Weight Loss 

The weight loss journey is different for everyone. For some, it’s a simple matter of adjusting their diet and increasing physical activity, while others may find it more challenging due to underlying health conditions, genetics, or other factors. No matter your experience with weight loss, the compassionate healthcare providers at M Spa Face & Body can help! Here, Dr. Deborah Miller and Shauna McLaughlin, PA-C discuss the introduction of new medications to help patients with their weight loss goals. These new drugs have revolutionized weight loss strategies, providing hope for those who have struggled to lose weight through traditional means. Read on to discover more about weight loss and how we can help you reach your weight and aesthetic goals. To get a more thorough understanding of weight loss and medications, or to start your weight loss journey in earnest, arrange your consultation with M Spa Face& Body or call (281) 886-7006 to speak with us directly. Before recommending any weight loss medications, we require an in-person consultation and labs for all patients. From there, we’ll help you design a program best suited to your needs and goals.

What Is Obesity?

Obesity is a chronic disease that is defined as having a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or more. Managing obesity is a life-long endeavor, and it can undoubtedly be a challenge.

What Are the Benefits of Weight Loss?

There are many benefits to weight loss, including better sleep, better hormonal balance, improved sex drive, better mood, less joint pain, clearer and brighter skin, stress relief, increased immunity, improved memory, and fewer prescription medications.

What Are the Ways People Can Lose Weight?

Losing weight is a common goal for many people, but it can be challenging to know where to start. With so much conflicting advice, it can be difficult to determine what the best approach is, so let us help clarify: Weight loss occurs when a person is in a caloric deficit.

It’s that simple. You’ll lose weight if you burn more calories than you consume.

Caloric deficit can be achieved through exercise, but food and caloric intake (what you eat and drink) are the primary factors that determine your caloric balance.

However, factors such as upbringing, lifestyle, and background can all heavily influence how much time and motivation a person puts toward eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly.

GLP-1 and a combination GLP-1 and GIP medications can help chemically regulate a person’s appetite. Interestingly enough, we’ve anecdotally noticed that patients who get a combination of treatments, mainly medication for weight loss (as discussed below), and a body contouring procedure, such as CoolSculpting and CoolTone, tend to get the best results that last the longest.

Medication for Weight Loss

GLP-1 are agonists that delay gastric emptying and enhance the sensation of fullness. While on these medications, patients consume less food, thus fewer calories, which helps their body achieve the caloric deficit required for weight loss.

GLP-1

GLP-1 is an FDA-approved medication that helps people lose weight by suppressing their appetite and making them feel fuller while eating less food.

Clinical trials have shown that GLP-1 can lead to significant weight loss and that it helps maintain weight loss over the long term—an important consideration for those struggling with obesity.

Like all medications, GLP-1 can have side effects. Common effects include nausea, diarrhea, and constipation. Most side effects are mild and temporary, but if they persist, it’s important to consult with your healthcare provider.

Combination of GLP-1 and GIP

Combination GLP-1 and GIP is a newer drug. It’s a dual agonist, meaning it targets two hormones, GLP-1 and GIP, which both play a role in regulating appetite and insulin production.

Initial clinical trials of combination GLP-1 and GIP have shown promising results. Participants in these trials experienced significant weight loss, with some losing up to 20% of their body weight. These results suggest that a combination of GLP-1 and GIP could be a powerful tool in the fight against obesity.

As with any medication, a combination of GLP-1 and GIP has potential side effects. Early reports suggest these may include gastrointestinal issues like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. However, as this is still being studied, further research is needed to fully understand its side effect profile.

Comparing Medications for Weight Loss

Which medication is better suited for you?

Efficacy

Both GLP-1 and a combination of GLP-1 and GIP medications have been shown to result in significant weight loss in clinical trials. However, preliminary data suggests that a combination of GLP-1 and GIP medications may lead to more substantial weight loss due to its dual hormone action.

Safety

In terms of safety, both drugs have similar side effect profiles, with gastrointestinal issues being the most common. As a combination of  GLP-1 and GIP medications is still undergoing research, more information on its long-term safety is yet to be established.

Schedule Your Weight Loss Consultation at M Spa Face & Body

We understand how difficult achieving your goal body weight can be. Even in the face of strict diets and exercise, sometimes the weight just doesn’t seem to budge. This is why, at M Spa Face & Body, we offer medication to those patients who qualify to help them navigate their weight loss journey.

To get started, schedule your consultation online with Dr. Deborah Miller and Shauna McLaughlin PA-C, or call (281) 886-7006 today!

Weight Loss FAQs

No, these are prescription medications. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new medication.

No, these medications may not be suitable for everyone. Those with certain health conditions or who are pregnant should not use these medications.

While these medications can aid in weight loss, they should be used in conjunction with a healthy diet and consistent exercise routine.

If you experience side effects, consult with your healthcare provider. They can provide guidance on how to manage side effects or determine if a different treatment may be more suitable.

Weight loss results vary from person to person. In clinical trials, significant weight loss was seen after several weeks of consistent use.