Medical Weight Loss FAQ

The program includes a free initial consultation with our licensed providers, a baseline lab panel, a personalized GLP-1 prescription (semaglutide or tirzepatide) with a titration schedule tailored to your biology, monthly medication delivery to your door, and quarterly follow-up labs with dose adjustments. Continuity of care is built in: you work with the same medical team throughout your program, no rotating staff or handoffs.

Yes. Telehealth is available in most states based on provider licensing. You consult virtually, get labs at your nearest Quest or Labcorp, and receive medication shipped directly to your door. See our telehealth page for current availability.

Baseline labs include: Comprehensive Metabolic Panel, HbA1c (blood sugar control), Lipid Panel, TSH (thyroid), and Complete Blood Count. Labs are ordered electronically to your nearest Quest or Labcorp; no appointment needed at most locations. Results are typically available within 48-72 hours. See our lab finder.

No rigid meal plan. GLP-1 medications significantly reduce appetite, which naturally leads to lower calorie intake. We provide general nutritional guidance focused on adequate protein and nutrient-dense food choices, practical and not restrictive. Exercise is encouraged but not required to see meaningful results.

Most patients complete their consultation and labs within 7-10 days of their first appointment. From the time your prescription is sent to the pharmacy, allow 5-7 business days for delivery. Most patients begin treatment within 2-3 weeks of their initial booking.

Adults with a BMI of 30 or higher (obesity), or BMI of 27 or higher with at least one weight-related condition such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or sleep apnea. A clinician evaluation is required before any prescription is issued. Your provider reviews your full health history at your free consultation.

Yes. GLP-1 medications were originally developed for type 2 diabetes and are especially beneficial for patients with T2D. Your provider will review your current diabetes medications to ensure safe combination, particularly regarding hypoglycemia risk with sulfonylureas or insulin.

No. GLP-1 medications are contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding. This is a firm clinical contraindication, not a discretionary recommendation. If you become pregnant while on the program, notify your provider immediately and discontinue medication.

GLP-1 medications are contraindicated in patients with: personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia type 2 (MEN2), and during pregnancy. They should be used with caution in patients with a history of pancreatitis, severe renal impairment, or active gallbladder disease. Your provider reviews your full health history before prescribing.

Possibly, but it requires careful clinical evaluation. Post-bariatric patients can experience different absorption and side effect profiles. If you’ve had bariatric surgery and are experiencing weight regain or a plateau, discuss your surgical history fully during your consultation. Your provider will assess whether GLP-1 therapy is appropriate and safe for your specific situation.

The FDA indication requires BMI 30+ or BMI 27+ with a weight-related comorbidity. Patients below these thresholds don’t meet the standard criteria. Our providers practice within FDA-approved guidelines and won’t prescribe outside these parameters. If you’re close to the threshold, a full evaluation including comorbidities may reveal eligibility, best assessed at a consultation.

Semaglutide (Ozempic®/Wegovy®) is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that reduces appetite and slows gastric emptying. Average clinical trial weight loss is approximately 15% of body weight. Tirzepatide (Mounjaro®/Zepbound®) adds a second mechanism (GIP receptor agonism) which produces greater average weight loss, approximately 20-22% in clinical trials. Both are weekly injections. Your provider will recommend based on your health history, tolerance, and goals. See our full comparison guide.

Yes. Rybelsus® is the daily oral version of semaglutide, FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes. The Wegovy® pill (high-dose oral semaglutide) was FDA-approved for chronic weight management and offers an option for patients who prefer not to inject. Oral semaglutide is taken daily on an empty stomach with strict timing requirements. Your provider can discuss whether oral or weekly injectable semaglutide fits your routine and goals.

Yes. We offer brand-name FDA-approved medications (Wegovy®, Ozempic®, Zepbound®, Mounjaro®, Saxenda®, Victoza®) and alternative GLP-1 treatment pathways for patients where cost, access, or specific clinical considerations make a different option appropriate. Your provider will discuss which approach fits your situation, considering your insurance status, dosing flexibility needs, and long-term treatment plan.

Both semaglutide and tirzepatide are started at the lowest dose and gradually increased every 4 weeks to minimize side effects. Semaglutide starts at 0.25mg weekly, progressing to a maintenance dose of 2.4mg. Tirzepatide starts at 2.5mg weekly, progressing to 10-15mg. If you experience significant nausea at any increase, your provider will hold you at the current dose until your body adjusts. No patient is rushed to maximum dose.

Yes, significantly. The SELECT cardiovascular outcomes trial showed semaglutide reduces major adverse cardiovascular events (heart attack, stroke, cardiovascular death) by 20% in high-risk patients. GLP-1 medications also improve blood sugar control, reduce blood pressure, improve lipid profiles, reduce liver fat (NAFLD), and show promising data for reducing kidney disease progression and sleep apnea severity.

No. GLP-1 medications do not create physical dependence or addiction. However, because obesity is a chronic condition, stopping the medication typically leads to weight regain. This isn’t due to habit, but because the underlying metabolic condition returns when treatment stops. Long-term use planning is part of every program conversation.

Clinical trials show average weight loss of 15% (semaglutide) and 20-22% (tirzepatide) of starting body weight over 12-16 months at maximum therapeutic doses. Individual results vary based on starting weight, dose achieved, diet, and activity level. Some patients exceed these averages; some achieve less. Your provider will give you an honest assessment based on your specific health picture, not a marketing number.

While most patients respond well, not everyone achieves the same level of weight loss. If progress is limited, your provider may adjust dosing, switch medications (e.g., semaglutide vs tirzepatide), or incorporate combination strategies based on your metabolic and behavioral profile. Non-response is a clinical signal, not a reason to give up. Our medical team works through the full toolkit before considering a program a poor fit.

