Ozempic® (Semaglutide) and Mounjaro® (Tirzepatide) For Weight Loss
Losing weight can be challenging for many people, and sometimes diet and exercise alone aren’t enough to achieve the desired results. At Richmond Aesthetic Weight Loss, we understand the difficulties many face in their weight loss efforts, and we are here to offer a solution. Our Richmond-based weight loss clinic provides medically supervised weight loss solutions that include personalized treatment plans designed to meet your unique needs.
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Insurances Accepted
Anthem:
All Anthem & BCBS Plans, PPO, HMO, Medicare, Healthkeepers, Healthkeepers Plus
Aetna:
All Aetna PPO, Aetna Better Health Plans
Cigna:
All Cigna PPO
United Health Care:
All UHC PPO Plans & Multiplan
Humana:
All Humana PPO
PHCS:
All Plans
Sentara:
All PPO & POS
Medicare:
Part B & Medicare Advantage plans through Anthem/BCBS
TRICARE:
Tricare Prime & Tricare Standard
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Led by board-certified plastic surgeon Neil J. Zemmel, MD, FACS and board-certified physician assistant Sarah Ashcraft, PA-C, Richmond Aesthetic Weight Loss offers advanced GLP-1 medications, such as Zepbound™ (tirzepatide) and Wegovy® (semaglutide), to support effective and sustainable weight loss. With the guidance of our experienced team, you can achieve your weight loss goals in a safe and supportive environment, ensuring long-term success and improved overall health.
What to Expect from Richmond Aesthetic Weight Loss
At Richmond Aesthetic Weight Loss, we prioritize your health, comfort, and success throughout your weight loss journey. From your initial consultation to the ongoing support and monitoring, our dedicated team is here to ensure you receive the best possible care. We believe that weight loss is a highly individual process, and our goal is to provide a comprehensive, personalized approach tailored to your unique needs and goals. Here’s what you can expect when you choose Richmond Aesthetic Weight Loss:
Criteria for GLP-1 Coverage
BMI >30
BMI >27 with at least 2 Obesity-Related Comorbidities
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Fatty Liver Disease
How Do Weight Loss Injections Work?
Weight loss injections, such as those containing semaglutide and tirzepatide, are designed to help reduce appetite and promote weight loss. Originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes, these medications have shown significant potential in aiding weight management. They are typically administered through once-weekly injections.
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Are Weight Loss Injections Right for Me?
Determining if weight loss injections are suitable for you involves evaluating your medical history and weight loss goals. Ideal candidates are usually those who are obese — meaning they have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more — or overweight with health conditions such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol.
Weight gain is influenced by a wide range of factors, both internal and external. These may include genetics, metabolism, age, hormonal changes, medications, mood or sleep disorders, stress, and lifestyle habits. Environmental and social influences, such as work schedules, family responsibilities, and constant exposure to food cues, can also make it more difficult to maintain a healthy weight.
Because every individual’s situation is different, there is no single approach that works for everyone. If traditional methods such as diet and exercise have not been effective on their own, medically supervised weight loss injections may offer the support you need to achieve meaningful, sustainable results. These treatments work best when paired with balanced nutrition, regular physical activity, and healthy lifestyle habits that promote long-term success.
What Are the Different Types of Weight Loss Injectables?
Richmond Aesthetic Weight Loss offers the latest in weight loss technology and techniques, with a focus on medically supervised programs that are not only safe but provide effective results. Our clinic offers several injectable options, including:
Ozempic®
Mounjaro®
Zepbound™
Wegovy®
What Is the Difference Between Tirzepatide and Semaglutide?
In a 15-month longitudinal clinical trial*, patients who were receiving tirzepatide were significantly more likely to achieve weight loss, and their changes in weight were larger at 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months in comparison to patients taking semaglutide. Tirzepatide patients had a mean weight change of -15.3% at 12 months vs -8.3% in semaglutide patients. There were no significant differences observed in the risk of gastrointestinal adverse effects in those receiving tirzepatide vs semaglutide.
*Rodriguez PJ, Goodwin Cartwright BM, Gratzl S, Brar R, Baker C, Gluckman TJ, Stucky NL. “Semaglutide vs Tirzepatide for Weight Loss in Adults With Overweight or Obesity.” JAMA Intern Med. 2024 Sep 1;184(9):1056-1064. doi: 10.1001/jamainternmed.2024.2525. PMID: 38976257; PMCID: PMC11231910.
