Understanding Medical Weight Loss
Consultations offered at our three convenient locations in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles and Newport Beach
Understanding medical weight loss is important for improving your quality of life. Medical weight loss is a convenient treatment that mimics the natural hormones in your body to help your metabolism process excess fat. As more Americans struggle with obesity, medically assisted weight loss programs have become increasingly popular. Approximately 30% of American adults are overweight, (1) and the “skinny shot” has helped thousands of patients improve their health, mobility, and self-confidence.
At AsandraMD, our holistic approach to medical weight loss has helped many patients finally achieve their weight loss goals. Dr. Christopher Asandra is well known for his transformative and innovative weight loss treatments. With convenient weekly injections and lifestyle changes, you can finally address stubborn fat and improve your health.
Contact our office or call (424) 542-8881 to get started at our locations in Beverly Hills or Newport Beach.
Contents
About the Skinny Shot
Medical weight loss treatments work by increasing your body’s insulin sensitivity and managing glucagon levels to process excess fat. Semaglutide mimics the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) hormone to increase feelings of satiety and reduce your appetite for more effective weight loss. (2)
The skinny shot can improve your quality of life because significant weight loss can reduce your risk of developing chronic illnesses later in life. Semaglutide is a well-tolerated treatment that has helped thousands improve long-term health and body confidence.
Why Lifestyle Changes Matter for Weight Loss
It is important to understand that weight loss medications are more effective when combined with consistent, impactful lifestyle changes. (3) For example, you may see better results after making the following adjustments:
- Sleep habits: Getting enough sleep is important for helping your body function properly and recover from exercise.
- Exercise routine: Consistent exercise can help your body build muscle and burn excess fat.
- Stress levels: High cortisol levels can affect your metabolic function and lead to unhealthy eating habits or food cravings that cause weight gain, so you should try to reduce your stress levels.
- Meals: Eating nutritious, balanced meals can increase your energy levels and support healthy metabolic function.
If you would like to undergo medically assisted weight loss, you should be prepared to make these lifestyle changes to allow the medication to work at its fullest potential. The type of weight loss treatment that is best for you will depend on your medical history.
Benefits
Many patients enjoy the following benefits after adhering to a weekly semaglutide injection regimen:
- Appetite suppression: The skinny shot reduces feelings of hunger and increases satiety, helping individuals consume smaller meals.
- Significant weight loss: Data from clinical trials has shown that many individuals lose up to 15% or more of their body weight during the first year. (4)
- Improved metabolic health: Weight loss achieved while taking semaglutide can improve glycemic control and lower the risk of type 2 diabetes.
- Long-term results: The skinny shot can help you achieve sustained weight loss, which is crucial for those aiming for long-term health improvements.
- Convenient treatment: The injectable medication is only required once a week.
- Holistic approach: When combined with lifestyle changes like exercise and dietary modifications, the skinny shot optimizes weight loss efforts.
- Improved confidence: Many patients report increased self-esteem and confidence due to positive changes in physical appearance and overall health.
Candidates for the Skinny Shot
Suitable candidates for semaglutide are individuals who are:
- Overweight, obese, or have at least one weight-related condition
- Willing to exercise consistently and eat nutritious meals
- Prepared to make other healthy lifestyle changes
- Able to commit to a long-term medication
- Have realistic expectations about the results weight loss medication can achieve
Personal Consultation
During your consultation at AsandraMD in Beverly Hills or Newport Beach, we will review your medical history and ask about your weight loss goals. Please come prepared to discuss any current medications you are taking and the results you would like to achieve with a medically assisted weight loss program.
We will also need to discuss your lifestyle and how you can incorporate healthy meals and consistent exercise into your daily routine. We can provide resources to help you make the lifestyle changes necessary for success. Certain medical conditions may impact your candidacy for medically assisted weight loss. In this case, we can discuss an alternative that would work best for you. Please come with any questions you may have about the treatment or our practice.
Procedure
Most patients receive their semaglutide injection in the upper arm, abdomen, or thighs. We will cleanse the skin and administer the medication. It is often possible to carry out these injections yourself, in the comfort of your own home, but if you wish to come into the office that can be easily arranged. We recommend that you schedule the injection every week at the same time for the best results.
