What's Covered on This Page
- How GLP-1 Treatment Works to Reduce Weight
- Who Qualifies for GLP-1 Weight Loss Treatment
- What To Expect When Starting Treatment
- Side Effects and GLP-1 Treatment
- Predictable Results & How Long the Journey Lasts
- Do I need to meet a specific BMI to start GLP-1 treatment in Murrells Inlet?
- How soon will I notice changes after my first GLP-1 injection?
- What happens at my first visit for GLP-1 treatment?
- Are there people who should not use GLP-1 medications?
- Does the GLP-1 shot work on its own, or do I need to change my diet too?
- How do I get started with GLP-1 weight loss treatment near me in Murrells Inlet?
Need glp-1 weight loss treatment?
Book An Appointment. Call Jolie Visage Rejuvenation Centre now.
How GLP-1 Treatment Works to Reduce Weight
Your body produces GLP-1, a hormone released by the digestive tract once you consume a meal.
The trouble is that it often isn't strong enough. That message gets lost before your brain can hear that you're full, meaning you may be craving a second helping long before your digestive system knows you don't need it. GLP-1 weight loss treatment changes this balance, since medication duplicates the effect of your natural hormone and stays effective for much longer. A soft murmur to the brain is transformed into a firm, audible request from your brain to feel full.
We like to compare it to turning down the volume on your appetite in Murrells Inlet. It does not cut it off completely. You will still eat and enjoy your meals, but you won't hear the mental chatter of snacking and cravings as often. This is what catches people off guard.
What Happens in Your Body
This is how the medication interacts with your system:
- It delays how quickly your stomach empties, making the food you consume keep you feeling full longer
- It prompts your brain to slow down your desire to eat, particularly between meals
- It helps control the spikes in blood sugar that cause those strong cravings
- It can help your pancreas control insulin better
According to the National Institutes of Health, patients who take medication containing a GLP-1 receptor agonist have experienced significant body weight reduction in 12 to 16 months. In our clinic, we see similar results and that change begins happening within the first few weeks.
But most clinics will fail to mention this: a shot alone isn't the answer.
Each of our treatment plans includes a body composition analysis, combined with regular visits for weight loss progress checks, since our clients do best when they know what is going on with their body chemistry. The body chemistry of a patient in the Inlet Square area may be quite different than others with the same height and age. We take the larger scope into account, not just the measurement on the scale.
Nearly always, those who have tried many diets in the past say that when they start the treatment, "I just stopped thinking about food all day," which is real progress and changes the way you live every day.
Who Qualifies for GLP-1 Weight Loss Treatment
Not every person we encounter is eligible for the service, and in fact, that is ideal.
In general, GLP-1 weight loss treatment is most suitable for those with some medical conditions and health parameters in common. We assess each patient individually, but we do follow the same general criteria: a person typically must have a BMI that is greater than or equal to 30. For those with a BMI that is at or higher than 27 and a related medical condition, such as elevated blood pressure, type 2 diabetes or high cholesterol, eligibility is possible as well. The American Gastroenterological Association has deemed GLP-1 medicines a first-line treatment option for adults who have clinical obesity.
During your initial consultation we'll assess the following:
- Current BMI and body composition
- Prior weight-loss efforts and reasons for rebound gain
- Any medical conditions that can interfere with your metabolism or appetite
- All the medications you are currently using
- Your current lifestyle factors such as eating patterns, sleep, and physical activity
We run lab testing immediately upon arrival in our Murrells Inlet office. The results of your labs help show how well your body is handling your thyroid, hormones, and glucose. 9 times out of 10 the labs will reveal a metabolic issue that is keeping the pounds at bay.
Some patients come to us thinking that they're missing the willpower. They've tried cutting calories, joining a gym, and buying all the new supplements out there. But for these patients their body is not cooperating at a hormonal level, and willpower alone will not work. This is when GLP-1 becomes a very effective treatment option for you.
However, there are people who do not need these medications. People with a family history of medullary thyroid cancer (including Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome [MEN 2]) shouldn't take them. Also, women who are pregnant or are breastfeeding. In addition, if you've had pancreatitis we will need to further discuss with you to see if GLP-1 is right for you.
