Medical Weight Management

A Personalized Approach to Sustainable Weight Loss

Weight management is about more than a number on the scale. Genetics, hormones, metabolism, sleep, stress, medications, health conditions, nutrition, and physical activity can all influence your ability to lose weight and maintain the results.

At Glo & Glam MedSpa & Skincare, our medical weight-management approach combines individualized clinical care, realistic goal setting, lifestyle support, and medication when medically appropriate.

Your journey begins with a consultation—not a one-size-fits-all prescription.

More Than a Diet

Many people have tried restrictive diets, supplements, or short-term programs only to regain the weight. This does not necessarily reflect a lack of motivation or willpower.

Obesity is a complex, chronic medical condition. Effective treatment may require a combination of:

• Personalized nutrition guidance
• Physical-activity planning
• Behavioral and lifestyle changes
• Sleep and stress support
• Identification of medical barriers
• Prescription medication when appropriate
• Ongoing monitoring and accountability
• A long-term maintenance strategy

Our goal is to help you develop a plan that supports both weight reduction and overall health.

Potential Benefits of Medical Weight Management

Depending on your individual health and response, medical weight management may help:

• Support meaningful weight reduction
• Reduce appetite and food cravings
• Improve portion control
• Support long-term weight maintenance
• Improve mobility and physical comfort
• Support healthier blood-sugar levels
• Improve certain weight-related health markers
• Reduce strain on joints
• Support better sleep and daily energy
• Improve confidence and quality of life

Results vary, and no specific amount of weight loss can be guaranteed.

GLP-1 and GIP/GLP-1 Medication Options

When clinically appropriate, prescription weight-management medications may be incorporated into your plan.

These may include medications that act on:

• GLP-1 pathways, such as semaglutide
• GIP and GLP-1 pathways, such as tirzepatide

These medications may help regulate appetite, increase feelings of fullness, reduce food intake, and support weight reduction when combined with nutrition and physical activity.

Medication is only one component of treatment. It does not replace balanced nutrition, movement, adequate protein intake, sleep, or long-term behavior change.

FDA-Approved and Compounded Medications

FDA-approved medications such as Wegovy® and Zepbound® have been evaluated for specific indications, dosing, safety, effectiveness, and manufacturing quality.

Compounded medications are not FDA-approved. FDA does not review compounded products for safety, effectiveness, or quality before they are marketed. A compounded product is not a generic version of an FDA-approved medication and should not be described as identical, equivalent, or clinically proven to produce the same results.

If a compounded medication is considered, it must be:

• Clinically appropriate for the individual patient
• Permitted under current federal and state requirements
• Prescribed following a medical evaluation
• Dispensed by an appropriately licensed pharmacy
• Used with clear dosing and monitoring instructions

Availability may change based on FDA guidance, drug-shortage status, pharmacy policy, and applicable law.

What to Expect

Initial Consultation

Your provider will review:

• Current weight and health goals
• Weight and diet history
• Previous weight-loss attempts
• Medical and surgical history
• Current medications and supplements
• Family medical history
• Eating patterns and physical activity
• Sleep, stress, and lifestyle factors
• Pregnancy plans
• Potential medication contraindications

Your weight, vital signs, and other relevant measurements may be obtained.

Laboratory Testing

Laboratory testing may be recommended to evaluate:

• Blood-sugar regulation
• Cholesterol and triglycerides
• Liver and kidney function
• Thyroid function
• Nutritional deficiencies
• Other medical or hormonal concerns

Testing is individualized and may not be required for every patient.

Personalized Treatment Plan

Your plan may include:

• Realistic weight and health goals
• Nutrition and protein recommendations
• Physical-activity guidance
• Strategies to preserve lean muscle
• Prescription medication when appropriate
• Education about side effects
• Follow-up appointments
• Dose adjustments when clinically indicated
• A long-term maintenance plan

Who May Be a Candidate?

Medical weight management may be appropriate for adults who:

• Have obesity
• Have overweight with a weight-related medical condition
• Have struggled to lose or maintain weight through lifestyle changes alone
• Want a medically supervised approach
• Are willing to participate in nutrition and activity changes
• Understand the benefits, risks, and long-term nature of treatment

FDA-approved weight-management medications are commonly considered for adults with:

• A body mass index of 30 or greater; or
• A body mass index of 27 or greater with at least one weight-related health condition

BMI is only one screening tool. It does not automatically determine eligibility or guarantee that medication is appropriate.

Who May Not Be a Candidate?

GLP-1 or GIP/GLP-1 medication may not be appropriate for individuals who:

• Are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding
• Have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma
• Have Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2
• Have experienced a serious allergic reaction to the medication
• Have severe gastroparesis or certain serious gastrointestinal conditions
• Have an active eating disorder
• Have certain pancreatic, gallbladder, kidney, or endocrine conditions
• Take medications that may create an unsafe interaction
• Are seeking rapid weight loss without medical monitoring

This is not a complete list. Eligibility is determined individually by a licensed medical provider.

