Medical Weight Loss

Medical Weight Loss in Nashville, TN | Bariatric Supervised Weight Loss Injections

Are you struggling with weight loss and looking for a medically supervised solution? At Nashville Bariatrics, our board-certified bariatric surgeon offers a comprehensive medical weight loss program featuring FDA-approved weight loss injections, personalized care, and ongoing support, designed to help you achieve and maintain your ideal weight.

What to Know About Dosage, Cost, and Alternatives

Choosing a medical weight loss program often involves understanding the specifics around medication options, including dosage and pricing. For example, many patients start with a modest dosage of weight loss injections, such as 2.5 mg once a week, with gradual increases as recommended by your physician. The maximum dosage for certain medications can reach up to 15 mg weekly, though effective weight loss is often achieved at lower doses.

Injections are typically administered subcutaneously (under the skin) in areas like the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm, and rotating the injection site is encouraged. These medications can be taken at any time of day, with or without meals, based on your convenience and your healthcare provider’s advice.

Effective Weight Loss Injections

As part of our medical weight loss program, we offer a range of FDA-approved weight loss injections that can help you achieve your goals more effectively:

Wegovy® (Semaglutide)

Wegovy is a once-weekly GLP-1 receptor agonist that contains semaglutide, a medication that mimics the GLP-1 hormone naturally released after eating. This hormone helps regulate blood sugar, suppresses appetite, and slows stomach emptying, promoting a sense of fullness and reducing calorie intake.

Wegovy is FDA-approved specifically for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or those who are overweight with weight-related conditions such as high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes. Clinical trials have shown that patients using Wegovy, alongside a healthy diet and increased physical activity, lost on average 15% of their body weight over 68 weeks.

The medication is injected subcutaneously into the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm, with rotation of injection sites recommended. Wegovy can be taken at any time of day, with or without food, and is gradually titrated up to the full dose to minimize gastrointestinal side effects.

Mounjaro® (Tirzepatide)

Mounjaro is another GLP-1 receptor agonist that assists in regulating blood sugar levels and suppressing appetite, administered once a week. Mounjaro contains tirzepatide, a medication that not only mimics the effects of the GLP-1 hormone but also the GIP hormone, which are naturally produced by your body after eating. By activating these pathways, Mounjaro helps stimulate insulin secretion, keeping blood sugar levels in check and supporting weight loss.

This dual action slows down how quickly your stomach empties and sends signals of fullness to your brain, making it easier to control appetite and reduce overall food intake. Clinical studies have shown that patients using tirzepatide, combined with a healthy diet and exercise, experienced substantial weight loss—some seeing up to a 15.7% reduction in body weight over 72 weeks. Mounjaro is especially helpful for individuals dealing with insulin resistance, pre-diabetes, or type 2 diabetes, offering a comprehensive approach to weight management.

With Mounjaro, many people experience effective weight loss at lower doses. Injections are given subcutaneously in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm, and it’s recommended to rotate injection sites each time. Mounjaro can be taken at any time of day, with or without food.

Contrave® (Bupropion/Naltrexone)

A combination medication that targets the brain’s hunger and reward pathways to help control cravings and reduce food intake, Contrave is an FDA-approved oral medication for chronic weight management that combines two active ingredients: bupropion, an antidepressant that also helps reduce appetite, and naltrexone, which is used in the treatment of alcohol and opioid dependence. Together, these medications target the brain’s reward system and appetite control centers to reduce food cravings and emotional eating.

Contrave is taken as a twice-daily tablet, gradually increased to the full dose over several weeks. Unlike GLP-1 medications, it does not slow stomach emptying but instead works neurologically to help individuals feel less driven to eat, particularly in response to triggers or habits. In clinical studies, patients lost up to 4–8% of their body weight over one year when Contrave was paired with lifestyle changes like diet and exercise. It’s especially useful for individuals struggling with appetite regulation, food addiction, or binge-type behaviors.

Ozempic® (Semaglutide)

A weekly injection that helps control blood sugar levels and can aid in weight loss by reducing appetite and increasing feelings of fullness, Ozempic contains the same active ingredient as Wegovy—semaglutide—but is FDA-approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, with weight loss as an additional benefit.