Curious if you'll even qualify for GLP-1 treatment? Most of our MarshWalk- area patients are surprised to find how simple the process actually is. A brief consultation and a blood panel to determine the right course. So, if you are wondering if you would benefit from GLP-1 treatment give us a call today and we can help you get started.
What To Expect When Starting Treatment
Patients always want to know what will occur before you start your GLP-1 treatment.
In our Murrells Inlet office, we take our time making it as easy as possible for you. Here is what your journey with us looks like day one:
- Call to schedule your weight loss consultation. We'll discuss your medical history and previous treatment attempts along with your weight loss goals. Most of our patients from Inlet Square have tried 2-3 weight loss diets before seeing us here.
- Your lab work will take place. Labs will be run to check your metabolic markers, thyroid levels, and more. This is to GLP-1 is a good fit, or if something is happening on the inside that needs treatment before you begin.
- You will start off low. We'll have you take a lower dose for your first injection. We do this because your body needs to adjust and taking a lower dose helps to minimize possible side effects.
- Expect to return for weight loss follow-ups. We'll schedule weight loss follow-ups with you to make sure you're responding to the medication as expected. Some weeks you'll lose weight more quickly and other weeks it might stall. We need to monitor the progress.
- Prior to any changes, we'll adjust your dosage gradually over time as we observe how your body responds. It isn't a one-size-fits-all situation; your "sweet spot" is different.
- We're focused on long-term lifestyle changes. While the medication does the heavy lifting, we also talk about what you should be eating and living like if you want to be in the best position for long-term health.
Typically, this ramp-up period is over the course of a few weeks. Most patients notice changes to appetite as soon as two to three weeks into the treatment. Within the first couple months, your clothes fit better, you have more energy and no longer want a nap after lunch!
We can't count how many patients come to their first visit skeptical about treatment, and they're back for their third visit to ask why they waited so long to begin! That's how it is for most patients that we see every day.
We won't rush the treatment, if something doesn't appear right in lab work we treat that condition first. Or if you aren't tolerating a dose well, we will slow it down! The medical team we work with have a lot of experience doing this treatment properly, and they do so here in Murrells Inlet! We are not about speed, but rather your health and wellness.
Are you ready to start on your GLP-1 journey? Contact us for your first consultation today!
Need help with glp-1 weight loss treatment?
Book An Appointment. Jolie Visage Rejuvenation Centre is ready to help.
Side Effects and GLP-1 Treatment
It is not uncommon that people feel a little hesitant to try a GLP-1 weight loss treatment because they worry about the side effects.
This is true, side effects are going to happen, but they will be very minimal. It's just how it works. We have seen this many times with our GLP-1 Murrells Inlet patients! You feel some discomfort the first two weeks. Once your body starts to "get it," then you feel great!
Some of the most frequent things we see with our patients include:
- Nausea that is fairly common (especially with too big of a meal)
- You're fuller faster than you're accustomed
- Sometimes you can get tummy upset or bloating
- You might feel a little tired when the body is adjusting to the medication.
Most people are worried about nausea, and most of the time the issue comes from eating habits that haven't changed yet. You're eating the same things, same way as always, only now your appetite has changed. This is most often what causes the nausea or tummy issues.
The best thing you can do is simply smaller meals, and eat slowly, and have water at meal time or just drink all day long. These little things go a long way.
What To Do
We don't just give you a prescription and send you out the door! Our weight loss check-ins are for that exact reason! If you have issues or discomfort, let us know so we can help. Nausea that lingers longer than two weeks? We adjust the dose, energy low? Maybe you need more food or maybe you need some B12 shots, sometimes we have to tweak what and when you're eating in order to help. Our clients who live nearby on Wachesaw Road stop by frequently for short visits. It keeps things moving without taking a lot of time out of their busy days.
"Is what I'm feeling normal?" That's the question most often asked.
In most cases, the answer is "yes." But we'd rather you picked up the phone and called than sit at home worrying. The New England Journal of Medicine says the majority of GLP-1 side effects are gastrointestinal and go away without needing to discontinue treatment. That is certainly what we see here in our clinic.
Success happens when you stay connected to your team. Unfortunately, too many clinics neglect that piece of the puzzle. Not us.
