Medical Weight Loss
in St. George, Utah

GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonists are a class of medications that mimic a natural hormone your gut releases after eating. They reduce appetite, slow gastric emptying (you feel full longer), improve insulin sensitivity, and reduce reward-driven eating. Patients typically experience reduced hunger and food preoccupation within days of starting therapy. Average weight loss across major trials is 15–20% of body weight at one year on tirzepatide and 12–15% on semaglutide — significantly more than any prior weight-loss medication.

Both are GLP-1 receptor agonists. Semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) targets only the GLP-1 receptor. Tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound) is a dual agonist — it activates both GLP-1 and GIP receptors. In head-to-head clinical trials, tirzepatide produces greater weight loss on average (~20% vs ~15%) and slightly better glycemic control, but it's typically more expensive and has slightly different side-effect timing. Janessa will discuss which fits your goals, budget, and medical history.

Pricing depends on whether you're using brand-name (Wegovy, Zepbound) or compounded. Brand-name retail without insurance: $1,000–$1,500/month. With insurance coverage: as low as $25/month copay. Compounded semaglutide programs (when available): $300–$500/month. Compounded tirzepatide (when available): $400–$700/month. Aera Medical Aesthetics builds programs that include the medication, follow-up visits, and ongoing labs.

The regulatory landscape has shifted. During the FDA-declared shortage of brand-name semaglutide and tirzepatide (2022–2024), compounded versions were widely available through 503A pharmacies. As shortages resolve, FDA restrictions on compounding tighten. As of this page's update, some 503A and 503B pharmacies continue to compound when shortages persist or for individual patient need. Janessa stays current on the regulatory status and will tell you what's available, what's safest, and what's appropriate for your situation. We do not work with research-only or non-US pharmacy supply.

Generally: BMI ≥30, or BMI ≥27 with weight-related comorbidities (type 2 diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, dyslipidemia, fatty liver). Patients without obesity or weight-related conditions but with stubborn weight that hasn't responded to lifestyle change may also be candidates depending on overall health. Patients with personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma, MEN2 syndrome, severe gastroparesis, pancreatitis history, or pregnancy should not use GLP-1s. Janessa screens for contraindications during the consultation.

Most common: nausea (typically worst in the first 1–2 weeks of each dose increase, then improves), constipation or diarrhea, occasional fatigue, mild headaches. Less common but possible: pancreatitis (rare, requires discontinuation), gallbladder issues, severe gastroparesis. Side effects are largely dose-dependent — slower titration reduces them significantly. Most patients tolerate maintenance doses without major issues once they're past the titration phase.

Yes, partially — GLP-1s work while you're on them. Studies show patients typically regain 60–80% of lost weight within 1–2 years of stopping. This is why most patients plan for long-term maintenance dosing rather than 'detox and stop.' Maintenance doses are typically lower than active weight-loss doses. Lifestyle changes (protein intake, resistance training, sleep, stress management) implemented during the active phase substantially reduce regain — that's the work that makes results durable.

Yes. Baseline labs include CMP, lipid panel, A1c, TSH, lipase, and pregnancy test (in childbearing-age women). We screen for contraindications and verify metabolic baseline. Repeat labs at 3 months and 6-month intervals during therapy.

Yes — and it's underappreciated. Studies show 20–40% of weight lost on GLP-1s without intervention is lean mass (muscle). This makes resistance training and adequate protein intake non-negotiable during a weight-loss phase. Janessa builds these into every patient's program: protein targets, lifting recommendations, periodic body composition tracking. Losing weight at the expense of muscle is a worse outcome than not losing the weight.