Semaglutide/Tirzepatide

Semaglutide and tirzepatide are GLP-1 receptor agonists. They mimic hormones your gut releases after eating, which signal fullness to the brain, slow how quickly the stomach empties, and help regulate insulin release. The practical effect for most patients is reduced appetite and less preoccupation with food, which makes a calorie deficit easier to sustain. Tirzepatide additionally acts on the GIP receptor. These are prescription medications and are used alongside dietary and activity changes, not instead of them.

These medications are given by subcutaneous injection using a very fine, short needle, typically in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Most patients describe it as a brief pinch or barely noticeable. Injection technique is reviewed with you before you begin at-home dosing.

Treatment begins with a consultation and review of your history, weight, and relevant labs to determine whether GLP-1 therapy is appropriate. If it is, you are started at a low dose and titrated upward gradually to limit gastrointestinal side effects. Follow-up visits track weight, vitals, and tolerance, and dosing is adjusted from there.

The initial consultation takes about 15 to 30 minutes. Once you are established on a protocol, weekly injections take only a few minutes, whether self-administered at home or done here at the clinic.

The most common side effects are gastrointestinal: nausea, constipation, diarrhea, and reduced appetite, usually most noticeable after a dose increase. Less common but more serious risks include pancreatitis and gallbladder problems. These medications are not appropriate for everyone, including patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or MEN 2. Your full history is reviewed before treatment begins, and any side effects should be reported to us promptly.

There is no downtime. You can resume normal activities immediately. Some patients experience nausea or reduced appetite in the days following a dose increase, which typically eases as the body adjusts.

Women pursuing GLP-1 therapy commonly report reduced appetite, fewer food cravings, and steadier energy through the day. Because GLP-1 medications affect blood sugar regulation, some patients also see improvement in metabolic markers. If you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding, these medications are not appropriate and should be discussed at consultation.

Men pursuing GLP-1 therapy commonly report reduced appetite, easier portion control, and improvement in metabolic markers such as fasting glucose. Weight reduction in the abdominal region is often the primary goal, and progress is tracked with follow-up vitals and labs.