Medically Assisted Weight Loss
Conveniently located to serve the areas of Roseville, Antelope, Citrus Heights, Rocklin and Sacramento, CA
Medically assisted weight loss is an effective way to enhance your quality of life by optimizing your metabolism. The “skinny shot” is a weight loss treatment that mimics the natural hormones in your body to help your metabolism process excess fat. As more Americans struggle with obesity and weight-related conditions, medically assisted weight loss programs have become increasingly popular. Approximately 30% of American adults in the United States are overweight, and thousands of patients have improved their health and reached their weight loss goals with weight loss medications. (1)
Dr. Friedlander is a cosmetic surgeon who has helped many patients improve their quality of life with effective, customizable treatments. At NorCal Liposculpture, we can help you lose weight to improve your overall health, and we personalize each treatment for long-lasting results.
Contact our office or call (916) 347-7755 to learn more!
Contents
- 1 Before and After Photos
- 2 About Medically Assisted Weight Loss
- 3 Benefits
- 4 Candidates
- 5 Consultation
- 6 Preparation & Treatment Process
- 7 After Your Treatment
- 8 Results
- 9 Body Contouring After Weight Loss
- 10 Cost of Medically Assisted Weight Loss in Sacramento
- 11 FAQ
- 11.1 How quickly can I lose weight with medically assisted weight loss?
- 11.2 What is the difference between semaglutide and tirzepatide for medically assisted weight loss?
- 11.3 How will I know if medically assisted weight loss with semaglutide or tirzepatide is right for me?
- 11.4 How long will I need to stay on weight loss medication?
- 11.5 What happens if I miss a GLP-1 injection?
- 11.6 Can I receive both semaglutide and tirzepatide for medically assisted weight loss?
- 12 References
Before and After Photos
About Medically Assisted Weight Loss
Medical weight loss treatments increase your body’s sensitivity to insulin and regulate your glucagon levels to help your body burn excess fat. Dr. Friedlander offers two different weight loss treatments:
- Semaglutide mimics glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), a hormone responsible for increasing feelings of satiety and helping your body manage insulin sensitivity. (2)
- Tirzepatide is a dual GLP-1 and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) agonist that triggers insulin release and regulates glucagon production to help you lose weight effectively. (3)
Maintaining a healthy body mass index (BMI) can improve your overall health, especially if you have one or more obesity-related conditions such as metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and joint problems. The simple injectables are well-tolerated and have helped many patients transform their health. Although both medications are effective, we will discuss your medical history during your consultation to determine the most effective option for you.
To learn more about how medically assisted weight loss can improve your life, contact our office!
Benefits
There are several benefits to medically assisted weight loss, which include:
- Slimmer figure: You can enjoy a slimmer figure after losing weight.
- Improved cardiovascular health: Weight loss can improve your cardiovascular health and prevent related future health risks.
- Increased feelings of satiety: You can enjoy feeling full after smaller portion sizes.
- Enhanced quality of life: Many patients find that exercising is easier after receiving treatment.
- Convenient treatment: The simple, weekly injectable is well-tolerated and can be administered in the comfort of one’s own home.
- Long-term weight loss: If you lead a healthy lifestyle, you can enjoy long-lasting results. You can also remain on the medication after you achieve your goal weight.
- Holistic approach: Our medically assisted weight loss programs also include lifestyle changes such as regular exercise and a healthy diet for effective weight loss. (4)
- Increased confidence: You can enjoy feeling better about your figure and appearance after undergoing medical weight loss programs.
- Significant results: Patients can lose 15% or more of their body weight during the first year of treatment, depending on the medication they are on. (5)
Candidates
Suitable candidates for medically assisted weight loss are typically individuals who are:
- Overweight or obese
- Struggling with at least one weight-related condition
- Prepared to make consistent lifestyle changes
- Able to adhere to a regular injection schedule
- Realistic about what they can achieve with the treatment
Your candidacy can ultimately be determined during your personal consultation at our office.
Consultation
During your consultation, we will ask about your medical history, medications, and lifestyle to determine the most effective treatment plan for your needs. Please come prepared to discuss your goals in depth. We can also provide resources to help you lead a healthier lifestyle, such as meal planning and exercise recommendations. If you have a condition that could affect your ability to receive the medication, we can also discuss alternatives to help you achieve your goals.
Preparation & Treatment Process
To prepare for medically assisted weight loss, you should stay hydrated. During your first appointment, we will cleanse your skin and administer the medication to the upper arm, thigh, or abdomen. If you wish to continue receiving your medication at our office, you are welcome to do so; otherwise, you can administer your weekly injections at home.
