Medical Weight Loss Management FAQs
Find answers to your questions below.
Get your weight loss journey started with four easy steps:
Make an appointment for a consultation with our dedicated team. Your provider will discuss your weight loss goals and review past weight loss attempts. They’ll also conduct a medical evaluation to assess your overall medical history, current medications, and lifestyle.
Receive your prescription. Your prescription will be delivered to your home or at the clinic. You will receive written instructions on how to set dosage, schedule, and self-administer the medication. If you choose to pick up your medication at the clinic, the medication will already be pre-filled for you.
Monitoring and follow-up. You will need to schedule monthly follow-up appointments to monitor your progress, adjust the dosage if necessary, and address concerns and questions you may have.
Lifestyle changes. In addition to medication, your provider will give you resources such as dietary modifications and types of exercise to support your weight loss journey.
Tirzepatide FAQs
What is Tirzepatide and how is it different from Semaglutide?
Tirzepatide is an injectable medication containing dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA). It shares similarities with GLP-1 medications like Semaglutide but offers enhanced benefits and efficacy. Found in well-known medications like Zepbound and Mounjaro, Tirzepatide serves various purposes, including weight loss, lowering blood sugar levels in diabetic patients, and reducing the risk of major cardiovascular events like heart attacks or strokes.
How does Tirzepatide work?
Tirzepatide activates two hormone receptors (GIP and GLP-1), leading to insulin release from the pancreas and improving your body’s responsiveness to insulin. This helps lower blood sugar levels, making it effective in treating type 2 diabetes. Moreover, it slows stomach emptying and enhances the feeling of fullness, reducing food intake and suppressing appetite. When coupled with a balanced diet and exercise regimen, these mechanisms significantly contribute to weight loss.
Is Tirzepatide a stimulant?
No – Tirzepatide is not a stimulant. While other weight loss medications, like phentermine, have stimulating effects that help curb your appetite, Tirzepatide works differently (see above).
Besides weight loss, what other benefits does tirzepatide offer?
In addition to reducing hunger and cravings for a safe and gradual weight loss, Tirzepatide offers several benefits:
- Sustained weight loss even after discontinuing the medication by assisting in maintaining a healthy diet
- Convenience with its once-a-week dosing, ideal for those leading busy lives or preferring not to carry pills constantly
- Enhancement of your body’s insulin utilization, lowering the risk of developing diabetes
- Protection against heart attack, heart failure, stroke, and certain types of cancer
- A powerful yet non-surgical alternative to invasive weight loss procedures like gastric sleeve or gastric bypass
How do I use Tirzepatide?
Tirzepatide is injected subcutaneously (under the skin) using a small needle once a week, and it can be taken at any time of the day, with or without food. You can inject it in the outer thigh, upper arm, or abdomen, rotating the injection sites with each dose. Injection days can be changed if necessary, but must be at least 3-4 days apart from the last injection. Your healthcare provider will determine your dosage, usually starting you on a low dose and adjusting it as necessary.
How much weight do patients on Tirzepatide typically lose and do you guarantee results?
Clinical studies found that many people were able to lose over 20-25% of their body weight with Tirzepatide. Here at Solano, we provide the medication, tools, resources, and guidance to achieve success; However, it is up to you to put in the work of eating right and exercising.
How do I know if I’m a good candidate for Tirzepatide?
Ideal candidates are obese (BMI>30) or overweight (BMI>27) with at least one weight-related health condition such as diabetes, hypertension, or high cholesterol. If you’ve previously been unsuccessful in your weight loss efforts or regained the weight, it might be time to consider a medically supervised weight loss program with tirzepatide. Our provider can help you further understand if tirzepatide is right for you by discussing your weight loss goals, reviewing your past weight loss attempts, and conducting a medical evaluation.
Who shouldn’t be using Tirzepatide?
Tirzepatide may not be suitable for everyone. Those with the following conditions should avoid using Tirzepatide:
- Personal or familial history of Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma (MTC) or Multiple Endocrine
- Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)
- Allergic reactions to tirzepatide or any of its components
- Active pancreatitis or a history of pancreatitis unrelated to diabetes
- Acute or worsening kidney disease
- Severe gastrointestinal motility disorders such as gastroparesis
- Pregnant and/or breastfeeding women
Does tirzepatide have any side effects?
Tirzepatide is generally well-tolerated. It is extremely safe to use for weight loss and has fewer side effects than other weight loss medications available on the market. Most people who take tirzepatide experience minimal side effects, such as nausea, diarrhea,
upset stomach, and constipation. The most common side effects are usually mild and can often be managed with lifestyle modifications or over-the-counter medications.
What is Zofran and why did my provider prescribe it?
For individuals experiencing nausea as a side effect of tirzepatide, Zofran (ondansetron), an antiemetic medication, can be taken as needed to alleviate nausea and enhance comfort during your weight loss journey.
What should I do if I forget a dose?
Inject the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it’s been more than 5 days from your missed dose, skip the dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule.
How can I maximize my weight loss on tirzepatide?
To optimize your treatment with tirzepatide, incorporating lifestyle changes is essential.
- This includes adopting a low-calorie, low-fat, high-protein diet with a daily intake of 1200-1500 calories.
- Aim for regular exercise sessions of 30-60 minutes, 3-4 times a week.
- Choose clean, whole foods such as lean meats and vegetables, as these will further enhance the effectiveness of your treatment.
How do I get started on Tirzepatide?
Get your weight loss journey started with four easy steps:
- Make an appointment for a consultation with our dedicated team – your provider will discuss your weight loss goals and review past weight loss attempts. They’ll also conduct a medical evaluation to assess your overall medical history, current medications, and lifestyle.
