You may have already heard of the “weight-loss shot” or the “skinny shot.” Commonly known by their trade names Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro, these so-called “weight-loss / skinny shots” have become one of the most commonly used methods for people to lose weight. It is important to note that these medications are not FDA-approved for weight loss, but they are commonly used for this purpose.
WHAT IS IT?
Semaglutide and Tirzepatide are antidiabetic medications that are most commonly used for weight loss. They are FDA approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Semaglutide or Tirzepatide are administered once weekly through subcutaneous (under the skin) injection.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
In short, they help lower blood sugar by helping the pancreas make more insulin. Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) are hormones involved in blood-sugar control. After a person has eaten, these hormones are secreted by cells of the intestines, and in turn cause the secretion of insulin. Semaglutide is in the class of “GLP-1 agonists.” GLP- 1 (glucagon-like peptide) is a hormone produced by the small intestine after eating. Tirzepatide is a GIP-analogue that activates both the GLP-1 and GIP receptors, leading to improved blood-sugar control.
Both medications reduce the feelings of hunger, which means you eat less food. This helps to reduce your body weight, especially when combined with a healthy diet and exercise. It is very important to drink plenty of fluids while on the injections to avoid dehydration.
Tirzepatide is typically used in patients who have a higher BMI or have more weight to lose.
HOW IS IT GIVEN?
Patients are given weekly injections, starting on a low dose of either one of these medications for the first month and increasing the dose every two to four weeks to reduce side effects.
WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS?
The most common side-effects are nausea, diarrhea, constipation, headaches and reflux (heartburn), but with slowly increasing doses these symptoms can be minimized.
*A prescription of anti-nausea medication can be sent to your pharmacy for nausea and if needed. You can also take over-the-counter medications for acid reflux such as Nexium or Prevacid.
WHAT ARE THE CONTRAINDICATIONS?
Some specific conditions in which taking Semaglutide or Tirzepatide may be unsafe includes:
*Family or personal history of medullary thyroid carcinoma
*Multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2
FINAL VERDICT
Our patients love Semaglutide and Tirzepatide for the following reasons:
- Sustained reduction in body weight
- Reduction in hunger and craving
- Regulation of blood sugar levels.
- Is effective for most body types
WHAT DOES OUR WEIGHT-LOSS PROGRAM ENTAIL?
Step 1: Pre-visit lab draw to assess hormones and general wellness, including diabetes and lipid screening.
Step 2: Initial one-hour consultation to evaluate your body composition, goals and nutrition plan. Based on your personal needs, weight-loss medications and supplements to help you to succeed and will design a nutrition and movement plan that will work with your lifestyle. With your permission, we recommend starting with BEFORE pictures and taking pictures at the completion of the program
Step 3: 10-minute check in every once a month – this includes Semaglutide or Tirzepatide injections, weight check in and body composition. Labs will also be drawn at 90 days from when you start your first dose. After the first round of the weight loss program, you can continue with a maintenance program at a discounted rate.
WORDS OF ADVICE
Since the most common side effect is feeling nausea and vomiting, here are some things that people have found that may help:
* Eat smaller meals
* Stop eating when you are full
* Avoid the foods and smells that make you feel worse
* Drink plenty of fluids
* Keep in mind that in most cases, nausea goes away after a few days or weeks
BOOK YOUR CONSULTATION TODAY
Begin your weight loss journey with weight-loss injections (semaglutide and tirzepatide) at Nuveau Plastic Surgery. Make an appointment with plastic surgeon Dr. Lee and his staff to find out if you are a candidate for our weight loss program or any other treatments at our Houston, TX office.