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Semaglutide for Weight Loss Journey at Weston Medical Clinic & Cosmetic Center

Medically Supervised Program by Dr. Phanor Calle

Overview

At Weston Medical Clinic & Cosmetic Center, Dr. Phanor Calle offers a doctor-monitored weight loss program that includes healthy eating habits, physical fitness, and medication management using Semaglutide and Tirzepatide.

Approximately 50% of people with obesity in the United States have made efforts to shed weight and reduce body fat in the past 12 months, with the primary methods being engaging in exercises and reducing food intake.

In a randomized clinical trial, weekly subcutaneous Semaglutide for weight loss (2.4 mg) demonstrated superiority over placebo, significantly reducing the risk of cardiovascular death, heart attacks (MI), and stroke by 20% in patients with cardiovascular disease and either overweight or obesity without diabetes.

Medication Details

Semaglutide and Tirzepetide for Weight Loss

Semaglutide or Tirzepetide can cause weight loss in obese or overweight patients with weight-related medical problems. It is a medication used with doctor-approved exercise, behavior change, and a healthy lifestyle (reduced-calorie diet program) to aid in weight loss.

Patients can expect weight loss results within the first four weeks of taking the medication. After 68 weeks, the study participants experienced significant weight loss, averaging approximately 35 pounds (15.9 kg).

FDA Recommendations

The FDA recommends Semaglutide (Wegovy) or Tirzepatide (Zepbound) for weight loss in individuals meeting specific criteria.

Eligibility Criteria

Patients with a body mass index of 27 with weight-related health problems like Hypertension (High Blood Pressure), Hyperlipidemia, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Disease (Heart Disease), or Obstructive Sleep Apnea.
Patients with a body mass index of 30+, with or without comorbidities, are candidates for Semaglutide or Tirzapetide for weight loss.

BMI Calculator

How much weight loss can you expect on average?

Semaglutude: average weight loss is close to 15%.
Tirzepatide: The average weight loss is close to 21%, and it has reached weight loss surgery (bariatric surgery) levels of weight loss.

Mechanism of Action

Semaglutide and Tirzapetide (GLP-1 Agonist)

Semaglutide and tirzepatide mimic the actions of the hormone glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), naturally released in the gut in response to eating. Described as a short-acting peptide, GLP-1 signals the hypothalamus in the brain, making you feel full and reducing hunger: ‘You’ve had food; stop eating.’

These medications attach to the same receptors as GLP-1 but have a more prolonged effect. Accordingly, they ensure the consistent operation of the appetite-suppressing mechanism in the hypothalamus. By doing so, they effectively diminish appetite and convey a signal that the body feels full: ‘Stop eating.’

Both GLP-1 and the medications that mimic its action trigger additional responses. These include slowing food movement through the digestive system (delaying gastric emptying), stimulating insulin release by the pancreas, which helps lower blood sugar (glucose), and lowering glucagon release. Additionally, tirzepatide can bind to receptors of a related hormone, GIP, and improve its effectiveness.

Tirzepatide (GLP-1 and GIP)

Tirzepatide simultaneously mimics two hormones, GLP-1 and GIP, released after eating. The first curbs appetite, while the second improves sugar and fat breakdown by blocking the GIP hormone while amplifying its efficacy.

Studies suggest that Tirzapetide activates receptors for GIP and GLP-1, leading to weight loss and reduced appetite.

FDA-Approved Medications for treating obesity and overweight conditions

Wegovy, Zepbound, and Comparisons

Wegovy and Zepbound are both FDA-approved drugs for weight loss. While both are weekly injectable drugs, Zepbound mimics two hunger hormones, making it more potent and effective.

Active Ingredients and Side Effects

Please note that the FDA has not approved using Semaglutide and Tirzapetide compounded forms for weight loss. However, it’s important to mention that the only FDA-approved weight-loss drugs provided in our office are Wegovy and Zepbound.

Moreover, these drugs are administered as part of a supervised weight-loss program that includes diet and exercise, and a valid prescription is required for their use.

