Medical Weight Loss
Make an investment in your health today!
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What is medical weight loss?
More than one in three adults in the U.S. are considered to have medical obesity. Having a higher weight can increase the risk of a variety of health problems, leading to an increased risk of diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and depression.
Understanding how to lose weight can seem daunting, but collaborating with a medical provider on a weight loss plan can provide an ideal way to lose weight and maintain it. Our experienced and caring professionals will empower, encourage, and mentor you towards your goals.
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Is Medical Weight Loss right for me?
Are you an adult who has serious health problems because of your weight? Have you tried diet and exercise but haven’t been able to lose enough weight? If you answered yes to these questions, a prescription weight-loss drug may be an option for you.
You should know, however, that prescription weight-loss drugs are used in addition to – not instead of – diet and exercise. Before selecting a medicine for you, we will consider your medical history, current medications and health challenges. Then the provider will discuss the pros and cons of prescription weight-loss drugs. We realize that you know your body better than we do, and therefore any decision made will be mutual and respectful of your wishes.
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Weight loss Medications
Weight loss medication may be prescribed to help complement the weight loss diet and exercise. Your Nurse Practitioner will monitor you carefully if you are using these medications to ensure you are healthy while taking them. Specific blood work is ordered to ensure safety. Patients are very closely monitored and regular follow up visits are required monthly.
Medical Weight Loss Consultation
Consultation includes provider visit with exam, labs if needed, and plan development.
Semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy), Tirzepitide (Mounjaro), Phentermine, Contrave, and other medications available based on APRN recommendations.
Monthly fees cover your provider visit, prescription medication, education, and supplies.
Monthly visits required, and a 3 month commitment is necessary for the program.
Have questions? Email info@lunawellnessct.com
Our most asked questions about Semaglutide and tirzepitide, our most effective weight loss medication…
During your weight loss consultation, your Luna provider will work with you to develop a plan that will best suit your needs. There are many paths, and you ultimately choose the path that fits best for you. Medical weight loss is a rapidly growing specialty and new regimens are always coming to market. Your Luna team will bring you the safest and most effective weight loss medications and treatment plans.
*DISCLAIMER: WE CANNOT GUARANTEE SPECIFIC RESULTS AND YOUR RESULTS CAN VARY. NO INDIVIDUAL RESULT SHOULD BE SEEN AS TYPICAL.
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Semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) and tirzepitide (Mounjaro) a member of a class of drugs that have been used for diabetes management for over a decade - GLP1-RAs (glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists). The weight loss effects of these agents have been known for some time, however, they appears to be the "best-in-class" GLP-1 RA for weight loss and was recently approved for weight loss by the FDA.
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Semaglutide and tirzepitide mimic the effect of "feeling full" resulting in a decreased caloric intake. The medications will delay gastric emptying by reducing glucagon secretion in a glucose-dependent manner. The delay in gastric emptying can reduce appetite, improve control of eating, and reduce food cravings.
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It is a once-weekly subcutaneous injection. While some of you may be afraid of injections, these are actually quite straightforward injections with a VERY SMALL needle into the abdominal area (like insulin injections). There are big advantages to the once-weekly dosing - you don’t have to remember your medications and it is working 24/7 suppressing your appetite without the stimulant effects of typical weight loss medication.
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Most common side effects are: nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, stomach (abdomen) pain, headache, tiredness (fatigue), upset stomach, dizziness, feeling bloated, belching, gas, stomach flu, and heartburn. Note that most of these are manageable by proper dosing and some overlap with the intended effect of "feeling full".
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There are qualifications for GLP-1 medications for obesity treatment:
A BMI over 30 and no weight-related complications
A BMI over 27 with weight-related complications
You can check your BMI here.
If your BMI does not quite meet those numbers, you may still qualify if your body composition determined in the office shows excess fat.
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There are rare situations where a GLP-1 medication is contraindicated. Patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or in patients with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2) should not take Semaglutide or tirzepitide.
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Semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) and tirzepitide (Mounjaro) are not covered by most Medicare and insurance plans for weight loss, but manufacturer and pharmacy coupons can help offset the cost. It currently is very expensive (approx. $1300 a month) without insurance coverage.
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We have access to semaglutide and tirzepitide from a FDA approved pharmacy for on-going use and can obtain the medication for an affordable price. Payment monthly is REQUIRED due to product cost. THE PROGRAM PRICE INCLUDES THE MEDICATION AND MONTHLY VISITS/WEIGH-INS. We DO accept HSA plans, but we do not bill insurance for payment.