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GLP-1 medical weight loss is a treatment that utilizes medication with glucagon-like peptide hormones to assist patients in weight management. Semaglutide (Ozempic and Wegovy) and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro and Zepbound) GLP-1 medications stimulate the release and production of insulin to regulate blood sugar. Their ability to slow gastric movements and curb appetite allows patients struggling with weight management to safely shed pounds under a health professional’s supervision and expertise.
Denver Liposuction Specialty Clinic provides all types of body contouring and liposuction procedures and treatments to patients in Denver, CO. We offer comprehensive care for those looking to improve their body shape and physical health.
To schedule a private consultation with us, please call (720) 372-2155 or fill out our convenient online form to take the first step toward your dream body contour.
Contents
How Do GLP-1 Medications Work?
GLP-1 is an essential hormone that instigates the secretion of insulin from the pancreas. It communicates with GLP-1 receptors to regulate blood sugar levels after a patient consumes nutrients. Medications containing GLP-1 have been used to treat type-2 diabetes for many years, but have only recently been considered an option to regulate weight management. (1)
Also known as GLP-1 RA (receptor agonists), semaglutide and tirzepatide work by hindering the release of glucagon, the hormone that increases blood sugar. Along with treating type-2 diabetes symptoms, GLP-1 slows gastric emptying and decreases appetite. The combination of actions leads to weight loss and an increase in glycemic control. (1)
Semaglutide
Wegovy and Ozempic are both brand names of the drug semaglutide. It is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, classified as an antidiabetic medication, that also promotes weight loss. It received its FDA approval for treating obesity in 2021. Experts believe its mechanism of action revolves around direct communication with the hypothalamus. This results in decreased appetite and reduced caloric intake. (3)
Tirzepatide
This type of weight loss medication utilizes two types of incretins: GLP-1 RA and GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptides). As a duo, these hormones work to signal the pancreas to produce insulin and lower the hemoglobin A1C levels of a patient. Since both GLP-1 and GIP work together to encourage insulin secretion, tirzepatide can further improve a patient’s glycemic control. (4)
Benefits of GLP-1 Medical Weight Loss
Treatment with GLP-1 medication is highly customizable, allowing your provider the freedom to choose the best dosage and health plan that fits your needs. The standard administration technique for GLP-1 medication is a once-weekly injection. You will work with us to determine what works best for you and your schedule.
Patients can benefit from the following during medical weight loss: (3)
- Effective weight reduction: GLP-1 medications have consistently demonstrated remarkable weight loss outcomes in various clinical trials, enabling individuals to achieve substantial improvements in body mass index (BMI) and overall health.
- Improved metabolic health: Apart from aiding weight loss, GLP-1 medications also support better glucose control, reduce insulin resistance, and improve markers of cardiovascular health in individuals with pre-existing metabolic syndrome or type 2 diabetes.
- Enhanced appetite control: One of the primary mechanisms through which GLP-1 medications promote weight loss is by reducing appetite and increasing feelings of fullness, making it easier for individuals to maintain a calorie deficit and make healthier food choices.
- Sustainable weight maintenance: Unlike many other weight loss methods, GLP-1 medications can provide individuals with the tools necessary to maintain their weight loss success in the long term, building healthy habits and preventing weight regain.
Ideal Candidates
To qualify for GLP-1 medical weight loss, candidates should be in good overall health. Most good candidates have a BMI (body mass index) of 30 or greater with no serious weight-related conditions, but candidates with a BMI of 27 or more may also benefit from treatment if they have a weight-related condition. They often try diet and exercise first to lose weight, but their attempts do not give them the results they are looking for. An important qualifying factor is having reasonable exceptions and reachable goals before starting treatment. Medical weight loss patients should also be willing to incorporate lifestyle changes for optimal results. For those who smoke tobacco and nicotine, we require that you quit weeks if not months before the first dose.
Initial Consultation at Denver Liposuction Specialty Clinic
You will meet with one of our providers for a private consultation to discuss your candidacy. They will explain our medical weight loss program and inquire about your health history. To determine your treatment plan, they will perform a physical examination and may order blood tests. Your provider will explain the details of your chosen GLP-1 medication and what your weight loss journey may look like. They will determine your dosage and administration type before scheduling follow-up appointments to monitor your progress.
