Frequently Asked Questions

Glucose regulation occurs predominantly in our brains, involving numerous complex biochemical and hormonal pathways. One of the hormones responsible for hunger regulation and glucose metabolism is called glucagon-like peptide 1 or 'GLP-1'. GLP-1 is released by the small intestine and binds to receptors in the brain when we eat. This is one of the hormones responsible for satiety, or the sensation of fullness we get after a meal. While these hormones we make naturally have a very short duration of action (few minutes), synthetic versions of GLP-1 or GLP-1 agonists (semaglutide) last much longer, leading to prolonged fullness after eating, increased insulin release from the pancreas, optimized blood glucose control and slowed gastric emptying. 

All of this is medical jargon to say, semaglutide helps us feel fuller, longer on smaller portions of food, thereby promoting weight loss.

Tizepatide acts just like semaglutide as a GLP-1 agonist (see above) but also contains a second type of "hunger hormone"  called gastric inhibitory polypeptide or a GIP agonist. It acts on these two metabolic hormones to increase satiety, or fullness, regulate glucose metabolism and slow gastric emptying. Clinical trials done comparing tirzepatide and semaglutide showed on average 61% greater weight loss in participants using tirzepatide (average 20.5 lb)  than those on semaglutide (average 12.5 lb) [1]

This varies greatly between patients and is based upon personal goals and general recommendations which are discussed thoroughly at the initial weight management consult visit. Semaglutide is indicated for 7-15% body weight loss. In randomized controlled trials, 69% of patients lost >10% body weight and 50% lost >15% body weight [2]

It is very important to understand that not all patients will experience these results, and Revisions Aesthetics + Wellness makes NO GUARANTEES that you will experience this extent of weight loss nor maintenance of weight loss 

While semaglutide and tirzepatide are most definitely breakthrough medications within the weight management realm, they are no "magic bullets". We approach each patient in consideration of their overall health and wellness goals. We discourage anyone from desiring "skinny" and instead aiming for healthy. For this reason, we strongly suggest these medications be administered within the context of a diet and lifestyle modification program, which will be addressed at the initial consultation. 

Like anything in life, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!

Like all medications, both semaglutide and tirzepatide carry side effects. Below are listed some of the most common side effects and percentage of patients who experience them. We address all side effects during our monthly follow-up appointments and dosing is adjusted accordingly

• Constipation (up to 23%)
• Diarrhea (up to 17%)
• Nausea (up to 29%)
• Vomiting (up to 13%)
• Abdominal pain/ bloating (up to 10%)
• Fatigue (up to 7%)
• Alopecia or hair loss (up to 5%)
• Dizziness (up to 5%)

As with any medical decision making, you should trust and know the provider you choose for weight management is the best fit for you. Jenna Starko, NP is an OMA certified weight management provider. Nora Armento, RN is also extensively trained in weight management. OMA stands for Obesity Medicine Association, which "is the largest organization of physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and other health care providers working every day to improve the lives of patients affected by obesity. OMA members are clinical experts in obesity medicine." 

Even if you do not chose us at Revisions Aesthetics + Wellness, PLEASE ensure you properly vet your weight management providers to ensure they are properly trained. 

To learn more about OMA: https://obesitymedicine.org/about/

During our initial consultation we discuss all the risks, benefits and alternatives to treatment with injectable semaglutide/tirzepatide. We look forward to meeting you and helping you achieve your wellness goals. 

REFERENCES

[1] Tirzepatide versus Semaglutide Once Weekly in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes.

Frías JP, Davies MJ, Rosenstock J, Pérez Manghi FC, Fernández LandóL, Bergman BK, Liu B, Cui X, Brown K, SURPASS-2 Investigator 

[2]  Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity.

Wilding JPH, Batterham RL, Calanna S, Davies M, Van Gaal LF, Lingvay I, McGowan BM, Rosenstock J, Tran MTD, Wadden TA, Wharton S, Yokote K, Zeuthen N, Kushner RF, STEP 1 Study Group 

Engl J Med. 2021;384(11):989. Epub 2021 Feb 10.