After Treatment
After a semaglutide treatment, you can return to your normal, daily routine. However, it can take a little time for your body to adjust to the medication. Some patients experience temporary nausea or diarrhea after their first treatment. The length of your weight loss treatment will depend on the amount of weight you need to lose and your aesthetic goals. Many patients decide to stay on the skinny shot as a long-term weight management solution due to its convenience and effectiveness.
Results
After consistently receiving the skinny shot, you will notice that your appetite has reduced significantly, and, over time, you may see substantial weight loss. Maintaining consistency with your weekly appointments will be important for achieving your desired results and optimizing your metabolism. Many individuals also report greater energy levels, improved mood, and a renewed motivation to engage in physical activities after being on this kind of medication.
After achieving your weight loss goals, you may want to consider ceasing your medication regimen. However, it is important to keep in mind that semaglutide’s effectiveness will wear off if you discontinue the medication, meaning your appetite could return to the way it was before. To mitigate any potential weight regain, you will need to continue to be mindful of your diet and try to exercise regularly.
Rejuvenating Your Body After Massive Weight Loss
TruSculptID
TruSculptID is a body contouring treatment that helps your body eliminate excess fat with radiofrequency energy. The treatment alters the structure of your fat cells with radiofrequency and heat–lipolysis. The body flushes the cells through your lymphatic system over the next few weeks. Although TruSculptID is not a weight loss treatment, it can sculpt your body strategically in areas where you would like to reduce pockets of fat. During the treatment, we will place a small applicator over the area you would like to treat– common areas include the abdomen, flanks, back, arms, or thighs.
IV Exosome Therapy
IV Exosome therapy releases tiny, fluid-filled membranes into the bloodstream that send signals to your body about areas that need support from your immune system. As you make lifestyle changes during your weight loss journey, exosomes can support your body in healing more quickly by reducing exercise-related inflammation. Building muscle and increasing your strength is important while losing weight, and exosomes can support your body during your weight loss program. When you receive your weekly injection, we can administer the exosomes with an IV and you can return to your daily routine soon afterward.
Cost of Medical Weight Loss in Beverly Hills
The cost of your medical weight loss treatment will depend on the length of your treatment and your weight loss goals. We can provide an all-inclusive quote for your treatment session during your consultation.
Contact our office or call (424) 542-8881 to get started at our locations in Beverly Hills or Newport Beach.
FAQ
How quickly can I expect to see results from medical weight loss?
Some patients begin to notice changes in their appetite and weight within a few weeks of starting the medication, while others may take slightly longer. More significant results are usually evident within three to six months, but some patients may see fuller results after a year on the medication.
What is the difference between semaglutide and tirzepatide for medical weight loss?
Semaglutide mimics the GLP-1 hormone for effective weight loss. However, tirzepatide is a dual agonist that mimics both the GIP peptide and GLP-1 hormone, allowing it to facilitate potentially more substantial weight loss. The type of weight loss treatment you need will depend on your individual needs and medical history.
How will I know if semaglutide is right for me?
We can determine if the medication is a good fit for you based on individual factors and medical history, which we will consider during your consultation.
References
- Overweight & Obesity Statistics | NIDDK. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/health-statistics/overweight-obesity#:~:text=Nearly%201%20in%203%20adults%20(30.7%25)%20are%20overweight.&text=More%20than%202%20in%205%20adults%20(42.4%25)%20have%20obesity.
- Wilding JPH, Batterham RL, Calanna S. Once-Weekly semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity. The New England Journal of Medicine. 2021;384(11):989-1002. doi:https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183
- Wadden TA, Chao AM, Moore MB, et al. The Role of Lifestyle Modification with Second-Generation Anti-obesity Medications: Comparisons, Questions, and Clinical Opportunities. Current Obesity Reports. Published online December 2, 2023. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s13679-023-00534-z
- Jastreboff AM, Aronne LJ, Ahmad NN, et al. Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity. New England Journal of Medicine. 2022;387(3). doi:https://doi.org/10.1056/nejmoa2206038