Semaglutide and Tirzepatide

Modern medical weight loss support is composed of multifaceted procedure plans that can include semaglutide or tirzepatide treatments. These anti-diabetes medications act as appetite suppressants and help the pancreas release insulin to regulate blood sugar, consequently helping patients shed excess weight. Patients receive weekly injections of either semaglutide or tirzepatide to encourage the body to feel fuller after meals and regulate blood glucose levels. When used as part of a weight management program, these medications can greatly improve a patient’s treatment plan to help them achieve their health goals.

Dr. Joshua Korman is a board-certified plastic surgeon providing quality care for his patients. He offers many popular cosmetic treatments like the tummy tuck, liposuction, hormone replacement therapy, CoolSculpting, and weight management medications. Dr. Korman is dedicated to helping his patients achieve their dream bodies with or without surgical intervention and offers private consultations for patients to familiarize themselves with individual treatments.

To schedule a meeting with Dr. Korman, please fill out this online form or call us at:

Carmel-By-The-Sea: (831) 244-8685

Mountain View: (650) 671-2035

San Jose: (669) 318-0260

What are Semaglutide & Tirzepatide?

In recent years, increasing numbers of men and women have opted to supplement their weight loss with medications like semaglutide (Wegovy, Ozempic) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound). These are both glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, a class of drugs that stimulate insulin secretion from the pancreas. Patients with type-2 diabetes utilize these medications to regulate insulin and glucose levels in their blood. When a patient lacks sufficient amounts of insulin, they can supplement it with medications. Semaglutide and tirzepatide are just two types of medication that encourage proper insulin production and secretion. (1)

Where semaglutide and tirzepatide differ is in their molecular structure. Though both are GLP-1 receptor agonists, tirzepatide is also a glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP). GIPs are peptides that aid in the release of insulin, much like GLP-1 receptor agonists. Tirzepatide is the first drug of this kind to combine both types of incretin (peptide) hormones to further encourage weight loss and blood sugar regulation. (2)

Which Works Better: Semaglutide or Tirzepatide?

According to some blind studies performed to test the efficacy of these medications, tirzepatide has the potential to encourage better results than semaglutide. (2) That being said, both support the same internal mechanisms to assist in weight loss. By releasing insulin after each meal, they work to keep blood sugar levels healthy. They keep patients satiated, even after consuming smaller portions, by communicating with the brain to suppress hunger sensations. Semaglutide and tirzepatide are both optimal treatment options for patients who seek to reach their weight loss goals under medical supervision.

Benefits of Medical Weight Loss Medications

Semaglutide and tirzepatide provide the following benefits:

  • Insulin Release
  • Blood Sugar Regulation
  • Appetite Suppression
  • Blood Pressure Reduction
  • Delayed Gastric Emptying
  • Improved Cardiac Health
  • Decreased Liver Glucose
  • Weight Management

Semaglutide and tirzepatide can assist those who have stubborn, exercise-resistant fat around the abdomen to improve their overall body contour. They encourage better eating and exercise habits by supporting an active lifestyle. Semaglutide and tirzepatide injections are safe and effective. Dr. Korman creates personalized treatment plans to keep patients on track and engaged in their own health journeys.

These treatment plans can also lower the risk of stroke and heart attack for patients who are overweight, obese, and those with type-2 diabetes. For those with high blood pressure, these medications can regulate the amount of glucose in the blood, liver, and other internal organs to decrease BP. This often improves kidney function and helps them live a healthier, more energetic life.

Ideal Candidates

Good candidates for semaglutide and tirzepatide use are overweight or obese or are looking to shed weight with the help of a medical weight-loss plan. This treatment is suitable for patients in good overall health with a BMI greater than 27, or a BMI over 25 with related comorbidities. Candidates should have reasonable expectations before starting these medications. They should also be free of any serious underlying medical conditions other than those mentioned above.

An important requirement for medical weight loss is being willing to incorporate new and healthier habits into daily life to achieve optimal results. Semaglutide and tirzepatide work best when paired with behavioral and lifestyle changes like:

  • Regular Exercise
  • Nutritious Eating
  • Sufficient Sleep
  • Proper Hydration
  • Stress Reduction
  • Medical Guidance

Personal Consultation with Dr. Korman

Semaglutide and Tirzepatide

During a private consultation with Dr. Korman, he will determine and explain the correct treatment plan for each individual patient. He will first perform a medical examination to determine the patient’s health. Next, he will inquire about their current medications and health conditions. He may perform necessary blood tests during this appointment. Finally, Dr. Korman will create a customized treatment plan and schedule future injections of either semaglutide or tirzepatide.

