Originally developed to treat Type 2 diabetes, GLP-1 medications were found to have an “interesting” side-effect: significant weight loss. This unexpected benefit led to further research, and the FDA later approved semaglutide (sold under the brand name Wegovy) and tirzepatide (sold under the brand name Zepbound) for chronic weight management. The active ingredients in these medications are semaglutide and tirzepatide. Our program uses compounded semaglutide and compounded tirzepatide prepared by a licensed compounding pharmacy. Compounded medications are not FDA-approved and have not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or quality. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Novo Nordisk or Eli Lilly. Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound are registered trademarks of their respective owners. (see article: Semaglutide vs. Tirzepatide)

These medications are primarily administered as injections, using small needles that are placed superficially into fatty areas of the body. They interact with cell receptors in the pancreas, gastrointestinal tract, and other parts of the body. These medications are modified versions of peptide molecules that closely resemble structures produced by our bodies. They can delay the processing and emptying of food from the stomach, leading to feelings of early and long-lasting fullness after meals. They also influence brain centers to regulate and reduce cravings, which can help patients manage stress-eating and reward-eating behaviors.

Extensive research on these medications has revealed that they have many other effects in our bodies that confer potential health benefits beyond weight loss.

Enhancing Weight Management through Advanced Science
Medical weight loss injections with Semaglutide and Tirzepatide injections leverage the latest advancements in medical science to support significant weight loss. These medications function similarly to naturally occurring hormones in the body. They are designed to regulate appetite and enhance metabolic health, which are crucial in managing obesity and associated health risks. When used responsibly in conjunction with healthy lifestyle changes – specifically reduced intake of calories, eating a healthier diet, and incorporating regular exercise into patients’ daily activities – medical weight loss injections can contribute to a healthy, sustainable plan to achieve lasting weight loss.

Mechanism of Action
The active agents in these injections mimic the effect of GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1), a hormone that plays a vital role in appetite regulation and glucose metabolism. Here’s how they facilitate weight loss:

• Gastric Delay: By slowing down gastric emptying, these injections help you feel fuller longer after meals, reducing the urge to overeat.
• Appetite Suppression: They increase satiety and decrease hunger through direct action on the appetite centers in the brain, leading to a lower caloric intake.
• Blood Sugar Control: By inhibiting the release of glucagon — a hormone that raises blood glucose levels — these injections help stabilize blood sugar levels, which is especially beneficial for individuals with type 2 diabetes.

How does medical weight loss with Semaglutide and Tirzepatide work?

• Semaglutide and Tirzepatide are GLP-1 receptor agonists that help regulate appetite and food intake by mimicking the effects of the hormone GLP-1, which slows gastric emptying and increases feelings of fullness and reduces hunger. The medications also act in centers of the brain to decrease cravings, often for unhealthy foods. Cravings can be triggered by many things – including stress, hormone changes, fatigue, or anxiety – which can be a reason why we consume more calories than we need, and are a big factor in weight gain and difficulty in losing weight.

Which is more effective for weight loss, Semaglutide or Tirzepatide?

• In clinical trials of the FDA-approved branded products, tirzepatide (Zepbound) was associated with average weight loss of about 20 percent over 72 weeks, and semaglutide (Wegovy) with about 15 percent over 68 weeks. Both trials combined the medication with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. These results come from studies of the branded medications, not compounded versions. Individual results vary. Your provider will recommend the medication that fits your health history and goals.

Where can it be injected?

• These medications can be injected into parts of the body that have a fatty layer. Most commonly, patients will inject them into belly fat, but they can also be injected into fatty layer on the inner or upper thigh, and the tricep region.  These are the most commonly used sites for injection.

Will I regain the weight after I come off the medication?

• Studies have found that a high percentage of patients do regain weight after stopping the medications.
• Learning how to adopt healthier lifestyles through education about nutrition, as well as managing stress and being more active, will help you maintain your weight loss.
• Long-term use may be an option for some patients with ongoing provider monitoring. Your provider will discuss the benefits and risks of continuing treatment with you.

When is the best time to take these medications?

• Take your dose on the same day each week, at any time of day, with or without food. Your provider will give you written dosing instructions and can answer questions about timing.

Are Semaglutide and Tirzepatide safe for long-term use?

• Semaglutide and tirzepatide have been studied for more than a year in clinical trials of the branded products. Long-term use may be an option for some patients with ongoing provider monitoring, and patients should have regular follow-up visits with their provider. Your provider will discuss the benefits and risks of continuing treatment with you.

Do I need to follow a specific diet or exercise plan while on the medical weight loss program?

• While no specific diet is required maintaining a healthy balanced diet is critical to reducing the risks of regaining weight over time and improving your overall health.

Can I take tirzepatide or semaglutide if I have other health conditions?

• For most health conditions the answer is yes, but this requires a consultation with a qualified healthcare provider in order to analyze each patient’s own safety and risk assessment to determine if our medical weight loss program is safe for you.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

• Follow the written instructions that come with your medication. In general, a missed dose can be taken within a few days of your scheduled day; if more time than that has passed, skip the missed dose and take your next dose on your regular day. Never take two doses at once to make up for a missed one. If you have missed two or more weeks, contact your provider before restarting, because your dose may need to be lowered.

Are there medications or supplements that I should avoid while taking semaglutide or tirzepatide?

• Because of the effect of these medications on slowing down gastric emptying, there are some possible concerns about possibly affecting the efficacy of other medications and supplements; however, these are not confirmed effects. The primary interaction that has raised some concern is a potential decrease in the effectiveness of birth control pills, and some precautions have suggested that women should consider using a backup method to avoid any possible risk. During your consultation, be sure to inform your provider of any medications or supplements that you are currently taking to ensure that all necessary precautions are considered.

Is it safe to get pregnant while on the medical weight loss program?

• There are no conclusive studies on taking Semaglutide and Tirzepatide during pregnancy, and therefore it is not recommended to try to conceive while on these medications. Patients should be off of these medications for 2 months prior to attempting to get pregnant.

Related Article: Understanding the Difference Between Semaglutide and Tirzepatide

Important information. This program uses compounded semaglutide and compounded tirzepatide prepared by a licensed compounding pharmacy on a patient-specific prescription. Compounded medications are not FDA-approved and have not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or quality. It’s A Secret Med Spa is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Novo Nordisk A/S or Eli Lilly and Company. Ozempic and Wegovy are registered trademarks of Novo Nordisk A/S. Mounjaro and Zepbound are registered trademarks of Eli Lilly and Company. Weight loss results described on this page come from clinical trials of the FDA-approved branded medications and will vary by individual. Prescription medication is provided only after a consultation with a licensed provider who determines it is appropriate for you. This page is for general information and is not medical advice.