Has losing weight been more challenging than you expected? You’re not alone. Thanks to recent advances in medical science, there are now more options than ever to help you succeed where diet and exercise might fall short, including the use of weight loss drugs like semaglutide.
Exploring the world of medical weight loss opens up new possibilities for managing your health and wellness. But with so many options available, finding the right fit can feel daunting. That’s where we come in. At Synergy Wellness Center, we’re here to simplify your weight loss journey and help you make an informed decision that aligns with your needs, goals and lifestyle.
Different Types of Weight Loss Drugs: A Snapshot
Semaglutide has quickly become a popular option for patients looking to lose weight. To fully understand why it stands out, we’re taking a closer look at the broad range of weight loss medications available today. Each offers a unique approach to managing your weight.
Stimulants / Appetite Suppressants
Stimulants and other appetite suppressants help reduce hunger by affecting neurotransmitters in the brain that control appetite, hunger and food cravings.
- Phentermine (Adipex, Lomaria, Qsymia): Phentermine is a stimulant that helps promote weight loss by reducing appetite. Sometimes, it is combined with topiramate to increase its effectiveness. Phentermine is often used short-term alongside a reduced-calorie diet and exercise to help individuals reach their weight loss goals.
- Naltrexone & Bupropion (Contrave): Contrave contains naltrexone, an opioid antagonist, and bupropion, an atypical antidepressant. Together, these drugs affect the appetite and reward centers in the brain to reduce food cravings and promote weight loss. Contrave is not an opioid, nor is it a stimulant.
Lipase Inhibitors
Lipase inhibitors work differently than other weight loss medications by targeting your digestive system rather than your brain chemistry.
- Orlistat (Alli, Xenical): This medication works by preventing your body from absorbing about a third of the fat you consume. It does this by blocking an enzyme called lipase, which normally helps break down dietary fat for absorption.
GLP-1 Receptor Agonists
Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists are the latest breakthrough in medical weight loss. They work by mimicking hormones that regulate appetite, blood sugar and food cravings.
- Semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus): Semaglutide promotes sustainable weight loss by helping you feel fuller longer while reducing cravings and the desire to overeat. Clinical trials have shown impressive results, with many patients achieving significant weight loss when combined with lifestyle changes.
- Tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound): Tirzepatide is a GLP-1 and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor agonist that offers a dual-action approach to weight loss. Clinical trials show enhanced effectiveness for weight management.
Weight Loss Supplements
While not prescription medications, certain supplements can support your weight loss goals when used as part of a comprehensive program.
- Lipotropic Injections:Lipo-B injections contain a blend of B vitamins, amino acids and other compounds to help support fat metabolism. Key ingredients typically include:
- Vitamin B-12 for energy and metabolism
- Methionine and inositol to reduce fat and cholesterol
- Choline to minimize fat in the liver
- Nutracitrin: Nutracitrin is a weight loss supplement made with garcinia cambogia, a natural extract derived from the Malabar tamarind, to suppress appetite and support a healthy metabolism. It’s often used alongside other treatments to enhance your results.
Choosing the Right Medication for You
Selecting the most effective weight loss medication requires careful consideration of your needs, health history and weight loss goals. While newer medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide have been shown to offer truly impressive results, your response to treatment can vary. That’s why partnering with a provider who understands your unique needs is key.
Your medical history is an important factor. Some weight loss drugs offer additional benefits beyond weight management. For instance, if you’re diabetic or pre-diabetic, medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide can help regulate blood sugar levels while supporting your weight loss goals. Your provider will also take into account your overall health and other medications you might be taking to come up with the safest and most effective strategy for you.
Practical considerations like dosing schedule, dietary requirements and cost are also important. While newer medications often provide superior results, insurance coverage may vary. At Synergy, our team can help you weigh these factors and might suggest combining different approaches to create a truly unique treatment plan that fits your budget and lifestyle.
The Semaglutide Difference
Recent clinical studies show that semaglutide can lead to significantly greater weight loss than other prescription medications. While traditional weight loss drugs typically help patients lose 5-10% of their body weight, semaglutide users often achieve 15% or more weight loss when combined with healthy lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise and a reduced-calorie diet.
Several key factors set semaglutide apart from earlier weight loss medications, including easy-to-use once-weekly injections, long-term treatment plans that promote sustainable results, and quieting the “food noise” that leads to constant cravings and overeating.
Once-Weekly Dosing
Unlike other weight loss drugs that involve taking a daily pill, semaglutide is a once-weekly self-administered injection that makes it easier to stay consistent.
Progressive, Sustainable Results
Research shows that weight loss with semaglutide continues steadily over time, with many patients reaching their maximum results around 68 weeks. Rather than being a “quick fix,” this gradual approach can lead to healthier habits that help you keep the weight off long-term.
Fewer Restrictions
Many older weight loss medications come with significant lifestyle restrictions or strict dietary requirements. While healthy eating remains important with semaglutide, you won’t face the same strict limitations that come with medications like orlistat.
Quiets the “Food Noise”
For many people, semaglutide helps silence the constant thoughts about food that have plagued them for years. Rather than just suppressing your appetite, semaglutide affects receptors involved in cravings and desires while slowing gastric emptying. You naturally eat less and stay fuller longer, so the “food noise” stops without causing you to feel deprived.
Beyond the Prescription: Why Expert Support Makes All the Difference
Losing weight goes beyond taking a certain medication — it’s about transforming your diet and lifestyle under expert medical guidance. While some prescriptions are available through general practitioners, working with a specialized weight loss clinic means receiving personalized nutritional plans designed to support your goals. And with regular check-ins, a dedicated medical weight loss team monitors more than just the numbers on your scale, making it easier to fine-tune your dosage, address any side effects and maintain your forward progress.
Professional support also helps you navigate both the physical and psychological aspects of weight loss. At Synergy Wellness Center, you’ll gain access to expert nutritional guidance, natural fat-burning supplements to enhance your results and optional meal replacement products — all designed to help you reach your goals. This holistic approach equips you with the support, tools and knowledge you’ll need to achieve and maintain long-term success.
Begin Your Success Story at Synergy Wellness Center
If you’re ready to take control of your weight loss, schedule a consultation at Synergy Wellness Center in Bakersfield, Clovis or Scottsdale to learn how we can help. Our expert providers will evaluate your needs and health history to determine the best approach for you. Call us today at 661-336-2555 or schedule online to take the first step toward achieving lasting success!