Weight Loss Program

The science

Semaglutides

Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist — it mimics a hormone the body already makes, acting on the areas of the brain that regulate appetite and food intake. Most people who take it report feeling full sooner and staying full longer, which makes a change in eating habits easier to sustain. It is a tool that supports those changes, not a replacement for them.

Semaglutide is prescribed only after an evaluation, and only when our providers judge it appropriate for your health history. It is not right for everyone — see who this program is for below.

Before you start

Is this program right for you?

That is a question for a consultation, not a web page. Weight is affected by thyroid function, sleep, medications you already take, and other conditions, so the first visit is an evaluation rather than a prescription. What follows is what that evaluation covers, so you know what to expect and what to ask about.

How we decide together

• We review your medical history, current medications, and previous attempts at weight loss, and check for conditions that contribute to weight gain or that change which treatments are safe for you.
• We talk through your goals, and what a realistic result looks like for your situation rather than an average from a study.
• If medication is appropriate, your provider explains the expected benefits, the side effects, the cost and coverage, and the alternatives, and you decide together whether to start.

Monitoring and follow-up

Weight management medication is not a one-visit treatment. Doses are started low and increased gradually, and you come back for scheduled check-ins so your provider can track your weight, blood pressure, relevant labs, side effects, and how you are tolerating the dose — and adjust, pause, or stop treatment based on what those visits show. Between visits, call the office if you have questions or new symptoms.

Side effects and risks to discuss

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal discomfort are the most common side effects of GLP-1 medications like semaglutide. They are usually worst after a dose increase and often ease over time, but they are the most common reason people stop treatment. Less common but more serious risks include inflammation of the pancreas, gallbladder problems, and kidney problems caused by dehydration from persistent vomiting or diarrhea.

These medications are not appropriate for everyone. Your provider will ask about — among other things — a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2, previous pancreatitis, a prior serious reaction to a GLP-1 medication, and whether you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy. Bring a full list of your current medications and supplements to the first visit.

Other options

Medication is one path, not the only one. Depending on what the evaluation finds, the plan may center on nutrition and activity changes, treating an underlying condition, adjusting a medication that is driving weight gain, a different class of medication, or a referral for surgical evaluation. If medication is not appropriate for you, we will say so and talk about what is.

This page is general health information about the program we offer. It is not medical advice for your situation and it is not a substitute for an evaluation. Call (513) 860-4600 to discuss whether this program fits your circumstances, and talk to your provider before starting or stopping any treatment.