What Are Semaglutide & Tirzepatide — and How Do They Work?

Semaglutide

• Semaglutide is a once-weekly injectable medication that mimics the hormone GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1), helping regulate appetite, slow stomach emptying, and promote a feeling of fullness.
• In clinical trials (such as the STEP program), semaglutide 2.4 mg has produced significant weight loss in patients with obesity, while maintaining a favorable safety profile.
• Over longer periods, semaglutide has shown sustained weight loss benefits (e.g. over 4 years in the SELECT study).

Tirzepatide

• Tirzepatide is a newer, dual-action injection that activates both GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) and GLP-1 receptors. This multi-receptor approach tends to enhance metabolic effects: it helps with appetite control and energy use.
• In head-to-head comparisons, tirzepatide has shown greater potential for weight loss than semaglutide, with some users losing up to 20% of their body weight and meaningful reductions in waist circumference.
• It was FDA-approved more recently for weight management (under the brand name Zepbound for this indication).

Why Choose Injections Over Diet Alone?

While diet, exercise, and behavioral changes remain foundational, many patients hit plateaus or physiological resistance. Here’s what weight loss injections bring to the table:

• Hunger suppression: These medications reduce appetite and help you feel full faster.
• Better metabolic control: They help regulate blood sugar, reduce insulin resistance, and may improve cholesterol and blood pressure. 
• Sustainable aid: Rather than “crash diets,” these therapies support gradual, maintainable weight loss under medical supervision.
• Clinical safety data: Each of these medications has gone through rigorous trials assessing efficacy and side effects over months to years.

That said, they are not magic bullets. Success still depends on your adherence to lifestyle changes, consistency with follow-ups, nutrition, hydration, and exercise.

Real Results from Patients in the First Coast

At Precision Medicine & Wellness, we’ve already begun seeing encouraging outcomes:

• In local patients, Tirzepatide users lost on average ~20% of body weight, along with meaningful reductions in waist circumference.
• Semaglutide users at our clinic have similarly experienced average weight reductions near 13–14% in monitored periods.
• Many patients report improved energy, better metabolic panels, and fewer cravings.
  

These are not guaranteed results, but they reflect the potential when therapy is tailored, monitored, and combined with healthy habits.

Who Is a Candidate?

Not every person qualifies. At Precision Medicine & Wellness, we use a careful screening process including:

• BMI thresholds – generally, BMI ≥ 30, or BMI ≥ 27 with at least one weight-related comorbidity (e.g. hypertension, dyslipidemia).
• Medical history review – including conditions like pancreatitis, thyroid issues, personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma, or multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (which may contraindicate GLP-1 drugs).
• Medication review – to ensure there’s no dangerous interaction or contraindication.
• Lifestyle readiness – these therapies enhance results, but they work best when you're ready to commit to diet, exercise, and follow-up.

We always begin with a full consultation, lab work, and personalized plan.

What to Expect from Treatment

1. Initial consultation & assessment
   We evaluate your health, goals, labs, and suitability for these medicines.
2. Gradual dose escalation
   We often start low and increase cautiously to improve tolerance and minimize side effects (especially GI symptoms like nausea or upset stomach).
3. Frequent follow-up & monitoring
   Regular check-ins let us track your weight, metabolic labs, side effects, and adjust dosing.
4. Ongoing support
   We offer guidance in nutrition, activity, habit formation, mindset, and behavioral coaching to reinforce sustainable results.
5. Long-term maintenance
   When you reach your goal, we help strategize how to sustain it — sometimes with lower or maintenance dosing, lifestyle plans, or transition to other supports.

Safety, Side Effects & Risks

As with all medical treatments, risks exist. Some common side effects include:

• Gastrointestinal issues: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation — especially during early dose adjustments. Slow stomach emptying: which may affect how other oral medications are absorbed.
• Rare risks: potential pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, kidney effects, or thyroid C-cell concerns in patients with predisposition.
• Weight rebound: Some studies suggest that stopping therapy can lead to weight regain over time, unless other measures are in place.

Because of this, we emphasize strict medical oversight, personalized dosing, and careful patient selection to maximize benefit and reduce risk.

• Locally based, holistic care — you won’t feel like just another number.
• Advanced treatment options — we offer both semaglutide and tirzepatide so we can tailor therapy to your needs.
• Medical oversight — as an APRN-led clinic, we follow evidence-based protocols and safety checks.
• Comprehensive support — our program includes coaching, monitoring, and accountability to help you win long-term.
• Serving the entire First Coast — whether you’re in Jacksonville, St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra, or nearby, we are committed to supporting your success.

Getting Started: Your Weight Loss Journey Begins Here

1. Book your consultation — get a full medical workup, goal-setting, and eligibility evaluation.
2. Personalized plan development — we’ll propose semaglutide or tirzepatide dosing based on your profile.
3. Begin treatment under supervision — with regular check-ins, lab monitoring, and support.
4. Track progress & adjust — we’ll refine your regimen as you move forward.
5. Plan for maintenance — sustainable habits are the key to keeping weight off.

If you’re ready to stop fighting your weight alone, take advantage of modern medical support, and reclaim your health, contact Precision Medicine & Wellness by Elizabeth Bagan, APRN. We’d love to help you discover what’s possible when you combine science, care, and consistency.

📞 Call us today or request a consultation online to explore whether semaglutide or tirzepatide therapy may be right for you in Jacksonville, St. Augustine, and the First Coast.