Medical weight loss
Your Complete Guide to GLP-1 Medications from a specialist in Obesity Medicine
At Valley Bariatric, we’ve seen firsthand how hard it can be to lose weight with diet and exercise alone. That’s why we offer medical weight loss programs built around the most effective new tools in obesity medicine: GLP-1 receptor agonists like semaglutide (Ozempic®, Wegovy®) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro®, Zepbound®).
Unlike what you’ll find at day spas or online “skinny shot” programs, our approach is designed and supervised by Dr. Maria Brown—a board-certified general surgeon, fellowship trained in bariatric surgery, and nationally recognized specialist in weight loss.
What are GLP-1 Medications?
GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonists are a breakthrough class of medications that:
- Slow digestion to help you feel full longer
- Act on the brain’s hunger centers to reduce appetite
- Regulate blood sugar levels
- Support cardiovascular health
These drugs were originally developed for type 2 diabetes but are now FDA-approved for chronic weight management. Clinical studies show patients can lose 15–20% of their body weight when combined with lifestyle changes.
Learn more: Our Guide to GLP-1 Medications »
Tirzepatide (Mounjaro®, Zepbound®)
Tirzepatide is the newest advancement in weight loss medication. It works on two hormones—GLP-1 and GIP—making it even more effective at reducing appetite and improving insulin sensitivity.
What to expect:
Patients can lose 20% or more of their body weight in clinical studies, with many seeing faster results compared to semaglutide. Side effects are similar to other GLP-1s but can vary depending on dose.
Why supervision matters:
Because tirzepatide is so powerful, it must be introduced carefully. Rapid weight loss increases the risk of losing muscle mass or running into nutrient deficiencies. Dr. Brown’s program includes progress tracking, lab monitoring, and lifestyle adaptations to protect long-term health while you lose weight.
Semaglutide (Ozempic®, Wegovy®)
Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, originally developed for type 2 diabetes, now FDA-approved for weight loss. It works by mimicking a natural gut hormone that signals fullness and slows digestion.
What to expect:
Patients typically lose 12–15% of their body weight over 12–18 months. Most notice appetite control within the first few weeks. Side effects are usually mild—nausea, constipation, or fatigue early on—and often improve with dose adjustment.
Why supervision matters:
Semaglutide doesn’t just reduce calories—it can also affect lean muscle mass. Without careful monitoring, patients risk slowing their metabolism. At Valley Bariatric, we adjust dosing, nutrition, and activity plans to maximize fat loss while protecting muscle.
Why Choose Valley Bariatric for Your Weight Loss Journey?
Getting your GLP-1 medication at the same place you get your “glow up” may sound convenient—but it can be dangerous.
Here’s why:
When you’re on medications like semaglutide or tirzepatide, a significant portion of the weight you lose can come from lean muscle mass, not just fat. If that loss isn’t carefully monitored—and if your nutrition and activity plan aren’t adjusted along the way—you risk lowering your metabolism.
That means when you eventually stop the medication, your body burns fewer calories than before, making weight regain almost inevitable. In fact, many patients who stop GLP-1 medications end up worse off than they were to begin.
At Valley Bariatric, we don’t treat weight loss as just a number on the scale. We monitor not only how much weight you lose, but what kind of weight you’re losing. We design program adjustments to protect your muscle mass, support your metabolism, and set you up for long-term success.
Is Medical Weight Loss Right for You?
If you've struggled with traditional weight loss methods or have obesity-related health concerns, our medical weight loss program could be the solution you've been seeking. GLP-1 inhibitors like Ozempic may be particularly beneficial if you:
- Have tried diet and exercise without significant results
- Are looking for a non-surgical weight loss option
- Want to address obesity-related health issues like type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure
Next Step: Learn About Our Program
If you’re ready to see what our doctor-supervised medical weight loss program actually looks like—pricing, visits, and how we support you beyond the medication—head over to our program page.