Medical Weight Loss

The class of medication called glucagon-like peptide 1 agonist are injections that help achieve 10-15% weight loss when used with diet and exercise. They delay gastric emptying, enhance sensation of being full, settle "food noise" or the constant thought of needing food, and they improve insulin regulation by telling the body to produce more insulin after eating which in turn limits blood sugar spikes after eating. The medication is self-administered weekly subcutaneously (into the stomach or thigh).

Side effects may include: nausea, diarrhea, constipation, headaches, injection site reaction, etc.

Other potential benefits: lower blood pressure and cholesterol, reduce fatty liver disease, reduce risk of cardiovascular disease, etc. 

Same effects of the GLP-1 medications above but with the added benefit of containing a glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide to further reduce appetite and food intake. Expected weight loss in the range of 20% or higher with diet and lifestyle changes. Side effect profile similar to GLP-1. The medication is self-administered weekly subcutaneously (into the stomach or thigh).

These are administered during in-person visits in Levant or home parties. These are often referred to as "skinny shots" or "lipo-shots," can be used alone or in conjunction with our medical weight loss packages. After a comprehensive health history we will determine a safe and healthy option that best suits your needs.Injections consist of a combination of vitamins and amino acids to help support healthy digestion, detoxification, metabolism and muscle repair. Cost is $15-$30 per injection. 

Many oral medications are available and may be appropriate for you. Some common options include: topiramate, bupropion, phentermine, naltrexone, metformin, methylcobalamin, etc. We often use generic Contrave or Qysmia and can combine different medications to help with your specific needs.

Yes and no. We are going to work together to learn new ways of healthy living to ensure long term success, but like treatment of other chronic conditions (hypertension, diabetes, asthma) the medication may need to be taken life-long to avoid recurrence or exacerbation. Together we will work diligently to ensure that your metabolic health is optimized and that healthy nutritional and exercise habits are locked-in and part of your new normal routine as this will increased success with maintenance of weight loss without medication, or with less frequent dosing. it is important to remember that we are here to help you bridge the gap to services that might not yet be available to you. If (and when) your insurance does offer coverage for these medications, we will gladly transition you back to your primary care provider or specialist. 

There are also many success stories where people reacher their weight loss goals using weekly injectable GLP-1/GIP and were then able to maintain weight loss by using less frequent injections (1-2 per month), or transitioning to alternative oral weight loss medications (that are much less costly).