Medical Weight Loss FAQ

Overweight is when your BMI is greater than 25 but less than 30. Obesity is when your BMI is greater than 30.

Common symptoms are high BMI, waist circumference greater than 80cm, joint and back aches, increased sweating, difficulty with physical activities, difficulty breathing, binge eating, fatigue, or snoring. 

Common risk factors for being overweight or obese are high blood pressure, coronary heart disease, high cholesterol, diabetes, gallbladder disease, stroke, mental illness, sleep apnea, cancer, arthritis, or mortality.

GLP-1 (semaglutide/liraglutide) and GLP-1/GIP (tirzepatide) works to suppress appetite and make you feel full. It regulates your intake, therefore decreasing your caloric consumption. GLP-1 and GLP -1/GIP regulates blood sugar levels, increases insulin sensitivity, reduces fat storage, and improves metabolism. These are the same medications Oprah is using for her weight loss journey!

Bupropion/naltrexone is the compounded version of Contrave, which is FDA-approved for weight loss.  Compounded bupropion/naltrexone serves as an appetite suppressant and reduces cravings by targeting the brain. 

Tesofensine was originally used to treat patients with Parkinson’s and Alzeimer’s disease. Tesofensine helps with mood and weight loss. It is an appetite suppressant, oxidizes fat, and it reduces cravings for salt, sweet, and fatty foods. In 6 months, patients lost an average of 25lbs on 500mcg, or up to 10% of their body weight in 1 year.

Yes, weight loss medications can be SAFE when closely monitored by your provider. 

People that have a BMI greater than 27 with at least one underlying medical condition, or anyone with a BMI greater than 30 may be qualified for injections covered by insurance (not guaranteed). If you do not have insurance coverage, or your BMI is less than 27, you may qualify for compounded medications. BMI is not always a determining factor, even a waist size of greater than 80 cm can qualify you for medical weight loss. 

GLP-1s are contraindicated in persons with a history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome Type 2 (or a family history), gallstones, acute or chronic pancreatitis, currently pregnant, or trying to conceive. 

Tirzepatide is contraindicated in persons with a history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome Type 2 (or a family history), gallstones, pancreatitis, diabetes Type 1, alcohol abuse, currently pregnant, or trying to conceive. 

Bupropion/naltrexone is contraindicated in persons with a history of uncontrolled hypertension, seizures, liver damage/disease, currently taking Wellbutrin, medications with bupropion, MAOIs, sedatives, anti-seizure medications, dependent on pain medications or alcohol, have an eating disorder, currently pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to conceive. 

Tesofensine is contraindicated in persons with a history of uncontrolled hypertension, psychiatric disorders, currently taking SSRI’s or blood pressure medications.

BioBoost + B12 injections are contraindicated in persons with a history of cardiovascular conditions, bipolar, an allergy to cobalt/B12 vitamin, or optic neuropathy. It can interact with dextromethorphan cough medicine and St. John’s wort supplements. 

Semaglutide/Tirzepatide may cause constipation, nausea, gallstones, low blood sugar, abdominal pain/cramping, dizziness, tachycardia, fatigue, headaches, indigestion, depression, loss of appetite, or sleep disturbances. Bupropion/naltrexone may cause suicidal ideations, worsening depression/mental illness, anxiety, irritability, change in mood/behavior, sleep disturbances, low blood sugar, increase in blood pressure, or opioid/alcohol withdrawal.

Tesofensine may cause dry mouth, constipation, anxiety, and an increase in blood pressure and heart rate.

You can be on weight loss medications for as long as you want to maintain your goal weight. A lower dose and frequency may be warranted to maintain goal weight.