At Apex Weight Solutions, we provide FDA-approved prescription weight loss medications to address overweight and obesity.
These medications help curb excess food intake by sending signals to your brain and gut. Commonly prescribed medications include Semaglutide, Tirzepatide, Phentermine, and Topiramate.
Our program combines nutritional and behavioral education and lifestyle guidance, with prescription medications. Our goal is to facilitate effective and sustainable weight loss while prioritizing your health at every step.
Semaglutide is an FDA-approved prescription injection weight loss medication. It is a derivative of a natural hormone released in your body when you consume carbohydrates or proteins.
Originally developed and approved as a type 2 diabetes medication, Semaglutide can help regulate your blood sugar, slow down your digestion, and communicate with the center of your brain that regulates your appetite.
Semaglutide is also recommended for patients with known cardiovascular disease. A major study found that taking Semaglutide can contribute up to a 20% reduction in cardiovascular death, as well as non-fatal heart attacks and strokes.
Novo Nordisk, the makers of Semaglutide, have discontinued the use of body mass index (BMI) as the only means for patients to qualify for this medication. This means that other important metabolic parameters, such as waist circumference or percent fat mass, are now evaluated to assess eligibility for Semaglutide.
Semaglutide works best in conjunction with adequate high-quality protein consumption and balanced nutrition.
Its main side effects are nausea, indigestion, bloating, diarrhea, or constipation, which go away with time.
Semaglutide may also be combined with other anti-obesity medications. Please note that at this time all anti-obesity medications are not approved for those who are planning to conceive or are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Zepbound® is a prescription injection medication that helps with weight loss by suppressing appetite and, therefore, helping to reduce your food intake. The active ingredient in Zepbound® is Tirzepatide, which mimics a combination of hormones that are naturally secreted by the body after a meal.
In a recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, Tirzepatide showed promising results. Approximately 50% of participants in the study achieved 20% weight loss or more on the higher maintenance doses after 52 weeks of treatment.
Another study also revealed that, on average, after 52 weeks of treatment, more than a third of the participants taking Tirzepatide at all maintenance doses experienced an improvement in liver inflammation and a reversal of at least one stage of fibrosis.
At Apex Weight Solutions, we offer personalized weight loss programs that may incorporate Zepbound® to help you achieve your goals. Our approach combines prescription medications, nutritional guidance, and behavioral modifications to help you achieve your weight loss goals.
Phentermine is an FDA-approved oral medication for weight loss that works by stimulating the central nervous system to reduce appetite. It belongs to a class of medications known as anorectics or appetite suppressants.
Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that relay signals to your brain and body. Phentermine is thought to increase the levels of neurotransmitters like norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine. These signals help curb your appetite, reduce your calorie intake, and increase your energy expenditure.
Phentermine is prescribed for people with obesity or overweight and who have at least one weight-related medical condition. It is used when nutrition and physical activity alone have not been successful in achieving sufficient weight loss.
Phentermine can be used alone or in combination with other weight-loss medications, such as Topiramate.
The most common side effects of Phentermine include increased heart rate, dry mouth, restlessness, insomnia, and constipation. Due to its stimulant properties, it may also increase blood pressure, however, the effects are usually mild, well-tolerated, and temporary.
Topiramate is an anticonvulsant drug that is commonly used to control certain types of seizures associated with epilepsy. It has also been found to have additional benefits in promoting weight loss, making it useful for people with excess weight.
Topiramate’s mechanism of action involves changes in the reward pathway in the brain. It is often prescribed to curb specific food cravings and can also help regulate energy expenditure.
Topiramate can be prescribed alone or in combination with Phentermine, prescribed under the brand name Qsymia®. This combination is approved by the FDA for long-term use in weight management, with an average weight loss of approximately 10% once you achieve the maintenance dose.
Qsymia® is an oral weight-loss medication containing Phentermine and Topiramate. It functions by suppressing your appetite and reducing cravings, thereby decreasing your food intake.
The advantage of taking Qsymia® instead of Phentermine and Topiramate separately is that it allows you to benefit from the different mechanisms of each drug at lower doses, reducing any unwanted side effects.
Additionally, as Phentermine’s effects wear off during the day, Topiramate will “kick in,” allowing for greater appetite control over the course of 24 hours.
Qsymia® is prescribed for those with obesity or overweight along with weight-related medical conditions. It is one of the few medications approved by the FDA for weight loss in children as young as 12 years old.
Moreover, Qsymia® is covered by most insurance plans. This makes it a valuable and accessible option for families seeking a weight-loss solution for their children.
Compounded Semaglutide is made by independent pharmacies that are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Since the FDA does not approve these medications, there are potential risks involved in their use.
Weight loss medications have become readily available in many places, including med spas and other non-traditional settings. While these venues may offer convenient access to these medications at a cheaper cost, recent concerns have emerged about the safety and effectiveness of the compounded products they may offer.
The use of compounded injections and other unregulated options of these medications at med spas has become a growing source of worry. FDA-approved medications undergo rigorous testing to ensure safety and deliver proven results. In contrast, unregulated options and compounded injections lack such oversight.
Novo Nordisk, the pharmaceutical company that makes Ozempic® and Wegovy®, has conducted independent studies on these medications sold at such establishments. They found that compounded medications tend to have a lower dose of the hormone and may have up to 30% impurities, including fungus and bacteria.
Losing weight can be a challenging journey. Prescription medications can play a central role in weight loss by influencing various aspects of your body's functioning.
At Apex Weight Solutions, our goal is to help you achieve sustainable weight loss while prioritizing your overall well-being.
Our team offers personalized weight loss plans tailored to your goals and health conditions. To schedule your consultation, request an appointment online or call us at 708-797-3541.
