For many in the state of Utah, the path to long-lasting weight loss is rife with frustration. You probably have already tried numerous approaches for dieting and exercising and even certain supplements, only to regain the weight—or perhaps more significantly, have it not disappeared from your system in the first place. It is easy to feel that your body is in opposition with you regardless of how much effort you give. At MD Diet Weight Loss & Nutrition, we understand this. For 46 years we have been there for the challenges our patients in Salt Lake and Orem have to experience with the medical treatments that we offer.
Today, there is a new era of medical weight loss that has changed the landscape, namely with the use of semaglutide, which is known by the trade names Ozempic and Wegovy, or tirzepatide, which is marketed by the brand names Mounjaro and Zepbound. This is not just about using a diet pill to lose weight; these are medications which have revolutionized medical science and which can help you lose weight in an effective and sustainable way as long as they are managed by an appropriate physician who also creates an appropriate regimen for you. That’s what we do for our patients here at MD Diet.
This goes beyond the typical “eat less, exercise more” approach and addresses the way that GLP-1 medications work to help you lose weight. GLP-1, or glucagon-like peptide-1, is a hormone that is found in our body and plays a role in both our appetite control as well as our blood sugar regulation. Semaglutide and tirzepatide are both GLP-1s that imitate the effects of our own hormone by reducing the feeling of hunger (allowing you to feel fuller longer and to eat smaller amounts), slowing down the rate in which your stomach empties its contents (keeping you satisfied after a meal and reducing the need to snack) and increasing insulin production and decreasing glucagon (controlling blood sugars in a more physiological fashion); it does all of this in conjunction with significantly decreasing food cravings, especially for foods that are unhealthy. Studies show that both semaglutide and tirzepatide can help patients lose considerable amounts of weight, as long as the medication is used as directed and in conjunction with healthy lifestyle modifications. Specifically, clinical trials have shown average weight loss of patients who have been prescribed Mounjaro or Zepbound is between 15% and 22% of their total body weight. This level of success can be found in clinical trials to be similar to bariatric surgery results.
It is very apparent that both semaglutide and tirzepatide can be effective weight loss medications. However, simply getting a prescription is not a weight loss plan. We feel that these are best administered in the context of a medical program where you can be supervised closely. That’s how we separate ourselves from web-based services or med spas that may just be handing out prescriptions. When we work with patients at our South Salt Lake and Orem clinics, we do it with almost 50 years of weight loss experience:
- Biometric analysis: Your weight loss treatment at MD Diet begins with a comprehensive biometric analysis. We do not use cookie-cutter programs. We determine your needs through a deep dive of your metabolism, body composition, and physiological impediments to weight loss.
- Physician managed: Patients at MD Diet are treated by our medical staff, which consists of board certified doctors and nurse practitioners. They determine eligibility for GLP-1 drugs by assessing your medical history and current physiology. We also monitor patients during treatment, adjusting medications to yield results and minimize side effects.
- Individualized care: Based on the biometric analysis and medical evaluation, we build a weight management plan designed especially for you. We may prescribe GLP-1 medications, B-vitamin shots, and work with our nutritional coaching program and lifestyle modifications to promote your overall well-being.
- Weekly accountability & B-vitamin injections: One of our key pillars for weight loss is having a team of individuals holding you accountable. We offer weekly weigh-in appointments with a B-vitamin shot to help keep you on track and allow us to adjust your treatment if needed.
- Nutritional Coaching: Medication isn’t magic; it works best with an awareness of nutrition. We have certified nutrition coaches that help you make better food choices, giving you the tools to eat in a way that supports GLP-1 drugs and a long-term healthy lifestyle.
- Safety: We take prescription GLP-1 drugs to minimize safety risks by having them administered by medical professionals. We also have pre-filled injection syringes to ensure ease of administration.
What will my experience be like using GLP-1 medications with MD Diet?
As a patient with MD Diet, you will be working with a team of dedicated medical professionals that wants to see you succeed. Here is a general idea of your experience when starting a medical weight loss program with us.
- Initial appointment: Comprehensive medical screening and review of your weight loss history and goals.
- Biometric analysis & lab results: Biometric analysis to determine metabolic profile.
- Individualized treatment program: Medical providers and nutritionists build an individualized program for weight loss. We may also prescribe GLP-1 medications, B-vitamin shots, and dietary recommendations.
- Medical appointments: Frequent check-ins (weekly or biweekly) with a provider (monthly) to discuss progress, make adjustments to treatment as necessary, and discuss your health as part of your weight loss program.
- Education & Support: We offer education, resources, and support to ensure that you have the knowledge and team to help you achieve success in your health.
Our GLP-1 patients on the Wasatch Front are seeing amazing success! Results vary, but on MD Diet you can expect to lose 8-10 pounds, on average, every month. Let a dedicated medical team work for you and help “Let the Skinny Out!”
FAQs about GLP-1s & MD Diet
Q: Is GLP-1 safe? A: Yes, GLP-1 medications (like semaglutide and tirzepatide) are safe when prescribed and monitored by a health care professional. Our MD Diet physicians and nurse practitioners screen each patient carefully to ensure that the medication is medically appropriate and will monitor your entire course of treatment to manage and/or mitigate possible side effects.
Q: How long will I have to stay on GLP-1s? A: Weight management with GLP-1s is often a lifelong endeavor – similar to how people take medications for years to manage their diabetes or high blood pressure. The length of treatment with GLP-1s is highly personalized and will be determined by your MD Diet provider after consultation. Together, we will weigh your needs and results, health goals, overall well-being, and treatment duration.
Q: What are possible side effects of GLP-1s? A: Possible side effects are nausea, constipation, diarrhea and indigestion – most frequently observed in the weeks following treatment initiation and/or dose escalation. The GI symptoms associated with GLP-1 use are usually mild and transient. Serious GI events associated with GLP-1s are rare. At MD Diet, your provider and nurse practitioner will review possible side effects and work with you to help minimize the frequency and intensity of side effects should you choose to proceed.
Q: Is your GLP-1 program covered by insurance? A: The cost for GLP-1 medications can vary. MD Diet operates on a month-to-month program basis, with a program fee for patients. We don’t require a contract, so if the program helps you, keep going; if not, discontinue at any time. We recommend contacting your health insurer to discuss your specific policy and any coverage details. MD Diet is dedicated to providing affordable, medically supervised weight loss. We look forward to discussing fees and financial options with you during your consultation.
Q: Why use a program like MD Diet, versus an online-only GLP-1 provider? A: When you partner with MD Diet, you’re trusting your care with a nearly 50-year-old, medical supervision-based program. We don’t rely solely on online consultations – we conduct in-depth bio-analysis, offer a personalized program, require weekly in-person (or telehealth) accountability, provide nutritional guidance, and provide medical supervision with a licensed physician or nurse practitioner.
Start on the path to your best self, today!
GLP-1 medications are a great option for many of our patients, when used under a physician’s care at an established medical weight loss clinic. With a dedicated medical team working for you, you can achieve the transformation you’ve always wanted and deserve! We have been helping Utahns “Let the Skinny Out!” since 1978 – let us help you do the same!
Stop the fight with biology; start working with it instead!
Contact us today to book your free consultation and begin your life change. Physician-supervised GLP-1 can be the answer for you!