FDA-approved medicines only
We prescribe FDA-approved, brand-name GLP-1 medicines only, filled at your regular pharmacy. We do not prescribe compounded versions.
What are GLP-1 medicines?
They are weekly injections that copy natural hormones which control appetite and blood sugar. You feel full sooner and stay full longer, which makes it easier to eat less. Medicines in this group include:
- Semaglutide: Wegovy for weight loss, and Ozempic for type 2 diabetes
- Tirzepatide: Zepbound for weight loss, and Mounjaro for type 2 diabetes
Some also have other approved uses. Wegovy can lower the risk of heart attack and stroke in adults with heart disease and excess weight, and Zepbound is approved for moderate to severe sleep apnea in adults with obesity.
Who may qualify?
Adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more, or 27 or more with a weight-related condition such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol or sleep apnea. Dr. Singh will look at your whole health to decide if a GLP-1 medicine is right for you.
Who should not take them?
- Anyone with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer, or a condition called MEN 2
- Women who are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning a pregnancy
- People with certain other conditions, such as a history of pancreatitis, need extra care. We'll go over your history with you.
How we help
- A full medical visit first: your history, medicines, blood pressure and weight, plus lab tests.
- Starting low and going slow: the dose is increased gradually to limit side effects.
- Managing side effects: nausea, constipation or diarrhea are common at first and usually improve. We help you manage them.
- Regular follow-up: to check your progress, adjust the dose and adjust other medicines, since diabetes and blood pressure medicines often need changing as you lose weight.
- Food, activity and muscle: eating enough protein and staying active helps protect your muscle while you lose weight.
- Insurance help: coverage for these medicines varies a lot between plans. Some cover them only for certain conditions, and some not at all. We'll help you check yours before you start.
Results vary from person to person, and GLP-1 medicines work best alongside healthy eating and activity. They are part of our medical weight loss program.
Frequently asked questions
Do you prescribe compounded semaglutide or tirzepatide?
No. We prescribe FDA-approved, brand-name GLP-1 medicines only.
Will my insurance cover Wegovy or Zepbound?
It depends on your plan. Some plans cover them for weight loss, some only for certain conditions such as diabetes, heart disease or sleep apnea, and some not at all. We'll help you check your coverage.
What happens if I stop the medicine?
Many people regain some weight after stopping. We'll talk about a long-term plan, including healthy habits that help you keep the weight off.
Do I need to see the doctor in person?
Yes, for your first visit, so we can examine you and order lab tests. Some follow-up visits can be done by televisit when appropriate.