Understanding the difference between semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound) is important for determining the most effective weight loss medication for your goals. With approximately 30% of adults in the U.S. considered overweight, injectable weight loss medications have become a valuable tool for improving health and longevity. (1) Losing weight is not just about aesthetics; it can improve your relationships, mobility, confidence, health, and daily performance.
Channell Wellness & Aesthetics takes a holistic approach to wellness and weight loss. Dr. Patricia Guevara-Channell and her team provide ongoing support and may recommend complementary treatments to optimize your weight loss journey. She specializes in integrative medicine, holistic hormone treatments, anti-aging therapies, and medically supervised weight loss. Additionally, our customizable IV therapies and nutraceutical supplementation treatments ensure that your body has the proper support throughout your weight loss journey for optimal results.
Contact our office online or call (909) 483-1236 to learn more about how semaglutide and/or tirzepatide can help you improve your figure and lose weight with long-lasting results.
Contents
About Semaglutide and Tirzepatide
Semaglutide and tirzepatide are both GLP-1 receptor agonists, which means they increase your body’s insulin production because your body registers the medication as the GLP-1 hormone. This helps regulate your appetite by increasing feelings of satiety and stabilizing your blood sugar levels. When used as a long-term treatment, the medications can optimize your metabolism to help you maintain a stable and healthy body mass index (BMI).
Tirzapatide is a dual agonist that also mimics glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), further enhancing insulin response and promoting more effective weight loss. By enhancing your weight loss progress, both medications can improve cardiovascular health (2) and lower the risk of cardiovascular events, such as heart attack and stroke, especially in patients with diabetes. (3) The most effective weight loss medication for you will depend on your medical history, aesthetic goals, lifestyle, and medications.
Benefits
Semaglutide and tirzepatide both offer several benefits, which include:
- Significant weight loss: Patients find it easier to maintain a healthy body mass index (BMI), which can help improve their long-term health and quality of life.
- Enhanced satiety: These medications help you feel full after smaller meals, making portion control easier and weight loss more sustainable.
- Insulin sensitivity: For patients with diabetes, semaglutide and tirzepatide can improve insulin sensitivity to help your body lower blood sugar levels.
- Lasting results: In addition to regular exercise, staying on a maintenance dose of either medication helps patients keep weight off for good.
- Convenient treatment: You can improve your health with a weekly injection that only requires a 15-minute appointment or an at-home injection that takes less than 5 minutes.
Candidates
Suitable candidates for semaglutide and tirzepatide are typically struggling to lose weight and require medication to enhance their weight loss progress. Candidates should be prepared to make healthy lifestyle changes since semaglutide and tirzepatide are most effective when combined with nutritious meals and regular exercise. (4) Patients should also make time to get adequate rest (7-8 hours each night) and exercise regularly for optimal results. Candidates should also commit to consistent weekly injections and maintain realistic expectations about their results.
Consultation
During your consultation, we will determine the most effective treatment plan for your aesthetic goals. We can also discuss body contouring options after weight loss to remove loose skin and improve your physique. Determining which medication is right for you depends on your body goals, the amount of weight you want to lose, your medical history, and your current medications.
To learn more about our additional treatments that can help you achieve optimal results, see the blog!
Preparation & Treatment Process
To prepare for your first injections, you should stop drinking alcohol for 24 hours before your appointment because alcohol can affect your metabolism. Avoid eating large meals before your first injection, as this may cause discomfort while your body adjusts to the medication. Patients typically receive the injection in the hip, abdomen, and/or thighs. We will cleanse your skin and administer the injection in your chosen location. The appointment typically takes 15 minutes.
After Your Treatment
After receiving your weight loss injections, you can return to your normal activities. If it’s your first injection, consider scheduling some downtime to monitor your body’s initial response. Your body will need to adapt to the medication, and some patients experience temporary nausea, headaches, and/or dizziness while their metabolism adjusts to the medication.
Results
Semaglutide and tirzepatide can take a few weeks to take effect. Over time, you can achieve a slimmer figure, and you will start to notice a change in the way your body responds. You’ll experience improved satiety and can maintain your results long-term with consistent healthy habits. You should eat healthy meals and exercise regularly to maintain your results. Although weight loss is not just about aesthetics, many patients enjoy heightened confidence with a slimmer figure.
Additional Treatments
28-Day Metagenics Detox
A 28-Day Metagenics Detox is a treatment that helps the liver remove toxins and increase your energy by optimizing your metabolism. These treatments employ a combination of probiotics and antioxidant-rich supplements that can help your body naturally detoxify itself with minimal downtime.
EndoTrim™ & Vitamin D
EndoTrim™ & Vitamin D balances the endocrine system to help your body recover from hormonal imbalances. A blend of plant-based nutrients supports your body in maintaining healthy muscle mass and improving your energy levels to help you feel your best. Vitamin D can also improve feelings of satiety for more effective weight loss. (5)
Lipotropic Injections
A lipotropic injection, also known as the “lipo shot,” is a supplement that provides your body with nutrients that help you lose weight. The injections support the liver and help your body burn more fat. Many patients combine the lipo shot with weight loss injections to optimize their weight loss treatments.
IV Therapy
IV therapy is a treatment that provides nutrients to your body through an IV drip. IV therapy can provide essential nutrients and vitamins (including B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B12, and C), to help you increase your energy levels and optimize your weight loss. IV therapy can also prevent vitamin deficiencies that can affect your energy levels.
Cost of Semaglutide and Tirzepatide in Rancho Cucamonga
The cost of semaglutide or tirzepatide depends on your dosage, treatment goals, progress, and any additional therapies included in your plan. During your consultation, you will receive a comprehensive price estimate. We also offer financing to help make your treatment more accessible.
Contact our office online or call (909) 483-1236 to learn more about how semaglutide and tirzepatide can help you achieve your weight reduction goals.
FAQ
Are semaglutide and tirzepatide safe?
Semaglutide and tirzepatide are well-tolerated treatments that have helped thousands of patients lose weight. Whether or not they are right for you will depend on your aesthetic goals and medical history.
How long will I need to take semaglutide and/or tirzepatide?
The duration of the treatment will depend on your individual goals and medical history. We can discuss the most effective treatment plan for your needs during your consultation.
Can I use semaglutide with other medications?
This will depend on your medical history, and we can perform a medication review during your consultation to create an effective treatment plan.
Are there any common side effects to semaglutide and/or tirzepatide?
Some patients may experience temporary gastrointestinal side effects, including nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, especially at the start of treatment.
Do I need to keep semaglutide and/or tirzepatide refrigerated?
Yes. If you are administering your injections at home, you must keep your medications refrigerated between doses to preserve their potency.
References
- Overweight & Obesity Statistics. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Published September 2021. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/health-statistics/overweight-obesity
- Lingvay I, Brown‐Frandsen K, Colhoun HM, et al. Semaglutide for cardiovascular event reduction in people with overweight or obesity: SELECT study baseline characteristics. Obesity. 2022;31(1):111-122. doi:https://doi.org/10.1002/oby.23621
- Chao AM, Tronieri JS, Amaro A, Wadden TA. Clinical Insight on Semaglutide for Chronic Weight Management in Adults: Patient Selection and Special Considerations. Drug Design, Development and Therapy. 2022;Volume 16:4449-4461. doi:https://doi.org/10.2147/dddt.s365416
- Mahapatra MK, Karuppasamy M, Sahoo BM. Semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist with cardiovascular benefits for the management of type 2 diabetes. Reviews in Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders. 2022;23(3). doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s11154-021-09699-1
- Zmijewski MA. Vitamin D and Human Health. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2019;20(1):145. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms20010145