Common Medication Side Effects

Common side effects of GLP-1 and GIP/GLP-1 medications may include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Abdominal discomfort
• Bloating
• Indigestion or reflux
• Burping
• Reduced appetite
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Injection-site reactions
• Hair shedding associated with weight reduction

Side effects may be more noticeable when treatment begins or when the dose increases. Gradual dose escalation, hydration, appropriate nutrition, and provider communication may improve tolerability.

Serious Risks

Serious risks may include:

• Pancreatitis
• Gallstones or gallbladder inflammation
• Severe gastrointestinal reactions
• Kidney injury related to dehydration
• Low blood sugar, particularly with insulin or certain diabetes medications
• Serious allergic reactions
• Worsening diabetic retinopathy in certain patients with diabetes
• Changes in mood or suicidal thoughts
• Pulmonary aspiration during anesthesia or deep sedation
• Potential thyroid C-cell tumors

Thyroid C-cell tumors occurred in animal studies. It is not known whether semaglutide or tirzepatide causes these tumors in humans. These medications should not be used by patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or MEN 2.

Seek urgent medical attention for severe or persistent abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, signs of dehydration, difficulty breathing, facial or throat swelling, fainting, a neck mass, persistent hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, or another concerning reaction.

Protecting Muscle During Weight Loss

Weight loss can include both fat and lean muscle. Preserving muscle is an important part of a healthy program.

Your provider may recommend:

• Adequate daily protein
• Resistance or strength training
• Regular physical activity
• Avoiding excessively rapid weight loss
• Appropriate hydration
• Monitoring strength and body composition
• Adjusting treatment if nutritional intake becomes inadequate

The goal is not simply to weigh less—it is to improve health while maintaining strength and function.

Pregnancy and Birth-Control Considerations

Weight-loss medications should not be used during pregnancy. Notify your provider immediately if pregnancy occurs or is suspected.

Semaglutide should generally be discontinued at least two months before a planned pregnancy because it remains in the body for an extended period.

Tirzepatide may reduce the effectiveness of oral hormonal birth-control medication. Patients using oral contraceptives may need to switch to a non-oral method or add a barrier method for four weeks after starting tirzepatide and for four weeks after each dose increase.

Discuss pregnancy plans and contraception with your prescribing provider.

Surgery and Sedation

GLP-1 and GIP/GLP-1 medications delay stomach emptying and may increase the risk of stomach contents entering the lungs during anesthesia or deep sedation.

Tell your surgeon, anesthesiologist, dentist, and other healthcare professionals that you take a weight-management medication before any planned procedure. Follow the procedure team’s specific instructions.

Long-Term Weight Maintenance

Medical weight management should be approached as long-term care rather than a temporary diet.

Some patients regain weight after discontinuing medication. Your maintenance plan may include:

• Continued medication when appropriate
• Nutrition and activity support
• Strength training
• Regular follow-up
• Adjustments based on weight and health changes
• Alternative treatment when medication is discontinued

Your provider will discuss the risks and benefits of continued therapy based on your progress and preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much weight can I expect to lose?

Results vary based on the treatment selected, starting weight, medical history, nutrition, activity, medication tolerance, and consistency. No specific amount or rate of weight loss is guaranteed.

Do I have to take medication?

No. Medication is only prescribed when appropriate and desired. Your plan may focus on nutrition, activity, behavior, and medical factors without medication.

How quickly will I lose weight?

Weight loss is usually gradual. Faster is not always safer or better. Your provider will focus on a pace that supports nutrition, muscle preservation, and long-term maintenance.

Will I regain weight after stopping medication?

Weight regain is possible because appetite and metabolic signals may return after medication is discontinued. A maintenance strategy is an important part of treatment.

Are semaglutide and tirzepatide the same?

No. Semaglutide acts on the GLP-1 receptor, while tirzepatide acts on both GIP and GLP-1 receptors. They have different indications, formulations, dosing, and safety information.

Can I take more than one GLP-1 medication?

No. Combining semaglutide, tirzepatide, or another GLP-1 medication is generally not recommended and may increase risk.

Will insurance cover treatment?

Coverage varies by insurance plan, medical indication, medication, and pharmacy benefits. Coverage and prior-authorization requirements should be confirmed directly with your insurer.

Is medication a quick fix?

No. Medication can be a valuable treatment tool, but long-term results still depend on nutrition, movement, muscle preservation, medical follow-up, and a sustainable maintenance plan.

Start Your Weight Management Journey

At Glo & Glam, weight management is personal. We take the time to understand your health, challenges, and goals before recommending a plan.

Schedule your medical weight-management consultation at our Arlington–Viridian or Colleyville location today.

Prescription medication is provided only after an appropriate medical evaluation and when clinically indicated. Individual results vary. No specific amount or rate of weight loss is promised or guaranteed. Compounded medications are not FDA-approved and are subject to applicable federal and state requirements.

Contact Us to Schedule Your Complimentary Consultation at our Arlington (Viridian) or Colleyville locations today. You can also reach us at (817) 587-4300 for more assistance.