Patients will have plenty of opportunities to ask questions during their consultation to make sure they understand and are prepared for their weight loss treatments. For those who are curious about other ways to manage their health, please read Dr. Korman’s blog for more information.

Preparation for Semaglutide & Tirzepatide Treatment

Before semaglutide and tirzepatide treatments, patients should avoid alcohol consumption. Drinking while using these medications can lead to dangerously low blood sugar levels. Make sure to inform Dr. Korman of all current medications before treatment to avoid negative combinations or reactions. To prevent digestive side effects, we recommend avoiding certain foods that are deep fried, high in sugar, or overly processed. This will also aid in weight loss.

GLP-1 RA Treatment and Recovery

Both semaglutide and tirzepatide treatments are injectable. Dr. Korman administers a weekly injection into either the upper arm, thigh, or stomach. He typically starts patients on the lowest dosage, then increases it when necessary. After every meal, the medication supports insulin release automatically. It works through the patient’s bloodstream and continues to support slower digestion and healthy blood sugar levels throughout the week. Patients return for continuous treatments as Dr. Korman sees fit.

This treatment may cause mild digestive issues like diarrhea, upset stomach, and nausea. Most patients acclimate quickly to their new medication and these negative effects dissipate quickly. If they continue or worsen, contact Dr. Korman promptly to discuss dosage and treatment plan options.

Semaglutide & Tirzepatide Results

After just one month of continuous treatment with semaglutide or tirzepatide, most patients lose between 10 and 20 pounds. It can take anywhere from 14 to 17 weeks for patients to reach their weight loss goal. (2) Individual results vary widely depending on a patient’s starting point and goal weight. Candidates should follow Dr. Korman’s treatment instructions carefully to achieve optimal results. After weight loss, patients should continue to incorporate their new lifestyle habits to maintain their new weight and continue to live a healthy life.

Complementary Treatments

Hormone Replacement Therapy

As patients age, their hormone levels start to dissipate. This process affects most bodily functions and leads to menopause in women. When hormone levels go unregulated, patients can feel tired, gain weight, and experience mood swings. Hormone replacement therapy, or HRT, is a medical treatment that supplements a patient’s hormones to improve their quality of life. With either injections or pellet medications, Dr. Korman can help patients maintain balance within their bodies and age more gracefully. Many HRT patients experience an immediate increase in energy and mood after just one treatment.

Regulating hormones can improve stress levels and support weight loss in some patients. Ask Dr. Korman if he recommends adding this treatment to your weight loss management plan.

Cost of Semaglutide & Tirzepatide Treatments in San Jose

Dr. Korman and his medical staff offer our weight loss patients Semaglutide and Tirzepatide treatments at a monthly rate of $600 and $800 respectively. He spends time during each private consultation to talk more about these medications and outlines a customized weight loss plan according to your specific needs.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Korman, call us directly at:

Carmel-By-The-Sea: (831) 244-8685

Mountain View: (650) 671-2035

San Jose: (669) 318-0260

FAQ

Is semaglutide a type of insulin?

No. Semaglutide is a type of medication that mimics the gut hormone GLP-1, therefore its mechanisms rely on the body’s natural amount of insulin and regulate it.

Is tirzepatide covered by my insurance?

No. Tirzepatide is not covered by insurance for patients without type-2 diabetes.

When will I be able to notice weight loss results while using semaglutide or tirzepatide?

Some patients do not notice a difference in their weight during the first 4 to 8 weeks. It is important to be patient and remember that everyone’s body is different.

How old do I have to be before using semaglutide or tirzepatide?

Patients must be between the ages of 18 and 74 to participate in treatments safely. Anyone out of that range will need permission from their primary care doctor before starting semaglutide or tirzepatide injections.

References

  1. Collins L, Costello RA. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists. PubMed. Published 2023. Accessed June 4, 2024. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK551568/
  2. Lin F, Yu B, Ling B, et al. Weight Loss Efficiency and Safety of tirzepatide: a Systematic Review. PloS One. 2023;18(5):e0285197. doi:https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0285197