Semaglutide & Tirzepatide
Conveniently located to serve the areas of Boulder, CO
Medical weight loss is a treatment that involves GLP-1 medications to help patients attain a healthy BMI. Today, semaglutide and tirzepatide are the gold standards for this type of injection-based weight loss protocol. With a once-weekly dose, patients can stave off hunger, giving them better control over unhealthy cravings. These medications also serve to slow down digestion to promote satiation with smaller meals. Patients often know semaglutide by its brand names, Ozempic and Wegovy, whereas the brand names for tirzepatide are Mounjaro and Zepbound.
If you are ready to take the next step to becoming a slimmer, more attractive version of yourself, get in touch with Aura Advanced Skin Care & Plastic Surgery in Boulder. Our team of professionals – headed by Dr. Nathan Roesner – will introduce you to the incredible benefits of semaglutide and tirzepatide and help you improve your confidence with a personalized treatment plan.
Call our office today at (303) 440-7546 or fill out our online form with your questions about our weight loss program.
Contents
Why Consider Medical Weight Loss?
Achieving a healthier weight is no easy feat for anyone. Many individuals struggle with sugar cravings and desires for fatty, overly-processed foods. Those in the overweight or obese weight range may have difficulties with exercise and mobility, making slimming down even more of a challenge. And for some, the susceptibility to gain weight is genetic and difficult to overcome. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 42% of American adults are considered obese. (1) It is an epidemic that has increased Americans’ risk of weight-related health issues, such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, reduced quality of life, and more.
Everyone who has dealt with weight fluctuations and unwanted weight gain has had a unique experience with their health that requires individualized attention. Luckily, semaglutide and tirzepatide give these individuals a much-needed, valuable tool to jumpstart their weight-loss journey and attain a healthier weight.
About Semaglutide
Semaglutide was originally formulated to help those with type 2 diabetes gain better control over fluctuating blood sugar levels. Some diabetics are able to use this as a supplementary treatment to another diabetes medication, and some may be able to benefit from semaglutide alone. Once-weekly semaglutide is designed to work in conjunction with a healthier lifestyle and help you prevent future weight fluctuations over time.
After administration, semaglutide stimulates the pancreas to produce more insulin that metabolizes glucose (sugar) in the bloodstream. It accomplishes this by imitating GLP-1 hormones that interact with GLP-1 receptors responsible for insulin secretion. Some of this excess insulin then enters the hypothalamus area of the brain, which then signals satiation after eating a smaller portion of food.
How Much Weight Can I Lose with Semaglutide?
Though semaglutide works differently for every patient, there are bounds of research that show that these injections are reliable and effective. In one study taking place over more than a year, participants in the semaglutide group with an average BMI of 37.9 were able to lose 16% of their initial weight. When compared to the placebo group which solely relied on diet and exercise, the semaglutide group collectively lost 10% more weight. (2)
The results depend on starting weight, lifestyle factors, and individual metabolism, but no matter what, semaglutide gives patients a head start on controlling appetite. The medication also serves to slow down gastric emptying, meaning that food stays in the stomach for longer before being digested. (3)
We will get a comprehensive idea of your weight loss goals and your level of commitment to treatment before recommending semaglutide.
About Tirzepatide
Tirzepatide functions as both a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist and a glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor agonist, so it stimulates insulin production and increases the body’s sensitivity to insulin. The medication can accomplish this with the secretion of adiponectin, another hormone that allows the body’s cells to integrate sugar for energy. (4) This allows tirzepatide to promote better energy metabolism, especially with the addition of glucagon, a hormone that helps control blood sugar levels.
How Effective is Tirzepatide?
Multiple studies have suggested that tirzepatide may be even more effective than semaglutide for weight loss since it interacts with multiple physiologic pathways. In one study, the group of participants taking tirzepatide lost a maximum of 21 lbs in just 3 months, while the most successful participants of the semaglutide group lost only 11 lbs in this time frame. (5)
What are the Benefits of Weight Loss Medications?
There are a few essential facts to know about these medications:
- They are highly researched and FDA-approved. Unlike unregulated medications and supplements, the FDA has thoroughly reviewed semaglutide and tirzepatide.
- You can feel full for longer. These once-weekly injections can quiet hunger and the urge to eat in excess.
