Semaglutide & Tirzepatide

Conveniently located to serve the areas of Las Vegas and Henderson, NV

GLP-1 medication for weight loss is a form of treatment designed to help individuals manage their weight effectively. Originally developed as diabetes medications, new glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) medications like semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Zepbound, Mounjaro) suppress a patient’s appetite, slow gastric emptying, and help the pancreas increase its production of insulin to regulate blood sugar. When these effects are combined, patients can see a rapid and successful decrease in weight. (1)

Dr. Mustafa Ahmed is one of Las Vegas’s most trusted cosmetic surgeons and is now offering patients these weekly injections to assist in their weight loss journey. Dr. Ahmed and his team at Las Vegas Body Sculpting understand that losing weight can be challenging, and we want to provide you with as much help as possible. These medications have exploded in popularity because of their proven success, and you can take advantage of their effects to live a happy, healthy, fit life.

Schedule your consultation with Dr. Ahmed today to discuss your GLP-1 medication regimen, or call our Henderson, Nevada office at (702) 899-8100 for more information.  

About Weight Loss Medications

Recently, GLP-1 receptor agonist medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide have seen a boom in popularity, and this is largely because they are far more effective than other weight loss drugs on the market. (1)

GLP-1 medications mimic the natural hormones released during digestion that are responsible for gastric emptying, satiety, hunger, nutrient absorption, and more. Glucagon peptide hormones, specifically, are responsible for telling you when you are full and for keeping you full. As type 2 diabetes is largely a result of diet and lifestyle, these medications help people control their calorie intake to see an improvement in their condition. However, this control of calorie intake, delayed gastric emptying, and enhanced metabolism also means that these patients lose weight with remarkable speed and success. (1)

If you have exhausted the traditional weight loss methods of dieting, calorie restriction, exercise, and lifestyle changes and have not obtained the results you want, then semaglutide or tirzepatide may bring you the beneficial life changes you desire. Do not hesitate to schedule an appointment with Dr. Ahmed and begin your enhanced weight loss journey.

Benefits of Semaglutide and Tirzepatide

Weight loss offers dozens, if not hundreds, of benefits to a patient’s life. The benefits of semaglutide and tirzepatide include:

  • Improved Body Mass Index (BMI): Reduced weight contributes to a healthier BMI, addressing a critical risk factor associated with various health complications.
  • Better insulin sensitivity: By improving insulin function, patients may see less variability in their blood glucose levels.
  • Silenced food noise: “Food noise” refers to the persistent and unwavering focus on food that can plague a person’s thoughts. Semaglutide and tirzepatide affect the areas in the brain that are responsible for dopamine-releasing behaviors and eliminate addictive urges, helping patients have increased control over their diet. (2)
  • Cardiovascular improvements: Increased weight and excess fatty tissue force the heart to work harder, high levels of lipids in the blood and organs can clog blood vessels, and strokes and heart attack risk are increased. (3) Losing weight reduces these risks and improves the function of this system.
  • Convenient administration: Many GLP-1 medications are available as once-weekly injections, simplifying adherence to treatment compared to daily oral medications.

Candidates

Semaglutide and tirzepatide are available to patients who need assistance in their weight loss journey, regardless of what their current weight is. However, patients who are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant may have to have their regimen altered or delayed to prevent complications and nutrient deficiencies. (1) Dr. Ahmed will also examine your medical history and current health and will take blood samples to ensure that any other risks are eliminated. We encourage all prospective patients to schedule a consultation with Dr. Ahmed to discuss their treatment plan and candidacy.

Personal Consultation

When you meet with Dr. Ahmed, you will first discuss the history of your weight loss journey and your motivations for seeking GLP-1 receptor agonist medications. After performing the necessary tests, Dr. Ahmed will create a plan for your injection regimen based on your current weight, goal weight, bloodwork, and more. This may be altered throughout your weight loss journey to keep you in optimal health and maintain consistent results. Some patients will even receive their first dose on the day of their initial consultation if it is available at the Las Vegas Body Sculpting office.

