{"id":10841,"date":"2023-07-14T20:13:59","date_gmt":"2023-07-14T20:13:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bostonmedicalgroup.com\/?page_id=10841"},"modified":"2024-03-04T18:11:12","modified_gmt":"2024-03-04T18:11:12","slug":"faq","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.bostonmedicalgroup.com\/weight-loss\/faq\/","title":{"rendered":"FAQ"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

\n\t\tWeight Loss
Frequently Asked Questions\n\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t1. What is SlimFitRx weight loss program?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCollapse<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t

It is a medication-based program designed to treat men and women who are obese, or are overweight and have certain risk factors, or who have excessive weight that they are unduly bothered by it.<\/p>\n

Essentially, the program relies on prescription medication such as semaglutide or terzepatide or its compounded version, used in conjunction with lifestyle modification such as healthy diets and regular exercise program.<\/p>\n\t\t\t2. Why do I need to lose weight?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t

Being obese or overweight poses serious<\/em> health problems and greater risk for heart disease, stroke, diabetes and certain types of cancer.<\/em><\/p>\n

But you don’t have to be significantly obese to want to lose the excess weight.<\/p>\n

“Losing 5% to 10% of body weight has been associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease in adults,”<\/em> Dr. John Sharretts of the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research said when the FDA approved semaglutide for weight loss, known commercially as Wegovy\u2122<\/p>\n\t\t\t3. What are their commercial names?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t

Semaglutide is known as Ozempic\u2122, approved for treatment of diabetes, also as Wegovy\u2122 approved for weight loss.<\/p>\n

Terzepatide is known as Mounjaro\u2122<\/p>\n\t\t\t4. What is semaglutide or terzepatide used for?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t

It is used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity.<\/p>\n

It helps regulate<\/em> blood sugar levels, reduces hunger, promotes feeling of fullness and subsequent reduction in calorie intake and hence promotes weight loss<\/em>.<\/p>\n\t\t\t5. How does semaglutide or terzepatide work?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t

The drug belongs to a class of medications called GLP-1 receptor agonists. It works by mimicking the action of a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which helps regulate blood sugar levels, promotes satiety and a feeling of fullness.<\/p>\n

Further, terzepatide activates glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), with enhanced effects on insulin release and weight loss.<\/p>\n\t\t\t6. How safe and how effective is this compounded medication compared to the brand names?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t

Compounded medication is just as safe and effective as the brand name medication. In this case, it has the additional benefit of pyridoxine (Vitamin B6). Pyridoxine reduces or eliminates nausea which is often associated with the brand name medication.<\/p>\n\t\t\t7. How effective is this medication?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t

Patients lose on average 15-22% of body mass and studies have shown that the weight loss can be sustained, provided that one maintains healthy lifestyle changes.<\/p>\n\t\t\t8. Will I lose my appetite?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t

You don’t really lose your taste or appreciation of food. You simply feel full sooner and hence have no desire to continue eating.<\/p>\n\t\t\t9. How is semaglutide or terzepatide administered?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t

You can typically inject it subcutaneously once a week, into the fatty part of the abdomen.<\/p>\n\t\t\t10. Are there any side effects?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\tSide-effects may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation. These gastrointestinal side-effects usually improve over time. Your compounded medication is specifically designed to reduce or eliminate these side-effects.
\nIt is best to follow your prescribed program.\n\t\t\t11. How long does it take for semaglutide or terzepatide to start working?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t

The effects can vary from person to person.<\/p>\n

Some people may start to experience weight loss within a few weeks. Most patients lose weight gradually and progressively during the first 8 weeks, called the Initiation Phase, and then more rapidly in the following 8 weeks, called the Therapeutic Phase.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n\t\t\t12. How long do I need to stay on treatment?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t

The duration for which you need to stay on medication can vary depending on your individual circumstances, treatment goal and personal preferences. Some achieve their target goal within a few months, others may have to escalate to the higher dose.<\/p>\n

We recommend patients, at the minimum, complete the Initiation Phase (8 weeks) and the Therapeutic Phase (8 weeks) in order to fully realize the benefits of the treatment.<\/p>\n

Once you have achieved the desirable weight, you can choose to stay on the Maintenance Phase in order to keep benefitting from the effects of these medications. Alternatively, you can also choose to discontinue the treatment. In either case, it is advisable to maintain healthy diet and regular exercises.<\/p>\n\t\t\t13. What happens if I stop using it?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t

You can stop the medication at any time. There is no adverse reaction. For many patients, the effect of weight loss is sustained<\/em>, especially if you maintain a healthy lifestyle of proper diets and exercises. For others, the feeling of hunger may return after a few weeks of stopping the medication, and you may want to eat more, again.<\/p>\n

If you feel you may need to resume the treatment, your doctor may advise you to resume treatment at the Therapeutic Phase or even the Maintenance Phase.<\/p>\n\t\t\t14. Can I take this medication without lifestyle changes?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t

Yes, but not preferable. Adding lifestyle changes increases the efficacy of the medication and prepare you for long-term benefits should you choose to stop using it. Hence, lifestyle changes involving healthy diet, regular physical activity, stress management and having sufficient sleep are always recommended.<\/p>\n\t\t\t15. I missed my dose. When can I take it next?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t

If you missed a dose, take it as soon as possible then go back to your normal schedule.<\/p>\nHowever, if your next scheduled dose is less than 48 hours then skip the missed dose.
\ni.e. Do not take 2 doses within 48 hours.\n

If you missed taking your meds for a longer<\/strong> period of time, say a month or more and would like to resume treatment, you need to consult your physician.<\/p>\n\t\t\t16. What is the cost?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t

It depends.<\/p>\n

If you choose brand name drugs such as “Ozempic” or “Wegovy” , it may cost you between $1000 to $4000 a month, depending on the doses you need.<\/p>\n

With the SlimFitRx Program, the cost is significantly lower. You can acquire this treatment for $299-$399 a month depending on the strength of medication you need.<\/p>\n\t\t\t17. I don’t have diabetes. Does this medication drop my blood sugar?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t

No.<\/p>\n

It “regulates” your blood sugar and keeps it in a healthy range and is hence, an added benefit for non-diabetic patient<\/em>.<\/p>\n\t\t\t18. I have diabetes and I am taking diabetic medication. Can I take this medication?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t

It can be used alone or in combination with other diabetes medications. Your healthcare professional will determine the most appropriate treatment plan based on your needs.<\/p>\n\t\t\t19. I have diabetic retinopathy. Can I take this medication?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t

It is important to discuss with your eye specialist and your diabetic doctor regarding the use of this medication before commencing it.<\/p>\n\t\t\t20. I have a history of pancreatitis. Can I take this medication?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t

A history of pancreatitis is a relative contraindication simply because this medication may cause it to recur. In order to mitigate the potential risks and side-effects, you should:<\/p>\n