Achieving a healthy weight is more than just fitting into smaller clothes; it's about overall well-being. In Buckhead, Atlanta, various clinics offer comprehensive weight loss programs tailored to individual needs. These programs often incorporate medical supervision, personalized treatment plans, and high-quality formulations to help individuals achieve and maintain a healthier body weight.
Medical Weight Loss: A Supervised Approach
Medical weight loss provides a structured and supervised approach, guided by healthcare experts. Doctors use evidence-based strategies and weight loss medications to assist individuals in achieving and maintaining a healthier weight.
The Importance of Medical Oversight
A medical weight loss program starts with a comprehensive assessment of your overall health, including medical history, medications, and any underlying medical conditions that may impact weight loss efforts. If eligible, a provider will create a tailored weight loss program to fit your goals.
Personalized Treatment Plans
Weight loss clinics offer personalized treatment plans to fit individual goals, potentially including medications, physical activity, and lifestyle changes. These plans help you keep the weight off for good.
High-Quality Formulations
Weight loss clinics use the highest-quality weight loss medications accompanied with evidence-based strategies.
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GLP-1 Medications and Peptide Therapy
Some clinics incorporate GLP-1 medications and peptide therapy into their weight loss programs.
GLP-1 Receptor Agonists
GLP-1 (glucagon-like-peptide-1) receptor agonists mimic the GLP-1 hormone, which regulates hunger and food intake. GLP-1 suppresses the hormone glucagon to prevent feelings of hunger and delays gastric emptying, therefore making you feel more satisfied after a meal.
A recent study of 1,961 people with a BMI over 30 who did not have diabetes found that GLP-1 injections combined with exercise resulted in a mean decrease in body weight of 14.9% over 68 weeks, while the placebo group saw only a 2.4% mean decrease in weight. Another study found that GLP-1, when combined with behavioral therapy and a low-calorie diet, provided even more significant weight loss.
GLP-1 is often prescribed to men and women who have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or higher, or individuals with a BMI of 27 or higher that is accompanied by high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, or other health conditions that can make weight loss difficult.
Benefits of GLP-1 Injections
GLP-1 injections offer many benefits to qualified candidates, including:
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- Significantly reducing weight when combined with changes in diet and exercise
- Providing consistent, safe weight loss over an extended period of time
- Diminished risk of heart and cardiovascular disease upon achieving a healthy weight
- Helping you to look and feel healthier
- Requiring only one injection per week
It often is not until 4 or more weeks on a dose of 0.5 mg that patients will start to see a decline in weight. It’s possible that some individuals might not notice weight loss until close to 6 weeks.
Studies have shown that GLP-1 is most effective when combined with exercise and changes in diet. Therefore, the exact amount of time someone might need to receive this treatment will depend on current health conditions (if any) and if exercise and dietary changes can be adopted permanently to maintain an ideal weight.
Possible side effects can include headache, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, dizziness, changes in mood, constipation or diarrhea, heartburn, and bloating. While rare, more severe side effects can include pancreatitis, allergic reactions, kidney damage, gallstones, and others.
Peptide Therapy
Peptides are short-chain amino acids connected with a peptide bond.
Ozempic for Weight Loss
Ozempic (semaglutide) is a medication initially approved by the FDA to manage type 2 diabetes. It helps regulate blood sugar by stimulating insulin production. Clinical studies have shown that patients taking Ozempic can lose up to 15% of their body weight over a year. Wegovy, another drug based on the same active ingredient, is officially prescribed to fight obesity.
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How Ozempic Promotes Weight Loss
Ozempic is an analog of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). It mimics the hormone produced in the intestines after meals, helping regulate both blood sugar and appetite. Ozempic works to support effective weight loss by:
- Appetite reduction: Ozempic affects the part of the brain that is responsible for feeling hungry, helping you feel satiety longer after eating and reduces the desire to snack.
- Slowing digestion: Ozempic slows down the process of gastric emptying, making you feel satiety for a longer period of time.
- Decreased sugar production in the liver: Ozempic reduces the amount of sugar the liver releases into the bloodstream, helping to stabilize sugar levels.
