GLP1 medications – your new option for losing weight without (or after) Bariatric Surgery
Lower Your Set Point with the best Non-Surgical Weight Loss Program in Tucson
At Pound of Cure, we believe that everyone deserves an individualized approach to weight management. We base our set point lowering weight loss program in research, not dogma. Studies show that weight is not determined by willpower, but instead by a hormonally-regulated defense of your body’s unique metabolic set point (the weight your body works to defend).
The Pound of Cure program is designed to lower your set point using a combination of nutritional counseling (using Dr. Weiner’s Metabolic Reset Diet), cognitive behavioral therapy, recipe/life hacks, online education and weight loss medications. GLP1 medications like semaglutide are powerful adjuncts to a healthy diet and lifestyle and are used frequently in the Pound of Cure program.
We know that the old model of calories-in, calories-out starvation diets only provide short term solutions followed by frustrating weight regain because they do not address your underlying metabolic health and adaptation. Not everyone will qualify for, or want, bariatric surgery and many postoperative patients who struggle with weight regain need help getting back on track. This is why we offer the most comprehensive non-surgical weight loss program in Tucson.
The Pound of Cure weight loss program in Tucson is evidence-based and works with your metabolism and hormones, rather than against them, to lower your set point for good and overcome the frustrating trap of yo-yo dieting!
GLP1 medications may be covered by insurance
More than 95% of our patients are able to use their insurance plan for the office visits, and weight loss medications. Some of the GLP-1 agonists like semaglutide cost a lot and are therefore more difficult to get covered by insurance. We will work with you and your insurance company to find the most cost effective solution for you!
Our Weight Loss Program offers:
Telemedicine or in person visits: A thorough evaluation, blood work and frequent follow-up visits with our Physician Assistant, Claire, who tailors your specific treatment plan to improving your overall health and well-being, not just your weight. These visits are typically covered by insurance.
Affordable, comprehensive nutritional and lifestyle support through on-demand courses, live group coaching sessions and one-on-one visits with our registered dietitian, Zoe.
Ample additional support throughout the program with educational handouts, recipe ideas, in-depth videos, strategies for long-term success and more.
Long-term follow up! We understand that weight control is often a lifelong journey and we are here to support you every step of the way.
What is the cost of the program?
All medical visits with our PA, Claire, are covered by your insurance. Our nutrition counseling program with our RD, Zoe, has a tiered pricing plan depending on your specific needs, ranging from $5/month to $45/month. You can upgrade, downgrade or cancel at any time.
What is your nutritional approach?
Rather than tedious calorie counting or boring meal replacements, we focus on helping you make gradual, sustainable changes in your nutrition, working toward increasing your intake of delicious, real foods. Our dietary approach is based on Dr. Weiner’s Metabolic Reset Diet from his book, A Pound of Cure, and is designed to lower your set point for weight to promote durable, sustainable results.
What are GLP-1s and why do you use them?
GLP-1’s (like semaglutide) are weight loss medications that work to lower your set point. Research shows that, while lifestyle changes are vital for successful weight loss, nutrition and exercise alone are rarely enough to overcome the long-term hormonal changes that drive weight regain in the long-term. This is why we utilize a targeted class of medications called GLP-1s which work by correcting these frustrating hormonal and metabolic shifts so that you can finally experience long-term success on your weight loss journey. And, unlike older weight loss medications GLP-1s are safe for long-term use and can even improve other aspects of your health including blood sugar regulation, heart health and inflammation! If you are not a candidate for GLP-1s, we also offer other effective medication options, depending on your individual needs and medical history.
Can you list examples of GLP-1 medications?
Liraglutide – low dose for diabetes (Victoza) – taken by injection daily
Liraglutide – high dose for weight loss (Saxenda) – taken by injection daily
Semaglutide – low dose injection for diabetes (Ozempic), taken by injection weekly
Semaglutide – low dose pill for diabetes (Rybelsus), taken by mouth once daily
Semaglutide – high dose injection for weight loss (Wegovy), taken by injection weekly
Dulaglutide (Trulicity), taken by injection weekly
Exenatide (Byetta), taken by injection twice daily
Exenatide extended release (Bydureon), taken by injection weekly
Lixisenatide (Adlyxin), taken by injection daily
How much does semaglutide cost? Is it covered by insurance?
Semaglutide costs can be very expensive when purchased outright, especially Wegovy, the weight loss dose (>$1,000 per month). It is being covered by more and more insurance companies and our program will help you obtain insurance coverage if possible. Sometimes, the lower-dose diabetic version of these medication can be used off-label for weight loss at a lower cost.
Do you offer both telehealth and in-person visits?
Yes! We know you lead a busy life and want to make your visits convenient for you which is why we offer the choice of either telehealth and in-person visits.
How often will I have follow-up visits?
Typically, patients follow up every 2 weeks with Claire when they first start the program and then move to less frequent visits as they feel more comfortable on the program, usually after a few months. The nutritional program with Zoe is self-paced and you can take as few or as many classes as you would like each month. The on-demand content is available to view 24/7 and live sessions are offered multiple times per week to fit your schedule!
Where are you located?
We are a weight loss program in Tucson and are a part of Tucson Weight Loss Surgery, a division of Saguaro Surgical.
I live outside of Arizona, can I still sign up?
Our nonsurgical weight management program is currently offered throughout Arizona and we are coming soon to serve patients in Michigan, Florida, California, Texas and New York! If the non-surgical program is not yet available in your state, you can still sign up for our nutrition counseling program which is currently offered nationwide!
What can I expect to improve when I lose weight?
Even with just a modest weight reduction, you can expect the following benefits: Increased mobility and decreased joint pain, Improved blood pressure and cholesterol values, Improvement in diabetes and prediabetes, Improvement in sleep apnea and quality of sleep, Reduced need for medications, Improved overall quality of life
If you are interested in learning more about our non-surgical weight management program, please complete the contact form below or call our office at (520) 420-1000.