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 concierge medicine practice in El Dorado Hills, CA.
How 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 — comprehensive 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
- Direct physician access — call, text, or email 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
Two options — whether you want full primary care or just weight management.
Member + GLP-1 Add-On
$149/mo membership + $99/mo GLP-1 = $248/mo
Full primary care plus weight management. Your membership covers all visits, preventive care, and direct physician access. The GLP-1 add-on covers monthly monitoring, dose titration, metabolic labs, and ongoing oversight. Best value — your whole health, one physician.
GLP-1-Only Plan
$249/mo — no membership required
Weight management without a full primary care membership. Includes medical evaluation, monthly monitoring, dose titration, metabolic lab work, and physician access for weight management questions. Same physician, same standards. We recommend having a primary care physician for your overall health — if you don't have one, we'll discuss whether adding a membership makes sense.
Both plans: 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 the most affordable options during your evaluation. HSA-eligible.
For members with type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, or other metabolic conditions, GLP-1 prescribing and monitoring are included in the standard membership at no additional cost.
Want full primary care too? Add a membership for just $149/mo — and your GLP-1 program drops to $99/mo.
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.
- Direct access — call or text your physician directly 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?
No. We offer a GLP-1-only plan at $249/mo for patients who just want weight management. If you add a membership ($149/mo), your GLP-1 program drops to $99/mo — and you get full primary care. For members with type 2 diabetes or metabolic conditions, GLP-1 prescribing is included in the standard membership at no extra cost.
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?
Ready to get started, or just have questions? Tell us where you are and we'll reach out.