Medical Weight Loss with GLP-1 THERAPIES
Welcome to your personal weight-loss support
At MetroWest Medical Wellness we offer evidence-based medical weight-loss programs, including the use of GLP-1 medications when appropriate. Obesity is a chronic metabolic condition, and the latest science supports tailored medical therapies to improve weight and health outcomes.
What Are GLP-1 Medications?
GLP-1 stands for glucagon-like peptide-1, a hormone produced in the gut that helps regulate appetite, glucose levels, and digestion. GLP-1 receptor agonists are medications that mimic this hormone’s action to:
- Increase feelings of fullness
- Reduce hunger and calorie intake
- Improve blood sugar control
These effects make them effective tools in long-term weight management when paired with lifestyle interventions.
Common medications used for weight loss include:
- Wegovy® (semaglutide)
- Zepbound® (tirzepatide)
- Ozempic® (semaglutide) – often prescribed off-label for weight loss
These drugs are typically administered as weekly injections, with newer oral options under development.
How glp-1s work
GLP-1 medications act on the brain and digestive system to:
- Slow gastric emptying (making you feel full longer)
- Reduce appetite and cravings
- Improve insulin sensitivity and glucose regulation
They were originally developed for diabetes care but have shown significant weight-loss benefits in adults with obesity.
Clinical Outcomes & Evidence
Research shows that GLP-1 therapies can lead to meaningful weight loss:
- Tirzepatide (Zepbound) has demonstrated up to ~22–25% body weight reduction
in clinical trials. - Semaglutide (Wegovy) has been associated with average weight loss near 15% of body weight over ~68 weeks.
- Real-world studies suggest results may vary depending on dose, persistence, and individual response.
However, most data are from 12–24-month studies, and weight regain often occurs
once medication is stopped, reinforcing the importance of long-term lifestyle change.
Potential Side effects
GLP-1 therapies are generally well tolerated but may cause side effects, including:
Common (usually mild/moderate)
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation
- Abdominal discomfort
- Reduced appetite
These effects often improve with gradual dose increases.
Less Common / More Serious (rare):
- Gallbladder disease or gallstones
- Pancreatitis
- Significant GI symptoms requiring medical attention
- Potential interactions with other medications
- Regular monitoring helps ensure safety and prompt management of any concerns.
Recent regulatory reviews clarified that suicidal ideation warnings have been removed from many GLP-1 labels after evaluation of large clinical trial data, highlighting ongoing efforts to refine safety messaging.
Insurance & Coverage reality
Insurance coverage for GLP-1 weight-loss medications varies widely:
- Many plans do not cover obesity treatments even with a prescription.
- Some insurers have tightened criteria or discontinued coverage entirely.
- Medicare currently does not cover obesity drugs like Wegovy for weight loss outside specific cardiovascular indications.
If your insurance denies coverage, we can assist with appeals based on medical necessity when appropriate.
Self-Pay & Cost Saving options
For patients whose insurance does not cover GLP-1 medications, several options may help make therapy affordable:
1) Manufacturer Direct Programs
Many pharmaceutical manufacturers offer discounted self-pay pricing:
- Novo Nordisk may provide Wegovy at reduced rates for qualifying patients.
- Eli Lilly’s LillyDirect programs offer savings on tirzepatide pens when paid out-of-pocket.
2) Drug Discount Cards & Pharmacy Savings
Prescription savings tools (e.g., GoodRx, single-source discount cards) may significantly reduce monthly costs compared to standard retail pricing.
3) Emerging Lower-Cost Options
New oral weight-loss medications expected to launch soon may offer effective alternatives at reduced cost (e.g., ~$149/month range).
Our team can help identify current pricing and savings programs tailored to your regimen.
What We Offer
At MetroWest Medical Wellness we provide:
- Personalized weight-loss assessments
- Medication selection and dosing guidance
- Ongoing medical monitoring and side-effect management
- Support for lifestyle modifications (diet, activity, behavior)
- Insurance support and cost-saving guidance
We are committed to helping you achieve sustainable weight and health goals safely and effectively.
Ready to Get Started?
Schedule your consultation today, and let us help you explore if GLP-1-based medical weight-loss therapy is right for you.
DISCLAIMER
*By submitting this form you agree to be contacted by Metrowest Medical Wellness and receive marketing messages via phone, text or email. You can unsubscribe from these communications at any time. We commit to protecting and respecting your privacy. For more information, please review our Privacy Policy
*Results may vary. We are reputable for complete customer satisfaction for completed treatments. Before and after images reflect real results from real patients, although individual results may vary. No treatment is promised to provide permanent results. A guarantee is neither provided nor implied. Statements estimating treatment duration and the number of treatments required are based on the typical experience or our patients, however individual experiences may vary.