Medical Weight Management with GLP-1 Medications
Physician-supervised weight loss with semaglutide and tirzepatide. Prescribed and monitored by a board-certified internist at a small-panel practice in El Dorado Hills, CA.
GLP-1 medications are FDA-approved peptides — see our broader peptide therapy page for the full picture.
- ✓ Brand semaglutide & tirzepatide only (no compounded GLP-1s)
- ✓ Metabolic labs + monthly monitoring included
- ✓ Clinical indication required (BMI ≥27 + comorbidity, T2D, or BMI ≥30)
One flat monthly membership · founding-member rates · no per-visit charges · Cancel anytime · Hindi · Urdu · Punjabi spoken
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Companion Program
While you’re on GLP-1: see what your glucose actually does.
Most patients starting a GLP-1 also have prediabetes or metabolic syndrome. A 2-week diagnostic continuous glucose monitor, fasting insulin, HOMA-IR, and ApoB give us a real baseline — then we track how your glucose, insulin, and lipid profile actually respond to the medication, not just the scale.
From Dr. Sahni
I spent 20 years as an internal medicine physician — Mayo Clinic, University of Minnesota faculty, complex chronic disease and obesity medicine. GLP-1s are genuinely transformative when prescribed for the right person with the right monitoring. They're also one of the most over-prescribed drug classes in 2026, often by services that never met the patient. I prescribe GLP-1s the way I'd prescribe to a family member: clinical indication required, brand medication only, metabolic and thyroid labs first, monthly check-ins to manage side effects and titration.
How we do GLP-1 differently
Most GLP-1 prescribing in 2026 happens through online questionnaires and shipped vials. Some patients do fine that way. Many don't.
- Brand-name only. Real Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, Zepbound. No compounded versions.
- Real workup first. Thyroid, pancreas history, family cancer history, metabolic baseline. Not a five-minute questionnaire.
- Same physician every visit. Side effects, plateaus, dose changes, when to stop — conversations, not refill orders.
How the Program Works
GLP-1 receptor agonists are among the most effective medications for weight management currently available. Originally developed for type 2 diabetes, medications like semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound) have produced substantial weight loss in clinical trials. Individual response varies.
At Private MD, GLP-1 prescribing is supervised by a board-certified internist — not an online questionnaire. Your program includes:
- Initial medical evaluation — metabolic assessment, lab work, and candidacy review
- Monthly monitoring — dose titration, side effect management, and progress tracking
- Metabolic lab work — HbA1c, lipid panel, kidney and liver function, fasting insulin
- Optional CGM during titration — a 2-week continuous glucose monitor (patient-purchased OTC, $89) tracks your real glucose response to the medication, catches early hypoglycemia, and helps fine-tune dose and timing. Particularly useful for patients with prediabetes or metabolic syndrome.
- Responsive communication — message your physician with questions between visits
- Cash-pay medication pricing — prescribed and filled through a licensed pharmacy, with home delivery available
Medications We Prescribe
Semaglutide
Brand names: Ozempic, Wegovy
A GLP-1 receptor agonist that reduces appetite and slows gastric emptying. FDA-approved for weight management (Wegovy) and type 2 diabetes (Ozempic). Weekly injection.
Tirzepatide
Brand names: Mounjaro, Zepbound
A dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist with the highest weight loss results in clinical trials. FDA-approved for weight management (Zepbound) and type 2 diabetes (Mounjaro). Weekly injection.
The choice of medication is based on your medical history, metabolic profile, goals, and affordability. Your physician will discuss all options during your evaluation.
Who Qualifies
GLP-1 medications for weight management are appropriate for adults who meet the following criteria:
- BMI of 30 or higher (obesity), or
- BMI of 27 or higher with at least one weight-related condition (high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, sleep apnea)
Who should not take GLP-1 medications:
- Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN2)
- History of pancreatitis
- Severe gastrointestinal disease (gastroparesis, inflammatory bowel disease)
- Pregnancy or planning to become pregnant
- Known hypersensitivity to semaglutide, tirzepatide, or any component of the formulation
Your physician will review your full medical history, screen for contraindications, and assess your relationship with food and body image before prescribing. Patients with active eating disorders require specialized treatment before starting GLP-1 therapy. All patients complete a medical evaluation and informed consent before beginning treatment.
Pricing
GLP-1 is included in both of our membership plans — Direct Primary Care and Concierge Internal Medicine — for clinically indicated patients. See our programs →
GLP-1 medications (cash-pay) typically cost $149–449/month depending on the drug and manufacturer program (NovoCare, LillyDirect).
Why Private MD for GLP-1
- Physician-supervised — not an online med spa or telehealth questionnaire. Your care is managed by a board-certified internist with 20+ years of experience.
- Metabolic monitoring — regular lab work ensures safe dosing and tracks your metabolic health, not just weight.
- Whole-patient approach — GLP-1 is one part of a comprehensive plan that may include nutrition, exercise, and management of related conditions.
- Responsive communication — message your physician with questions about side effects, dosing, or concerns.
- Hindi, Urdu, Punjabi spoken — care in the language you're most comfortable with. Professional interpreter services available in 240+ additional languages.
Frequently Asked Questions
What GLP-1 medications do you prescribe?
We prescribe semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound). The choice depends on your medical history, goals, and affordability.
Do I need to be a member?
Yes, you must be a member at any tier — Foundation, Signature, or Executive. GLP-1 prescribing for clinical indications (type 2 diabetes, BMI ≥30, metabolic conditions) is included at all tiers. Brand medications only (Ozempic, Mounjaro, Wegovy, Zepbound) — we don't prescribe compounded GLP-1s.
How much do the medications cost?
GLP-1 medications typically cost $149–449/month at current cash-pay pricing, depending on the drug and dose. Manufacturer programs (NovoCare, LillyDirect) offer direct self-pay pricing that has dropped significantly. Your physician will discuss pricing during your evaluation and help you find the most affordable option.
Can I do follow-ups virtually?
Yes. After your initial evaluation, most follow-up visits can be done via telemedicine. This is convenient for patients in Sacramento, Roseville, El Dorado Hills, Granite Bay, and the surrounding area.
What side effects should I expect?
The most common side effects are nausea, decreased appetite, and mild GI discomfort, particularly during dose increases. These usually improve with time. Less common but important risks include pancreatitis and gallbladder disease (gallstones), particularly with rapid weight loss. Some patients may also experience loss of lean muscle mass alongside fat loss — we monitor for this and may recommend protein targets and exercise guidance. Your physician will guide you through dose titration to minimize side effects.
Interested in GLP-1 Weight Management?
Tell us a bit about you and we'll reach out within one business day.