Like Wegovy, Ozempic is a GLP-1 receptor agonist administered once weekly via subcutaneous injection in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. It mimics the GLP-1 hormone to stimulate insulin release, lower blood sugar levels, slow stomach emptying, and increase satiety, leading to reduced appetite and food intake. While not specifically approved for weight loss, many patients with type 2 diabetes experience notable weight reduction, sometimes exceeding 10–12% of body weight, particularly at higher doses.

Ozempic can be taken at any time of day, with or without food, and is typically started at a low dose and titrated upward. It’s a common off-label option for weight management in patients without diabetes.

Qsymia® (Phentermine/Topiramate)

Qsymia is a daily pill that combines two medications, phentermine and topiramate, to help reduce appetite and increase feelings of fullness, making it easier to stick to your diet and lose weight. Phentermine is a stimulant that suppresses appetite, and topiramate is a medication originally used for seizures and migraines that also promotes feelings of fullness and reduces cravings. This dual-action approach targets both hunger signals and emotional or habitual eating patterns.

Qsymia is FDA-approved for long-term weight management in adults with obesity or those who are overweight with related health conditions. It is taken once daily in the morning to avoid potential insomnia. Clinical studies have shown that patients using Qsymia with lifestyle changes experienced an average weight loss of 8–14% over a year, depending on the dose.

The medication is typically started at a low dose and gradually increased to minimize side effects such as dry mouth, tingling, or dizziness. Qsymia is particularly helpful for individuals who struggle with portion control, late-night snacking, or high food cravings.

How Do Weight Loss Injections Work?

Weight loss injections are typically administered subcutaneously in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. They:

• Slow gastric emptying

• Regulate blood sugar

• Enhance feelings of fullness

• Suppress appetite

Most are taken once weekly, with flexible timing and no food restrictions. Doses start low and are gradually increased to minimize side effects.

Cost of Medical Weight Loss Injections:
The monthly cost of prescription weight loss injections can vary widely depending on the medication, dosage, pharmacy, and insurance coverage. For example, branded medications may range between $300 and $1,200 per month. Some patients may benefit from savings programs or cards, but insurance coverage often requires preauthorization, and not all plans include weight loss medications. If coverage is a concern, ask us about affordable payment options.

Availability and Compounded Medication Alternatives:
Occasionally, shortages of certain FDA-approved medications can occur due to supply chain or manufacturing issues. During these times, compounded versions of active ingredients—prepared by licensed pharmacists—can serve as a reliable alternative, ensuring uninterrupted treatment. Compounded medications also offer customizable dosage options, potentially lower costs, and similar benefits when compared to their brand-name counterparts.

Nashville Bariatrics will help you navigate all available options, from FDA-approved medications to compounded alternatives, so you can make informed decisions on your weight loss journey. With expert supervision, personalized plans, and the flexibility to adapt treatment to your needs and budget, you’re supported every step of the way.

Why Choose Our Medical Weight Loss Program?

Our program is tailored to your unique needs and provides a holistic approach to weight management, combining medical expertise, personalized nutrition plans, and ongoing support. Here’s what sets our program apart:

→ Expert Supervision: Receive care and guidance from a board-certified bariatric surgeon with years of experience in weight management.
→ Personalized Plans: We develop a customized weight loss plan based on your health status, lifestyle, and goals.
→ Comprehensive Support: Benefit from continuous support and motivation from our dedicated team of healthcare professionals.
→ Sustainable Results: Learn healthy habits and strategies to maintain your weight loss long-term.

Our Approach

→ Initial Consultation: During your first visit, our surgeon will conduct a thorough evaluation to understand your medical history, current health, and weight loss goals.
→ Customized Plan: Based on the evaluation, we will create a personalized weight loss plan that may include dietary changes, exercise recommendations, and medical treatments if necessary.
→ Ongoing Monitoring: Regular check-ins ensure your progress is tracked and any necessary adjustments to your plan are made to maximize your success.
→ Supportive Care: Our team provides emotional and psychological support to help you stay motivated and overcome any challenges you may face.

Transform Your Life Today

Take the first step towards a healthier, happier you. Nashville Bariatric’s medical weight loss program is not just about losing weight; it’s about gaining confidence, improving your health, and enhancing your quality of life.

Contact Us Today →

Medical weight loss in Nashville

Weight loss goals can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone.

Our team understands the struggles of weight management and is here to support you every step of the way. With our expertise and personalized approach, you’ll not only see the numbers on the scale go down but also experience a boost in your overall well-being and confidence. Schedule your initial consultation and take the first step towards achieving your weight loss goals.