GLP-1 & weight loss questions, answered.

Adults with a BMI of 30 or higher, or 27 or higher with a weight-related health condition such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, prediabetes, or sleep apnea, may be candidates. Every patient receives a full medical evaluation by Dr. Eduardo before starting, candidacy is a clinical decision, not a checkbox.

GLP-1 medications are contraindicated for people with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or MEN2, anyone who has had a serious reaction to one, and in pregnancy. A prior episode of pancreatitis is a precaution rather than an automatic exclusion, and needs individual review. People with type 1 diabetes and certain medication combinations need special care. The medical evaluation exists to screen for exactly these factors.

At higher BMIs (generally 35+ with a condition, or 40+), bariatric surgery offers stronger, more durable results and is often insurance-covered. Because Dr. Eduardo is a board-certified bariatric surgeon, he can recommend medication, surgery, or a sequence of both, without you having to start over with a new doctor.

We prescribe FDA-approved, branded GLP-1 medications (semaglutide (Wegovy, Ozempic) and tirzepatide (Zepbound, Mounjaro)) plus oral options such as phentermine when appropriate. We do not offer compounded GLP-1 formulations.

Semaglutide acts on one gut-hormone receptor (GLP-1); tirzepatide acts on two (GIP and GLP-1). In trials, tirzepatide produced greater average weight loss (~20% vs ~15%), but semaglutide has a longer track record. The right choice depends on your health, tolerance, and coverage. Dr. Eduardo helps you decide (sources: STEP 1, NEJM 2021; SURMOUNT-1, NEJM 2022).

No. Omnia Health prescribes only FDA-approved, branded GLP-1 medications. Compounded versions are not FDA-evaluated for safety, quality, or effectiveness, and we won't substitute them, even though they can be cheaper.

Branded GLP-1 medications for weight loss are once-weekly subcutaneous injections you give yourself with a prefilled pen, on the same day each week. The dose is titrated upward over several months to the level you tolerate best. Oral options are taken differently and discussed at your visit.

In published trials, adults lost on average about 15% of body weight on semaglutide and up to about 20% on tirzepatide over roughly 68–72 weeks, with lifestyle changes. Individual results vary by dose, adherence, and your overall plan. Dr. Eduardo sets realistic, personalized expectations (sources: STEP 1, NEJM 2021; SURMOUNT-1, NEJM 2022).

Many patients notice reduced appetite within the first weeks, with steadier weight loss as the dose is titrated up over the following months. Most weight loss in the major trials accrued over roughly 16–18 months (STEP 1, 68 weeks; SURMOUNT-1, 72 weeks). Results vary.

GLP-1 medications work best as part of a comprehensive lifestyle program. Some patients maintain results long-term on medication; others taper off while sustaining new habits. Dr. Eduardo builds a long-term plan with you, including whether bariatric surgery may eventually be a better fit.

The most common side effects are gastrointestinal (nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and constipation) usually mildest at the lowest dose and easing with time. Starting low, titrating slowly, eating smaller protein-forward meals, and staying hydrated help. Rare but serious risks include pancreatitis and gallbladder problems; we review your full risk profile before you start.

Some lean mass can be lost during any significant weight loss. That's why our program pairs medication with protein-forward nutrition coaching and encourages resistance activity, to protect muscle while you lose fat. Physician supervision lets us track this and adjust.

Your total has two parts: medication and the program fee (evaluation, follow-ups, titration, side-effect management, coaching). When insurance covers a branded GLP-1, medication is usually a copay; without coverage it's a significant monthly cost. We explain pricing transparently before you start and offer financing.

Coverage varies widely. Commercial plans may cover FDA-approved weight-loss medication, usually with prior authorization, and many exclude it entirely. Medicare changed in 2026: from 1 July 2026 through 31 December 2027, CMS is running a demonstration called the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge, which gives eligible Part D beneficiaries certain weight-management GLP-1s for a $50 monthly copay. It currently covers all formulations of Wegovy and Foundayo and the Zepbound KwikPen. Eligibility is specific (a BMI of 35 or higher, or 30 or higher with heart failure, uncontrolled high blood pressure or stage 3a-plus kidney disease, or 27 or higher with pre-diabetes, a prior heart attack or stroke, or symptomatic peripheral artery disease), and the Bridge sits outside the ordinary Part D benefit, so your Part D plan does not have to opt in for you to use it. Separately, regular Part D may still cover these medicines when they are prescribed for another approved use, such as Zepbound for obstructive sleep apnea or Wegovy for cardiovascular risk reduction. Our team works out which pathway applies to your plan and your diagnosis before you start. We handle the prior-authorization paperwork either way.

We offer transparent self-pay pricing and financing through Cherry, apply HSA/FSA dollars where eligible, and help you explore manufacturer savings programs. We do not substitute cheaper compounded GLP-1 as a workaround.

Because a board-certified surgeon brings a safety net no med-spa can. Dr. Eduardo manages your GLP-1 program and monitors your labs, and if medication isn't enough, the same physician who knows your history can discuss bariatric surgery, one expert, the whole journey, no starting over.

Dr. Eduardo, a board-certified surgeon, personally evaluates you and makes the prescribing decision, then supervises your titration and follow-up. That's a deliberate difference from clinics where patients only see support staff.