If you’re looking to lose weight and improve your health, seeking appropriate medications can be a great option. At Stonegate Wellness and Weight Management, I understand that everyone’s journey is unique. You could benefit if traditional methods like a healthy diet and exercise have yet to bring significant results. If you meet these criteria these medications could be a great fit for you, in conjunction with proper diet and exercise support. That’s why I provide weight loss medications prescribed under medical supervision, ensuring your safety and well-being throughout the process. 

Embarking on a journey toward weight loss involves informed decisions and access to a range of effective medications. I am committed to providing comprehensive solutions for weight management. In this blog, we’ll explore Wegovy, Ozempic, Zepbound, and Mounjaro, as well as compounding medications. 

Understanding GLP-1 Receptor Agonists

GLP-1 Receptor Agonists (GLP-1RAs) are pivotal in weight loss and diabetes management.

A GLP-1 RA is like a helpful messenger in the world of weight loss. It’s a medication designed to mimic the effects of a natural hormone called GLP-1. This hormone plays a crucial role in regulating blood sugar and appetite. When you take a GLP-1RA, it tells your body to release insulin (which helps control blood sugar), slows down the release of extra sugar from the liver, and makes you feel full, so you’re less likely to overeat. Essentially, it’s a friend that supports your body in managing blood sugar levels and curbing your appetite, making it an effective tool for those looking to lose weight.

GLP-1 Receptor Agonists (GLP-1RAs) medications include well-known brand name options like Ozempic and Wegovy. 

• Semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy)

Semaglutide is a GLP-1 RA that was first introduced under the brand name Ozempic to help lower blood sugar in those with Type 2 diabetes. In 2021 the FDA approved the medication under the brand name Wegovy for weight management, in conjunction with healthy diet and exercise. It is a once-weekly injection that is given subcutaneously. Wegovy works by mimicking the GLP-1 hormone that targets areas of the brain that regulate appetite and food intake. In studies, Wegovy has consistently shown remarkable effectiveness, leading to substantial weight loss in participants, when combined with proper nutrition and exercise support. Clinical trials have reported that people using Wegovy achieved, on average, significantly greater weight loss compared to those using a placebo or other weight-loss medications. 

Understanding Dual Receptor Agonists 

Dual receptor agonists are an exciting, newer class of medication indicated for the treatment of obesity and diabetes management. In addition to activating GLP-1, they also activate GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide). In comparison to GLP-1 RA, they can offer superior outcomes in terms of weight loss. This newer class of medication includes the brand name options Mounjaro and Zepbound.  

• Tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound)

Tirzepatide is a once-weekly injection given subcutaneously. It activates 2 hormone receptors, both GLP-1 as well as GIP.  It was first introduced under the brand name Mounjaro to help lower blood sugar in those with Type 2 diabetes. In November 2023 it was approved as the brand name Zepbound for weight management in conjunction with healthy diet and exercise. By activating both of these receptors, it can reduce appetite and food intake. 

Brand vs. Compounded Formulations

It’s essential to understand the difference between brand-name and compounded medications.

• Brand-Name Medications

Brand-name medications, including Wegovy, Ozempic, Zepbound, and Mounjaro, are developed and brought to market by pharmaceutical companies following a meticulous process. These companies invest significant resources in research and development to create innovative and effective treatments. 

Before reaching the market, these medications undergo extensive testing through clinical trials to evaluate their safety, efficacy, and potential side effects. The rigorous testing phase involves diverse patient populations, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the medication’s effects. 

Furthermore, these brand-name medications are subject to strict regulatory oversight by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA evaluates the collected data to determine whether the medication meets the necessary standards for safety and efficacy before granting approval. This regulatory scrutiny ensures that patients can trust in the quality and reliability of brand-name medications, emphasizing a commitment to their well-being.

• Compounded Medications

Compounded medications are custom-made formulations created by compounding pharmacies. These medications offer personalized benefits for medical weight loss, providing a tailored approach to meet your unique needs. With compounded medications, I can customize formulations, adjust dosages, and combine medications to align with your specific weight loss goals. This level of personalization ensures that the treatment plan is uniquely suited to your metabolic profile, optimizing the effectiveness of the weight loss journey. 

These compounded medications are also options to consider given that semaglutide and tirzepatide remain “currently in shortage” on the FDA drug shortage list. When listed as such the drug may be compounded. 

Some may assume that compounded medications lack quality due to the absence of FDA regulation. However, they are therapies created from pure bulk ingredients by pharmacies that adhere to the compounding standards of the US Pharmacopeia, are licensed by state boards of pharmacy, and are inspected by those boards as well as the FDA. It is important as a consumer to make sure that you have a legitimate prescription for a compounded medication from a licensed U.S. pharmacy that can dispense or ship to your state. If you want assurance that what you are being dispensed is in fact what the prescription label says it is, you can ask the pharmacist to show you the Certificate of Analysis and any results from an analytical testing lab. While very scientific, they can confirm the identity of the drug that has been dispensed to you. 

Stonegate Wellness and Weight Management exclusively prescribes our compounding medications with University Compounding Pharmacy, a dual PCAB accredited compounding pharmacy, to ensure the highest quality and safety standards in delivering personalized healthcare solutions. All of the ingredients for their compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide are supplied by an FDA approved vendor. We can also provide you with the Certificates of Analysis as discussed above. 

Find the Right Approach for You

At Stonegate Wellness and Weight Management, I take pride in presenting a comprehensive array of options to cater to your unique health needs. I prescribe brand-name medications such as Wegovy, Ozempic, Zepbound, and Mounjaro, as well as compounded formulations. This diverse range allows me to customize my approach because I know that one size does not fit all when it comes to healthcare. 

Whether you opt for a well-established brand-name medication or a compounded formulation crafted to meet your specific requirements, my commitment to prioritizing your well-being remains the same. Rest assured, all options provided are designed to be safe and effective, aligning with my dedication to offering high-quality solutions for your weight loss journey. 

To explore and determine the best approach tailored to your unique circumstances, I encourage you to schedule a consultation with me. I will guide you through the process and help you make informed decisions about your path to a healthier you.