How Much Weight Can I Lose with Weight Loss Injections?
The amount of weight loss varies by individual and the specific injectable used. Studies have shown that patients can lose up to 20% of their body weight with tirzepatide medications like Zepbound™. Semaglutide injectables like Wegovy® have also shown to provide significant weight loss, with many patients losing around 15% of their body weight. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle during and after treatment is essential for sustaining these results.
For those who lose a substantial amount of weight over time, sagging skin and isolated fat pockets can still remain. To help you smooth your body contours and put the finishing touches on your healthier, more toned-looking physique, Dr. Zemmel offers body contouring after major weight loss, with popular procedural options like arm lifts, body lifts, thigh lifts, tummy tucks, and liposuction.
Adjunctive Treatments: Diet, Exercise, & Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle
While weight loss injections can provide powerful support for reducing appetite and improving metabolism, lasting results are best achieved when combined with healthy lifestyle habits. At Richmond Aesthetic Weight Loss, we encourage our patients to take a well-rounded approach to their health by incorporating balanced nutrition, regular physical activity, and mindful daily routines that promote overall wellness.
Healthy Eating
Patients are encouraged to eat a well-balanced diet that focuses on protein and fiber intake. Aiming for at least 100 grams of protein and 30 grams of fiber per day, plus drinking at least 64 ounces of water will protect lean muscle mass and reduce unwanted side effects while losing weight. Our team can offer general guidance on nutrition and portion control, helping you make sustainable choices that fit your lifestyle.
Regular Exercise
Exercise is imperative to support metabolism during weight loss. It not only supports weight loss but also improves energy levels, mood, and heart health. Even moderate activities, such as brisk walking, cycling, or resistance training, can make a meaningful difference in maintaining your progress. Strength training is important to preserve muscle mass and increase basal metabolic rate, while cardio is recommended for further fat burning and heart health benefits.
Sustaining Results Through Lifestyle Habits
Long-term weight management requires ongoing attention to healthy behaviors. Staying hydrated, prioritizing sleep, managing stress, and maintaining regular follow-ups with our team are all important steps in preserving your results and overall well-being.
By combining your medically supervised weight loss plan with positive lifestyle habits, you can achieve a healthier, more confident version of yourself and maintain your success for years to come.
How Much Do Weight Loss Injections Cost?
Our commitment to making weight loss accessible to anyone is reflected in our pricing structure, designed to offer high-quality treatments at affordable rates. While the exact cost will depend on your personalized treatment plan, our patients can typically expect to pay $500 per month for semaglutide and $650 per month for tirzepatide.
We strive to ensure that cost is not a barrier to achieving your weight loss goals, providing flexible payment options and working with most major insurance plans to make these life-changing treatments available to as many patients as possible.
We also work with most major insurance plans, and our insurance coordinator can help you understand any coverage or out-of-pocket costs that may apply. Learn more about insurance coverage for weight loss injections below.
Does My Insurance Cover Weight Loss Injections?
Insurance coverage for weight loss injections varies depending on your provider and the medication prescribed. Many injectables are initially approved for type 2 diabetes, and off-label use for weight loss might not be covered by all insurance plans. However, we accept most medical insurance plans, including Anthem/BCBS and TRICARE, for those with weight loss coverage.
In-Network
Patients with in-network insurance can typically expect to pay their specialist co-pay at each visit. Our insurance coordinator can explain how your deductible and out-of-pocket maximums may affect the cost of your visits and prescriptions. Prescription costs depend on insurance coverage but may be reduced to as little as $25 per month through manufacturer savings programs.
Out-of-Network
For those without insurance coverage or without weight loss benefits, we also offer self-pay options for brand-name prescriptions that average around $499 per month, depending on dosage.
Are your weight loss injections eligible for insurance coverage? Visit NovoCare® to check your coverage for Wegovy®, and go to the Zepbound™ website to see if your Zepbound™ injections may be covered. You can also take a look at our comprehensive list of employers who typically offer coverage for these anti-obesity medications.
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Schedule Your Consultation at Richmond Aesthetic Weight Loss
By choosing Richmond Aesthetic Weight Loss, you are taking a life-changing step towards a healthier, more confident you. Our dedicated team is here to support you every step of the way. For more information or to schedule a consultation, please call (804) 423-2100.