Preparation
To best prepare for GLP-1 medical weight loss, please avoid the following substances:
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Other weight loss medications
- Herbal supplements
- Tobacco and nicotine
- Alcohol
It is important to determine a healthy diet and exercise routine before you start treatment. This may be done under the supervision of your provider to make sure it is safe and effective. Be sure to mention all of your current medications during your consultation. They may suggest altering certain supplements that could interfere with your progress and overall health.
Recovery & Results
There is no recovery associated with GLP-1 medical weight loss treatments. Patients may experience gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhea or upset stomach, but these quickly subside as your body adjusts to the medication. Please contact Denver Liposuction Specialty Clinic if symptoms worsen or persist for a long period of time.
On average, patients lose anywhere from 5% to 15% of their body weight while taking GLP-1 medications. (1) It typically takes 8 to 12 weeks of consistent treatment for patients to see the beginning of their weight loss. After that threshold, many notice gradual changes in weight throughout the rest of their health plan. Keeping a healthy diet and exercise routine can positively impact and preserve results.
Complementary Procedures
VASER Liposuction
To assist you in removing stubborn fatty tissue, our medical providers specialize in VASER liposuction. VASER stands for Vibration Amplification of Sound Energy at Resonance, meaning the procedure uses ultrasonic energy to emulsify and remove fat safely and efficiently. The surgeon inserts tumescent fluid with hollow cannulas (tubes) to infiltrate the treatment area with a numbing solution and reduce bleeding. This also makes the fat easier to remove. Next, they insert a special VASER cannula that emits ultrasound to agitate and liquify the fat without disturbing the tissue around it. Finally, the surgeon uses a suction cannula to remove the affected fat and smooth the area.
This body contouring procedure can be used to slim the:
- Abdomen
- Chest
- Flanks
- Back
- Thighs
- Claves
- Ankles
- Neck
EMSCULPT NEO
For patients looking for non-surgical body contouring after weight loss, we can use EMSCULPT NEO to slim and tone your figure. This treatment combines two powerful energies to burn fat and contract muscle groups for contouring power that keeps working long after treatment. It uses HIFEM (high-intensity focused electromagnetic) technology and radiofrequency waves to stimulate muscle contraction, mimicking a hard workout.
It differs from regular exercise by causing supramaximal muscle contractions, something that cannot be done naturally. The radiofrequency waves heat the area to cause thermal damage, effectively destroying fat cells for good. This non-invasive treatment can be a helpful addition to your medical weight loss plan to maximize your results and increase your weight loss without the need for surgery.
How Much Does Semaglutide Cost in Denver?
Our semaglutide program is $429 a month and our tirzepatide program is $599 a month.
To get an accurate estimate, schedule your private consultation at Denver Liposuction Specialty Clinic. Call our office at (720) 372-2155 or fill out this contact form to get started.
FAQ
How long does it take to see the results of GLP-1 medical weight loss?
Most patients start to see results when their initial dose increases a few weeks after the start of their treatment plan.
What lifestyle changes should I make while taking weight loss medication?
These types of medication cannot fully replace the importance of a healthy diet and consistent physical activity. To get the most out of your treatment, we recommend a routine that incorporates all three and that works best with your schedule and current lifestyle.
Are there alternative treatments to semaglutide for weight loss?
Various weight loss interventions exist, ranging from conventional dieting and exercise to surgical options like bariatric surgery. However, semaglutide has gained significant attention and popularity due to its remarkable efficacy, safety profile, unique mechanisms of action, and positive impact on overall metabolic health.
What are the potential side effects of semaglutide therapy?
While semaglutide has demonstrated an excellent safety profile, some individuals may experience mild gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation. These effects usually subside as the body adjusts to the medication. Additionally, it is crucial to disclose your complete medical history, medications, and allergies to your provider during your consultation to minimize the risk of any adverse reactions or contraindications.
References
- Müller TD, Finan B, Bloom SR, et al. Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1). Molecular Metabolism. 2019;30:72-130. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.molmet.2019.09.010
- Singh G, Krauthamer M, Bjalme-Evans M. Wegovy (semaglutide): a new weight loss drug for chronic weight management. Journal of Investigative Medicine. 2021;70(1):jim-2021-001952. doi:https://doi.org/10.1136/jim-2021-001952
- Latif W, Lambrinos KJ, Rodriguez R. Compare And Contrast the Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists (GLP1RAs). PubMed. Published 2022. Accessed May 6, 2024. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK572151/
- Lin F, Yu B, Ling B, et al. Weight Loss Efficiency and Safety of tirzepatide: a Systematic Review. PloS One. 2023;18(5):e0285197. doi:https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0285197