Achieve Sustainable Weight Loss with Medical Support in Newport Beach
Patients who are having difficulty losing weight despite making significant changes in diet and increasing their exercise routines may turn to medical weight loss options such as Semaglutide or Tirzepatide. These are FDA-approved medications that offer effective treatment solutions when combined with healthy lifestyle changes.
Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist and Tirzepatide targets GLP-1 and GIP receptors in the brain to regulate appetite, reduce cravings, and reprogram the brain on how and where to store fat in the body.
Both of these weight loss medications are taken on a weekly basis via injection to help patients lose the weight and keep it off for the long-term.
Semaglutide: How it Works and Is it Right for You?
Semaglutide is classified as a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist that is FDA approved to manage Type 2 diabetes and promote weight loss. The drug works to mimic the naturally-occurring GLP-1 hormone in your body by stimulating the production of insulin and restricting the release of glucagon to moderate blood sugar.
The result is a slower digestive process and a reduction in appetite, so you feel full longer, limiting your food intake, and helping you refrain from consuming the empty calories that only contribute to weight gain and negatively impact your overall health.
Semaglutide remains in the body for a much longer period of time than the naturally-occurring version of the GLP-1 hormone produced in your gastrointestinal tract. This allows for more successful weight loss and management results while keeping your glycemic levels in check.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this medication safe?
Semaglutide is available by prescription, approved for weight loss by the FDA and proven safe and effective as a medical weight loss treatment option when prescribed by a licensed healthcare provider.
How much weight loss is possible?
Recent clinical trials have shown that patients may experience a reduction in body weight at an average of 10-15% in approximately six to twelve months.
How long does it take to start seeing results?
Some patients may notice marked changes in their weight, appetite, and A1C levels within the first three to four weeks of taking Semaglutide. Routine weight loss may start to occur within the first ten to twelve weeks.
Your results may vary based on a number of contributing factors, all of which can play a significant role in a patient’s ability to lose the weight and keep it off:
- Age
- General health condition
- Lifestyle habits
- Weight
Who is a good candidate for losing weight with Semaglutide?
Semaglutide is intended for use by adults 18 years and older who have a body mass index of 27 kg/m2 or higher and have been diagnosed with one or more of these weight-related health conditions:
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Type 2 diabetes
Adults with a body mass index of 30 kg/m2 or higher may take Semaglutide for weight loss without a diagnosis of any weight-related health conditions.
Patients who have been diagnosed with or have a medical history of the following health conditions should not take Semaglutide as a weight loss medication:
- Gallbladder disease
- Multiple endocrine neoplasia type-2 syndrome
- Thyroid cancer
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women may need to avoid this medication
Does Semaglutide come with any side effects?
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Discomfort in the abdominal area
- Heartburn
- Nausea
- Vomiting
These side effects are often mild and go away in 48-72 hours in most cases.
Is it important to maintain a specific diet while taking this medication?
Semaglutide has been shown to be the most effective when administered to patients who made healthy lifestyle choices such as eating a balanced, proper diet and getting plenty of routine exercise. These will help improve the chances of seeing the desired results when taking this medication and achieving optimal weight loss.
Is alcohol permitted when taking Semaglutide?
Consuming alcohol while taking this medication is typically safe but some patients have reported experiencing changes in blood sugar and increased gastrointestinal discomfort.
Discontinuing the medication could result in weight gain and impact blood sugar levels. A consultation with Dr. Garcia can help determine when it’s time to stop taking the medication and the best course of action.
Tirzepatide: How it Works and Is it Right for You?
Tirzepatide is an FDA-approved weight loss medication that has been engineered to work by mimicking two different naturally-occurring hormones that are produced in the body and perform critical functions to regulate appetite, control food intake, and produce insulin to maintain healthy glycemic levels.
The GLP-1 (Glucagon-like peptide-1) and GIP (Gastric inhibitory polypeptide) hormones are formed in the intestine and each one is tasked with signalling the brain in different ways. The GLP-1 hormone suppresses appetite thus reducing the further consumption of any more food for the time being while the GIP hormone assists in triggering the brain to start the production of insulin while instructing it on where to store fat in the body and how much of it should be stored.
Tirzepatide works to perform the tasks of these hormones to help manage weight loss and maintain target weight once the goal has been achieved. The naturally-occurring variants of these hormones last for a limited time in the body once produced, Tirzepatide basically picks up where those hormones leave off, remaining in the body for much longer and providing the benefits for greater, longer-lasting results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this medication safe?
Tirzepatide is available by prescription only and proven safe and effective as a weight loss solution when administered as part of a personalized weight loss treatment regimen. This medication has been approved by the FDA and works to control appetite, regulate insulin and glucose production, and directs the brain on where to store fat and how much.
How much weight loss is possible?
Clinical trials have demonstrated that patients that have been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes can lose around 15-20% of their body weight with Tirzepatide. Patients who do not suffer from Type 2 diabetes can lose around 23% of their body weight. Your results may vary depending on a variety of factors including dosage levels, lifestyle habits, and age, among others.
