Medication Guide
Weight Loss Medications Explained
What each medication does, what to expect, and what your options are — in plain language.
Injectable Options · Once Weekly
Semaglutide
Ozempic® (diabetes) · Wegovy® (weight loss) · Once-weekly injection
FDA Approved
How it works
Semaglutide copies a hormone your body naturally releases after eating, called GLP-1. It tells your brain you’re full, slows digestion, and reduces appetite — so you feel satisfied with less food. It works in the background, making healthy choices feel easier.
What to expect
Feel full sooner and stay satisfied longer at meals
Fewer food cravings and less interest in snacking
Gradual, steady weight loss over several months
Improved blood sugar if you have diabetes
Common side effects
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Constipation
Stomach discomfort
Reduced appetite
Side effects are usually mild and improve within the first few weeks as your body adjusts. Starting at a low dose and slowly increasing helps.
Tirzepatide
Mounjaro® (diabetes) · Zepbound® (weight loss) · Once-weekly injection
FDA Approved
How it works
Tirzepatide targets two hunger hormones at once — GLP-1 and GIP. Think of it as a stronger, double signal to your brain and digestive system: eat less, feel full faster, and store less fat. This dual approach is why it produces more weight loss than single-hormone medications like semaglutide.
What to expect
Stronger appetite suppression than semaglutide
Higher average weight loss in clinical trials
Improvements in blood sugar, blood pressure & cholesterol
Same once-weekly injection convenience
Common side effects
Nausea
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Constipation
Stomach pain
Heartburn
Similar to semaglutide — side effects peak early and improve. The slow dose-escalation schedule is designed to minimize discomfort.
Retatrutide
Developer: Eli Lilly · Phase 3 clinical trials · No brand name yet
Coming Soon
How it works
Retatrutide targets three hormones at once — GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon. The third hormone, glucagon, actively signals your body to burn stored fat — adding a fat-burning component on top of appetite suppression. This triple action is why early results show higher weight loss than any currently approved medication. It is not yet available outside of clinical trials.
What to expect (based on Phase 2 data)
Highest weight loss of any medication studied to date
Active fat burning added to appetite suppression
Strong improvements in blood sugar and cholesterol
Not yet available — ask us about Phase 3 eligibility
Common side effects (Phase 2 data)
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Constipation
Reduced appetite
Belching
Similar side effect profile to tirzepatide in Phase 2 trials. Full safety data will be available with Phase 3 results.
Oral Options · Once Daily Tablet
Oral Semaglutide
Rybelsus® (FDA-approved for diabetes) · Compounded higher doses for weight loss · Once daily
Oral Tablet · No Injection
How it works
Oral semaglutide is the same medication as the weekly injection — just in tablet form taken daily. It contains a special ingredient that protects the medication from stomach acid so it can absorb properly. It works the same way as the injection: reducing hunger, slowing digestion, and helping you feel full. It must be taken on an empty stomach.
What to expect
Same appetite-suppressing benefits as the injection — no needles
Great option for patients stepping down from injectable for maintenance
Daily routine instead of weekly injection
Results take slightly longer to appear than injectable
Important: how to take it
Take on a completely empty stomach first thing in the morning with a small sip of plain water (4 oz max). Do not eat, drink anything else, or take other medications for at least 30 minutes after. This is essential for the medication to absorb properly.
Common side effects
Nausea
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Constipation
Stomach pain
Burping
Generally milder than the injectable. GI side effects are most common in the first 2–4 weeks and typically improve with consistent daily use.
Oral Tirzepatide
Compounded · Eli Lilly brand approval pending · Once daily tablet
Oral Tablet · No Injection
How it works
Oral tirzepatide delivers the same dual GLP-1 and GIP hormone action as the weekly injection — in a daily tablet. It carries all the same benefits of tirzepatide (stronger appetite suppression, dual-hormone fat reduction) without injections. A brand-name oral version from Eli Lilly is currently in late-stage development; we offer it now through our licensed compounding pharmacy.
What to expect
Dual-hormone appetite suppression — no injections needed
Ideal for maintenance after reaching goal weight on injectable
Great for patients who want tirzepatide’s power in pill form
Allow 4–6 weeks to fully assess how your body responds
Important: how to take it
Same as oral semaglutide — take first thing in the morning on a completely empty stomach with a small sip of plain water. Wait at least 30 minutes before eating or taking other medications. Consistency with timing is key to getting the full benefit.
Common side effects
Nausea
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Constipation
Stomach pain
Reduced appetite
Similar to injectable tirzepatide but typically milder. Side effects are most common in the first few weeks and improve as your body adjusts.
Maintenance — Keeping Your Results
What is maintenance?
Staying at your goal weight after reaching it
The simple truth
Reaching your goal weight is the beginning, not the end. Clinical trials consistently show that most patients regain weight after stopping medication completely. Maintenance means finding the lowest dose that keeps your appetite and weight stable — so you keep what you worked for.
Your maintenance options
Stay on your injectable at a lower dose (e.g. step down from 2.4mg → 1mg semaglutide weekly)
Transition from injectable to oral — many patients find oral easier long-term
Extend injection frequency — some patients do well every 10–14 days at maintenance dose
Combine a low maintenance dose with healthy habits for the best long-term results
Signs you may be ready for maintenance
Goal weight stable 4+ weeks
Appetite well controlled
Labs at target
Healthy habits established
No active dose increases needed
Your provider will work with you to find your personal maintenance approach. There is no one-size-fits-all answer — it depends on how your body responds and your long-term goals.
Note on compounded formulations: The clinical trial data above was conducted using FDA-approved brand-name formulations. Our medications are compounded versions prepared by a licensed pharmacy. Compounded medications are not FDA-approved finished drug products. Individual results may vary. All medications are prescription-only — your provider will determine the right option based on your health history and goals.