Predictable Results & How Long the Journey Lasts
When our clients arrive at the office, they want one thing. A number. A goal weight. While that is an excellent objective to work toward, true success is more than a figure on the scale. Often times it shows up in unexpected places.
The first thing you'll experience during your first few (2-3) weeks is a decrease in hunger. That's often the very first thing patients say is happening for them. For the first time in years, they say, they are not thinking about food constantly or reaching for snacks at 9pm. It's happening for the majority of our patients in Murrells Inlet. And yes, the weight will fall off too but for many, the mind set changes first.
As the journey continues into week 4, weight loss happens and by week 8 weight continues to drop at a steady and reasonable rate. In general, most clients lose between three and five pounds a month. Some, much more. Every individual's starting point, activity level, and medication response vary so much. That is why we take detailed body composition measurements to track progress, as the number on a scale isn't the only factor that matters.
Here is the general timeline
- Weeks 1-3: Hunger starts to fade and your desire for sugary and processed foods will diminish.
- Weeks 4-8: Weight loss starts to kick in, energy rises, and your clothes begin to fit better.
- Months 3-6: Weight loss is significant. Several of our patients from Garden City report that their family and co-workers start to notice changes in their appearance.
- Months 6-12: Focus shifts to weight loss maintenance and healthy lifestyle choices.
In nine out of ten cases, consistent check-in patients have greater success and sustain their results the longest. Not a selling point, just the reality of what we see happening every day in our clinic.
And so, how long does the treatment phase last? There is no specific timeframe. We will work with each client and find what timeframe is best for them. Some clients decide to do 6 months and others may choose to do a year or longer. The New England Journal of Medicine states that patients who stopped semaglutide after 68 weeks regained a portion of their lost weight within a year. Because of this, we build a taper off plan in coordination with each patient rather than simply stopping the medication.
Your body isn't a light switch.
We continue with ongoing weight loss visits and nutrition counseling to help you maintain those new goals. The objective isn't simply to lose weight and hope for the best. It is to make sure that in six months' time, you still feel good about yourself and your new lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about glp-1 weight loss treatment services in Murrells Inlet
Do I need to meet a specific BMI to start GLP-1 treatment in Murrells Inlet?
Yes, most patients qualify with a BMI of 30 or higher. If your BMI is 27 or above and you have a weight-related condition like high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes, you likely qualify too. We run blood work right here in Murrells Inlet before anything starts. Those labs often reveal hormonal or metabolic issues that explain why the weight won't move no matter what you try.
How soon will I notice changes after my first GLP-1 injection?
Most patients notice a real drop in appetite within the first two to three weeks. The constant mental noise around food and cravings gets quieter faster than people expect. The scale may take a little longer to move. That's normal. We track your progress at every check-in so we can see the full pattern and adjust your dose when the time is right.
What happens at my first visit for GLP-1 treatment?
Your first visit is a consultation where we go over your health history, past weight loss attempts, and your goals. No judgment here. Then we run blood work to check your thyroid, blood sugar, and metabolic markers. That lab panel tells us a lot. It often shows exactly why your body has been holding onto weight. From there, we decide together if GLP-1 is the right fit for you.
Are there people who should not use GLP-1 medications?
Yes, some people should not use these medications. If you have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or a condition called MEN 2, GLP-1 drugs are not safe for you. Pregnant or nursing mothers also need to wait. If you have had pancreatitis, we will talk through your options carefully before moving forward. A quick consultation in Murrells Inlet is the fastest way to know where you stand.
Does the GLP-1 shot work on its own, or do I need to change my diet too?
The medication does the heavy lifting, but your daily habits keep the weight off long-term. GLP-1 turns down your appetite so eating less feels natural, not forced. We pair every treatment with body composition analysis and regular check-ins. We also talk through nutrition and lifestyle changes that support your results. Patients near the MarshWalk and around Murrells Inlet who combine both see the best outcomes.
How do I get started with GLP-1 weight loss treatment near me in Murrells Inlet?
Getting started is simple. Call us to book a weight loss consultation. We will review your health history, run labs, and let you know if you qualify. Most people are surprised how straightforward the process is. You do not need a referral. You do not need to have tried every diet first. If your body is working against you at a hormonal level, we can help you figure that out fast.