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Semaglutide & Tirzepatide for Weight Loss

Are you struggling with stubborn weight that just won’t go away, no matter how hard you try? We understand how frustrating and disheartening it can be to feel like you’re putting in the work but not seeing the results, and we’re excited to offer a solution.

Semaglutide and Tirzepatide are FDA-approved prescription medications that can deliver life-changing results to patients struggling with overweight or obesity. By acting on brain regions that control appetite and reducing blood sugar levels, these medications are clinically proven to be effective in helping patients lose weight and keep it off.

We’re proud to announce that both medications are now available at Dignity Medical Aesthetics. If you’re like many of our clients who have tried for years to lose weight without success, these medications, along with our expert medical guidance and support, can help you break free from the cycle of yo-yo dieting and achieve lasting results. Request your consultation today.

What Are Semaglutide and Tirzepatide?

Semaglutide and Tirzepatide are a class of drugs known as GLP-1 agonists. They were originally developed as a treatment for type 2 diabetes but have recently gained FDA approval for the treatment of overweight and obesity. These medications are available only by prescription, ensuring that you receive expert medical guidance throughout your weight loss journey.

Clinical studies have shown that patients treated with these medications lost an impressive 15-20% of their body weight within a year — results that were previously only possible through bariatric surgery.

It’s important to note that while these medications are highly effective, they work best as part of a comprehensive weight loss plan that includes a healthy diet, regular exercise and lifestyle changes. To maintain your hard-earned results, you may need to continue taking the medications long-term, while staying committed to your new, healthier habits. The Dignity team will be there to celebrate your successes and help you overcome any challenges that may arise along the way.

How Do Weight Loss Medications Work?

GLP-1 agonists like Semaglutide and Tirzepatide work by mimicking the action of a naturally occurring hormone in your body called GLP-1. The GLP-1 hormone is normally produced in the gut every time you eat. It helps regulate weight by:

  1. Prompting your pancreas to release insulin and lower blood sugar levels, helping regulate metabolic health
  2. Sending signals to your brain that you are full
  3. Slowing down the passage of food through your digestive tract, keeping you feeling fuller for longer
  4. Possibly changing how reward regions in your brain work, helping you focus less on food and hunger

There’s evidence that people who have excess weight have decreased production of the GLP-1 hormone. These medications may also work by making up for this lack.

After several weeks of taking these medications, patients start to lose weight in response to the above changes. With long-term use, it’s possible to achieve up to 20% weight loss, especially when you pair your medical weight loss program with a healthy diet and regular exercise. Because this treatment makes it easier to eat less and it has a favorable effect on energy metabolism, many of our patients find that making the switch to healthier habits feels more manageable and sustainable than ever before.

How Are Weight Loss Medications Taken?

Both Semaglutide and Tirzepatide come in the form of pre-filled, disposable syringes that are convenient and easy to use. The medication is injected once weekly under the skin of your abdomen, thigh or upper arm. Don’t let that intimidate you — our team will provide you with all the guidance you need to feel confident administering the injections at home.
How Are Semaglutide and Tirzepatide Different?
Although Semaglutide and Tirzepatide are both GLP-1 agonists, they do differ slightly in their formulations and mechanism of action:

Semaglutide

This medication is predominantly a GLP-1 receptor agonist. It is approved by the FDA for weight management. It works by sending signals to the brain that you are full and by slowing down digestion.

Tirzepatide

In addition to being a GLP-1 receptor agonist, Tirzepatide is also a glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor agonist. It is a dual-acting drug that mimics the actions of both the GLP-1 hormone and the GIP hormone.

Studies suggest that Tirzepatide may be slightly more effective, producing greater weight loss in some patients. The drug’s dual action means it does more inside the body to lead to greater weight loss. However, both drugs have their unique benefits. For instance, Semaglutide has been available for a longer time and has undergone more testing to prove its safety and efficiency.

Who Is the Ideal Candidate?

