The tools changing
the weight-loss conversation.
GLP-1 medications, Semaglutide and Tirzepatide, help reduce appetite and support sustained weight loss when paired with real habit change. Prescribed, supervised, and honest about what they can and can't do.
A new class of medications for a hard problem.
GLP-1 medications (and the newer dual-action GIP/GLP-1s) were originally developed for type 2 diabetes, and turned out to have a significant appetite-reducing effect as a beneficial side effect.
They work by mimicking hormones your body already makes after eating: slowing gastric emptying, blunting appetite signals, and supporting stable blood sugar. The result for many people is genuinely reduced hunger, which makes calorie reduction feel possible instead of white-knuckle.
Three reasons they work.
Real appetite
reduction.
Not willpower, biology. Most people report genuinely reduced hunger and fewer cravings, which makes a calorie deficit feel doable instead of exhausting.
Sustained weight
loss support.
Unlike short-term appetite suppressants, GLP-1s are designed for extended use, supporting weight loss and, importantly, weight maintenance over time.
Supervised, titrated,
tracked.
Prescription weight loss means real medical oversight, screening upfront, titration by protocol, and check-ins to catch side effects and adjust the plan.
Who qualifies.
Weight-management GLP-1 prescribing generally follows the same clinical thresholds as other prescription weight loss medications.
- Adults with a BMI of 30 or higher, meeting the clinical definition of obesity
- Adults with a BMI of 27 or higher plus at least one weight-related condition (high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, etc.)
- People who have tried lifestyle changes and want additional medical support
- People able and willing to self-administer weekly injections and attend follow-ups
GLP-1s are not for everyone.
These medications have real screening criteria. If any of the conditions below apply to you, we'll talk through alternatives instead of prescribing.
- i.Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma
- ii.Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)
- iii.History of pancreatitis
- iv.Pregnancy or actively trying to conceive
- v.Nursing
- vi.Severe gastrointestinal disease (e.g., gastroparesis)
- vii.Type 1 diabetes (these are prescribed differently)
- viii.Known hypersensitivity to Semaglutide or Tirzepatide
If any of these apply, we'll spend the consult on what would be safe and effective for you, not on a prescription that isn't the right tool.
Your process, in three steps.
This is a medical protocol, not a shortcut. Expect real screening, real conversation, and real follow-up.
Consult & screening
We review your health history, current medications, and goals. We'll also look at whether Semaglutide or Tirzepatide is the better fit for you, and check your candidate criteria against the safety screen.
Prescription & titration
Weekly self-injections, starting at a low dose. Titration schedules gradually increase over weeks, this is intentional, to give your body time to adjust and minimize side effects.
Follow-up & adjustments
Regular check-ins to track progress, monitor side effects, and adjust dose as needed. We'll also talk about how the medication is working alongside your habits, and when to consider stepping down or off.
What to expect.
Most GLP-1 side effects show up in the first weeks as your body adjusts, and often improve with time and slower titration.
- Nausea, the most common early complaint
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Reduced appetite (this is the point, but it can be significant)
- Fatigue during the first few weeks
- Injection-site reactions (mild redness or irritation)
What needs immediate attention.
These are uncommon, but if they show up, stop the medication and seek medical care right away.
- Severe abdominal pain (possible pancreatitis)
- Persistent vomiting or dehydration
- Signs of a serious allergic reaction (swelling, trouble breathing)
- Vision changes
- Symptoms of gallbladder issues (upper right abdominal pain, fever, jaundice)
The other prescription weight-loss path.
GLP-1s are the newer, extended-use option. Phentermine is the shorter-term appetite suppressant approach, different mechanism, different timeline, different candidate profile. In consult, we can compare them and figure out which one (or which combination) fits your situation.
Learn About Phentermine →The questions everyone asks.
Click any question to see the answer.
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Ozempic is a brand name for Semaglutide, one of the GLP-1 medications. Wegovy is another brand of Semaglutide. Mounjaro and Zepbound are brand names for Tirzepatide. "GLP-1" refers to the class of medication; the brand name is the specific product.
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Clinical trials show substantial average weight loss over 6–18 months of treatment paired with lifestyle changes, but individual results vary widely based on starting weight, dose, tolerance, habits, and how long you stay on the medication. We'll set realistic expectations in consult.
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Not necessarily, but many people who stop regain some or all of the weight lost, particularly if the underlying habits haven't fully changed. Your plan should include how to eventually taper or maintain, not just how to start. That's part of what follow-ups are for.
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Compounded Semaglutide and Tirzepatide have been available at various points, often driven by shortages of brand-name products. Availability and regulatory status changes, we'll be transparent about what we can and can't source, and why, during your consult.
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Depends on your plan and the specific medication/brand. Some insurances cover these medications for weight management, some cover them only for diabetes, and some don't cover them at all. We can help you understand your options, but we can't guarantee coverage.
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Weekly subcutaneous injections, self-administered at home, using a small needle. We'll walk you through the process during your visit, most patients find it much easier than they expect after the first one.
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Book online anytime, or call (405) 486-7450. The first appointment is a consultation and screening, we don't prescribe without it.
Book your screening consult.
Bring your goals, your health history, your current medications, and an honest read on what you've tried and what's working. We'll figure out together whether a GLP-1 protocol fits, and which one.
Book My Screening →