Weight Loss Medications
Singing River Weight Loss Center offers a full range of weight loss solutions, including medication weight loss options. Learn more about GLP-1 medications prescribed for weight loss such as semaglutide and tirzepatide.
Advances in treatment for diabetes and obesity are providing patients with new options for losing weight. When you meet with a provider at Singing River Weight Loss, you’ll discuss your health, your weight loss goals, and what surgical and non-surgical options may be best for you. You can take weight loss medication prior to and even after surgery if your providers think it is appropriate.
Make an Appointment
Start your weight loss journey by filling out a new patient packet. After you’ve submitted your information, Singing River Weight Loss will reach out to schedule your first appointment.
New Patient PacketGLP-1 Agonist Weight Loss Drugs
A new group of medications known as GLP-1 agonists are prescribed to help patients lose weight.
How GLP-1s Work
GLP-1s mimic a hormone produced in the small intestine that increases the sensitivity to the insulin your body produces, decreasing the amount of hunger hormone your body makes. They also act on the “reward centers” in your brain to suppress appetite.
Effectiveness
GLP-1 medications are effective in reducing hunger, and in combination with lifestyle modifications, are proven to result in weight loss. Even individuals who have previously struggled to lose weight with other approaches or diets have been seen to lose weight.
Studies have demonstrated that GLP-1s reduce appetite, improve control of eating, reduce food cravings and improve glycemic control. The greatest weight loss benefits are observed when they are used in combination with lifestyle changes, such as consistent exercise.
Benefits
| Weight Loss | Improved Fertility |
| Cardiovascular Benefits | Improvement of PCOS |
| Smoking Cessation | Neuroprotective |
Semaglutide
Semaglutide (brand names: Wegovy, Ozempic) is a drug developed to lower blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events such as heart attack or stroke in type two diabetes patients. After seeing its positive effects in this population and its common assistance in weight loss, Semaglutide received official approval in 2021 to be used in patients who might be struggling to lose weight.
In a recent study, after 68 weeks, patients saw between 15-20% total body weight reduction.
| Administration | Approved For |
|---|---|
| Weekly self-administered injection | – Adults and pediatric patients aged 12 years and older with obesity (BMI 30+) – Adults with overweight in the presence of at least one weight-related comorbid condition (BMI 27+) |
Make an Appointment
Start your weight loss journey by filling out a new patient packet. After you’ve submitted your information, Singing River Weight Loss will reach out to schedule your first appointment.
New Patient PacketTirzepatide
Tirzepatide (brand names: Zepbound, Mounjaro) is not only a GLP-1 medication, but a Gastric Inhibitory Polypetide (GIP) as well. GIP is another hormone that focuses on the early phase of insulin release. By combining these two hormones in the drug tirzepatide, the medication potentially provides additional benefits compared to a single hormone like semaglutide. Patients may be able to achieve the same therapeutic effect at lower doses and therefore reduce their risk of side effects.
Tirzepatide was approved as the drug Mounjaro in early 2022 for patients with diabetes and then as the drug Zepbound for patients with obesity in November of 2023. Tirzepatide is not yet approved for pediatric patients.
| Administration | Approved For |
|---|---|
| Weekly self-administered injection | – Adults with obesity (BMI 30+) – Adults with overweight in the presence of at least one weight-related comorbid condition (BMI 27+) |
Non-GLP-1 Medications
There are additional weight loss medications available for patients that are often more affordable if you do not have insurance coverage for obesity medications.
Phentermine
Phentermine (brand names: Adipex-P, Lomaira, Suprenza) is a prescription medication that acts as an appetite suppressant, primarily used for weight loss. It is typically prescribed for short-term use in conjunction with a low-calorie diet and exercise program. It is available as a generic drug, making it a more affordable option for many patients.
Phentermine is approved for use in individuals who are obese, with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, or those with a BMI of 27 or higher who also have weight-related health conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, or hyperlipidemia. Phentermine is usually taken once daily, either before breakfast or 1 to 2 hours after breakfast, to help control appetite throughout the day.
| Administration | Approved For |
|---|---|
| Once daily pill | – Adults with obesity (BMI 30+) – Adults with overweight in the presence of at least one weight-related comorbid condition (BMI 27+) |
Qsymia
Qsymia is a combination medication that contains phentermine and topiramate, designed to aid weight loss. Qsymia is approved for long-term use in adults with a BMI of 30 or higher, or a BMI of 27 or higher with at least one weight-related condition such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol.
Qsymia is taken once daily in the morning, with or without food, and is part of a comprehensive weight management plan that includes a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
| Administration | Approved For |
|---|---|
| Once daily pill | – Adults with obesity (BMI 30+) – Adults with overweight in the presence of at least one weight-related comorbid condition (BMI 27+) |
Contrave
Contrave is a prescription weight loss medication that combines bupropion and naltrexone. Contrave is approved for use in adults with a BMI of 30 or higher, or a BMI of 27 or higher if they have weight-related medical problems such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, or dyslipidemia.
It is administered orally, typically starting with one tablet in the morning and gradually increasing to two tablets twice daily, taken in the morning and evening. Contrave should be used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity for effective weight loss.
| Administration | Approved For |
|---|---|
| Once to twice daily pill(s) | – Adults with obesity (BMI 30+) – Adults with overweight in the presence of at least one weight-related comorbid condition (BMI 27+) |
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the Treatment Administered?
Semaglutide and tirzepatide are self-administered as a subcutaneous injection (shot) once weekly. This medication is generally well-tolerated and it can be taken long-term.
Will my insurance cover semaglutide or other GLP-1 medications for weight loss?
This depends on your insurance coverage and what medication you are placed on.
Can I be in the surgery program and be on weight loss medication?
YES! You can take weight loss medication prior to and even after surgery if your providers think it
is appropriate.
How much weight can I expect to lose on semaglutide or other weight loss medication?
Studies have shown that the average person lost around 10-20% of their bodyweight with the use of semaglutide. For example, a patient weighing 250 lbs can expect to lose around 25-50 lbs.