Provider-trusted weight loss treatment options

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 Semaglutide and Tirzepatide (The Weight Loss Peptide) injections are an obesity treatment. They’ve proven highly effective in clinical trials. They are both administered through an injection (generally in the thigh) and is taken once per week. To take these injections, you’ll need to be comfortable giving yourself injections. Patients on semaglutide or tirzepatide have reported losing as much as 80 lbs, with clinical trials showing patients losing an average of 12.4% of their body weight over 68 weeks. Patients must start semaglutide or tirzepatide with a lower dose and gradually increase the dosage over 16-20 weeks to reduce the gastrointestinal side effects.

* Decreased appetite and cravings

* Weight loss

* A1C reduction

* Improved cardiometabolic measures

The most common side effects include nausea and constipation. Patients also report acid reflux, stomach pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. The risk of serious side effects increases in patients with hypoglycemia, kidney problems, and risk of allergic reactions.

 *Cyanocobalamin 500 mcg/mL added to reduce nausea side effects.

* Glycine 5 mg/mL added to help inhibit the deterioration of protein tissue that forms muscles. Studies show that administering glycine during calorie restriction may be beneficial for preserving muscle mass and reducing fat tissue.

 Although Semaglutide and Tirzepatide are safe therapies approved by the FDA for weight loss, they are not safe if you have any of the following:

• diabetic retinopathy (eye damage resulting from diabetes)
• impaired kidney function
• thyroid cancer
• family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma
• kidney disease (/w likely reduction in kidney function)
• pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
• low blood sugar
• multiple endocrine neoplasia (type 2)

 These medications are given subcutaneously. That means they are administered in the "fatty" areas of our body: the abdomen, arms, and thighs. using a tiny insulin needle (you will hardly feel it). 

  Yes, however, most vials can be refrigerated for a specific time frame determined by the pharmacy. 

 There are no strict protocols to determine how long you should take this medication. In the clinical trial, the patients took the medication for 52-68 weeks. 

Our recommendation is to continue the medication until you reach your goal weight.

 If you want to take a deep dive into the clinical trial that led to the FDA approving Semaglutide and Tirzepatide as the first weight loss drug in 15 years, you can find it here. 

But we thought you may also want to read a quick summary: 

• The trial lasted about 16 months
• The mean change in body weight from baseline to week 68 (16 months) was −14.9% in the semaglutide group as compared with −2.4% with placebo
• The change in body weight from baseline to week 68 was −15.3 kg (33.6 lbs) in the semaglutide group as compared with −2.6 kg (5.72 lbs)  in the placebo group
• Some participants dropped out of the trial due to nausea and diarrhea, but most determined the side effects were mild and easily managed. (Our providers have noticed these side effects are significantly reduced when the medication is titrated slowly). 

 We are happy to help!

• If you are in the following states: MA, VA, MD--->Schedule your weight loss visit virtually with our provider.
• The visit will include a comprehensive evaluation with measurements, Baseline Lab Work*, dietary and exercise recommendations and access to the private patient-provider portal for messaging. 
• Medication will be mailed directly to your home with supplies included. 
• If you are not in our service area, we recommend using google search to find a provider in your state. 

 Doctors, Nurse Practitioners, Physician Assistants.

Generally speaking, they are not.  However there are some plans/policies that may cover weight loss medications. For others, you may work with a provider who will send a letter to your insurance company on your behalf to attempt approval. Realistically, insurance companies are typically about 4 years behind in approving new drugs. At Rapha Women's Health, we do not accept insurance.  However, we accept FSA and HSA.