Medical Weight Loss Injections

Weight Loss FAQ's

What is Semaglutide and Tirzepatide?

​

In 2021, The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reported around 70% of American adults are obese or overweight. To combat obesity and help the American population decrease the risk of cancer and disease, the FDA approved Semaglutide as part of weight loss treatment for adults contending with chronic weight management.  Recently, the FDA also approved Tirzepatide for weight loss. Semaglutide and Tirzepatide are glucagon-like peptides (GLP-1) that work as a naturally occurring hormone that signals the brain to regulate appetite and food digestion. Via these injections, the peptide is introduced into the body through the circulatory system, helping overweight adults decrease their appetite and feel fuller after eating small meals. Semaglutide is marketed under names Ozempic® and Wegovy®. Tirzepatide is commonly known as Mounjaro™.

​

​

Visit the FDA's Approval of Semaglutide for Weight Loss  here

​

Visit the FDA's Approval of Semaglutide/Wegovy for Reducing Risk of Serious Heart Problems 

​

View the Required Semaglutide Medication Guide Information here

​

How Does It Work?

​

GLP-1 is an incretin hormone that helps regulate appetite and digestion. During digestion, incretin hormones are dispersed throughout the body and send signals to the brain to trigger insulin production, which helps lower blood sugar. As that occurs, incretin hormones slow down the body’s gastric emptying, so food takes longer to leave your stomach. In doing so, the hormones help to keep your appetite satisfied as they work to decrease your blood sugar intake. Medications like Semaglutide and Tirzepatide are typically produced in certain dosages and work to mimic the effects of the GLP-1 hormone over a prescribed amount of time. These medical weight loss options have been tested and found to be very effective for adults with a body mass index (BMI) greater than 30.

​

​

Do You Still Have To Diet and Exercise?

​

It is essential to stick to an exercise routine while using weight loss injectables. Even though the medications are proven to help with weight management, they are not a miracle cure for weight loss. Combining these weight loss treatments with a balanced diet, consistent sleep schedule and exercise regimen can significantly improve your results. You will need to eat a “clean” diet of nutrient-dense foods and proteins. As you start to eat healthier foods, you will feel more energetic and uplifted. We highly recommend drinking at least 80 ounces of water per day to avoid dehydration, and adding consistent exercise to your lifestyle. As you lose weight, and depending on how much you lose, you may lose muscle mass along with fat. Ensuring you get regular exercise  will help you lose weight while maintaining healthy levels of strong muscle.

​

​

Who Is the Best Candidate To Receive Weight Loss Injectables?

​

A typical dose can be used by anyone suffering from obesity, regardless of ethnicity, age, or BMI. However, the best candidates to receive medical weight loss injections are overweight adults suffering with obesity (BMI levels of 30 or above) or diseases such as type 2 diabetes, gastroesophageal reflux (GERD), dyslipidemia, and hypertension. Patients using GLP-1 injections for weight loss typically see a 10% to 16% decrease in body fat after consistent dieting and exercise.​

​

​

Contraindications / Who May Not Use Weight Loss Injectables?

​

While the majority of patients can safely take these medications, not everyone can due to certain conditions. Contraindications include:

​​

• Pregnant, nursing, or planning to become pregnant within 2-months (this applies to both men and women who are planning to try and have children) 

• Personal or family history of Thyroid C-cell tumors

• Personal or family history of Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Syndrome, Type 2

• History of Pancreatitis

• History of Cancer (considered on a case-by-case basis, depending on the type of cancer)

• Current Cancer diagnosis

• Type 1 Diabetes

*Hidration IV & Wellness is unable to prescribe medical weight loss injectables for those with eating disorders or any patients under the age of 18 years old.*

​

GLP-1 injections may increase the risk of developing tumors of the thyroid gland, including medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC; a type of thyroid cancer). Laboratory animals who were given Semaglutide developed tumors, but it is not known if this medication increases the risk of tumors in humans. Tell your doctor if you or anyone in your family has, or has ever had, MTC or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Syndrome Type-2 (MEN 2; a condition that causes tumors in more than one gland in the body). If so, your doctor will probably tell you not to use Semaglutide. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately: a lump or swelling in the neck; hoarseness; difficulty swallowing; or shortness of breath.

​

​

What Are the Side Effects of Weight Loss Injectables?

​

Due to its weight loss properties, patients may experience gastrointestinal side effects while using injectables for weight loss. The most common side effects include:

​

• Stomach pain

• Nausea

• Fatigue

• Headaches

• Bloating

• Constipation

• Indigestion

For patients with a family history of medullary thyroid cancer, GLP-1's may cause more adverse side effects. Additionally, the FDA warns that these medications may increase the risk for thyroid tumors, especially for people dealing with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Syndrome Type-2.

​

How Should Weight Loss Injectables Be Dosed?

​

The most effective method to administer these medications is via injection. The peptide is injected under the skin once a week during the first four weeks of treatment, although the dosage amount may vary among patients. The appropriate dosage level is based on your medical history and body type. To effectively aid and monitor patients with their weight management, a typical starting dosage of 0.25 milligrams is prescribed to start the process. After four weeks, your dosage may gradually be increased.  It is normal to begin losing weight at a slower pace in the beginning while the dosage is relatively low and your body is adjusting to the medication. Larger weight loss changes typically occur after 6 to 12 weeks of treatment, and your program may need to be extended depending on your personal weight loss goals. It's important to stick with the program and the dosage schedule to stay healthy and reduce your weight in a consistent and comfortable manner.​

​

How Long is the Dosage Program?

​​

Medical Weight Loss injections are administered weekly, typically on the same day, for at least 20 weeks to experience substantial weight loss.  Hidration IV & Wellness offers weekly injections in 6, 12, and 20 week packages. Patients will be evaluated by a licensed nurse based on the amount of desired weight loss and suitability for the prescription. Patients will need to commit to at least 6 weeks of treatment to begin our program, returning weekly for continued evaluation and injections. Pricing as shown reflects the regular increase in dosage as patients progress through their treatment. Continued treatment beyond patients' selected program will be charged based on dosage and number of weeks of additional commitment.

​

​