Questions About Medical Weight Loss and the Latest Medications?

We get this question, or a similar version of it, almost every time someone learns that AesthetiKa Medical offers supervised medical weight loss. It’s a valid question! There’s so much information (and misinformation) in the popular media about these medications and how they are used.

So, let’s set the record straight…

1. They aren’t so very new. Semaglutide, one of the most popular weight loss drugs available, was first approved for medical use in the United States in 2017 as a treatment for type 2 diabetes under the brand name Ozempic. In 2021, the FDA approved Semaglutide for weight loss under the brand name Wegovy.
   
   Another popular medication called Tirzepatide was first approved under the brand name Mounjaro in May 2022 for adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. It was approved for weight loss under the name Zepbound in November of 2023. 
   
   
2. They really are different than other medications. These medications mimic a hormone naturally found in the human body that has several effects. The medication decreases the speed at which food leaves the stomach and affects the area of the brain associated with hunger and satiety. This helps you feel full faster and makes that full feeling last longer. It also helps regulate how your body uses glucose, resulting in glucose being used in a more consistent and continuous manner.
   
   

   In addition to lowering blood sugar, studies have shown lower cholesterol levels, lower blood pressure, and overall decreased risk of coronary artery disease. These are all benefits in addition to their weight loss effects.

3. There’s a lot of ways to obtain them, and not all of them are legitimate! Because of the popularity of these medications, there is a severe shortage of them. In these situations, the FDA allows the drug manufacturer to distribute the medication to compounding pharmacies. Reliable, legitimate compounding pharmacies have been a huge relief to the medication shortage and have allowed access to these medications that would not be possible without their help. As of January of 2024, no insurance company covers the cost of these medications for weight loss.
   
   

   The cash price for the brand name version (if you can find the medication in stock) runs between $1200-$1400 per month on average. Reliable compounding pharmacies have not only eased the medication shortage but have also created a much more economical alternative for access. 

4. Let’s remember – this IS a MEDICATION. It is extremely important to involve the direction of a health care professional when using any medication. Be cautious and make sure you know what you are getting and where you are getting it from. We have had patients bring in vials purchased online that say “not for human use” right on the vial, or vials that are half the strength normally distributed (but cost the same as the full strength version).
   
   

   We take every precaution to ensure that the medication we prescribe comes from a reputable compounding pharmacy that follows all FDA quality, purity, and safety standards.  And when you work with the health care professionals at AesthetiKa Medical, you have full access to us! 

   We are here to make sure you have accurate instructions, have clear and simple dosing, and we are available for any concerns or questions you have.