- Receive your prescription – If you and your provider decide that tirzepatide is right for you, you’ll receive your prescription along with education on how to set the dosage and administer the pre-filled pen to yourself.
- Monitoring and follow-up – Your provider will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your progress, adjust the dosage if necessary, and address and concerns or questions you may have.
- Lifestyle changes – In addition to medication, your provider will recommend lifestyle changes such as dietary modifications and increased physical activity to support your weight loss journey.
Semaglutide FAQs
What is Semaglutide?
Semaglutide is an injectable medication classified as a glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist
(GLP-1 RA). It mirrors the action of the GLP-1 hormone naturally released in response to food
intake. Semaglutide is the active ingredient in popular medications like Ozempic and Wegovy,
offering benefits such as weight loss, blood sugar reduction in diabetic patients, and lowering
the risk of major cardiovascular events.
How does Semaglutide work?
Semaglutide operates within the class of GLP-1 agonists, stimulating the pancreas to produce
insulin, delaying stomach emptying, and enhancing the sensation of fullness. These
mechanisms lead to reduced food intake and appetite, aiding in weight loss. Moreover,
increased insulin production assists in better food and fat breakdown and lowers blood sugar
levels, making it a common treatment for type 2 diabetes.
Is Semaglutide a stimulant?
No, semaglutide does not possess stimulant properties like other weight loss medications such
as phentermine. It operates through distinct mechanisms as described above.
Besides weight loss, what other benefits does Semaglutide offer?
In addition to reducing hunger and cravings for a safe and gradual weight loss, semaglutide
offers several benefits:
- Sustained weight loss even after discontinuing the medication by assisting in maintaining a healthy diet
- Convenience with its once-a-week dosing, ideal for those leading busy lives or preferring not to carry pills constantly
- Enhancement of your body’s insulin utilization, lowering the risk of developing diabetes
- Protection against heart attack, heart failure, stroke, and certain types of cancer
- A powerful yet non-surgical alternative to invasive weight loss procedures like gastric sleeve or gastric bypass
How do I use Semaglutide?
Semaglutide is injected subcutaneously (under the skin) using a small needle once a week, and
it can be taken at any time of the day, with or without food. You can inject it in the outer thigh,
upper arm, or abdomen, rotating the injection sites with each dose. Injection days can be
changed if necessary, but must be at least 3-4 days apart from the last injection. Your
healthcare provider will determine your dosage, usually starting you on a low dose and adjusting
it as necessary.
How much weight do patients on Semaglutide typically lose and do you guarantee
results?
Clinical studies found that many people were able to lose 15-20% of their body weight with
semaglutide. Here at Solano, we provide the medication, tools, resources, and guidance to
achieve success; However, success depends on your commitment to dietary changes and
exercise.
How do I know if I’m a good candidate for Semaglutide?
Ideal candidates are obese (BMI>30) or overweight (BMI>27) with at least one weight-related
health condition such as diabetes, hypertension, or high cholesterol. If you’ve previously been
unsuccessful in your weight loss efforts or regained the weight, it might be time to consider a
medically supervised weight loss program with semaglutide. Our provider can help you further
understand if semaglutide is right for you by discussing your weight loss goals, reviewing your
past weight loss attempts, and conducting a medical evaluation.
Who shouldn’t be using Semaglutide?
Semaglutide may not be suitable for everyone. Those with the following conditions should avoid
using semaglutide:
- Personal or familial history of Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma (MTC) or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)
- Allergic reactions to semaglutide or any of its components
- Active pancreatitis or a history of pancreatitis unrelated to diabetes
- Acute or worsening kidney disease
- Severe gastrointestinal motility disorders such as gastroparesis
- Pregnant and/or breastfeeding women
Does Semaglutide have any side effects?
Semaglutide is generally well-tolerated. It is extremely safe to use for weight loss and has fewer
side effects than other weight loss medications available on the market.
Most people who take semaglutide experience minimal side effects, such as nausea, diarrhea,
upset stomach, and constipation. The most common side effects are usually mild and can often
be managed with lifestyle modifications or over-the-counter medications.
What is Zofran and why did my provider prescribe it?
For individuals experiencing nausea as a side effect of semaglutide, Zofran (ondansetron), an
antiemetic medication, can be taken as needed to alleviate nausea and enhance comfort during
your weight loss journey.
What should I do if I forget a dose?
Inject the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it’s been more than 5 days from
your missed dose, skip the dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule.
How can I maximize my weight loss on semaglutide?
To optimize your treatment with semaglutide, incorporating lifestyle changes is essential.
- This includes adopting a low-calorie, low-fat, high-protein diet with a daily intake of 1200-1500 calories.
- Aim for regular exercise sessions of 30-60 minutes, 3-4 times a week.
- Choose clean, whole foods such as lean meats and vegetables, as these will further enhance the effectiveness of your treatment.
How do I get started on Semaglutide?
Get your weight loss journey started with four easy steps:
- Make an appointment for a consultation with our dedicated team – your provider will
discuss your weight loss goals and review past weight loss attempts. They’ll also
conduct a medical evaluation to assess your overall medical history, current
medications, and lifestyle. - Receive your prescription – If you and your provider decide that semaglutide is right for
you, you’ll receive your prescription along with education on how to set the dosage and
administer the pre-filled pen to yourself. - Monitoring and follow-up – Your provider will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor
your progress, adjust the dosage if necessary, and address and concerns or questions
you may have. - Lifestyle changes – In addition to medication, your provider will recommend lifestyle
changes such as dietary modifications and increased physical activity to support your
weight loss journey.