Nausea is the most common side effect and is most pronounced during dose increases. Our titration schedule is deliberately slow to minimize this. If nausea is significant, your provider can hold the dose at a lower level until tolerance improves. Eating smaller, lower-fat meals and staying hydrated reduces nausea for most patients. Persistent or severe symptoms should always be reported. Our medical team responds to clinical messages within one business day.

Slower digestion is part of how GLP-1 medications work, but it can lead to constipation in some patients. We recommend high fiber intake (25-35g daily), magnesium supplementation, and consistent hydration (around half your body weight in ounces of water daily). If needed, your provider can recommend over-the-counter or clinical solutions to keep you comfortable. Constipation is one of the more common reasons patients quit treatment, and it is highly manageable with the right protocol.

Temporary hair shedding (telogen effluvium) has been reported in some patients, typically when weight loss is rapid. This is related to the physiological stress of significant calorie restriction and rapid fat loss, not a direct drug effect. It is temporary and typically resolves within a few months as your body adjusts. Adequate protein intake (ideally 100g+ per day) significantly reduces this risk.

Some lean mass loss can occur with rapid weight loss. Maintaining adequate protein intake (typically 0.7-1.0g per pound of goal body weight) and incorporating resistance training helps preserve muscle. Your provider will guide nutritional strategies to protect muscle while reducing body fat. Body composition matters more than the number on the scale, and our protocols are designed to protect lean mass throughout your program.

“Ozempic face” refers to facial volume loss that can occur with rapid or significant weight loss, not something unique to GLP-1 medications. When you lose a large amount of weight quickly, your face loses fat along with the rest of your body. This is minimized by losing weight at a sustainable pace rather than the most aggressive possible titration, maintaining adequate protein, and staying hydrated. If facial volume loss is a significant concern, your provider can discuss this at your consultation.

Clinical data consistently shows that most patients regain a significant portion of lost weight after stopping. This is because obesity is a chronic condition. GLP-1 medications manage it while you’re taking them, but the underlying metabolic drivers return when treatment stops. Long-term use planning and maintenance dosing strategies are part of the conversation our providers have with every patient.

Not necessarily. While obesity is a chronic condition, our goal is to find the “Minimum Effective Dose” for maintenance. Some patients stay on a low maintenance dose long-term, while others use the program as a metabolic reset to build habits that allow them to eventually transition off under supervision. Your provider builds your transition based on your metabolic profile, not a fixed timeline.

Reaching goal weight is a milestone, not a finish line. At that point, your provider will discuss maintenance options. Some patients taper to a lower maintenance dose, others continue at therapeutic dose, and some attempt a structured taper-off with close monitoring. The right path depends on how you achieved your goal, how long you’ve been at goal weight, your metabolic markers, and your personal preferences. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer.

Alcohol is not strictly contraindicated. GLP-1 medications slow gastric emptying, which may change how quickly alcohol is absorbed and how strongly its effects are felt at lower quantities than you’re used to. Many patients also report a reduced desire for alcohol on GLP-1 therapy, due to the same brain reward-pathway mechanisms that quiet food noise. Heavy or regular alcohol use can undermine weight loss progress and increase GI side effects. Moderate, occasional use is generally fine. Your provider will discuss this in the context of your individual health history.

Yes. GLP-1 medications in pen form are allowed in carry-on baggage. TSA permits injectable medications with a doctor’s note. Keep the medication in its original packaging with your prescription label. Refrigerate as needed (most GLP-1 pens should be refrigerated but can be kept at room temperature for up to 28 days once opened, depending on the product). Check the specific storage requirements on your medication insert.

Consultation and initial lab review are free. Medication cost varies by treatment pathway and dose. Your provider will provide specific pricing at your consultation. We provide transparent pricing before you commit to anything, no hidden fees.

Pricing varies depending on whether you are using brand-name medications, manufacturer savings programs, or alternative access pathways. The lowest price is not always the best outcome. Proper dosing, monitoring, and long-term adherence are what determine results. Our providers help you navigate all available options and recommend the path that balances cost, clinical fit, and long-term sustainability.

Tactus Health is a direct-pay practice and does not bill insurance. However, HSA and FSA accounts are accepted for eligible expenses. Most GLP-1 treatments qualify for HSA/FSA reimbursement, and we provide documentation for your plan administrator. Financing is also available through CareCredit, Cherry, and AfterPay.

Coverage varies widely by plan. Brand-name Wegovy® and Zepbound® have manufacturer savings programs that can significantly reduce cost for eligible patients. Alternative treatment pathways are typically not covered by insurance. If you want to pursue insurance coverage for brand-name medications, we can provide documentation to support your prior authorization request, though approval is not guaranteed and we don’t manage the insurance process on your behalf.

The safety data is strong. Semaglutide has been in clinical use since 2017 with an extensive track record. The SELECT cardiovascular outcomes trial showed a 20% reduction in major adverse cardiovascular events in high-risk patients. The primary boxed warning relates to a theoretical thyroid C-cell tumor risk observed in animal studies, not confirmed in humans. Patients with personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or MEN2 should not use these medications. See our full semaglutide safety information.

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation are the most common, primarily during the first few weeks and during dose increases. These typically improve significantly once you’ve been at a stable dose. Other possible effects include fatigue, headache, and injection site reactions. Serious side effects (pancreatitis, gallbladder problems) are rare but require immediate medical attention.

Pre-procedure guidance varies based on the type of surgery and your dosing schedule. GLP-1 medications may need to be held in advance due to delayed gastric emptying, which can increase aspiration risk under anesthesia. Your surgeon and anesthesiologist will provide specific instructions based on current guidelines. Always notify them that you are on a GLP-1 medication, and resume under your provider’s guidance after recovery.