GLP-1 and GIP agonist injectables, including semaglutide (Ozempic®, Wegovy®) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro®, Zepbound™), have transformed evidence-based medical weight loss, achieving up to 20% body weight reduction in clinical trials. Rapid weight loss can lead to aesthetic changes such as skin laxity and facial volume loss, making a multidisciplinary approach essential. All medical weight loss and aesthetic procedures at Cosmetic Injectables Center Medspa are physician-supervised by Dr. Sherly Soleiman, MD, a board-certified expert and national leader in medical aesthetics.
GLP-1 and GIP Agonists: Mechanism and Medical Weight Loss
How GLP-1 and GIP Agonists Work
GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) and GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) agonists are injectable medications that mimic natural gut hormones. They:
- Suppress appetite and slow gastric emptying
- Increase insulin secretion and reduce glucagon
- Promote sustained weight loss by reducing caloric intake and improving metabolic function
Tirzepatide acts as a dual GLP-1/GIP agonist, while semaglutide is a selective GLP-1 agonist.
FDA Approval and Regulatory Status
- Semaglutide: Approved by the FDA for chronic weight management as Wegovy® (2021) and for type 2 diabetes as Ozempic® (2017).
- Tirzepatide: Approved for type 2 diabetes as Mounjaro® (2022) and for chronic weight management as Zepbound™ (2023).
- The FDA cautions against unapproved compounded versions due to safety and efficacy risks. Only use FDA-approved, pharmacy-dispensed medications (FDA Guidance).
Clinical Efficacy: Semaglutide vs. Tirzepatide
Weight Loss Outcomes
- Tirzepatide: Up to 22.5% body weight loss in clinical trials (NEJM 2022, 2025), with a mean of -19.3% at 72 weeks in recent head-to-head studies (NEJM 2025).
- Semaglutide: 15–18% body weight loss in STEP trials, with sustained results over 4 years (Nature Medicine 2024).
Safety and Side Effects
- Both medications are associated with gastrointestinal side effects (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea), typically transient.
- Tirzepatide may have a slightly better tolerability profile for GI events (NEJM 2025).
- FDA-approved products have established safety; compounded versions are not recommended (FDA 2025).
Comparative Table: Semaglutide vs. Tirzepatide
| Feature | Semaglutide (Ozempic®, Wegovy®) | Tirzepatide (Mounjaro®, Zepbound™) |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | GLP-1 agonist | Dual GLP-1/GIP agonist |
| FDA Approval | Obesity, T2D | Obesity, T2D |
| Typical Weight Loss | 15–18% (STEP trials) | 19–22.5% (SURMOUNT, NEJM 2025) |
| Dosing | Weekly injection | Weekly injection |
| Brand Names | Ozempic®, Wegovy® | Mounjaro®, Zepbound™ |
| Key Side Effects | GI symptoms, rare pancreatitis | GI symptoms, rare pancreatitis |
| Muscle Mass Preservation | Moderate | Slightly better (meta-analysis) |
| Aesthetic Considerations | Facial volume loss, skin laxity | Similar, but less muscle loss |
| FDA Guidance | Only use approved formulations | Only use approved formulations |
Aesthetic Implications of Rapid Weight Loss
Common Aesthetic Changes
- Facial Volume Loss (“Ozempic Face”): Rapid fat loss can cause hollowing of cheeks, temples, and under-eye areas.
- Skin Laxity: Loss of subcutaneous fat and rapid weight reduction may result in loose skin on the face, neck, abdomen, and arms.
- Body Composition: Preserving muscle mass is critical to minimize sagging and maintain healthy contours (PMC Meta-Analysis 2025).
Scientific Recommendations
- Combining GLP-1/GIP agonists with medical aesthetic procedures can address volume loss and skin laxity (PubMed 2024).
- Muscle-preserving strategies (e.g., resistance training, EMSCULPT NEO®) are recommended during weight loss.
Medical Aesthetic Procedure Options at Cosmetic Injectables Center Medspa
Non-Surgical Facial Volume Restoration
- Dermal Fillers: Restore lost facial volume in cheeks, temples, jawline, and under-eyes. Options include Juvéderm®, Restylane®, RHA®, Sculptra®, and Radiesse®.
- Undereye Fillers: Address hollowness and dark circles from fat loss.
- SKINVIVE™ by JUVÉDERM®: Enhances skin hydration and smoothness.
Skin Tightening and Body Contouring
- Morpheus8: Radiofrequency microneedling for skin tightening and collagen stimulation.
- PDO Threads: Minimally invasive thread lifting for sagging skin.
- EMSCULPT NEO®: Non-surgical muscle building and fat reduction to support body composition during weight loss.
- Sculptra Butt Lift: Restores volume and contour to the buttocks after significant weight loss.
Regenerative and Supportive Therapies
- PRP, PRF, Exosomes: Stimulate collagen, improve skin quality, and support tissue regeneration.
- IV Therapy & Vitamin Injections: Support metabolic health and recovery during weight loss.
Physician-Supervised Medical Weight Loss
- Semaglutide and Tirzepatide: Offered as part of a comprehensive, physician-led program with ongoing monitoring for safety and efficacy.
- All patients receive a Good Faith Exam and individualized care plan under Dr. Soleiman’s supervision.
Safety, Regulatory Guidance, and Patient Selection
- Only FDA-approved, pharmacy-dispensed semaglutide and tirzepatide are used. Compounded or unapproved versions are not recommended due to contamination and efficacy risks (FDA 2025).
- Not all patients are candidates; a thorough medical evaluation is required.
- Ongoing monitoring for side effects, muscle mass, and aesthetic changes is standard.
Why Choose Cosmetic Injectables Center Medspa?
- Physician-Led Expertise: Dr. Sherly Soleiman, MD, is a board-certified physician, national faculty trainer, and clinical trial investigator in medical aesthetics and weight management (AMA Profile).
- Certified Team: All injectors and providers are certified experts with advanced training in both weight loss and aesthetic procedures.
- Comprehensive Care: Integrated protocols address both medical weight loss and aesthetic outcomes for optimal patient satisfaction.
- Safety and Transparency: Every patient receives a Good Faith Exam, informed consent, and ongoing supervision.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are GLP-1 and GIP agonist injectables?
They are prescription medications (semaglutide, tirzepatide) that mimic gut hormones to reduce appetite and support weight loss.
How much weight can I expect to lose?
Clinical trials show average weight loss of 15–22% of body weight, but individual results vary.
Are these medications FDA-approved for weight loss?
Yes, semaglutide (Wegovy®) and tirzepatide (Zepbound™) are FDA-approved for chronic weight management.
What are the main side effects?
The most common are gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea), which are usually temporary.
Can rapid weight loss affect my appearance?
Yes, significant weight loss can cause facial volume loss and skin laxity, which may be addressed with medical aesthetic treatments.
Is compounded semaglutide or tirzepatide safe?
No, the FDA warns against unapproved compounded versions due to contamination and efficacy risks.
How do you address “Ozempic face” or loose skin?
We offer dermal fillers, skin tightening, and regenerative therapies to restore volume and improve skin quality.
Who is a candidate for GLP-1/GIP agonist therapy?
Adults with obesity or overweight and related health conditions, after a thorough medical evaluation.
How is the program supervised?
All care is overseen by Dr. Sherly Soleiman, MD, with ongoing monitoring and individualized protocols.
What other treatments support weight loss and aesthetics?
Options include EMSCULPT NEO®, Morpheus8, PDO threads, PRP, and vitamin injections for comprehensive care.