Semaglutide and Tirzepatide have been approved for weight loss under several conditions. Patients need to meet certain criteria to be eligible for treatment:

  1. Adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 and over
  2. Adults with a BMI of 27 and greater if they also have a weight-related condition, like type 2 diabetes, hypertension or high blood cholesterol
  3. Children 12 years and older with a BMI in the 95th percentile for their age and sex

Additionally, you should be willing and able to stick to the treatment for at least a year to be considered a good candidate. This treatment requires time and patience — most people are given weekly injections for over a year, on average. You will also need to show willingness to make lifestyle changes to get the most benefit from these medications.

We’ll work closely with you to develop a personalized plan that fits your lifestyle, preferences and goals. We will also provide you with the tools, resources, support and motivation you need to adopt healthier routines and make progress that lasts.

The Semaglutide and Tirzepatide Experience

Deciding to undergo medically supervised weight loss with Semaglutide and Tirzepatide can be both exciting and overwhelming. To help you feel at ease on your new weight loss journey, here is what you can expect when getting this treatment:

Initial Consultation

Treatment always starts with a consultation. Your doctor will carefully review your medical history, measure your weight and ask you about any medications and supplements you may be using. They may order medical tests to see if this treatment is safe for you. They will explain the treatment process to you and offer personalized guidance.

The Treatment

Semaglutide and Tirzepatide injections are given in the office or at home. The medications are started at a low dose and increased every four weeks until you reach a maintenance dose. Starting at a lower dose allows your body to adjust to the effects of the medication and minimizes side effects. Most people lose weight even on the lower doses.

The Results and Follow-Up

You may notice changes in your appetite as soon as you start treatment. The treatment takes time to work, but most patients will notice some weight loss by the end of the fourth week of treatment. As you gradually increase your dose, weight loss will be more noticeable and consistent. After about 15 months, you may lose up to 20% of your weight. Follow-up visits may be necessary so we can check your progress and health.


FAQs

Are Semaglutide and Tirzepatide safe?

Both medications have been carefully tested for safety in multiple clinical trials over many years. They have received FDA approval both for type 2 diabetes management and long-term weight loss thanks to their high safety profile. Most patients only experience minor side effects, like nausea, constipation, fatigue, abdominal pain and low blood sugar. Severe side effects are rare and may include gallbladder issues, pancreatitis, kidney problems and allergic reactions.

Who should not take these medications?

While we don’t know yet whether these medications are safe during pregnancy, breastfeeding or when trying to conceive, it’s advised to wait until you have finished expanding your family before going on these medications. If you have or have a family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2) and a history of severe allergic reactions, you should also not take these medications.

Is Tirzepatide really better than Semaglutide?

Studies do show that Tirzepatide produces greater weight loss in patients with type 2 diabetes. However, the drug hasn’t been tested on those without diabetes and has only recently been approved for weight loss. This means we don’t yet know if it is truly better than Semaglutide, which has been around longer.

How long will I need to take medications for weight loss?

These medications are intended for long-term weight management, so some patients may need to take them indefinitely. Others may choose to quit once they reach their goal weight. However, to prevent regaining weight, you need to commit to making lifestyle changes and see your doctor regularly.


Medically Supervised Weight Loss at Dignity Medical Aesthetics

If you’ve found it challenging to lose weight, you’re not alone. It takes more than just willpower and lifestyle changes to achieve lasting success, especially when factors like genetics, hormones and underlying medical conditions come into play.

That’s where we come in. The team of compassionate experts at Dignity Medical Aesthetics is here to provide the personalized support and cutting-edge treatments you need to transform your health and happiness. Thanks to recent advancements in medically assisted weight loss, including the groundbreaking Semaglutide and Tirzepatide injections, sustainable weight loss is now within reach for so many people who have struggled for years.

At Dignity Medical Aesthetics in El Dorado Hills, CA, we are licensed to offer this prescription medication to eligible patients. If you are ready to take the leap and undergo medically assisted weight loss, please reach out to us by calling 916-939-3889 or schedule your consultation here.

Aging Gracefully with Dignity in El Dorado Hills, Cameron Park, Folsom, Sacramento and surrounding areas since 2006. Contact Us Today!