Medical Weight Loss in Houston & San Antonio, TX
DermaTouch RN offers medical weight loss for men and women in Houston, San Antonio, Spring and Cypress, as well as the surrounding areas of Texas. We are the largest aesthetic practice in the Houston area, and all our medical spa treatments are performed by a team of nurse practitioners, registered nurses, and aestheticians who receive continuing education to remain abreast of emerging treatments that benefit our patients.
What is Wegovy® (Semaglutide)?
Wegovy® (containing the active ingredient Semaglutide) is the active ingredient in FDA-approved medications like Ozempic, known for aiding weight management. It’s a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist that mimics a naturally occurring hormone in your intestines. Wegovy helps your body regulate appetite and blood sugar levels while enhancing weight loss by targeting key areas of your metabolism.
How Does Wegovy Work for Weight Management?
When administered, Wegovy activates GLP-1 receptors found in the pancreas, stomach, and brain, which play a crucial role in metabolic regulation. This activation helps stimulate the pancreas to release insulin after eating, improving blood sugar control. In addition, semaglutide slows down gastric emptying, meaning food stays in the stomach for a longer period, leading to a prolonged sense of fullness.
By targeting the appetite-regulating centers in the brain, Wegovy reduces hunger signals, making it easier to control portion sizes. This combination of effects promotes a sense of satisfaction after meals, helping to curb overeating and snacking. Ultimately, these processes contribute to a natural reduction in overall caloric intake, which supports sustainable weight loss.
What is Zepbound® (Tirzepatide)?
Zepbound® (containing the active ingredient tirzepatide) is an FDA-approved injectable medication specifically designed to help adults with obesity or weight-related medical conditions lose weight. Tirzepatide is distinct because it is a dual-action medication: it acts as both a glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor agonist and a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. By mimicking these two naturally occurring gut hormones, Zepbound helps regulate appetite, digestion, and blood sugar for more effective weight management.
How Does Zepbound Work for Weight Management?
When administered, Zepbound works by activating both glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptors that are present in the pancreas, stomach, and brain. By engaging this dual pathway, Zepbound helps suppress appetite by acting on areas of the brain responsible for regulating hunger, which can significantly reduce cravings and promote a longer-lasting sense of fullness after eating. The medication also delays gastric emptying, allowing food to remain in the stomach for a longer period. This prolongs satiety and helps control overeating. Furthermore, by stimulating the pancreas, Zepbound enhances insulin secretion in response to meals, improving blood sugar control. These combined mechanisms naturally lead to reduced overall caloric intake, ultimately supporting steady and sustainable weight loss.
Body Mass Index
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a widely used measure to assess body weight relative to height and categorize individuals as underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese.
While BMI serves as a useful screening tool, its relationship with overall wellness is complex. Higher BMI levels are often associated with increased risks of chronic conditions such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and reduced physical quality of life, though mental health impacts may vary by individual and demographic factors. Losing weight can significantly improve health and wellness by reducing the risk of such chronic conditions while also enhancing energy levels, mobility, and overall quality of life.
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The Benefits of Medical Weight Loss
Our medically supervised weight loss program offers several key benefits:
- Sustained Weight Loss
- Improved Health
- Expert Support
- Regulate Appetite
- Better Blood Sugar Control
The Medical Weight Loss Process
Our comprehensive weight loss program combines medical expertise with personalized support to help you achieve lasting results. You’ll have access to leading prescription medications like Wegovy® and Zepbound®, which are prescribed by your provider and delivered to your home, alongside ongoing individualized guidance through monthly clinic or virtual visits with our nurse practitioners. The program also includes monthly B-12 or Lipo-B12 injections to boost energy and metabolism, and, upon reaching your goal weight, you’ll be rewarded with two complimentary CoolTone treatments to help tone and strengthen your physique.
To ensure you’re progressing safely and effectively, we provide quarterly Styku body composition scans so you can see your transformation using real data, not just the scale. Comprehensive lab work is also repeated every six months and included in your membership, giving you peace of mind and ensuring your treatment stays tailored to your needs. With our holistic approach, you’ll receive the tools, oversight, and encouragement you need to successfully lose weight and maintain your healthiest self.
Side Effects and Symptoms
Like any medication, semaglutide may cause some side effects. The most common ones include:
- Nausea
- Stomach pain
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
These side effects are typically mild and tend to decrease as your body adjusts. To manage any discomfort, we suggest eating smaller, more frequent meals, staying hydrated, and avoiding rich, spicy, or greasy foods.
Am I a Candidate for Medical Weight Loss?
Candidates for DermaTouch RN’s medical weight loss program need to meet specific criteria to ensure the approach is safe and effective for their health goals. Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 to 65 with a body mass index (BMI) between 25 and 35. They should have no history of Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes and aim to achieve a weight loss goal of 10 to 25 pounds.
When Will I See the Results?
While individual experiences may vary, many patients start to see noticeable results within a few weeks of starting semaglutide. As your body responds to the medication, you may notice a reduction in appetite and a natural decrease in calorie intake, which leads to gradual weight loss. Remember that sustainable weight loss is a journey, and we are here to support you every step of the way.
Why Choose DTRN’s Medical Weight Loss Program?
At DermaTouch RN, we take a personalized approach to weight loss. Our team of experts is dedicated to providing you with the tools and support you need to achieve your goals.
Our program is designed to help you reset habits and take control of your weight, with consistent check-ins and adjustments to keep you on track. To start, schedule your consultation today and take the first step towards achieving the body you’ve always wanted.
Frequently Asked Questions about Medical Weight Loss
Will I be required to follow a specific, pre-packaged meal plan, or can I eat my own food?
How do Wegovy (Semaglutide) and Zepbound (Tirzepatide) work to help me lose weight?
What kind of diagnostic testing is done before I start the weight loss medication?
Will I need to come into the office every week for my injections?
Are there specific side effects I should watch for when starting Wegovy (Semaglutide) or Zepbound (Tirzepatide)?
How does the program help prevent the "rebound" weight gain often seen with dieting?
Can I continue this program if I have underlying conditions like PCOS or hypothyroidism?
Does the program include any "fat-burning" or B12 injections in addition to the weight loss medication?
What happens if I hit a "plateau" in my weight loss progress?
How fast can I expect to see results once I start the medication?
Will the provider help me transition off the medication once I reach my goal weight?
Are there any specific foods or drinks I must avoid while on these medications?
For more than 10 years, the team of nurse practitioners, registered nurses, and aestheticians at DermaTouch RN has been providing excellence for men and women in Houston, San Antonio, Spring and Cypress and nearby communities in Texas. We are one of the top 25 practices providing Allergan products, and strive to give each patient natural anti-aging results. Our approach is why we have one of the highest retention rates in the Houston area, and our reviews demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach. To learn more about our practice and schedule a consultation for our medical spa services, contact us today.
