Weight Loss

The Skinny on Weight Loss Injections

Have you heard? Semaglutide and Tirzepatide are taking the internet by storm! Whether your friends are talking about it at work, or you hear about it on your favorite reality TV show, you won’t be able to escape the buzz around this new weight loss ‘miracle’ medications. 

The Boring Part

Semaglutide is in a class of medications known as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, or GLP-1 RAs. The brand name, Ozempic, has been around for over 15 years to help patients manage their type 2 diabetes. However, in 2021, the medication received FDA approval for weight loss under the brand name Wegovy. Semaglutide is the generic name for the medication. 

Tirzepatide, known under the brand-name Mounjaro (type 2 diabetes) and Zepbound (weight loss), is also a GLP-1 agonist like Semaglutide. However is has an additional pathway (gastric inhibitory peptide) which works to reduce potential gastrointestinal side effects and more optimal for patients who have weight loss goals of at least 35 pounds or more.

These medications prompt the body to make more insulin, which then helps reduce blood sugar. However another ‘perk’ is it works on the parts of your brain that control appetite. When these areas are quieted down, you have reduced cravings, and feel fuller sooner. When used in conjunction with a balanced diet and an active lifestyle, it can cause notable weight loss, reduce the risk of cancer, diabetes and heart disease in people who are overweight or obese. 

In an early study of 2,000 obese adults, the addition of weight loss medication showed that more than half the participants lost 15% of their body weight and a third lost 20%. This is in comparison to only 2.4% loss of weight with diet and exercise alone.  

Am I A Candidate?

There are a few reasons why you wouldn’t be a candidate for this medication. We require a thorough consultation with a physician assistant or nurse practitioner before being able to proceed with treatment. If you’re in overall good health without any untreated underlying conditions, and meet the weight loss criteria, then most likely the answer is yes!

This also isn’t a ‘forever’ medication. Ideally you’ll be on it long enough to achieve your weight loss goals, maintain for a bit, and then wean off. By the end, your habits surrounding portion control will have likely solidified to allow you to keep enjoying the results long after you have stopped the medication. 

Is It Worth It?

What value would you place on feeling comfortable in your clothes again? 

Ultimately we want to make sure people are choosing this route because it’s an appropriate fit. While the medication is extremely safe, and effective, there are also some transient side effects some people may experience when they begin, or as they increase their dose. However the goal is never to trade feeling well for losing weight. The primary effects we are hoping to achieve is a reduction in portions and a reduction in unnecessary snacking.

Don’t Take Our Word For It

Our patient ‘Liz’ is a vibrant, healthy individual. She’s in her thirties with no underlying medical conditions. She considers herself active, has a full time job, thriving social life, and gets to the gym 3 or 4 days a week. Despite her own efforts with portion control, and an occasional fad diet, she was always thinking about what to have for her next meal. She also found it difficult not to snack out of boredom or just because ‘food was there.’ In her twenties she weighed about 25 pounds less, but her routine was very similar. However despite no significant change in her lifestyle, the weight crept on and it just seemed like double the work to maintain her heavier weight. 

After meeting with a provider at Opulence Chicago four months ago, she began weekly Semaglutide injections. Her dose was very low to start and gradually went up over the course of 12 weeks. Now, she has lost 22 pounds! She’s beyond ecstatic to have achieved her weight loss goal and be back to her ‘comfortable weight’. She’s currently in the process of weaning off the medication, but considers it nothing less than ‘a total game changer’. 

“Without doing some drastic, unsustainable diet, there’s no way I would have been able to lose weight like this just on my own. I consider myself a healthy person, and don’t over indulge. But I felt like no matter what I did, the number on the scale wouldn’t move and I started to dread the thought of trying on my Summer clothes."

We all have a different picture of health. But improving our physical health will only help lead us down the path to feeling better about ourselves, inside and out. 

How is this Administered?

Semaglutide or Tirzepatide will be injected under the skin of your upper leg (thigh), stomach area, or upper arm. It is given once a week (every 7 days). The length of your treatment course will be determined by your provider after consultation and timed follow up appointments.

Who Cannot Take Semaglutide / Tirzepatide?

You CANNOT take these medications if you have any of the following conditions:

• Personal or family history of Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma (MTC)

• Personal or family history of Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia, type 2 (MEN 2)

• Prior allergic reaction to Semaglutide or to any of its ingredients* (serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis and angioedema, have been reported with Semaglutide)

• Diabetic retinopathy (diabetic eye disease)

• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant 

• Breast-feeding (Semaglutide is present in breast milk)

• Less than 18 years old

• Depression with a history of suicidal thoughts

• History of pancreatitis

What Type of Results Can I Expect?

• 70% of patients achieve at least 10% weight loss

• Over 50% achieve at least 15% weight loss

• One-third achieve at least 20% weight loss