The Oprah Effect: Medical Weight Loss Clinic sees a surge in interest for weight loss medications

In the wake of Oprah Winfrey’s recent television special where she spoke with health experts and patients about prescription medications for weight loss and shared her positive experience with them, our clinics saw a surge in interest.

Oprah Winfrey hosted a discussion about the impact of prescription weight loss medications during a recent ABC TV special.

“Our phones have been ringing off the hook with people calling us and inquiring if we offer the injections,” says Cheryl Dietrich, manager of the Grosse Pointe Woods Medical Weight Loss Clinic location. “A lot of callers complain how difficult it is to fill the script their doctor had written because pharmacies are out of stock.

“Luckily, MWLC is now offering both GLP-1 medications - Semaglutide and Tirzepatide injections for those following our weight loss program. Our patients are having great success! And we use a compound pharmacy so we have no supply problems.”

Oprah’s openness about her own personal weight loss journey and success with GLP-1 agonist medications like Ozempic and Wegovy, resonates with many who struggle with similar challenges.

"People know the struggles Oprah has had regarding her weight,” Cheryl says. “She has never been quiet about it. Seeing how successful Oprah has been since using a GLP-1, should inspire and give hope to those who have struggled with trying to lose weight."

GLP-1 agonists, like Ozempic and Wegovy, are prescribed to treat Type 2 diabetes and obesity. These semaglutide medications are meant for patients who struggle to control hunger and food cravings. They work by mimicking the action of a hormone called GLP-1, which is naturally produced in the body. GLP-1 plays a crucial role in regulating blood sugar levels and appetite.

By activating GLP-1 receptors in the brain, these medications help reduce appetite, leading to decreased food intake and weight loss. They can also slow down the emptying of the stomach which decreases blood sugar spikes and increases feelings of fullness after meals.

While these promising injections for weight loss are the buzz of the moment, Cheryl stresses that a holistic approach to weight management and wellness is still key.

“Semaglutide medications are just a tool,” Cheryl says. “Following a program like Medical Weight Loss Clinic will ensure that your body gets the proper nutrition to lose weight, and it is also important that patients incorporate weight training into their week to avoid losing any muscle mass.”

Cheryl made a point to share that “obesity does not happen because someone is lazy but rather it is a disease.”

Our supportive, knowledgeable team is ready to answer any questions about injectables and whether they might be right for you. To learn more, schedule your free consultation at MWLC.com.

What exactly is Semaglutide? Medical Weight Loss Clinic pros answer the question

For those of us working to improve our health and lose extra pounds, several new medications on the market have been circulating on the news and in conversations for the past year. If you’ve been wondering what exactly the active ingredient – Semaglutide – is, you’re not alone.

What exactly is semaglutide? Is it right for me? At Medical Weight Loss Clinic, we have answers.

All the talk about these popular injectable weight loss drugs has caught the attention of both new and existing Medical Weight Loss Clinic patients, too. 

So, we checked in with Jordan Stewart, business analyst at Medical Weight Loss Clinic, to learn more about this medication, where it comes from and why it’s causing such a stir.

"Semaglutide is a GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonist medication that is used for the treatment of obesity and Type 2 diabetes," she says. "Semaglutide binds to GLP-1 receptors located throughout the body, acting centrally in the brain to control hunger.  It also acts locally in the pancreas to lower blood sugar."

For those patients who struggle to see a shift on the scale despite making healthy choices, injectable medications containing semaglutide can ease hunger and provide a much-needed extra boost for weight loss. It interacts with the parts of the brain that signal us to feel full, causing weight loss patients to think differently about food.

At Medical Weight Loss Clinic, some of our current patients are switching from older medications like Phentermine (Adipex) to try out this new option. And Jordan says, the company has seen an increase in patients who are enrolling in prescription therapy programs because they are so interested in trying semaglutide medication.

Semaglutide medications are meant for patients with obesity struggling to control hunger and food cravings. Those patients with cardiac conditions are not able to safely try stimulant-based appetite suppressants, so this new category of medicine provides an exciting new option.

