FDA-approved medications originally designed for type 2 diabetes to manage their blood sugar levels. However, many individuals are suitable candidates for using these medications in the context of weight loss. Although it is not a “miracle” solution, semaglutide inhibits hunger at its root source. The medication imitates GLP-1 hormones to stimulate GLP-1 receptors that play a role in insulin secretion. With just a small boost in insulin production, the body transports this hormone to the hypothalamus part of the brain- signaling fullness, or satiation.

The Research Behind Semaglutide

Countless studies have proven that this medication is safe and effective for a multitude of reasons. For example, in one study, a group of participants entered a 68-week-long study involving a placebo group and a semaglutide group. With only weekly doses of 2.4 mg, the semaglutide group collectively lost roughly 16% of their total body weight. The placebo group, on the other hand, only lost 5.7%, despite incorporating diet and exercise. The average BMI of both groups was 37.9, so these percentages represented a great deal of weight loss. (2)

What is Tirzepatide?

Tirzepatide is another highly effective medication that works similarly to semaglutide. Its brand names are Mounjaro and Zepbound. It works as a glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor agonist, meaning that it triggers insulin and glucagon (a hormone) to stabilize blood sugar levels. In addition to stimulating more insulin production in the body, it also triggers the release of another hormone called adiponectin. Fatty tissues produce this critical hormone that serves to integrate glucose (sugar) into the cells of the body. (3) This medication not only inhibits hunger, but it also maximizes the use of glucose for energy.

The Research Behind Tirzepatide

Some pieces of research have suggested that tirzepatide may be more efficient than semaglutide for weight loss. For example, in one study with participants with type 2 diabetes, the tirzepatide group lost 11.6-21 lbs over 12 weeks, while the semaglutide group lost between 5.5-11 lbs. (4)

Corresponding and Complementary Treatments

Hormone Replacement Therapy for Men

Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) for men involves the supplementation of testosterone to relieve men’s symptoms related to andropause and other forms of testosterone deficiency. With careful monitoring of testosterone levels through blood tests, Dr. Rajguru can evaluate your exact needs to revive energy, libido, muscle tone, and cognitive functioning. Other forms of hormone therapy include growth peptides (chains of amino acids) and treatment for thyroid hormone deficiency.

Hormone Replacement Therapy for Women

BHRT for women typically involves supplementing estrogen, progesterone, and/or testosterone to relieve menopause symptoms. Just like BHRT for men, Dr. Rajguru will use blood tests to get a comprehensive idea of your baseline hormone levels. BHRT is versatile since it allows women to choose a form of treatment; Dr. Rajguru can prescribe topical hormone creams/patches, injection therapy, or pellet therapy. With a hormonal pellet, he will make a tiny incision near the buttock to insert rice-sized pellets just beneath the skin. With this minimally invasive procedure, the body can gradually take the hormones over a few weeks until they completely dissolve. With the most optimal treatment plan, BHRT can resolve frequent hot flashes, migraines, low libido, and other issues related to aging.

Consultation

During your consultation appointment with Dr. Rajguru, he will ask you about your weight loss journey thus far and what you have tried to maintain a healthier weight. He will evaluate your medical history to determine your candidacy for semaglutide/tirzepatide. If he thinks you could benefit from weight loss injections, he will outline all that you need to know about the medication and your personalized treatment plan. Regardless of your goals, Dr. Rajguru will prescribe the lowest possible dose to slowly acclimate your body. He will closely monitor your progress and allow you to ask questions over the course of your treatment. With proper guidance on how to self-administer the injections, you can safely attain a slimmer, healthier body that you can feel happy with.

If you have any questions during your consultation, Dr. Rajguru will gladly answer them to ensure that you make an informed decision. If you have questions before or during your treatment, please reach out to Evolved Medical at (925) 433-8444. To get started with your first meeting, you can call our practice or use our online form. Our clinic is located in Walnut Creek, near Oakland.

Cost of Weight Loss Medications in Walnut Creek

Dr. Rajguru will discuss the total cost of your weight loss medications during your consultation meeting. The estimate will depend on your long-term treatment plan and any follow-up appointment at Evolved Medical. If you are dealing with the discomforts of andropause or menopause, he can also discuss your options with BHRT and provide you with a quote.

FAQ

Is medical weight loss with semaglutide and tirzepatide safe?

Yes, both semaglutide and tirzepatide are FDA-approved. Clinicians prescribe these medications in small doses to allow patients to slowly adjust to them.

Are there side effects to medical weight loss with semaglutide and tirzepatide?

Some patients experience gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea, diarrhea, and constipation. Clinicians can help their patients resolve these by lowering the dosage.

Can I gain weight while taking medical weight loss injections?

Medical weight loss injections semaglutide and tirzepatide are designed to reduce hunger, but it is still possible to gain weight if patients follow an unhealthy diet. Patients taking these medications should strive to incorporate healthier eating and exercise habits.

How often do I have to take medical weight loss injections?

Clinicians prescribe semaglutide and tirzepatide as once-weekly injections that you can self-administer in the comfort of your home.

References

  1. Overweight & Obesity Statistics | NIDDK. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Published September 2021. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/health-statistics/overweight-obesity#:~:text=Adults
  2. Fornes A, Huff J, Pritchard RI, Godfrey M. Once-Weekly Semaglutide for Weight Management: A Clinical Review. Journal of Pharmacy Technology. 2022;38(4):875512252210926. doi:https://doi.org/10.1177/87551225221092681
  3. Farzam K, Patel P. Tirzepatide. PubMed. Published 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK585056/#:~:text=The%20FDA%20approved%20Tirzepatide%20in
  4. Karagiannis T, Konstantinos Malandris, Avgerinos I, et al. Subcutaneously administered tirzepatide vs semaglutide for adults with type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Diabetologia. 2024;67(7). doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s00125-024-06144-1
  • Share: