GLP-1 medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide have become the fastest-growing category in medical weight loss — patients typically lose 10–20% of body weight over 6–12 months. The catch most people miss: results are maintained only as long as you stay on the medication, and most users regain weight after stopping.
Find a Medical Weight Loss provider near youMedical weight loss refers to physician-supervised treatment using GLP-1 receptor agonists — medications originally developed for type 2 diabetes that proved highly effective for weight management. Semaglutide (the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro and Zepbound) mimic gut hormones that regulate appetite and slow stomach emptying. Users feel full faster, stay full longer, and experience fewer food cravings.
Weekly injections are self-administered at home after a provider consultation, with monthly check-ins to adjust dosing and monitor side effects.
Patients typically use these treatments for:
Compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide from 503A/503B pharmacies are widely available at medspas — typically at a fraction of brand pricing — but quality and sourcing vary dramatically. Not for: type 1 diabetes, personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma, MEN2 syndrome, pregnancy, or history of pancreatitis.
Best candidates have a BMI of 30+ (obese), or a BMI of 27+ with weight-related conditions like hypertension, type 2 diabetes, or sleep apnea. Patients who have struggled with appetite control, food cravings, or unsuccessful diet-and-exercise attempts often see meaningful results. Commitment to ongoing monthly treatment — not a one-time fix — is essential.
You shouldn't take GLP-1 medications if you have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma, MEN2 syndrome, pancreatitis, severe gastrointestinal disease (including gastroparesis), type 1 diabetes, or are pregnant or planning pregnancy within 2 months. People with a history of eating disorders need careful screening — these medications can mask restrictive patterns. A thorough medical history is non-negotiable.
The most common side effects are nausea (40–60% of users), vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, fatigue, and decreased appetite — most of which are worst during the first 4–8 weeks as the body adjusts and during dose escalations. Most symptoms are manageable and diminish over time.
More serious but uncommon risks include pancreatitis (incidence roughly 0.1–0.5%), gallbladder disease (gallstones and cholecystitis — incidence 2–6% in long-term users), gastroparesis (stomach paralysis), severe dehydration, kidney injury from fluid loss, and hypoglycemia when combined with diabetes medications. The FDA label includes a black-box warning for thyroid C-cell tumors based on rodent studies, though human evidence remains limited.
Contact your provider immediately for severe abdominal pain radiating to the back (possible pancreatitis), persistent vomiting with inability to keep fluids down, severe right upper abdominal pain (possible gallbladder), vision changes, or signs of severe dehydration.
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