PHYSICIAN WEIGHT LOSS PROGRAM

Have you tried various diet plans and exercise regimens to become happier and healthier, and still have not achieved your desired results? Are you looking for support on your weight loss journey? We can assist you by customizing a plan to help you reach your goals! A new weight loss plan, including regular GLP-1 or GLP-1/GIP injections, can be the key to your weight loss success!

GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs are FDA approved; injectable medications initially developed to treat type 2 diabetic patients. Upon further testing, they have been shown to promote weight loss for patients without diabetes. They were found to promote weight loss by reducing the speed at which food passes through the digestive system, slowing the emptying of the stomach, and maintaining the feeling of fullness so patients ate less overall. Additional positive effects included reducing the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and heart disease as well as helping to reduce the risk of kidney disease in diabetic patients. Additionally, GLP-1 and GLP-1/GIP drugs have been shown to potentially improve other aspects of metabolic health, such as controlling blood sugar levels, reducing inflammation and increasing energy levels.

GLP-1 and GLP-1/GIP drugs are effective treatment plans for weight loss, especially for patients who have struggled with weight loss in the past. Weight loss can be a challenging and complex process. The speed at which results appear will depend on a variety of factors, including a patient's starting weight, diet, and exercise habits. Just as with any venture in life, consistency is the key to success. The more consistent a patient is with taking their weekly injections and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, the more the results should be readily apparent. Typically, patients taking GLP-1 or GLP-1/GIP drugs drugs begin to see weight loss results within 4 to 8 weeks, but most patients begin to see results within 8 to 12 weeks. Changes in digestion and appetite can occur much sooner.

The first appointment is an initial weight loss consultation with Dr. Latham. He will assess the treatment plan that will work best for the patient, including teaching them how to administer the injection. Afterwards, the patient will be responsible for their weekly injection, which is easy and relatively painless.

GLP-1, or glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist, are in a class of medications called incretin mimetics. They work by mimicking the hormone responsible for sending signals of fullness to the brain. In addition, GLP-1 drugs help the body break down fat to use it more efficiently, aiding in weight loss.

Some weight loss medications we utilize are both a GLP-1 receptor agonist and a GIP, or glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide. These drugs mimic the GLP-1 and GIP hormones which are found in the human body. GLP-1/GIP drugs help lower appetite, reducing the amount of food consumed.

GLP-1/GIP drugs are clinically proven treatments for obese patients with a Body Mass Index of 30 or more. However, overweight patients with a BMI of 27 or more, who also have weight-related medical issues such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, obstructive sleep apnea or cardiovascular disease, may be treated with GLP-1/GIP drugs.

Please be aware that some patients taking GLP-1 and GLP-1/GIP drugs may experience certain side effects, the most common of them include:

  • Nausea

  • Vomiting

  • Diarrhea

  • Constipation

  • Dizziness

  • Burping

  • Abdominal pain

  • Heartburn

  • Bloating

Also, if you do take oral contraception to prevent unwanted pregnancies, we advise using a barrier method of birth control, as GLP-1 and GLP-1/GIP drugs could potentially cause oral contraception to be less effective.

Additionally, while rare, GLP-1 and GLP-1/GIP drugs have been linked to potentially serious side effects. These include:

  • Pancreatitis (inflamed pancreas)

  • Gallbladder problems

  • Kidney damage

  • Low blood glucose (sugar)

  • Increased heart rate

  • Worsening eye problems in people with diabetes

  • Increased risk of thyroid C-cell tumors

If you encounter any side effects that seem severe or unusual while taking GLP-1 and GLP-1/GIP drugs, it’s important that you check in with Dr. Latham or seek medical attention immediately.

To begin your Physician Weight Loss Program, schedule the initial weight loss consultation with Dr. Latham. He will review your medical history to identify the most safe and suitable plan for you. This will be followed by monthly appointments to assess your progress and answer any questions you may have regarding your specific plan.

Initial Weight Loss Consultation:

1 time fee of $125

-then-

GLP-1: $400 monthly

-or-

GLP-1/GIP: $450 monthly

Physician Weight Loss Program Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • Yes. GLP-1 and GLP-1/GIP drugs, along with healthy diet and exercise habits, can be an effective way to lose weight. However, it is important to note that there is no "one-size-fits-all" solution to losing weight. What works for one person may not work for another. Please note: Both GLP-1 and GLP-1/GIP drugs cannot be taken simultaneously.

  • Clinical studies comparing patients taking GLP-1 and GLP-1/GIP drugs showed that patients taking GLP-1 drugs lost approximately 12% of their body weight, while patients taking GLP-1/GIP drugs resulted in a weight loss of around 18% of their body weight. Please be aware that results may vary based on a variety of factors.

  • Typically, patients taking GLP-1 and GLP-1/GIP drugs begin to see weight loss results within 4 to 8 weeks, but most patients begin to see results within 8 to 12 weeks. Changes in digestion and appetite can occur much sooner.

  • GLP-1 and GLP-1/GIP injections are effective and safe for most patients of all ages (starting at 18 years), BMIs (>27), races, ethnicities and genders. However, women may need to take different medications than men. Men will typically see results faster than women. Dr. Latham will determine what is appropriate for you based on your situation and medical history.

  • Patients with existing medical conditions may still be able to take GLP-1 or GLP-1/GIP drugs. However, Dr. Latham will need to approve your participation first.

  • Currently, there is very little information available regarding the consequences of taking GLP-1 or GLP-1/GIP drugs while pregnant or breastfeeding. Use adequate contraception while taking GLP-1 or GLP-1/GIP drugs. Do not take this medication if you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant or breastfeeding. If you plan to become pregnant, this medication needs to be stopped at least 2 months before trying. GLP-1 or GLP-1/GIP drugs may cause fetal harm. Until more data becomes available, it is recommended to avoid taking either medication until after you’ve had your child and finished nursing.

  • Rejuvenate at Lake Wylie does not accept insurance for GLP-1 or GLP-1/GIP drugs. However, we do accept HSA/FSA cards for payment. Our pharmacy partner enables us to provide the most cost effective option for your weight loss injections.

  • When booking an initial appointment for the Physician Weight Loss Program, the consultation with Dr. Latham must be the first visit, then monthly appointments will follow. Our weight loss consultation is $125 for the initial visit. Starting continual GLP-1 injections is a monthly $400 fee. Starting continual GLP-1/GIP injections is a monthly $450 fee.

  • Your monthly injection of GLP-1 or GLP-1/GIP should be refrigerated (not frozen). Be mindful of varying temperatures in your refrigerator, as some refrigerators can be colder near the back than towards the front/in the door. Make sure the refrigerator temperature is between 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C). Always check to ensure your dose/injection is not frozen before using it.

  • If you miss taking your weekly injection of GLP-1 or GLP-1/GIP and it has been less than 4 to 5 days since your scheduled injection date, then take the missed dose as soon as possible. If you miss taking your weekly injection of GLP-1 or GLP-1/GIP and it has been more than 4 to 5 days since your scheduled injection date, do not take the dose. Take your next dose on the next regularly scheduled injection date. If you miss taking your weekly injection of GLP-1 or GLP-1/GIP for more than 2 weeks, take the next dose on the regularly scheduled injection date or call us to talk about how to restart your treatments.