— WHO IT IS FOR
Is this you?
Patients looking for a medically supervised approach to weight management, including those interested in GLP-1 based options.
— WHAT IT IS
How the treatment works
Medical weight management combines physician evaluation, individualized medication protocols where appropriate — which may include GLP-1 based options such as semaglutide or tirzepatide — and ongoing monitoring to support sustainable results.
— OUR APPROACH
Our Approach
Every program starts with labs and a real history, not a standard starting dose. Some patients are strong candidates for GLP-1 based medication; others are better served by a different combination of approaches, and that’s part of the first conversation.
— CANDIDACY & WHAT TO EXPECT
Is this treatment right for you?
Candidates typically have a health profile that supports medical weight management, confirmed through lab work and a full history before treatment begins. Programs are monitored on a regular basis, with dosing and approach adjusted based on your results and any side effects.
— FAQ’s
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I a candidate for a GLP-1 medication?
FDA-approved GLP-1 medications for weight management are generally prescribed for adults with a BMI of 30 or higher, or 27 or higher with a weight-related condition such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol. BMI is only a starting point. Your evaluation looks at your full health history before anything is prescribed.
Who shouldn't take a GLP-1?
GLP-1 medications aren’t recommended if you or a family member has had medullary thyroid cancer, if you have a condition called MEN 2, or if you’re pregnant or trying to conceive. A history of pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, or certain kidney or digestive conditions also needs careful review.
What side effects are common?
The most common are digestive: nausea, diarrhea, constipation, and sometimes vomiting. They tend to be strongest when you start or when your dose goes up, and often ease over time. That’s one reason doses start low and increase gradually. Tell us right away about severe stomach pain or vomiting that won’t stop.
How is it taken?
Most GLP-1 medications for weight management are a once-weekly injection you give yourself at home. The dose starts low and goes up step by step over several months, which helps your body adjust. We’ll show you exactly how to do it before you start.
How fast will I lose weight?
It varies. Weight loss is usually gradual, and the full effect tends to show over months, not weeks, as your dose reaches the level that works for you. Everyone responds differently, so we track your progress and adjust the plan rather than promise a number.
What happens if I stop?
Many people regain some or most of the weight after stopping, especially without changes to eating, activity, and sleep. That’s why your plan covers more than the prescription. If you decide to stop or step down, we’ll plan it with you.
Are compounded GLP-1s the same as brand-name medications?
No. Compounded versions aren’t FDA-approved, and the FDA has tightened the rules on when pharmacies can make them now that brand-name semaglutide and tirzepatide are no longer in shortage. We only prescribe medications that can be legally sourced, and we’ll tell you exactly what you’re getting and where it comes from.
Do I need labs before starting?
Yes. Baseline labs check things like blood sugar, kidney function, and cholesterol before you start, and give us a starting point to measure your progress against.
How often will I be checked?
More often at the start, while your dose is going up and your body is adjusting. Once you’re on a steady dose, check-ins space out. Your plan sets the exact schedule.
Is weight loss treatment connected to the rest of my care?
Yes. Weight management at First Class Health sits inside your broader longevity and metabolic health plan, so changes in your weight, labs, and other treatments are looked at together. Longevity & Metabolic Health