After Your Treatment
You can return to your normal routine after you receive your medication. However, when receiving your first treatment, we recommend that you schedule downtime to monitor how your body responds. After their first treatments, some patients experience minor nausea or diarrhea. This makes it extra important that you stay hydrated. To support your body while it adjusts to the medication, you should eat healthy meals and sleep 7-8 hours each night as well. It is also important to continue to exercise regularly even after starting the medication.
Results
Patients must adhere to a consistent medication regimen to see results with tirzepatide or semaglutide. After consistently taking the medication long-term, you can see substantial weight loss results. Shortly after starting the medication, you will notice improved feelings of satiety with smaller portion sizes.
The exact length of your treatment will depend on your individual experience and the amount of weight you would like to lose. Some patients choose to stay on the medication after they achieve their weight loss goals to maintain their results. In any case, you should continue to exercise regularly and eat healthy meals.
Body Contouring After Weight Loss
After weight loss, many patients experience loose skin and/or are left with excess fat deposits. At NorCal Liposculpture, we offer both skin tightening and fat removal treatments to rejuvenate your figure after weight loss:
- Emsculpt for buttocks: Dr. Friedlander can help you build muscle and burn fat in the buttocks with this noninvasive body contouring treatment.
- Liposuction: Dr. Friedlander can remove pockets of stubborn fat with gentle suction to sculpt your body for a more defined appearance.
- Renuvion (J-Plasma): Dr. Friedlander can address mild to moderate skin laxity with this minimally invasive alternative to skin removal.
After you reach your weight loss goals with medically assisted weight loss, Dr. Friedlander will perform a comprehensive examination to determine the best type of body sculpting procedures to tighten the skin and reduce stubborn fat.
Cost of Medically Assisted Weight Loss in Sacramento
The cost of medically assisted weight loss will depend on the length of your treatment plan. We can provide an all-inclusive quote during your treatment session, and we can include body sculpting as part of a long-term treatment plan, depending on your aesthetic goals. Do not hesitate to improve your figure with either of these well-researched medications. Contact our office or call (916) 347-7755 to learn more about our life-changing procedures!
FAQ
How quickly can I lose weight with medically assisted weight loss?
You can begin to notice a reduction in your appetite shortly after starting your medication regimen. However, both medications are designed to be long-term medications, meaning you will experience gradual weight loss. The rate at which you lose weight will depend on factors like your unique metabolism and lifestyle. It is important to continue to eat healthily and exercise while on either of these medications. Many patients remain on the medication for 1-2 years, and continue to take a maintenance dose for longer.
What is the difference between semaglutide and tirzepatide for medically assisted weight loss?
Semaglutide mimics GLP-1, while tirzepatide is a dual agonist that mimics both GLP-1 and GIP. Both medications are effective for weight loss, with greater results sometimes being achieved with tirzepatide thanks to its dual action.
How will I know if medically assisted weight loss with semaglutide or tirzepatide is right for me?
The most effective treatment for you will depend on your medical history. During your consultation, we will ask about your medical history to determine the most effective treatment plan for your needs.
How long will I need to stay on weight loss medication?
This depends on your weight loss goals and your experience. Many patients remain on the medication for 1-2 years or longer.
What happens if I miss a GLP-1 injection?
If you miss a treatment, we will continue your treatment as planned. You can contact the office with any questions you have about missing a dose.
Can I receive both semaglutide and tirzepatide for medically assisted weight loss?
No, patients can only take one GLP-1 medication at a time.
References
- Overweight & Obesity Statistics | NIDDK. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/health-statistics/overweight-obesity#:~:text=Nearly%201%20in%203%20adults%20(30.7%25)%20are%20overweight.&text=More%20than%202%20in%205%20adults%20(42.4%25)%20have%20obesity.
- Wilding JPH, Batterham RL, Calanna S. Once-Weekly semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity. The New England Journal of Medicine. 2021;384(11):989-1002. doi:https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183
- Gasbjerg LS, Gabe MBN, Hartmann B, et al. Glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor antagonists as anti-diabetic agents. Peptides. 2018;100:173-181. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.peptides.2017.11.021
- Wadden TA, Chao AM, Moore MB, et al. The Role of Lifestyle Modification with Second-Generation Anti-obesity Medications: Comparisons, Questions, and Clinical Opportunities. Current Obesity Reports. Published online December 2, 2023. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s13679-023-00534-z
- Jastreboff AM, Aronne LJ, Ahmad NN, et al. Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity. New England Journal of Medicine. 2022;387(3). doi:https://doi.org/10.1056/nejmoa2206038