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.
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See the main practice page → Get in touchHow the Program Works
GLP-1 receptor agonists are among the most effective medications for weight management ever developed. Originally used for type 2 diabetes, medications like semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound) have shown average weight loss of 15–22% of body weight in clinical trials.
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
- 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. See full pricing →
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 — either Direct Primary Care ($149/mo) or the Concierge Internal Medicine ($349/mo, standalone or DPC add-on). GLP-1 prescribing for clinical indications (type 2 diabetes, metabolic conditions) is included in DPC. GLP-1 for weight management is fully included in Concierge Internal Medicine.
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.