How long does it take to start seeing results?
Each patient is different so results may vary based on the following factors:
- Age
- General health condition
- Lifestyle habits
- Medical history
- Prescribed medications taken during weight loss treatment
- Weight
Who is a good candidate for losing weight with Tirzepatide?
- Cardiovascular disease
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Type 2 diabetes
Adults who have a body mass index of 30 kg/m2 or higher without any diagnoses of weight-related health issues may also choose Tirzepatide as a safe and effective weight loss option.
Patients with a medical history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or a recent diagnosis of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 may not be able to take Tirzepatide for weight loss.
Does Tirzepatide have any side effects?
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Discomfort in the abdominal area
- Heartburn
- Indigestion
- Lethargy
- Nausea
- Vomiting
These side effects are typically mild and subside in just a couple of days.
Is it important to maintain a specific diet while taking this medication?
Healthy lifestyle habits are always recommended but they become even more important for patients who have chosen Tirzepatide treatment to help them lose weight.
Good diet and routine exercise combined with a medical weight loss drug like Tirzepatide can help patients achieve their ideal weight goals faster and with greater success for long-term results.
Is alcohol permitted with Tirzepatide?
Alcohol use is generally safe while taking Tirzepatide, however, some patients may experience drastic drops in blood sugar levels and intense gastrointestinal discomfort. Alcohol can lower blood sugar and so does Tirzepatide, consuming both at the same time can increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Is it safe to stop taking this medication once the target weight goal has been reached?
Discontinuing the use of Tirzepatide once the target weight has been achieved can lead to weight gain once the medication is no longer in the system. In order to maintain desired weight levels, it may be necessary to continue taking the medication. A consultation with Dr. Garcia can help determine if and when discontinuing a Tirzepatide regimen is possible without experiencing significant weight changes.
Retatrutide: How it Works and Is it Right for You?
Retatrutide is the next step in medical weight loss solutions that’s been developed as a treatment option for obesity and type 2 diabetes by acting as a triple agonist, targeting three key hormone receptors: GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon receptors. Similar to other medications like Semaglutide and Tirzepatide, this new option works by regulating appetite, managing your glucose metabolism, and moderating how your body stores fat and expends energy.
As of July 2025, Retatrutide remains in the clinical trial phase but, so far, has been shown to produce exceptional weight loss results. Patients who took Retatrutide during phase two trials of the drug at high dosing levels demonstrated a loss of more than 20% of their body weight and improved HbA1C levels.
That would make this new medication one of the most powerful and effective options on the market for accelerated weight loss and metabolic improvement.
Further data is pending as Retatrutide is currently undergoing late-stage phase three clinical trials to better determine the safety profile of the drug and investigate additional treatment functions stemming from its triple-action capabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
The following are some of the most pertinent queries Dr. Garcia often receives about this new and exciting triple agonist weight loss solution:
Is this medication safe?
As of July 2025, Retatrutide remains in the investigational phase. However, it is expected to be available only by prescription as part of a carefully developed weight loss treatment plan. The triple mechanism functionality of the medication provides a powerful combination of hormonal benefits for controlling appetite, increasing insulin sensitivity, and regulating energy expenditure.
How much weight loss is possible?
Phase two clinical trials have demonstrated that patients can lose up to 24% of their body weight over 48 weeks of consistent dosing. These are similar results as to those seen after bariatric surgery. It’s important to remember that Retatrutride remains in the investigational stage and final determinations and factors impacting results may vary.
What is the status of FDA approval for this medication?
Retatrutide remains in clinical trials as of July 2025 and has entered initial phase three investigational trials in advance of an approval for use by the public. If these trials are successful, it is anticipated that FDA approval could be granted in 2026 or later.
Does Retatrutide have any side effects?
- Abdominal discomfort
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Vomiting
These side effects have been shown to be mild to moderate and typically subside as dosing levels are gradually increased. These determinations are based on the most recent clinical trial data gleaned from phase three trial investigations.
How is Retatrutide administered?
Like its predecessors currently on the market, this medication is administered as a once-weekly injection. Routine monitoring and follow-up appointments will be required to ensure complete efficacy and adjust dosing levels as needed.
Lose Weight with Dr. Garcia
Patients seeking a safe and effective option for losing weight and keeping it off should schedule a consultation with Dr. Garcia to start the treatment process with Semaglutide or Tirzepatide for weight loss.
Initial Consultation
Scheduling a consultation appointment with Dr. Garcia allows you to explain your weight loss goals, the obstacles you have faced in reaching those goals, and other factors that continue to frustrate and discourage you from losing those excess pounds.
Personalized Treatment Regimen
Once you have explained your weight loss goals and the challenges you continue to face, Dr. Garcia will work with you to develop a weight loss medication treatment regimen developed personally for you and the goals you wish to achieve. That will include an assessment of your weight, your age, your lifestyle habits, your health condition and medical history, all of which will play a role in deciding if you are a candidate for Semaglutide or Tirzepatide medical weight loss.
