Weight Loss Management in Fresno, CA
Serving Fresno and the Central Valley
Schedule a ConsultationIf you struggle with managing your weight, it can take a toll on both your physical and mental health. You may experience feelings of hopelessness and failure because you’ve had little to no success moving the numbers on the scale. In reality, it’s often a matter of an imbalance in hormones in your body. If you are one of the many people who have tried various diet and exercise methods with little to no success, it may be time to try a new approach. At Valley Institute of Plastic Surgery, Dr. Mark Chin is now offering weight loss management programs to his patients to help them in their quest to lose weight and regain their confidence.
What Is Weight Loss Management With Semaglutide or Tirzepatide?
According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Americans continue to struggle with weight gain. Over the past 20 years, the number of adults with obesity has increased from 30% to 42%, with cases of severe obesity rising from about five percent to more than nine percent. Fortunately, the increasing availability of prescription weight loss medications has given new hope to those working to shed excess pounds.
Semaglutide and tirzepatide are some of the most successful and sought-after weight loss medications available today. They were initially used to treat diabetes, but doctors and patients soon realized that significant weight loss was a welcome side effect. The diabetes medications were first marketed as Ozempic® (semaglutide) and Mounjaro® (tirzepatide) but are now available specifically for weight management purposes under the names Wegovy® and Zepbound®, respectively.
Am I a Candidate for Semaglutide or Tirzepatide?
Candidates for weight loss management using semaglutide or tirzepatide generally have a body mass index (BMI) of 25-30 (which is considered overweight) or higher. Good candidates may also have a BMI below 30 but have health concerns related to excess weight like pre-diabetes, diabetes, high cholesterol, or high blood pressure.
To see optimal success using a supervised weight management program, you should also be ready and willing to commit to following a specific regimen, understanding that losing weight and maintaining your weight loss requires changing your eating and exercise habits for the long term.
What Are the Benefits of a Weight Loss Management Program?
If you have tried to lose weight and are frustrated by a lack of results, a weight loss management program can help you find success where other diet and exercise programs have failed. By combining doctor-prescribed and supervised weight loss medication with lifestyle changes, you can finally achieve the slender, more athletic body shape you desire.
However, weight loss management isn’t just about aesthetics. Losing weight using semaglutide or tirzepatide can also improve other aspects of your health, including:
- Reducing your risk of heart disease
- Reducing your risk for diabetes by lowering your blood sugar
- Reducing pressure on your joints
For obese or overweight patients, losing as little as five percent of body weight can improve the above conditions. If you are looking to undergo plastic surgery, weight loss management is also important, as it lowers your risk for complications during surgery and helps ensure your results turn out as you desire.
Am I a Candidate for Semaglutide or Tirzepatide?
Candidates for weight loss management using semaglutide or tirzepatide generally have a body mass index (BMI) of 25-30 (which is considered overweight) or higher. Good candidates may also have a BMI below 30 but have health concerns related to excess weight like pre-diabetes, diabetes, high cholesterol, or high blood pressure.
To see optimal success using a supervised weight management program, you should also be ready and willing to commit to following a specific regimen, understanding that losing weight and maintaining your weight loss requires changing your eating and exercise habits for the long term.
What Are My Weight Loss Management Options?
Semaglutide
Semaglutide is marketed under the names Ozempic® (for diabetes treatment) and Wegovy® (for weight loss). In scientific terms, semaglutide is known as a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA). This medication mimics a natural hormone found in your gut that helps regulate your blood sugar by signaling your body to release more insulin when you eat. GLP-1 medications also delay how quickly your stomach empties after a meal, causing you to feel fuller for a longer time and thereby decreasing your appetite.
Tirzepatide
Tirzepatide, marketed under the names Mounjaro® (for diabetes treatment) and Zepbound® (for weight loss), also targets the GLP-1 RA receptor. However, tirzepatide has the added benefit of affecting the glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor. The GIP receptor raises the level of glucose in your blood, which tells the brain that you’re full. Besides the delayed stomach-emptying properties of the GLP-1 agonist, tirzepatide slows the movement of waste through your intestines, which also keeps you feeling fuller, longer.
What Happens at My Weight Loss Management Consultation?
Dr. Chin understands that everyone has distinct obstacles when it comes to weight loss success. Some patients may have trouble reducing the volume of food they eat, while others may struggle with cravings. Semaglutide and tirzepatide can work differently for different people, so Dr. Chin tailors your weight loss management treatment to meet your specific needs and goals.
When you come to Valley Institute for Plastic Surgery for your weight management consultation, Dr. Chin will discuss your previous weight loss efforts, current goals, and desired treatment results. He will go over your medical history and determine which medication will most benefit you. He will then craft a customized weight loss management plan, taking into account each of the items you’ve discussed. This plan is used throughout your treatment and may be modified according to your medication response and results.
Learn More About Weight Loss Management in Fresno
When you’re ready to embark on a journey to successful and long-lasting weight loss, it’s time to discover what Dr. Chin and the weight loss management program at Valley Institute of Plastic Surgery can do for you. To schedule a consultation, call today at (559) 435-9646 or complete the online contact form.
Semaglutide and Tirzepatide FAQ
How much weight can I lose with weight loss medications?
While everyone responds differently to medications, patients have lost an average of 15% of their starting weight using semaglutide and between 16–22% using tirzepatide.
Are there risks associated with tirzepatide and semaglutide?
As with any medication, there are potential side effects associated with both tirzepatide and semaglutide. Common side effects include:
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Indigestion
- Gastrointestinal issues, including constipation, diarrhea, and gas
Semaglutide and tirzepatide may also cause rare side effects, including pancreatitis, thyroid problems, and kidney or gallbladder issues. To avoid these side effects, it is vital that you are honest about your health and medical history and that you let Dr. Chin know if you experience any concerning changes to your health while using the medication.