When Will You See Results From Ozempic?
When starting Ozempic, the initial dose is kept low for the first 4 weeks to allow your body to adjust. During this time, you may not notice significant changes in your blood sugar levels, but many patients start seeing subtle improvements, such as a reduced appetite. It typically takes about 4-5 weeks for the medication to reach stable levels in your body.
The full benefits of Ozempic usually appear after about 8 weeks of consistent use. By this point, your doctor will likely check your hemoglobin A1C to assess your average blood glucose levels over the past few months. If your results aren't hitting the target, your doctor may adjust the dosage. Keep in mind, however, that everyone’s body responds to treatment differently. Some patients may see more gradual or less noticeable effects over time.
How Effective is Ozempic?
Ozempic is considered one of the most effective weight control medications. In clinical trials, patients taking Ozempic and following a diet and physical activity regimen lost up to 15% of their body weight in a year. These results can be comparable to bariatric surgery, making Ozempic an important alternative for those seeking non-invasive weight loss methods.
Maintaining Weight Loss with Ozempic
To maintain weight loss achieved with Ozempic, continuous treatment is essential. Studies show that about two-thirds of the weight lost can be regained within a year of stopping taking it. However, a 2024 study showed that people who took Ozempic for four years were able to maintain a weight loss of 10%. The conclusion is simple: to maintain the weight achieved, it is important to take Ozempic regularly and for a long period of time, just like any other remedy to control chronic diseases.
Are You Eligible for Ozempic?
The first step is calculating your Body Mass Index (BMI).
- BMI of 30 or higher: This indicates obesity, and you may qualify for Ozempic to support your weight loss goals.
- BMI of 27 or higher: If your BMI falls in this range and you’re also dealing with weight-related health conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, or heart disease, Ozempic might be prescribed to help manage your weight and improve your health.
Who Should Avoid Ozempic?
If any of the following apply to you, Ozempic may not be the right choice:
- History of Pancreatitis: Ozempic can potentially aggravate this condition, making it unsafe to use.
- Kidney Problems: People with kidney failure or severe kidney dysfunction should avoid Ozempic, as it may worsen kidney function.
- Diabetic Retinopathy: Ozempic has been shown to potentially worsen retinal conditions.
- Thyroid Tumors: If you have a family history of thyroid tumors or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome (MEN2), Ozempic should not be prescribed.
Tests Needed Before Starting Ozempic
Before beginning treatment with Ozempic, several essential tests are required:
- A1C Blood Tests: Measures your average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months.
- Kidney Function Tests: Blood and urine tests will help detect any existing kidney problems.
- Cardiac Evaluation: Recommended for patients with a history or risk of cardiovascular disease.
Can I Buy Ozempic Without a Prescription?
No, Ozempic cannot be purchased without a prescription.
Is Ozempic Covered by Insurance?
Most insurance plans do not cover Ozempic for weight loss. There is an alternative called Wegovy, which is specifically designed for weight management. However, many insurance companies still don’t cover Wegovy for weight loss either. Some private insurance plans might offer coverage, but they often require pre-approval from your provider.
How to Take Ozempic
Ozempic is administered once a week using a syringe pen. It is usual to start with a low dose of 0.25 mg for the first 4 weeks to get your body used to the drug and reduce the risk of side effects. After 4 weeks, the dose is increased to 0.5 mg, and at this stage the drug begins to have a therapeutic effect. If necessary, the doctor can increase the dose to 1 or 2 mg, depending on the body's response. The treatment regimen can be adjusted individually. If the side effects are expressed too strongly, the doctor can extend the initial dosage stage or slowly increase the dose. In patients with comorbidities, changes in the scheme are possible. The main thing is to adhere to the schedule and not to miss injections, as this affects the effectiveness of treatment. Ozempik can be administered at any time of the day, with or without food.
