Disclosure :: This post is sponsored by Tulane Weight Loss Center and written by Dr. Shauna Levy.
What’s the Skinny on Weight Loss Injections?
Spending our time, money, and effort on diets and weight loss treatments that do not lead to lasting results can be frustrating and discouraging. Now, the widespread availability of weight loss injections offers a promising solution for those who have struggled for years. It’s hard not to feel overwhelmed by all the information out there, so we consulted with Dr. Shauna Levy of Tulane Weight Loss Center, to help tackle your questions and navigate the options for getting weight loss medications. 
Why is it so hard for me to lose weight? Obesity is a disease that impacts the way our body feels hunger and metabolizes food. Our brain sets an ideal weight for our body (influenced by many different factors) in the same way it sets our body temperature or breathing rate. When we try to lose weight and drop below the range set by our brain, our body resists by increasing hunger. The more weight we lose, the harder our brain fights to stay in range, which makes it challenging to maintain weight loss.
How do GLP-1 weight loss medications work? Weight loss medications, such as Wegovy (Semaglutide) and Zepbound (Tirzepatide), work by increasing levels of GLP-1, a naturally occurring hormone that regulates hunger and glucose. People with obesity tend to have lower levels of GLP-1, Dr. Levy explains. These medications raise GLP-1 levels in the body, which reduces hunger and makes you feel more full, allowing you to eat less without feeling miserable.
What is the difference between Wegovy/Zepbound and compounded Semaglutide/Tirzepatide? Wegovy and Zepbound are GLP-1 medications that are FDA-approved to treat obesity. They have gone through extensive clinical trials to ensure their safety and efficacy and are produced with standard formulas, created by the companies that make them. Your insurance may cover these medications, and you could pay around $25/month depending on your co-pay. On the other hand, compounded Semaglutide/Tirzepatide refers to non-branded GLP-1 medications that are custom-made by compounding pharmacies. Each compounding pharmacy makes its own variations of the medications, which are not FDA-regulated. These versions may vary in safety standards and are not covered by insurance. However, the cost of compounded medications is generally lower than that of branded products for patients paying cash.
Where can I find GLP-1 medications?
Obesity Medicine Clinics: Clinics such as Tulane Weight Loss Center can verify your insurance benefits to see what options your plan covers. Tulane Weight Loss Center also offers nutrition counseling and appointments with physicians who are board certified in obesity medicine. These physicians not only prescribe GLP-1 medications, but can also offer alternatives if GLP-1 medications are not right for you. The cost to see one of these physicians is usually your standard co-pay. Dr. Levy recommends consulting an obesity medicine specialist whenever possible to ensure the safest and most effective use of weight loss injections. You can find someone in your area at the American Board of Obesity Medicine website, ABOM.org.
Online Programs: Services like Calibrate, Ro, and Weight Watchers can also provide access to obesity specialists. These programs offer branded medications or compounded medications. They offer virtual appointments which provide convenience and anonymity. These options do not provide any advantage to patients in getting insurance coverage and are often more expensive, due to high subscription or membership fees.
Facilities working with compounding pharmacies: These companies sell compounded GLP-1 medication and can vary in their formulations, price, and care. The Obesity Medicine Association does not recommend using compounded GLP-1 medication, but they do offer access to treatment to those without insurance coverage. Dr. Levy strongly recommends verifying your benefits before proceeding with compounded products.
In summary, to ensure you are getting safe and effective treatment, Dr. Levy advises using FDA-approved medications under the guidance of a trained medical professional whenever possible. When it’s not, please use a pharmacy that you trust.
The friendly clinic staff at Tulane Weight Loss Center is happy to verify your insurance benefits to ensure that everyone who has access to and needs obesity treatments can get them, providing clarity and peace of mind. For more information, call the Tulane Weight Loss Center at 504-988-2274 (BARI) or visit tulaneweightloss.com.
For more information, call the Tulane Weight Loss Center at 504-988-BARI (2274) or visit tulaneweightloss.com.
Shauna Levy, MD, MS, FACS, FASMBS, DABOM is an Assistant Professor of Surgery who 
started as full-time faculty at Tulane University Medical Center in October 2017. Dr. Levy is double board certified in General Surgery and Obesity medicine. She is fellowship trained in minimally invasive surgery with an emphasis on Foregut and Bariatric surgery. She is also the Medical Director of Tulane’s Bariatric and Weight Loss Center.
Dr. Levy has always been interested in fitness, weight loss and nutrition; she is very passionate about helping patients treat the disease of obesity. She works closely with patients to determine the best treatment for disease including medication, surgery or both. She specializes in anti-obesity medications as well as surgical weight loss treatments including vertical sleeve gastrectomy, roux en y gastric bypass and duodenal switch. This clinic can also help patients who have gained weight back after bariatric surgery. Dr. Levy works with each patient to help them achieve long term weight loss.
