GLP-1 medications have transformed general weight loss and obesity treatment by helping patients reduce appetite and achieve meaningful weight loss. GLP-1’s should always be utilized under proper medical supervision as serious side effects are more probable than possible when misused.
What is a GLP-1?
GLP-1 is a natural hormone that helps regulate appetite, slows stomach emptying, and promotes fullness. Currently there are three forms readily available in the US.
Semaglutide, Tirzepatide & ‘Reta’
• Semaglutide (Ozempic®, Wegovy®): GLP-1 medication.
• Tirzepatide (Mounjaro®, Zepbound®): dual GLP-1/GIP medication.
• Retatrutide (‘Reta’): triple GLP-1/GIP/Glucagon medication currently in clinical trials. Although popular on social media and very popular in Hollywood, it is NOT FDA approved.
All three of these medications can be supplied by licensed compounding labs.
Brand Name vs. Compounded
Brand-name medications are FDA-approved products. Compounded medications may be appropriate in situations when prepared by reputable, appropriately licensed compounding pharmacies and prescribed by your attending physician with continued monitoring. Not all compounding pharmacies are the same; there are many suppliers from all over the world that mix “filler” ingredients that can actually be harmful.
Why Medical Supervision Matters
Weight-loss medications should be medically supervised from start to finish. Responsible care includes medical evaluation, gradual dose titration, nutrition guidance, exercise recommendations, and regular follow-up. Your starting dosage, titrating up (raising your dose) and once your goal has been reached, titrating down, should be done slowly.
Avoid ‘Ozempic Face’ & ‘Ozempic Body’
Rapid weight loss directly contributes to facial and body volume loss which creates major laxity (looseness) in skin. Slow dose adjustments, balanced diet, starting your weight loss journey in combination with SomaCell treatments to maintain structural facial and body firmness, resistance training, hydration, and ongoing monitoring have all shown to reduce these changes.
Beware of ‘Quick Script’ Providers
Be cautious of online services that prescribe after only a brief questionnaire without meaningful physician involvement or ongoing monitoring. At IT Intelligent Treatment, your initial consultation may be conducted virtually by choice, however your first appointment includes a full intake in person. We based your prescription on your blood test and a comprehensive health, diet, sleep, stress, workout and lifestyle evaluation, then stay hand in hand throughout your journey.
References
- MedEsthetics Magazine: GLP-1 Boom Creates Skin Adaptation Crisis
- American Diabetes Association Standards of Care
- U.S. FDA information on GLP-1 medications and compounded drugs