Medical Weight Loss Program at Paradigm Psychiatry
Our Medical Weight Loss Program is a comprehensive initiative designed to help individuals achieve sustainable weight loss with the support of carefully chosen medications. This program is rooted in the understanding that effective weight management involves a multifaceted approach, addressing both physical and psychological factors contributing to weight gain.
Medication Expertise
Our providers ensure safe and informed use of medications. Medications prescribed are known to assist in appetite control, metabolism regulation, and fat absorption reduction.
Individualized Treatment Plans
We create personalized treatment plans. This ensures that the program aligns with individual health needs, preferences, and lifestyle factors.
Holistic Approach
Our program integrates dietary planning, exercise recommendations, and mental health support. This holistic strategy aims to address the root causes of weight-related challenges.
Monitoring and Support
We schedule follow-up appointments to assess progress, make any necessary adjustments, and provide ongoing support.
Patient Education
Patients receive comprehensive education on the medications used, potential side effects, and expected outcomes.
Outcome Measurement
The success of our program is measured through defined metrics such as weight loss percentages, improvements in physical and mental health, and overall patient satisfaction.
Treatment Plan
Initial Assessment
Conduct a thorough medical assessment, including a comprehensive review of medical and mental health history. Perform necessary laboratory tests or EKG to assess current health status. Evaluate current body weight and identify any underlying medical conditions or medications that may impact weight loss.
Customized Weight Loss Plan
Develop a personalized weight loss plan tailored to individual needs and goals. This plan will incorporate medication, exercise recommendations, and a nutritional diet designed to support healthy weight loss.
Begin Your Weight Loss Journey
Initiate the weight loss journey with ongoing support and guidance. Scheduled follow-up appointments will be arranged every month to monitor progress and make adjustments to the treatment plan as needed.
Continuous Support and Evaluation
Provide continuous support and regular evaluations to track progress. Once the goal weight is achieved, follow-up appointments are recommended every three months or as needed to maintain progress and support long-term success.
Pricing
We accept both cash and credit payments for our services.
First Consultation: $220 + medication
First Consultation for Existing Patient: $120 + medication
Follow-Up Consultation: $120 + medication
Nurse Visit: $20
FAQ for Weight Loss Program
- Semaglutide
- Tirzepatide
- Phentermine
- Contrave
SEMAGLUTIDE
Semaglutide is a medication that has been approved for weight loss in individuals with obesity. It belongs to a class of drugs called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. Semaglutide has been shown to help people lose up to 15% of their body weight.
It causes appetite suppression by affecting the appetite-regulating centers in the brain, leading to reduced feelings of hunger and increased feelings of fullness. It slows down emptying of the stomach, which prolongs feeling of fullness and reduces the rate at which food is absorbed into the bloodstream. Semaglutide also has metabolic effects that may contribute to weight loss, such as improving insulin sensitivity and promoting fat breakdown.
TIRZEPATIDE
Tirzepatide, a recently FDA-approved medication for obesity, has demonstrated impressive efficacy, with patients experiencing up to a 21% reduction in body weight. It functions as a dual agonist for the glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptors. Activation of these receptors helps regulate glucose metabolism and appetite control. When the GLP-1 receptors in the brain's appetite centers are activated, it promotes feelings of fullness and satiety, leading to reduced food intake and potential weight loss. Additionally, it slows gastric emptying and decreases nutrient absorption in the gastrointestinal tract, further contributing to appetite suppression and weight loss.
PHENTERMINE
Phentermine is a short-term weight loss medication for obese individuals, belonging to the sympathomimetic amine class and stimulating neurotransmitter release similar to amphetamines. It suppresses appetite by releasing norepinephrine, activates the "fight or flight" response to reduce hunger and increase satiety, and boosts metabolism and thermogenesis for calorie burning at rest. However, it should be used for short durations, typically a few weeks to months, within a comprehensive weight loss program, as prolonged use may lead to tolerance and potential side effects like increased blood pressure and heart rate.
Phentermine is a medication used for short-term weight loss management in obese individuals. It belongs to the sympathomimetic amine class, acting similarly to amphetamines by stimulating neurotransmitter release.
NALTREXONE/BUPROPION
Contrave is a prescription medication for chronic weight management in overweight or obese adults, combining two active ingredients: bupropion and naltrexone. Bupropion influences neurotransmitters to reduce appetite, increase energy expenditure, and enhance fat metabolism. Naltrexone blocks opioid receptors in the brain, reducing the pleasure from food consumption, thereby decreasing food intake and cravings. Together, these components create a synergistic effect in Contrave, controlling appetite, boosting energy expenditure, and reducing food cravings to aid in weight loss.
You will be given a handout on how to administer subcutaneous injections on your first appointment. Patients are also welcome to bring their medication to the office to learn how to administer their first injection. The visit is $20. Please make a nurse appointment online.
Semaglutide and Tirzepatide start to work in 1 month.
Phentermine starts to work in 2 weeks.
Contrave starts to work in 2 months.
Common side effects of Semaglutide / Tirzepatide may include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal Pain
- Dysepsia
- Contispation
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Erucation
- Hair Loss
- Injection site reactions (for the injectable form)
Some potential serious side effects of Semaglutide / Tirzepatide may include:
- Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas which can be severe and lead to hospitalization or even death.
- Thyroid tumors: There is a risk of thyroid C-cell tumors, including medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC).
- Acute kidney injury: This is an abrupt decline in kidney function.
- Severe gastrointestinal disease: Including gastroparesis (delayed gastric emptying) and gastrointestinal perforation.
- Hypoglycemia: Especially when used in combination with other antidiabetic medications that can cause hypoglycemia.
- Allergic reactions: Such as rash, itching, or hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, and difficulty breathing.
- Retinopathy complications: In patients with a history of diabetic retinopathy, there may be complications or worsening of the condition.
- Increased heart rate: Some people may experience an increased heart rate or palpitations.
- Kidney problems: There can be changes in kidney function or renal impairment.
- Dehydration: Due to gastrointestinal side effects like vomiting and diarrhea.
Compounded semaglutide refers to a customized formulation of the medication semaglutide that is prepared by a compounding pharmacy. Compounding pharmacies can create personalized medications by combining or altering existing drugs to meet the specific needs of individual patients.
In the case of semaglutide, which is typically available as an injectable solution for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity, compounded versions may be formulated to adjust the concentration, dosage form, or other characteristics of the medication to better suit a patient's needs.
It's important to note that compounded medications, including compounded semaglutide, should only be used under the guidance and supervision of a healthcare professional. Compounded medications are not FDA-approved and may carry risks associated with variations in quality, potency, and consistency compared to commercially available formulations. They are regulated at the state level and by state boards of pharmacy.