What is Medically Assisted Weight Loss?
Maintaining a healthy body weight can be a major challenge, even if you stick to a balanced diet and a regular exercise program. Our weight loss program now offers an innovative and effective tool to support this goal. At the heart of the program are GLP-1 and GIP agonists, revolutionary drugs originally developed to regulate blood sugar. These weight loss medications can also improve metabolic balance and reduce appetite and food intake, which greatly promotes weight loss. In our blog you will find out everything you need to know about these medications and how they can help you lose weight. Read on to get exciting insights into our medically supervised weight loss program!
How do weight loss injections work?
Gastric Inhibitory Polypeptide (GIP) and Glucagon-like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) are two hormones produced in our body. You are involved in:
- Stimulating the secretion of insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels
- Suppressing a hormone called glucagon, which can reduce hunger
- Increasing the feeling of satiety by delaying gastric emptying
GLP-1 and GIP agonists exert their effects by binding to their respective receptors, resulting in positive effects in regulating blood sugar and breaking down excess fat. Although they were originally developed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, GLP-1 and GIP agonists are now also approved for weight loss.
Approved medications
Wegovy®, Ozempic®
Semaglutide, marketed under the names Wegovy® and Ozempic®, is a once-weekly injection that was originally approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. It influences the GLP-1 signaling pathway, supports the regulation of blood sugar levels and has an appetite-suppressing effect. Although Wegovy® and Ozempic® contain the same drug, Wegovy® is specifically designed to be packaged and approved for weight loss.
Mounjaro®, Zepbound®
Tirzepatide, marketed under the names Mounjaro® and Zepbound®, is an injectable medication for blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes, used in conjunction with diet and exercise. Administered as a weekly injection, tirzepatide exhibits greater weight-reducing effects than semaglutide. It influences the GIP and GLP-1 signaling pathway to control blood sugar levels while reducing appetite and gastric emptying.
Who is suitable for our medically supervised weight loss program?
Many people, including Hollywood stars and top executives like Elon Musk, have found the combination of weight loss injections and lifestyle and diet changes to be very effective in achieving a healthier weight. These medications require a prescription in Switzerland and should only be used after medical advice. Our medically supervised weight loss program includes careful monitoring and management of possible side effects, blood tests, regular coaching sessions and follow-up visits by a team of doctors, nutritionists and exercise and lifestyle coaches.
Possible side effects of weight loss injections
There are no medications without potential side effects. Common side effects of weight loss injections include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting and constipation. Rare cases of pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, increased heart rate and kidney damage due to dehydration have been observed, so monitoring these risks is essential. In addition, we monitor your muscle mass and promote it through appropriate muscle training and an adapted diet.
What does the basic package include?
The basic package of our program includes a consultation with a doctor to find the optimal medication for you. Necessary laboratory tests and three follow-up consultations with an experienced nutritionist are the core of the minimum six-month program. Additionally, we offer tailored packages including nutrition, exercise and lifestyle coaching and personal training, with highly personalized options. Because every weight loss journey is unique, we emphasize the importance of speaking with our medically assisted weight loss team to choose the approach that is right for you. Results vary depending on the individual and medication, but clinical studies show that, depending on goals, significant weight loss of 15-20% of body weight is achievable in a period of 6-12 months. If you are interested in our medically supervised weight loss program, which is individually tailored to your needs, we would be happy to provide you with further information. Our goal is to accompany you on your way to your desired weight!