Medical Weight Management: What You Need to Know About Semaglutide & Tirzepatide

The GLP-1 Revolution in Weight Loss

If you've been following health news, you've likely heard about semaglutide(the active ingredient in Ozempic® and Wegovy®) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro®/Zepbound™). These GLP-1 receptor agonist medications have shown unprecedented results in clinical trials, with patients losing an average of 15–20% of their body weight.

But what does medically supervised weight management actually look like? And is it right for you? Let's cut through the noise and talk science.

How Do GLP-1 Medications Work?

GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) is a hormone your body naturally produces after eating. It signals your brain that you're full, slows stomach emptying, and helps regulate blood sugar. Semaglutide and tirzepatide mimic this hormone at higher levels, resulting in:

• Reduced appetite: You genuinely feel less hungry throughout the day
• Decreased cravings: Many patients report that “food noise” — the constant mental chatter about food — significantly quiets
• Slower gastric emptying: You feel satisfied with smaller portions
• Improved insulin sensitivity: Better blood sugar control, even if you're not diabetic

What Makes Our Program Different

At Johnsons Family Medicine & Aesthetics, we don't simply write a prescription and send you on your way. Ourmedically supervised weight management program includes:

• Comprehensive health assessment and lab work
• Personalized medication dosing and titration
• Nutritional guidance and meal planning support
• Regular monitoring of metabolic markers
• Strategies to preserve lean muscle mass during weight loss
• Long-term maintenance planning

“Weight management isn't just about the scale. It's about improving your overall metabolic health, energy levels, and quality of life. These medications are powerful tools, but they work best within a comprehensive medical framework.” — Stephen Johnson, FNP-C

Who Is a Good Candidate?

Medical weight management with GLP-1 medications may be appropriate for adults with:

• A BMI of 30 or higher (obesity)
• A BMI of 27 or higher with at least one weight-related health condition (hypertension, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol)
• A history of unsuccessful attempts at sustained weight loss through diet and exercise alone

What About Side Effects?

The most common side effects are gastrointestinal — nausea, occasional vomiting, and constipation — which typically improve over the first few weeks as your body adjusts. Our gradual dose escalation protocol is specifically designed to minimize these effects.

Ready to Start Your Journey?

If you're ready to explore medically supervised weight management, the first step is a consultation. We'll review your health history, discuss your goals, run any necessary lab work, and determine whether GLP-1 therapy is the right approach for you.