Medical Weight Loss in Mesquite

Is the consultation really free?

Yes. Your initial evaluation is free and does not obligate you to begin treatment. Additional medical services, laboratory testing, medications, and follow-up care may have separate costs.

Do I have to visit the office?

Not always. Eligible patients may be able to complete their consultation and follow-up appointments through telehealth. In-person care or laboratory testing may still be required depending on your medical needs, location, and applicable regulations.

What side effects can I expect?

Semaglutide and Tirzepatide can cause side effects. Commonly reported effects include nausea, vomiting, indigestion, abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, constipation, and burping.

More serious side effects are possible. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you develop severe or persistent symptoms. Your provider will review potential risks, contraindications, medication interactions, and warning signs before treatment begins.

Can I take a GLP-1 medication if I’m not diabetic?

Potentially. Certain Semaglutide and Tirzepatide products are FDA-approved for chronic weight management in eligible adults, including some adults who do not have diabetes.

A healthcare provider must evaluate your medical history, BMI, weight-related health conditions, current medications, and treatment goals to determine whether a medication is appropriate.

What Is Semaglutide?

Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist. Different Semaglutide products are approved for different medical indications, including type 2 diabetes and chronic weight management.

Semaglutide works by activating GLP-1 receptors involved in appetite, digestion, insulin release, and blood-sugar regulation. It may help patients feel full for longer and reduce overall food intake when combined with appropriate nutrition and physical activity.

Semaglutide should only be used with a valid prescription and under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider.

What Is Tirzepatide?

Tirzepatide is a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist. It is sold under the brand name Mounjaro® for type 2 diabetes and under the brand name Zepbound® for chronic weight management and certain other approved indications.

Tirzepatide may support weight management by helping regulate appetite, food intake, insulin response, and digestion. It is administered as a once-weekly injection and should only be used under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider.

What Is Retatrutide?

Retatrutide is an investigational, once-weekly medication that activates three hormone receptors: GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon. Because it targets three receptors, it is sometimes informally referred to as a “GLP-3.”

Clinical studies have shown promising weight-management results, but Retatrutide remains under investigation and is not currently FDA-approved or available for routine prescribing or compounding.

Retatrutide should only be administered through an authorized clinical trial. Patients should avoid products marketed as compounded, commercially available, or research-use Retatrutide.

Our medical provider can discuss currently approved weight-management options and help determine which treatment may be appropriate based on your health history and individual goals.

How Do I Use a Weight-Management Medication?

Semaglutide and Tirzepatide products are available in different formulations and strengths. The appropriate product, dose, administration schedule, and dose-escalation plan depend on your medical history and the specific medication prescribed.

Never change your dosage or treatment schedule without speaking with your healthcare provider.

What Should I Do if I Forget a Dose?

Missed-dose instructions differ depending on the specific medication and product you use. Review the prescribing instructions provided with your medication and contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist for guidance.

Do not take an additional dose to compensate for a missed dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.

What Side Effects Can These Medications Cause?

Semaglutide and Tirzepatide can cause gastrointestinal side effects such as:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Abdominal discomfort
• Indigestion or heartburn
• Burping

More serious complications may occur in some patients. Before starting treatment, your provider will review your medical history, current medications, contraindications, and potential risks.

What Is the Difference Between Semaglutide and Tirzepatide?

• Mechanism of Action: Semaglutide activates GLP-1 receptors, while Tirzepatide activates both GIP and GLP-1 receptors.
• FDA-Approved Products: Wegovy® contains Semaglutide and is approved for chronic weight management in eligible patients. Zepbound® contains Tirzepatide and is also approved for chronic weight management in eligible patients.
• Individual Response: Results, side effects, tolerability, and appropriate dosing vary from patient to patient.
• Medical Evaluation: Your healthcare provider will consider your medical history, goals, current medications, and previous treatment experiences when recommending an option.

Are Semaglutide, Tirzepatide, and Retatrutide FDA-Approved?

Semaglutide: Certain Semaglutide products, including Wegovy®, are FDA-approved for chronic weight management in eligible patients.

Tirzepatide: Zepbound® is FDA-approved for chronic weight management, while Mounjaro® is FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes.

Retatrutide: Retatrutide is not currently FDA-approved. It remains an investigational medication undergoing clinical trials and is not available for routine prescribing or compounding.

Are the injections safe?

FDA-approved Semaglutide and Tirzepatide products have been evaluated for safety and effectiveness for their approved uses. However, they are not appropriate for everyone and can cause serious side effects.

Treatment should only be prescribed and monitored by a qualified medical professional after an appropriate evaluation.

How are the injections administered?

Semaglutide and Tirzepatide weight-management injections are generally administered subcutaneously once weekly, typically in an approved injection area such as the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm.

Your healthcare provider will explain how and where to administer your specific medication.

Will I regain weight after stopping treatment?

Weight regain is possible after a weight-management medication is discontinued. Maintaining balanced nutrition, regular physical activity, adequate sleep, behavioral strategies, and ongoing medical support can help support long-term results.

Your provider can help develop an individualized maintenance plan before treatment is reduced or discontinued.

Do I need to diet or exercise?

Weight-management medications are intended to complement appropriate nutrition, physical activity, and other healthy lifestyle changes. Extreme dieting is not recommended.

Our team can help you develop a realistic and sustainable strategy based on your health, mobility, preferences, and goals.

What are the most common side effects?

• Nausea
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Indigestion
• Abdominal discomfort
• Fatigue
• Changes in appetite

Side effects may change as the dose is adjusted. Contact your provider if symptoms are severe, persistent, or concerning.

How soon will I notice appetite changes?

Some patients notice appetite changes during the first several weeks of treatment, while others may require more time or dose adjustments. Response varies based on the medication, dosage, metabolism, and individual health factors.

Can I drink alcohol while on treatment?

Alcohol may worsen nausea, digestive symptoms, dehydration, and blood-sugar changes. It may also make it more difficult to meet your weight-management goals.

Discuss your alcohol consumption with your healthcare provider before and during treatment, particularly if you have diabetes, liver disease, pancreatic concerns, or take other medications.

Is medical weight loss right for men and women?

Medical weight-management treatments may be appropriate for eligible adult men and women. Treatment recommendations are based on individual health history, goals, contraindications, current medications, and clinical eligibility.

Do I need long-term treatment?

Treatment duration varies. Some patients use medication for several months, while others may benefit from longer-term treatment or maintenance care.

Your healthcare provider will periodically evaluate your response, side effects, health changes, and long-term goals to determine the most appropriate plan.