Originally designed to help lower blood glucose levels in order to reduce the risk of heart attacks in diabetics, Semaglutide and Tirzepatide are a revolutionary weight loss drugs that can be perfect for those struggling to lose weight through the traditional routes of diet and exercise.
Semaglutide for weight loss offers rapid weight loss through regular injections of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1), which increases the body’s production of insulin, inhibits glucagon, and decreases appetite. Patients can expect weight loss in the 10lbs. per month range with some losing even more. The more weight a patient has to lose, the faster Semaglutide works. For those with only 10-20lbs to lose, patients can also add phentermine to assist with removing the last of their stubborn abdominal fat.
Weight loss and mental health are intricately related. One affects the other, which is why at New Pathways we are excited to provide Semaglutide treatments as part of our holistic and comprehensive mental health facility. Our staff is ready to answer your questions about this promising new medication-assisted weight-loss treatment option – reach-out to us for more information.
Semaglutide and Tirzepatide produce Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1), but Tirzepatide also produces glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP) “that can significantly reduce glycemic levels and improve insulin sensitivity, as well as reducing body weight by more than 20% and improving lipid metabolism.” (Read up on this chemical molecule here). Essentially Tirzepatide is a more complex and effective version of Semaglutide. In a study comparing Tirzepatide and Semaglutide side by side, the following results were found: “Using Tirzepatide resulted in a weight loss of 17.8% (95% CI: 16.3%-19.3%) compared with 12.4% (95% CI: 11.5%-13.4%) for Semaglutide.” (Sackler Faculty of Medicine)
In summary, both of these weight-loss medications are massively effective for weight loss, producing a loss of between 10-25% of body weight, but Tirzepatide is the newest and most effective option. Because of the added complexity in manufacturing, unfortunately Tirzepatide is three times more expensive than Semaglutide to purchase. Until prices of Tirzepatide decrease, it is available at $200 an injection while Semaglutide is $100 an injection.
Our recommendation to our patients who are concerned about cost is to try Semaglutide weight loss shots first, as it will likely give you the results most patients are seeking. Some patients may need to switch to Tirzepatide if they plateau or do not reach their desired results with Semaglutide. Our staff is ready to answer your questions about this promising new medication-assisted weight-loss treatment option – reach-out to us for more information.
With a 70% success rate, Semaglutide and Tirzepatide’s results are comparable to receiving bariatric surgery. No other weight loss drug on the market competes with the efficacy of this class of drug or the magnitude of Semaglutide and Tirzepatide’s success.
In a 68-week trial of 1,961 patients with obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m2) or who were overweight (BMI 27 kg/m2-29.9 kg/m2), patients were randomized in a 2:1 ratio to either Semaglutide or a placebo, both in conjunction with a reduced-calorie diet (~500 kcal/day deficit) and increased physical activity (recommended to a minimum of 150 min/week).
The average weight loss sustained at 68 weeks:
Semaglutide: 14.9% (~35 lbs)
Placebo: 2.4% (~6 lbs)
Patients who achieved ≥5% weight loss at 68 weeks:
Semaglutide: 83.5% of patients
Placebo: 31.1% of patients
In the trial, ~1 out of every 2 patients achieved ≥15% weight loss
Semaglutide and Tirzepatide treatments are normally administered through subcutaneous injection, a method of administering the drug with a short, small needle into the tissue layer between the skin and the muscle.
Injections are needed every 7 days and are first administered in the clinic and eventually at home if the patient desires and has demonstrated to our medical professionals that they can administer the injections safely on their own. For the first 16 weeks, the drug is introduced slowly into the patient’s system, with week 17 reaching the maximum dosage for maintenance.
As medication-assisted weight loss solutions, Semaglutide and Tirzepatide treatments can produce side effects as well as a few rare contraindications in some individuals. Overall, Semaglutide and Tirzepatide are extremely well-tolerated by the large majority of patients after the body has acclimated to either drug for a few weeks.
Common side effects include:
Some specific conditions in which taking Semaglutide may be unsafe include:
Please talk to your doctor if you are unsure if taking Semaglutide is right for you.
Insurance Coverage and Pricing for Semaglutide and Tirzepatide
A single dose of brand name Semaglutide or Tirzepatide is unaffordable even with insurance coverage. Patients who are pre-diabetic or diabetic are more likely to be covered than those who are not. New Pathways Clinic can help determine if Semaglutide or Tirzepatide would be covered by your insurance.
While the patented injection pen for Semaglutide or Tirzepatide is costly, Semaglutide and Tirzepatide themselves are not nearly as expensive. In addition to being an affordable drug, New Pathways Clinic provides cost-effective access to this treatment by making Semaglutide available for $100 an injection and Tirzepatide $200 an injection, with comprehensive psychiatric and medical support to make this revolutionary treatment accessible.
Tiffinne Perkins has dedicated her career to becoming an expert in weight loss and is ready to help guide you through this exciting new treatment. With her background in mental health, nutrition, and medication prescription, she provides comprehensive weight loss solutions to New Pathways patients and members.
Take our True/False quiz to learn if Semaglutide or Tirzepatide weight loss shots can work for your weight-loss needs.
At New Pathways Clinic, we are always sensitive to each patient’s unique history and needs. We will never make you feel uncomfortable or unwelcome in our care. Reach out to us today to find out if Semaglutide or Tirzepatide weight-loss shots are right for you.