Tirzepatide Los Angeles, CA

Tirzepatide is a GIP/GLP-1 agonist. It increases insulin release after a meal and stops gluconeogenesis. It also slows the movement of food through the stomach and stimulates the brain to give a feeling of satiety.

Tirzepatide cost is dependent on whether the product is a brand name or compounded, insurance coverage, the geographic location, and dose/duration of the treatment. The average cost of the treatment is $300-$1,200.

The contraindications of Tirzepatide treatment include a family history of thyroid cancer, allergies to the active ingredient or other GLP-1s, Multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type-2 (MEN-2), gallbladder disease, and a history of pancreatitis.

No. There are different subtypes within the same GLP-1 agonist family of weight loss/diabetes medications. Ozempic is a brand name of semaglutide (generic name), and Mounjaro / Zepbound are brand names for tirzepatide (generic name). The GLP-1 family of medications all control blood sugar as well as appetite, but can respond differently for each individual.

Yes, tirzepatide can be used for weight loss, particularly in those with obesity of >30 BMI, or >27 BMI plus certain health conditions. However, it is very important to consult with our experienced providers for a tailored and adapted treatment plan.

Those who have a personal or family history of thyroid cancer, certain endocrine tumors, liver or kidney conditions, or severe digestive issues should avoid it. Always check with an expert before taking prescription-strength medications.

It’s possible, but clinical trials show that average weight loss can be up to 4% after one month and 6% after two months. However, the weight loss experienced by Mounjaro (tirzepatide) patients varies depending on dosage, health conditions, and lifestyle factors such as diet and physical activity.

By lowering sugar levels, tirzepatide can have a protective effect on the kidneys in those with high blood sugar/diabetes. However, the effects of appetite suppression and upset stomach, such as vomiting and diarrhea, can also lead to reduced water intake, dehydration, and hence injury to the kidneys. Other causes for possible kidney damage have not been identified yet. Make sure to stay hydrated while on tirzepatide and be monitored by an experienced provider.

In three months, people typically lose about 10-15% of their body weight. We emphasize that this is an average, as the actual amount depends on dosage, health conditions, and lifestyle factors such as diet and physical activity. We recommend that the goal should be a slow weight loss, as fast weight loss can cause hair loss and skin laxity issues.

Some insurance plans cover tirzepatide, especially if it’s prescribed for diabetes, high blood sugar levels, or obesity level of weight status. Coverage varies, so it’s best to check with your provider or your insurance.

Research indicates that stopping GLP-1 weight reduction medications, such as Mounjaro or Zepbound, could lead to weight gain, with some individuals regaining up to 12-15% of their initial weight. The positive effects of Mounjaro or Zepbound can also diminish after it is stopped, as a rise in appetite may cause some to return to their old eating habits.

Tirzepatide is still relatively new, with no long-term studies. For now, some discontinue the medication once they have achieved their goal and try to manage maintenance with diet and exercise. Others however, continue the medication ongoing, sometimes at a lower dose or frequency.

Yes, Ozempic can help reduce belly fat, including the visceral fat that surrounds abdominal organs (underneath the belly muscle layer). However, your mountain location of the fat loss vary from person to person.

Best to keep alcohol intake to a minimum due to its ability to cause blood sugar fluctuations, which can cause hypoglycemia. Also important to stay away from fast food, fried meals, processed foods, sugary drinks, or foods void of nutritious ingredients such as fiber, vitamins, proteins, and healthy fats. On the flip side, also avoid being too restrictive on food and water intake as it can cause electrolyte imbalance and dehydration.

The best candidates that get the most benefit over risk for appetite are those with diabetes and/or those with obesity of BMI>30 or weight gain that is resulting in medical issues such as high blood pressure  (BMI>27).  Purely cosmetic weight loss is a gray zone because there is no FDA approval, but if it is improving the patient’s emotional and psychological well-being, it can still be a valid off-label benefit that may outweigh the risks (known or unknown). 

Factors that may be preventing you from losing belly fat while using tirzepatide (Mounjaro) include time and persistence (it takes time to lose fat around the abdomen), under-dosage (having excessive calorie intake even if from healthy foods), absence of physical activity, high stress or sleep deprivation (leading to increased cortisol), and many other possibilities. Please visit one of our specialized providers for an assessment. 

Discontinuation of tirzepatide (ie, Mounjaro or Zepbound)  will cause your appetite to return, which could result in weight re-gain. Your blood sugar levels may also start to rise again. In other words, your body will return to how it was before you started taking the medication unless you consciously make an effort to control your dietary habits and exercise to maintain the same amount of caloric intake/expenditure as when you were taking tirzepatide. 

The best injection site for tirzepatide is subcutaneously under the skin of the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. It’s a good idea to rotate their sites to avoid irritation.

10-15% of patients in tirzepatide clinical trials had elevated liver enzymes, showing the possibility of a negative impact on the liver. However, these effects seem to be mild and reversible when they occur. Studies also show that tirzepatide can potentially decrease liver fat content due to its weight loss effects, possibly improving conditions like fatty liver disease.  Hence. It’s important to monitor patients while taking tirzepatide. 

Hair loss is a common temporary side effect of rapid, significant weight loss, regardless of cause.  Hence, it can be a side effect associated with tirzepatide. 

One of the vitamins to take while using tirzepatide is Vitamin B12, as it plays a key role in fat metabolism, aids in energy production and neurological function, and may improve weight loss.  Vitamin D promotes bone and immunological health and hence may work well with tirzepatide. A multivitamin with omega-3 and a healthy, nutritious diet full of natural fibers, proteins, and fresh vitamins (found in fruits) are also great for overall well-being. 

The  “better” medication between Ozempic and Mounjaro depends on your individual needs and goals. Mounjaro’s active ingredient, tirzepatide, is known to target both GLP-1 and GIP receptors, which seems to be more effective than Ozempic’s active ingredient (semiglutide), which only targets GLP-1 receptors, great for certain conditions. The FDA does not compare medication efficacies and only gives approvals of indications that are researched and submitted to them for each drug. However, other clinical trials and anecdotal experience show tirzepatide to have more weight loss results with fewer side effects compared to semaglutide (brand name Ozempic).