Preparation

Because semaglutide and tirzepatide are simple injection regimens, minimal preparation is required. Dr. Ahmed recommends forming healthy eating and increased activity habits early on in your treatment, ideally a few weeks before your first dose. This will maximize the results you experience. Prior to receiving your first dose and in the following days, we recommend eating light meals and avoiding greasy, heavy, hard-to-digest foods. Patients should provide a complete list of their medications to Dr. Ahmed to ensure compatibility and avoid potential interactions. Plan for regular follow-up appointments to monitor progress and address any challenges or concerns during the treatment phase.

Procedure

Dr. Ahmed will create an injection plan that is tailored to your specific goals and health status. It is common practice for patients to receive their first injection in our Henderson office. After about two months, your dosage will be increased to continue your weight loss. This will be done semi-frequently to prevent your results from plateauing. Once you have met your goal weight, you will be placed on a new dosage to maintain your results and keep the weight off. Dr. Ahmed will monitor your weight loss throughout your time on semaglutide or tirzepatide and will adjust your dose as needed to ensure optimal results and safe weight loss.

Recovery

As you become accustomed to life with a reduced appetite and you see a reduction in your weight, it is important to monitor your health and any changes you experience. One of the most common hurdles patients experience is hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). A significantly reduced appetite is a new feeling and many patients will forget to properly nourish themselves as a result. However, this is not a major issue, and you will learn how to see the signs and prevent this from happening over time. Many patients also form an aversion to high-fat foods as these will sit in the stomach and can cause indigestion as your digestive system decelerates.

Results

Each patient’s results will vary depending on their starting weight and their weight loss goals. However, most patients see a reduction of 10-20 pounds after just one month on semaglutide or tirzepatide. (4) To achieve the best results possible, we recommend carefully listening to Dr. Ahmed’s instructions and adhering to his treatment plan. It will also be important to alter your diet and increase your activity during this period to form healthy habits and lose as much weight as possible in a safe and effective manner.

Post-Weight Loss Body Contouring Procedures

Once fatty tissue has diminished, patients can be left with “Ozempic face” or “Ozempic body.” These conditions create an aged appearance and can leave the body with excess sagging skin. Fortunately, Dr. Ahmed offers various facial rejuvenation procedures and body contouring options such as tummy tucks (abdominoplasties), including standard, mini, and extended tummy tucks.

Cost of Semaglutide & Tirzepatide in Las Vegas

Each patient’s semaglutide or tirzepatide regimen will vary depending on their starting weight and goal weight, so costs may vary. We offer various payment plans to help you receive the treatments you need. You will receive an accurate price quote at your consultation with Dr. Ahmed, and if you have any further questions, we encourage you to call our office at (702) 899-8100.

FAQ

What is the difference between semaglutide and tirzepatide?

Semaglutide functions as a single GLP-1 receptor agonist, while tirzepatide has a dual mechanism that acts on both GLP-1 and GIP pathways.

What results can I expect from GLP-1 medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide?

Results from GLP-1 medications vary among individuals but are generally promising. Over time and with consistent use, patients may start to notice gradual and sustainable weight loss, improved energy levels, and enhanced mood and motivation towards achieving health goals.

Are there side effects when taking semaglutide or tirzepatide?

Common side effects can include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. These effects are temporary and diminish as the body adjusts to the medication.

How long does it take to see results from GLP-1 medications?

Most individuals begin to notice reduced appetite and potential weight loss within a few weeks of consistent treatment.

References

  1. Collins L, Costello RA. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists. PubMed. Published 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK551568/
  2. Hayashi D, Edwards C, Emond JA, et al. What Is Food Noise? A Conceptual Model of Food Cue Reactivity. Nutrients. 2023;15(22):4809-4809. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15224809
  3. Panuganti KK, Kshirsagar RK, Nguyen M. Obesity. Nih.gov. Published 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459357/
  4. Lin F, Yu B, Ling B, et al. Weight loss efficiency and safety of tirzepatide: A Systematic review. PloS One. 2023;18(5):e0285197. doi:https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0285197