MEDICAL WEIGHT MANAGEMENT

How is Renewed Therapeutics Program Different?

Our mission is to help patients achieve lasting health benefits in a way that works best for them. Our weight loss program is not a quick fix or passing trend; it’s a sustainable approach focused on building a positive relationship with food and fostering healthy lifestyle habits.

Unlike other programs, we provide compassionate, judgment-free support, tailored to your unique journey. Our comprehensive approach includes dietary and exercise counseling, sleep optimization, weight loss medication (such as Semaglutide), hormone optimization, mindfulness and stress management. We’re here to guide you every step of the way with care and understanding.

What is Semaglutide and how does it work?

Semaglutide is a GLP-1 agonist, a type of medication that mimics the GLP-1 hormone in your body, which plays a key role in regulating appetite. By activating specific nerve cells in the brain that control hunger, Semaglutide helps reduce your appetite and increases feelings of fullness, allowing you to eat less and lose weight. GLP stands for glucagon-like peptide. Specifically, GLP-1 is a hormone produced in the intestines that plays a critical role in regulating blood sugar levels and appetite. It enhances insulin secretion, suppresses glucagon release, slows gastric emptying, and reduces hunger, making it a key target for treatments addressing diabetes and weight management.

Brand-name versions of Semaglutide include Wegovy, Ozempic, and Rybelsus, which are widely available on the market.

Why is the "brand name" drug so expensive? Why can't I get this from my local pharmacy? 

These medications are in high demand, and for good reason—we finally have a safe and effective option for weight loss. However, with increased demand comes higher prices.

Name-brand versions of Semaglutide, such as Wegovy and Ozempic, can cost $800–$1,200 per month. These medications also require specific insurance approvals, which involve meeting strict criteria for prior authorization. If you’re interested in pursuing coverage through insurance, we recommend contacting your primary care provider to begin the process.

Access is another challenge. As demand rises, supply diminishes, and name-brand Semaglutide is often backordered. Some patients report waiting up to 8 months to receive their medication.

To address these issues, we source Semaglutide from a reputable compounding pharmacy, where the medication is custom-made on-site. These pharmacies operate under strict state regulations to ensure safety and quality.

As your provider, we are required to inform you that FDA-approved versions of this medication are available. However, many patients prefer the compounded version for its lower cost and quicker availability.

What are the common side effects of semaglutide and what do I do if I experience these?

Common Side Effects and Tips for Managing Them

Some patients may experience side effects, including:

• Nausea or gastrointestinal upset

• Indigestion, heartburn, or GERD

• Fatigue

• Feeling "blue" or low energy

• Abdominal bloating

• Diarrhea or constipation

• Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)

If you notice any of these side effects, let us know! We is here to support you, so you don’t have to navigate these challenges alone.

The most common side effect of Semaglutide is mild nausea, which is often temporary and most noticeable when starting the medication or increasing the dose. Simple remedies like a small glass of orange juice, oatmeal, or other bland foods can help settle an upset stomach in the morning.

If nausea occurs after a dose increase, we may reduce the dose for a short period or delay further increases. Remember, more is not always better, and your comfort is key to success.

Another frequent cause of nausea is overeating. Semaglutide helps control appetite, but it also requires portion discipline—eating too much can lead to stomach discomfort as your body adjusts.

Some patients also report fatigue, especially if calorie intake becomes too restrictive. We encourage eating smaller, balanced meals instead of skipping meals entirely. Staying active and ensuring a full 8 hours of sleep can also help counteract feelings of tiredness.

We’re here to help you navigate any side effects and keep you on track with your health goals!

How much weight will lose on semaglutide?

The amount of weight loss with Semaglutide varies depending on individual factors such as starting weight, lifestyle changes, and adherence to the treatment plan. On average, clinical studies have shown that patients can lose 15-20% of their body weight over a period of one year when using Semaglutide alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.  Results are 100% dependent on the patient and the effort that is put into the weight loss program.  Some patients are losing as much as 20 to 45 pounds at 3 months.  Diet is80% of the battle and therefore if you make a lifestyle change in this area you will have more success at losing the weight and keeping it off.

Individual results may differ, and weight loss tends to occur gradually over time. Regular follow-ups with your healthcare provider and consistent lifestyle adjustments are key to maximizing the benefits of Semaglutide.

Disclaimer: The FDA has cautioned that not all forms of Semaglutide or Tirzepatide are safe or effective. These medications can exist as either a chemical salt (such as sodium or acetate) or a chemical base. Reports have linked the salt forms to serious side effects, and there is no evidence to confirm their effectiveness. Despite this, salt compounds are often sold online by unlicensed pharmacies.The approved base forms of Semaglutide and Tirzepatide must be produced under strict FDA-regulated conditions, adhering to stringent guidelines. These medications are required to be prepared in a fully sterile environment to ensure their safety and effectiveness. Authentic compounded medications must be prescribed by a licensed provider and obtained from reputable, licensed compounding pharmacies. These pharmacies source their ingredients from FDA-approved manufacturers worldwide and operate in facilities that have been inspected and approved for sterility by the FDA. At Renewed Therapeutics, we exclusively partner with trusted, licensed pharmacies to ensure our patients receive safe, sterile, and effective medications.

It is semaglutide safe with a history of pancreatitis or hypothyroidism?

As with any medication, Semaglutide may cause side effects, some of which are more common than others. Although rare, it can lead to elevated pancreatic enzyme levels, and symptoms of pancreatitis, such as sudden severe abdominal pain, should be monitored closely. While a history of pancreatitis does not necessarily prevent the use of Semaglutide, we will carefully track your symptoms and tolerance throughout treatment.

Semaglutide is safe to use if you have hypothyroidism and can be taken alongside common thyroid medications like levothyroxine or Armour Thyroid. However, we recommend continuing regular visits and lab monitoring with your primary care provider to manage your thyroid condition effectively.

Please inform us if you or your family have a history of medullary thyroid cancer. Although this type of thyroid cancer is extremely rare, Semaglutide is contraindicated in such cases for safety reasons.

What else should I know before starting semaglutide?

  Women of childbearing age are advised to use contraception while taking Semaglutide. Additionally, it is recommended to stop the medication at least two months before attempting to conceive, as studies on its effects during pregnancy are limited.  

You will likely experience your best results the first time initiating a GLP-1 drug.  There are many people that can do quite well on low doses of this medication along with diet and exercise.  This medication is typically titrated up every 4 weeks until the patient has reached goal weight and / or symptoms are not tolerable.  There are multiple studies that show higher dose causes more side effects.  Benefits of semaglutide at low dosing include multiple advantages such as minimize side effects, improve tolerance, enhance appetite control, cost efficacy, customize treatment plan per patient, gradual weight loss, and reduce risk of hypoglycemia.  At Renewed Therapeutics we focus on a patient specific approach, tailoring your care to each patient individually.