Of course, not everyone is a good candidate for this kind of treatment.

Patients at Medical Weight Loss Clinic locations who are interested in learning more about semaglutide treatments talk directly with our medical providers to find out if this is an option to them.

“Our Physicians will evaluate a patient’s medical history and current health, and they will work together to determine the best medication for treatment and weight loss,” Jordan says.

For those individuals who are candidates, Medical Weight Loss Clinic offers a convenient and cost-effective way to access a prescription and obtain the self-administered once-weekly injection.

“Medical Weight Loss Clinic has partnered with a compounding pharmacy to be able to offer our patients semaglutide combined with B12 at a fraction of the cost of the name-brand medication,” Jordan says. “Because semaglutide is on the FDA shortage list, making it commercially unavailable, compounding pharmacies have legally been allowed to step in to provide the medication compounded with vitamins - like B12 or B6.”

And yes, Jordan says, this is a very safe option. 

By federal law, compounding pharmacies must source the Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient from FDA-registered and inspected facilities, according to Jordan. This comes with a certificate of analysis that shows the substance’s identity, potency and purity. 

“Compounded semaglutide is prepared with care and adheres to strict safety and quality standards,” she adds. “Our patients can conveniently have it delivered to their doorstep within days of being prescribed.”

So far, patients who try this as part of a Medical Weight Loss Clinic personalized program are seeing positive results.

Jordan says: “When used in conjunction with a structured meal plan, exercise and support from our professionals at Medical Weight Loss Clinic, this medication can be very effective for weight loss and improving overall health.”   

Are you a candidate for semaglutide? Do you want to learn more about how it can assist in weight loss alongside healthy habits?Schedule your free consultation online or by calling 1-800-GET-SLIM

New prescription weight loss medication options at Medical Weight Loss Clinic

Chances are you’ve heard the names Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro. In recent months we’ve all been bombarded with ads or news stories about how effective these drugs can be for those struggling with extra weight.

At Medical Weight Loss Clinic, many of our patients have asked us about these medications. Good news: We’re now able to make them a part of your personalized weight loss program.

The new medications can be a helpful addition to a healthy program. Constance Burke, PA-C a medical provider with Medical Weight Loss Clinic, says these medications open up new possibilities for some patients.

Are you curious about the weight loss medication everyone’s talking about? Let Medical Weight Loss Clinic help you find the right balance to reach your goals.

“A lot of people have been very successful,” she said, noting she’s familiar with the semiglutide class of weight loss medications. “There’s extensive research on how this class of medications work and clinical success to support their use in the weight loss arena."

Semaglutide or Tirzepatide medications do have side effects and not every patient may be eligible to use them, Constance notes. And those who do should also remember that the medications don’t work alone.

“Medical Weight Loss Clinic provides a healthy program with continued support so you can maintain that weight loss and work with your lifestyle,” she says.

The customized program you find here at Medical Weight Loss Clinic may be combined with a medication or supplement to help a patient on their weight loss journey. But ultimately, Constance adds, learning how to eat healthy and form healthy habits is what works for patients who lose and sustain a healthy weight into the future.

Every patient’s needs are going to be different. That’s why our clinic staff works closely to personalize a program to help patients reach their goals. Adopting personalized habits like eating smaller meals more often, drinking more water or getting more movement into the day work in tandem with our programs. Adding any medications or supplements would only be done with great care.

Our professional staff won’t rule out medications for those who might benefit. Medical Weight Loss Clinic even has its own line of enhancement products to help patients reach their goals.

For patients who feel hungry all the time, Control might be useful. For those who need to adjust when and how they eat to increase energy, an herbal supplement like ThermoPLUS or MIC Lipo Injections might be the right fit. We’re here to support your healthy journey in the way that works best for you.

Find a weight loss program customized to your needs at Medical Weight Loss Clinic. Schedule your free consultation online or by calling 1-800-GET-SLIM.