Weight Management Program
Control your weight with KnowNOW Health
Managing your weight is crucial to living a longer, healthier life. We all have different body types but, in general, being overweight can lead to heart, lung, stomach, and brain problems. Yet willpower alone isn't always sufficient for controlling your weight. Today there are many medication options for weight control that- when combined with diet and exercise- can transform your body and prolong your life. KnowNOW’s Weight Management Program can help you manage your weight with a 6 month program that includes GLP-1 medications, diet counseling, and an exercise plan. Continue reading to learn more, or if you’re ready to get started, click below to find a location and schedule an initial visit today.
Weight Management with GLP-1 Receptor Agonists
GLP-1 (short for glucagon-like peptide‑1) is a natural hormone released from cells in the intestine when we eat. It regulates appetite and the release of insulin. GLP-1 receptor agonists have traditionally been used to treat diabetes patients, but many have since been approved by the FDA for weight management. These medications reduce appetite and the rate at which food exits the stomach, resulting in eating less because we are satisfied with smaller portions. Combined with a healthy diet and exercise, GLP-1 receptor agonists can help you manage your weight and prolong your life.
Weight Management Program at KnowNOW
Traditional weight management programs that rely only on diet plans and calorie counting won’t work, since weight control is not only about willpower, but also regulating our metabolic system. KnowNOW’s Weight Management Program includes GLP-1 medications, as well as addressing your food intake, sleep quality, physical activity, and mental/emotional health. Our 6 month initial program includes:
-
An initial visit to assess your current metabolic health, and develop an individualized, holistic approach to your weight management. We will take lab tests to identify and address any co-existing conditions, including thyroid issues, cholesterol, high blood pressure, BMI, and more. Your lab results will be reviewed by a medical provider, in order to tailor your program to your specific needs.
-
Based on your lab results, our medical providers may prescribe medications if necessary. We will prescribe the GLP-1 medication that works for your body and your insurance plan. Also, we will focus on your mental and/or emotional health, as well as develop a diet and exercise plan. This can include medications for anxiety or insomnia if needed, 1 on 1 diet counseling, and a referral to a local gym.
-
Here we will have a medical provider follow up to ensure your custom program is working for you, confirm you were able to access your prescribed medications, and help resolve any insurance or pharmacy accessibility issues.
-
Here we will have our Diet/Exercise health counselor follow up on your holistic needs, including reviewing your diet and exercise plan to make sure it is working for you.
-
After your first 4 weeks, we will schedule a once a month visit with a provider to ensure program is working for you, and any issues that need to be addressed.
-
After completing 6 months, we will schedule quaretly visits as needed to address any issues.
-
The generic names for some of the GLP-1 medications that can be prescribed are semaglutide, dulaglutide, and tirzepatide. Brand names of semaglutide include Ozempic®, Wegovy®, and Rybelsus®, each with different uses, whether for Diabetes / Pre-Diabetes patients, or weight management patients. Brand names of dulaglutide include Trucility® for weight loss. Brand names of tirzepatide include Mounjaro®, for type 2 diabetes patients and/or weight loss as determined by your health provider.
-
Wegovy® is an injectable prescription medication for adults with obesity (BMI ≥30) or overweight (excess weight) (BMI ≥27) who also have weight-related medical problems, to help them lose weight and keep it off. Wegovy® should be used with a reduced-calorie meal plan and increased physical activity.
-
Achieving optimal weight-loss results with Wegovy® requires reaching and staying at the full dose. Wegovy® comes in 5 different dose strengths. You start Wegovy® at a dose of 0.25 mg once a week and increase the dose every 4 weeks until you reach the full dose of 2.4 mg. It’s important to follow the dosing schedule as recommended by your KnowNOW provider.
-
The most common side effects of Wegovy® may include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, stomach (abdomen) pain, headache, tiredness (fatigue), upset stomach, dizziness, feeling bloated, belching, gas, stomach flu, and heartburn.
-
• 83% of adults taking Wegovy® lost 5% or more weight, compared to 31% taking placebo
• 66% of adults taking Wegovy® lost 10% or more weight, compared to 12% taking placebo
• 48% of adults taking Wegovy® lost 15% or more weight, compared to 5% taking placeboAbout 1 in 3 adults lost 46 lb or more (20% weight loss). This was calculated from ~232 lb starting weight.
In addition to a reduced-calorie meal plan and increased physical activity, people in this study taking Wegovy® lost more weight vs placebo. -
Ozempic® injection 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 2 mg is an injectable prescription medicine for adults with type 2 diabetes used along with diet and exercise to improve blood sugar. It also lowers the risk of major cardiovascular events such as stroke, heart attack, or death in adults with type 2 diabetes and known heart disease.
-
The most common side effects of Ozempic® may include nausea, stomach pain, constipation, diarrhea, or vomiting.
-
Ozempic®, Wegovy®, and Mounjaro® are all injected under the skin (subcutaneously) of your stomach (abdomen), thigh, or upper arm. A KnowNOW medical professional will counsel you on how to self administer your dosages.
-
Mounjaro® is an injectable prescription medicine that is used along with diet and exercise to improve blood sugar (glucose) in adults with type 2 diabetes. Although it has not yet been approved by the FDA for weight loss, some doctors prescribe the drug for off-label use for weight loss in patients who don’t have type two diabetes.
-
Everyone can have a different experience, but here are the most common side effects experienced by patients taking Mounjaro:
Nausea
Diarrhea
Decreased appetite
Vomiting
Constipation
Indigestion
Stomach Pain
In studies, most nausea, vomiting and diarrhea events occurred while the dose of Mounjaro was being increased. These events decreased over time.
In studies, GI side effects were more common in people taking Mounjaro than people taking placebo, and people taking Mounjaro were more likely to stop treatment because of these side effects.
Frequently Asked Questions about GLP-1 Receptor Agonists
More information about GLP-1 medications here:
https://diabetes.medicinematters.com/glp-1-receptor-agonists-in-the-news/14232530
If you’re ready to get started and take control of your weight, click below to choose your KnowNOW location and schedule an initial visit: