Losing weight can often feel like an uphill battle. The good news is that medical advancements offer effective tools to support your weight loss journey. In St. Louis, weight loss injections like semaglutide and tirzepatide are gaining popularity for their ability to aid in significant and sustainable weight loss. This article delves into the world of STL weight loss injections, providing you with the information you need to make informed decisions about your health.
Understanding the Weight Loss Challenge
According to the National Weight Control Registry, approximately 108 million people in the United States are on diets, with each individual attempting 4-5 times per year. This highlights the ongoing struggle many face in achieving and maintaining a healthy weight. Morbid obesity affects around 220,000 people and bariatric surgery, a potential solution, can cost between $11,500 and $26,000. Obesity is also linked to increased risks of serious health issues such as diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and stroke.
The Role of Medical Weight Loss Injections
Medical weight loss is recognized as an effective approach to weight management. In St. Louis, medical professionals like Dr. at STL Medical Weight Loss specialize in weight loss services using injectable medications such as semaglutide and tirzepatide. These medications work by reducing appetite and slowing down digestion, making weight loss more manageable.
Semaglutide: A GLP-1 Receptor Agonist
Semaglutide is a cutting-edge medication that offers powerful benefits for weight loss. It mimics the action of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), a hormone that regulates appetite and food intake. Semaglutide slows down the rate at which food empties from the stomach, increases energy expenditure, and improves glycemic control by increasing insulin secretion and reducing glucagon secretion. It effectively lessens hunger, reduces food cravings, and regulates blood sugar levels.
Tirzepatide: A Dual-Action Approach
Tirzepatide is an FDA-approved drug that treats obesity and aids in weight management. It functions as both a GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) receptor and a GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonist. By activating these receptors, tirzepatide reduces food cravings and promotes a feeling of fullness for an extended period.
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Benefits of Medical Weight Loss Injections
Medical weight loss injections offer several advantages:
- Appetite Suppression: Both semaglutide and tirzepatide help reduce appetite, making it easier to consume fewer calories.
- Improved Metabolic Health: Semaglutide increases muscle sensitivity to insulin, regulating metabolism and digestion. It also reduces inflammation, resetting the body's metabolism to a healthier level.
- Non-Invasive: Unlike weight loss surgeries like bariatric surgery, these medications are non-invasive.
What to Expect From a Weight Loss Program
Initial Consultation
The first step in a personalized weight loss program is an initial consultation. At STL Medical Weight Loss, the initial visit includes a medical history review, a limited exam, and a weight assessment for $130. This visit determines if additional blood work is necessary. The provider explains how the medication works in your body and how to achieve maximum weight loss.
Personalized Plan
Dr. conducts a thorough evaluation to determine if weight loss injections are safe and effective for each patient. During the medical consultation, Dr. discusses individual goals and health history to create a customized weight loss plan.
Weekly Injections
The program is designed around weekly injections, administered on the same day each week. These injections help decrease a molecule in your body that causes hunger and stabilize insulin and glucose levels.
Blood Work
There is an option to get blood work done before the first visit to save time and potentially have the lab results available for the initial consultation.
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No Prepackaged Foods
The program does not require the purchase of prepackaged foods.
Expected Results
With a comprehensive weight management plan that includes weight loss injections, most weight loss occurs within the first 90 days of treatment. Patients can expect to lose about 15-25% of their total body weight. In clinical trials like the SURMOUNT-5 study, patients taking tirzepatide achieved an average total weight loss of up to 20.2% of their body weight, while those using semaglutide reached an average reduction of 13.7%.
Lifestyle Changes
Weight loss injections are most effective when combined with lifestyle changes, including a healthy diet and regular exercise. It's important to avoid foods high in sugar and fat, as well as alcohol, while taking tirzepatide.
Additional Options for Weight Loss
Super Lipo Injections
Super Lipo is a targeted injectable treatment designed to accelerate fat loss in stubborn areas. It delivers a specialized blend of lipotropic compounds that promote fat breakdown and boost metabolism. This treatment is particularly effective when combined with other weight loss options.
ChiroThin®
ChiroThin® is a sublingual supplement (not an injection) used in a medically supervised program. Patients using ChiroThin® can lose an average of ½-1 pound per day.
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Finding the Right Provider in St. Louis
Several clinics in St. Louis offer weight loss injections. The Health & Wellness Center, located at 9717 Landmark Parkway Dr. Ste 115, St Louis, MO, 63127, provides weight loss injections administered by Dr. Secil Schodroski.
Insurance Coverage
Weight loss programs are generally not covered by health insurance. However, personal health insurance may cover lab work. STL Medical Weight Loss does not accept health insurance for the weight loss program but does accept it for hormone replacement treatment.
Potential Side Effects
Like all medications, weight loss injections can have potential side effects. It's essential to discuss these with your healthcare provider during your consultation.
The Importance of a Holistic Approach
Losing weight is not merely about the numbers on a scale; it’s about improving your overall health and well-being. Excess weight can lead to a variety of health issues, including heart disease, diabetes, and joint pain. By shedding those extra pounds, you can improve your physical health, boost your confidence, and enhance your overall quality of life. Weight loss injections are most effective when used as part of a comprehensive weight management plan that includes healthy eating, regular exercise, and ongoing support from medical professionals.
Taking the Next Step
If you're struggling to keep weight off and are considering medical weight loss injections, the next step is to schedule a consultation with a qualified healthcare provider. During the consultation, you can discuss your weight loss goals, medical history, and any concerns you may have. The provider will assess your individual needs and determine if weight loss injections are a suitable option for you.
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