- You can look your best. You can feel more confident in your body with gradual, healthy weight loss.
- Combat weight-related disease. If you have type 2 diabetes, semaglutide and tirzepatide promote insulin production. Losing weight, in general, greatly reduces your risk of developing other conditions related to obesity.
- Avoid the need for weight loss surgery. Weight loss surgery involves an intensive recovery and downtime, while injections are relatively easy to manage with self-administration.
- Adjust to your needed dosage. Your clinician can adjust your dosage to suit your needs and reduce the risk of potential gastrointestinal discomfort.
Am I a Candidate for Medical Weight Loss Injections?
Semaglutide and tirzepatide are appropriate for a wide variety of prospective patients, but Dr. Roesner will consider certain guidelines before prescribing. These medications are best for those with a BMI between 25 and 30 without significant medical comorbidities. They are also an excellent alternative to bariatric surgery for those who are not candidates for this intensive surgery. Ideal candidates for these injections should also not have a history of any of the following conditions: chronic kidney disease, thyroid cancer, pancreatitis, or gallstones.
Medical Weight Loss Treatment Plan
To start the medical weight loss program, a member of our team will conduct the first injection in the office, after which, they will give you instructions on how to self-administer at home. They will go over the basic information you will need to know regarding safety and possible side effects. Here is how your treatment will progress over the weeks:
Semaglutide
For semaglutide, we will prescribe a low dose to start, and you will continue with this dosage for the first month. After this, he will increase the dosage incrementally every week if you do not experience any side effects. The maximum amount you can take is a weekly 2.4 mg of semaglutide, and we will check in with you to help you find a dosage that works best for weight loss goals.
Tirzepatide
For tirzepatide, we will also start at the lowest dose. Once a month has passed, he will increase it, and after roughly 2 months, your prescription will be increased again. Though the maximum dosage is 15 mg, you may benefit from a lower amount. Just like semaglutide, we will closely monitor your progress with each gradual change.
Consultation
During your consultation, we will ask you about your challenges with weight loss and your past and current health concerns to see if you are a candidate for weight loss injections. We will be sure to give you more comprehensive details about these medications and what you can expect during your treatment. You will have a chance to ask us questions that will help you gauge if the treatment aligns with your expectations.
Get started today by scheduling an appointment at our office in Boulder, CO by calling (303) 440-7546 or filling out our contact form. We proudly serve the residents of Boulder, Denver, and the surrounding areas.
Cost of Semaglutide in Boulder
At Aura Advanced Skin Care & Plastic Surgery, we strive to make our services as affordable as possible. During your consultation, we will give you a detailed quote for your treatment with semaglutide or tirzepatide. As a cosmetic treatment, your insurance will not provide coverage, but there are options available. If you are interested, please inquire about our financing plans with CareCredit or our VIP Customer Appreciation Card to help you save money.
FAQ
Are weight loss injections safe?
Medical weight loss injections have undergone rigorous FDA evaluation and are safe for long-term usage.
When can I expect results after using semaglutide?
Weight loss results will vary between individuals. Generally, the higher your BMI, the more likely you will lose weight rapidly at first. Some will begin to lose weight just a couple of weeks after starting treatment, while others may need to wait a few weeks. Incorporating a healthy diet and exercise routine will accelerate your weight loss.
Can I take medical weight loss injections with diabetes medication?
Semaglutide and tirzepatide injections were originally intended only for those with type 2 diabetes, and patients can use them alongside other diabetes medications. Still, it is possible that these injections can negatively interfere with other medications by increasing the risk of low blood sugar. Doctors prevent this with diligent monitoring and by prescribing a low dose.
Can I self-administer medical weight loss injections?
Yes, many clinics instruct their patients on how to administer these injections at home.
References
- 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
- 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
- Chao AM, Tronieri JS, Amaro A, Wadden TA. Clinical Insight on Semaglutide for Chronic Weight Management in Adults: Patient Selection and Special Considerations. Drug Design, Development and Therapy. 2022;Volume 16:4449-4461. doi:https://doi.org/10.2147/dddt.s365416
- Farzam K, Patel P. Tirzepatide. PubMed. Published 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK585056/#:~:text=The%20FDA%20approved%20Tirzepatide%20in
- 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
