GLP-1 Injections

GLP-1 injections for weight loss are given daily or weekly with a small needle in the fatty tissue just under the skin. These subcutaneous injections can be given in the belly, outer thigh, or back of the arm. This drug class was first approved by the FDA in 2005 and have become increasingly popular with many patients losing weight on them.

Saxenda(Liraglutide) Injections

Feel more full and have reduced appetite with this GLP-1 receptor agonist. This medication is used mostly for patient’s with a BMI of 30 or greater or a BMI of 27 or higher in patients with other associated cormorbidities such as diabetes or hypertension.

Side effects: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, injection site reaction, headache, gastroenteritis, dizziness, fever, abdominal pain, lipase increase, abdominal distension, eructation, UTI, flatulence, insominia, xerostomoia, cholelithiasis, asthenia, anxiety, tachycardia, decreased appetite, fatigue, dyspepsia, and GERD.

Ozempic (Semaglutide)

GLP-1 receptor agonist is used for both type 2 diabetes treatment, and weight loss. Administered once a week just underneath the skin.

Side effects: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, constipation, diabetic retinopathy, eructation, decreased appetite, hypoglycemia, abdominal distension, flatulence, gastritis, amylase increased, lipase increase, injection site reaction, dyspepsia, and GERD.

Black Box Warning: Thyroid C-Cell Tumor Risk, Ask about which patient this drug is contraindicated in.

Wegovy (Semaglutide)

This medication is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, It suppresses your appetite, makes you feel fuller and ultimately helps to reduce your caloric intake, helping you lose weight.

Side effects: Heart Rate Increased, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, constipation, eructation, headache, fatigue, dyspepsia, dizziness, abdominal distension, gastroenteritis, hypoglycemia, flatulence, gastritis, cholelithiasis, alopecia, dysesthesia, rash, urticaria, hypotension, lipase increase, amylase increased, injection site reaction, and GERD.

Black Box Warning: Thyroid C-Cell Tumor Risk, Ask about which patient this drug is contraindicated in.

Mounjaro/Zepbound (Tirzepatide)

Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a groundbreaking medication approved by the FDA to treat type 2 diabetes and, more recently, for weight loss under the brand name Zepbound. This onceweekly injection given just under the skin, helps control blood sugar levels by targeting receptors in the brain for hormones GIP and GLP-1. By reducing appetite and food intake while managing insulin production, Mounjaro offers patients a dual agonist therapy that is unparalleled in the current market and the only dual agonist therapy currently available. Similar to other GLP-1 agonists like semaglutide, Mounjaro provides patients with reduced appetite and improved sugar and fat metabolism, offering hope for those struggling with diabetes and weight management..

Side effects: Nausea, diarrhea, tachycardia, appetite decreased, constipation, vomiting, injection site reaction, dyspepsia, abdominal pain, lipase increase, amylase increased, hypersensitivity and GERD.

Phentramine Phentramine is a medication that stimulates CNS activity and is considered a controlled substance. It suppresses appetite and decreases hunger, preventing overeating and reducing caloric intake. Before starting this medication, baseline EKG and labs are required. It is most effective when used in conjunction with a diet plan and exercise program to achieve optimal results.

Side effects: Heart palpitations, tachycardia, B/P Elevated, restlessness, dizziness, insomnia, euphoria, dysphoria, tremor, headache, xerostomia, unpleasant taste, diarrhea, constipation, urticaria, impotence, libido changes.

Prescription Weight Loss Pills

Some of the prescription medication used for weight loss include Phentermine, Contrave, Qsymia, and Orlistat, Naltrexone, and Metformin. Some of these may be used as an offlabel medication for weight loss. 7-Keto-DHEA Acarbose Buproprion/Naltrexone Evekeo