Medical Weight Loss Options: A Nurse Practitioner’s Perspective
As a Nurse Practitioner, I get asked all the time about medical weight loss options: what works, what’s safe, and what’s sustainable. With obesity-related conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and insulin resistance on the rise, it’s no surprise more people are seeking real, medically sound solutions. At Vivrant Medspa, we take a comprehensive approach that includes clinical guidance, education, and advanced therapies tailored specifically to you.
Let’s walk through the most popular options: GLP-1 Peptides, and how they can support your wellness journey.
What Are GLP-1 Peptides?
GLP-1 peptides, like Semaglutide (Ozempic) and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro), are FDA-approved medications originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes. They’ve also been found to be highly effective for medical weight loss. These medications mimic a natural hormone in the body, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) which helps regulate blood sugar, slow digestion, and reduce appetite.
At Vivrant Medspa, our GLP-1 Peptide therapy is combined with a unique blend of essential vitamins not FDA-approved, but designed to work similarly to the original formulation, delivering the same weight loss results. This special compounded version requires customized dosing to ensure appropriate clinical response and individual tolerance. It is sterilely crafted by certified and accredited compounding pharmacies for patient-specific use.
How Do GLP-1 Peptides Work in the Body?
Medical weight loss injections with GLP-1 peptides support your body in several powerful ways:
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Slow down stomach emptying to keep you fuller, longer
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Reduce cravings by acting on hunger-regulating receptors in the brain
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Improve insulin sensitivity and help regulate blood sugar
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Support consistent calorie reduction without intense hunger
When paired with healthy eating habits and movement, this therapy can help create sustainable, gradual weight loss, without the yo-yo effect.
Are There Side Effects?
Like any medication, GLP-1 peptide therapy may have side effects, especially when starting treatment. The most common include:
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Nausea
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Diarrhea
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Constipation
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Mild abdominal cramping
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Digestive upset
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Fatigue
Less commonly, patients may experience:
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Gallbladder issues
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Pancreatitis
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Blood sugar fluctuations
That’s why at Vivrant Medspa, we monitor you closely and adjust your treatment plan based on how your body responds.
How Are the Injections Given?
GLP-1 peptides are administered as a weekly subcutaneous injection using a very fine needle. It’s simple, quick, and easy to do at home after proper training. The once-weekly schedule offers steady, long-lasting appetite support without the highs and lows associated with other weight loss medications.
How Much Weight Can I Expect to Lose?
Results vary from person to person. However, many individuals experience consistent and meaningful weight loss when the therapy is used alongside proper nutrition and physical activity. We’ll work with you to set realistic goals based on:
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Your starting weight
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Your commitment to lifestyle changes with nutrition and exercise
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Your overall health and metabolism
Do I Have to Be Diabetic?
No, you don’t have to be diabetic to use GLP-1 peptides. Although originally developed for diabetes management, these medications are FDA-approved for weight loss in individuals without diabetes who meet certain medical criteria. Many of my non-diabetic patients have seen transformational results.
Are You a Candidate?
You may be a candidate if you:
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Have a BMI of 30 or higher, or
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Have a BMI over 27 with related conditions like high blood pressure, insulin resistance, or high cholesterol
We’ll conduct a thorough health assessment, lab work, and personalized evaluation before initiating any treatment.
Who Should Not Use These Treatments?
GLP-1 peptides may not be appropriate for people with:
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A personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma
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MEN 2 (Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome)
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Pancreatitis
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Severe kidney or gallbladder issues
Are There Other Benefits?
Yes! GLP-1 Peptide therapy can improve much more than just your waistline:
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Enhanced energy
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Improved fertility and hormonal balance
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Reduction in PCOS symptoms
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Better metabolic health overall
Final Thoughts from Your NP
As a Doctor of Nursing Practice, Family Nurse Practitioner dedicated to functional and integrative health, I believe in meeting you where you are, with the right tools, support, and education to guide your transformation. GLP-1 peptides are not a “quick fix,” but when used responsibly under clinical supervision, they can jumpstart your journey toward sustainable health.
At Vivrant Medspa, we offer more than just injections:
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Maintenance doses
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IV vitamin drips & vitamin shots
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Nutrition guides, workbooks & meal prep workshops
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Access to a Registered Dietitian & Private Chef
This isn’t just a program, it’s a partnership. Your body is unique. Your plan should be too.
Book your consultation with Dr. Arlene M. Wilson, DNP, CRNA, APRN at Vivrant Medspa today. Let’s take this journey together.
For more information about our medical weight loss program, I invite you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Arlene M. Wilson, DNP, CRNA, APRN, at Vivrant Medspa. Let’s work together to achieve your health goals! Book your Consultation Today!
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