Adverse Effects of Semaglutide and Tirzepatide

Common Side Effects

Gastrointestinal Symptoms

The standard side effects of liraglutide and tripeptide are easily identifiable. These symptoms include diarrhea, nausea, constipation, indigestion, belching, elevated serum lipase, elevated serum amylase, vomiting, stomach paralysis, and cyclic vomiting.

Additionally, there have been reports of stomach paralysis, where the stomach empties at a slower rate than usual, and cyclic vomiting, which involves sudden and severe bouts of repeated vomiting, with the use of these medications.

Furthermore, other common side effects include acute abdominal pain, fatigue, biliary calculus, gastroesophageal reflux disease, dyspepsia, flatulence, eructation, hiccups, tachycardia, hypoglycemic disorder, and injection site reactions.

Older adults may experience more difficulties with gastrointestinal side effects.

Pancreatitis Risk

The use of GLP-1 agonist medications is associated with an increased risk of pancreatitis, which is inflammation of the pancreas. Additionally, these medications have been reported to cause depression as a side effect.

Loss of Muscle Mass

Users have reported a loss of muscle mass with this medication, potentially linked to actual intramuscular fat loss.

Ileus

Ozempic usage has been linked to ileus, a medical term for an obstruction in the intestines. This condition is severe and can lead to life-threatening consequences such as electrolyte imbalances, dehydration, perforation of the intestine, infection, and jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin).

Furthermore, in severe cases, if the blockage hinders blood supply to the intestine, it can result in infection and tissue death, necessitating immediate medical attention and even surgery, as per Suneal Agarwal, M.D., an associate professor of Gastroenterology at Baylor College of Medicine.

Gastroparesis

One reported side effect of the medication is gastroparesis, a disorder that slows or stops food movement from the stomach to the intestine.

Dose Adjustment and Management

To achieve weight loss goals, doctors gradually increase the dosage of medication. It’s important to note that gastrointestinal side effects usually improve over time with adequate hydration.

“A lot of people who start these drugs find because their appetite’s reduced, they tend to reduce their fluid intake as well – so some [of the side effects] are related to that.”

Important Cautions and Recommendations

Avoid Semaglutide or Tirzepatide if you have the following health conditions:

Personal or Family History of Medullary Thyroid Cancer

Semaglutide and Tirzepatide cause thyroid C-cell tumors in rats, though it’s unknown whether they cause such tumors in humans, as noted by the FDA.

History of Gallbladder Disease

People who have had gallbladder disease, including gallstones, in the past should not take Semaglutide or Tirzepatide.

History of Pancreatitis

If you have a history of pancreatitis, it is advisable to avoid Semaglutide or Tirzepatide.

Personal or Family History of Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Syndrome Type 2 (MEN2)

Individuals with a personal or family history of MEN2 should refrain from using Semaglutide or Tirzepatide.

Personal history of severe gastroparesis

It is crucial to consider these cautionary points to ensure your safety and well-being.

Stop Medication

Before Surgery

Patients should stop taking Semaglutide or Tirzepatide at least two weeks before surgery. This will ensure their stomachs have had enough time to empty, reducing the risk of complications.

Severe Symptoms Alert

Severe symptoms like nausea, constipation, and vomiting should prompt immediate medical attention.

Symptoms of thyroid tumors

Difficulty swallowing, shortness of breath, persistent hoarseness, or a lump in the neck

Dose Adjustment Warning

Patients are strongly advised not to increase the dose on their own. Dose adjustments should be made under the guidance of a healthcare professional to avoid adverse effects.

Optimal Weight Loss Journey

Patients should experience significant weight loss within six months. Lack of progress may indicate the need for alternative weight loss options.

Obesity is a Chronic Medical Condition

Patients need to understand that the treatments available are aimed at managing obesity, a chronic medical condition that requires long-term attention to maintain their weight loss.

Obesity is considered a relapsing disease, highlighting the need for consistent and sustained treatment to achieve successful weight loss and maintain it over time.

Dr. Phanor Calle’s Commitment

At Weston Medical Clinic & Cosmetic Center, Dr. Phanor Calle and team provide personalized, safe, and effective care to prioritize your health and well-being during your weight loss journey.