Side Effects of Ozempic
Side effects most often occur in the initial stages of treatment, when the body is just getting used to the drug. Over time, many of them become less severe. Some side effects, such as nausea or diarrhea, may be temporary and go away after the dose is increased. In rare cases, there are more serious complications that require a doctor's supervision.
| Side Effect | Frequency | When It Occurs | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nausea | 16%-20% | Early stages | Usually decreases over time. Common side effect. |
| Vomiting | 5%-9% | Early stages | Occurs during the first few weeks. Decreases with adaptation. |
| Diarrhea | 8%-9% | Early stages | Resolves over time. |
| Stomach Pain | 6%-7% | Early stages | Can vary in intensity. |
| Constipation | 3%-5% | Early stages | Resolves with continued treatment. |
| Gastroparesis (Reduced Motility) | Rare | Long-term use | May occur in severe cases of diabetes or with prolonged use. |
| Headache | 32% | Intermittently | Often resolves without intervention. |
| Low Blood Sugar | Common | All stages | Important to monitor blood sugar during treatment. |
| Pancreatitis | Rare | Intermittently | Requires immediate consultation with a doctor. |
| Progression of Retinal Diseases | Linked to diabetes | Ongoing | Regular eye checkups recommended. |
| Allergic Reactions | Varies | At any dosage | Consult a doctor if symptoms occur. |
| Insomnia | Occasional | All stages | May occur periodically; discuss with your doctor. |
| High Blood Pressure | Rare | Ongoing | Requires monitoring if dosage is increased. |
| Suicidal Thoughts | Under EMA investigation | Rare | Further research needed. |
| Hair Loss | Linked to rapid weight loss | In some cases | May be temporary; depends on individual response. |
| Bowel Obstruction | Listed in 2023 | Rare | Requires immediate medical attention. |
Additional Treatment Options
Clinics may offer additional treatment options, such as:
- MIC Lipotropic Shots: These shots provide unique advantages for men. When integrated with proper nutrition and exercise, these lipotropic metabolism boosters can significantly enhance your body composition within weeks. Benefits may include burn fat, boost energy, improved metabolism, stubborn fat breakdown, supports lean muscle retention, enhanced liver function, cholesterol management, improved workout performance, faster recovery times.
Bariatric Surgery
Peachtree Surgical & Bariatrics, recognized as a Bariatric Center of Excellence by ASMBS and named Best Bariatric Surgery Practice in 2023, 2024, and 2025 is Georgia’s most experienced bariatric practice. Led by Dr. Titus Duncan, they offer a range of weight-loss surgeries and nonsurgical options at their Buckhead, Atlanta facility, with comprehensive care from surgery prep to long-term support.
Surgical and Non-Surgical Weight Loss Options
- Gallbladder surgery (cholecystectomy): is a minimally invasive procedure to remove the gallbladder, offering relief from pain and preventing complications like gallstones or bile duct obstruction.
- Reflux surgery (fundoplication): is a minimally invasive procedure that addresses GERD, providing lasting relief from symptoms like heartburn and difficulty swallowing.
- Achalasia treatment: at Peachtree Surgical & Bariatrics includes advanced, minimally invasive procedures to provide lasting relief from difficulty swallowing and related symptoms.
- Minimally invasive colon surgery: with advanced techniques for quicker recovery, less pain, and better outcomes for conditions like colon cancer, diverticulitis, and more.
Am I a good candidate for bariatric surgery?
You may be a candidate for Gastric Bypass, Gastric Sleeve, or Gastric Band if you have a BMI over 40 (or over 35 with obesity-related conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure), are 18 or older, and have struggled to lose weight through diet and exercise. You should be ready to commit to a healthy lifestyle, have no medical conditions that could cause serious complications, and understand the risks and benefits of surgery.
Lifestyle Changes
Healthy weight loss is about changing your approach to nutrition and learning how to nourish your body properly. It isn’t simply a matter of numbers on a scale. Your team helps you set weight goals and reach them through healthy means.
Recent studies show that medical weight loss therapies, including GLP-1 receptor agonists, are most effective when combined with regular physical activity and healthy dietary habits. Individuals who adopt these changes while undergoing treatment often experience more substantial weight reduction over time compared to those who do not implement lifestyle adjustments.