Medical Weight Loss

If you have been on social media or followed any beauty blogs lately, you have probably heard of the new weight loss peptide-based medications on the market, Semaglutide and Tirzepatide (generic versions). Both medications were originally developed to treat Type II Diabetes, but people quickly noticed the significant weight loss effects. This happens frequently with medication. Remember when the happy side effect of the once widely used blood pressure medication sildenafil happened? Hint: it was rebranded as Viagra! 

Let’s talk a little about what these medications are, how they work, and break a few myths:

Semaglutide is classified as a GLP-1 antagonist (it helps the body produce more insulin). It has an effect on the part of the brain that controls appetite and helps to make you feel fuller quicker and longer.

Tirzepatide is a combination GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist. It works by helping the body release insulin when blood sugar is high, removing excess sugar from the blood and stopping the liver from making and releasing too much sugar.  It also works on controlling appetite by reducing how much food is eaten and slowing down how quickly food leaves the stomach. This means you stay fuller longer and eat less throughout the day.  

Ideal candidates include individuals who have a BMI of greater than 27, who have failed to lose weight despite several months to years of lifestyle modification, large waist circumference, and those who have been diagnosed with comorbidities such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or prediabetes. At Aiyana Atelier Wellness, one of our Nurse Practitioners will obtain a thorough medical history and assessment with lab work to ensure safe candidacy. 

Now that you know what these new drugs are, what they do, and who they are for, let's debunk some common myths that you might have heard.

Myth #1 - If you stop these medications, you’ll regain all the weight you have lost.

Fact: This is not necessarily the case. Yes, if you stop the medications, stop exercising and go back to poor eating habits, you will regain the weight. On the other hand, once you are at your goal weight, as long as you maintain proper diet and exercise, you will maintain or may even continue to lose! Being on these medications allows for a bit of reprogramming to the brain so that you have a more immediate gratification while you are making changes for a more healthy lifestyle long term. We have an excellent customized nutrition and exercise guide created by Missy Schwimmer (@themissmethod) that is included with your monthly program to ensure that you are on a path of long term success. She has decades of experience leading folks to a healthier and happier version of themselves. 

Myth #2 - There are horrible side effects. 

Fact: As with any medication, certain side effects are possible. However, with that being said, there are many things that can be done to limit these. At Aiyana Atelier Wellness, we have created a 5-6 month all-inclusive plan that allows for a gentle ease onto the medications and off to ease these effects. While some patients may need less or more time, this is a good estimate and we created our protocol around this time frame. Additionally, we monitor you and your labs very closely with a weekly check-in on you and every 6-10 weeks for your labs. We have heard many stories about illegal products and mismanagement of doses which can also exacerbate side effects greatly.

The goal when prescribing doses for these medications is to start low and go slow. If you follow correct dosing, and are maintaining adequate food and water intake, these side effects are very minimal! If you are having trouble, you have 24/7 email access to our team of Family Nurse Practitioners who each have 10+ years of high quality experience. We’ve got you covered. Additionally, included in your monthly is one IV bag and one booster to help you hydrate, recover, and restore energy levels. 

Myth #3 - Treating obesity may be an “off-label” indication and is unsafe?  

Fact: Off label prescribing of a medication refers to using the medication for something other than its FDA approved use. This is not always a bad thing, and is generally up to the provider’s discretion about what is medically necessary for the patient. Many common drugs are used “off-label” on a day to day basis. 

A great example of this since you are reading on Aiyana Atelier’s page is the use of neurotoxins (Botox/Dysport/Xeomin/Jeaveau/Daxxify)—the only on-label indication they all share is the glabella or your “mad/furrowed face,” despite the use of each all over as common and accepted safe practice. The safety of semaglutide and tirzeparide medications have been studied extensively as they have been used to treat diabetes for many years.

Myth #4 - There is a short supply and diabetics are unable to get their medications.

Fact: The shortage you may have heard about was not a drug shortage, it was a device shortage that has been long resolved. The brand names of semaglutide and tirzepatide are dispensed in a prefilled pen for self-administration much like insulin pens or Epi pens. The device was in short supply, not the drug. However, this is now resolved. Additionally, the drug that you receive at Aiyana Atelier Wellness is a compounded form from a local family owned pharmacy that Ashley has known and trusted for five years. 

Myth #5 - It hurts! 

Fact: Both medications are injections, that require weekly shots under the skin for administration. Don’t worry, it actually hurts less than your normal Tox treatments. 

Feeling a little better? Good :) 

How about the success? 

They require a solid diet with good proteins, low fat, and an exercise plan high in muscle strengthening to reach their full potential.  Here are some tips to be successful while on these medications:

-Remember to eat and drink!  It sounds like common sense, but a lot of the unfavorable side effects are due to these two factors. Since these medications decrease your appetite, many people find it hard to get enough food or water throughout the day, which can lead to GI symptoms and severe dehydration. Set hydration goals throughout the day to keep yourself accountable.

-Prioritize protein consumption.  Since the medications limit your appetite, it's important to remember to stick to high protein meals or snacks throughout the day.  Protein rich meals will help you retain muscle mass while you lose body fat.  

-Stay active.  While many patients can lose weight on these medications without drastically increasing their activity, staying active will speed up weight loss and help to maintain muscle.

-Keep open lines of communication with your provider. Having unfavorable symptoms? Tell us. Feel like your weight loss is stalling? Tell us!  By communicating with your provider because (read again: your provider! Not google or your bestie who is getting it illegally), the two of you can work together to reach your goals with as little side effects as possible. This includes coming to all of your scheduled appointments, as well as ensuring regular lab work is done.

Have more questions or ready to schedule a consultation?  Email wellness@aiyanaatelier.com to get started or book “Medical Weight Loss Initial Appointment” through Vagaro.