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Seeking Semaglutide Weight Loss Clinics in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia

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Semaglutide for weight loss
September Special $179/ 1st month*

Semaglutide is a once weekly self injection medication that was initially developed for the treatment diabetes. It was later studied at a higher dose for weight loss under the brand name Wegovy. On average, individuals taking semaglutide lost around 15% of their body weight, on average 6-8 lbs a month. Semaglutides mimic the effects of a hormone called GLP-1, which helps regulate blood sugar levels and appetite. By activating the GLP-1 receptors, semaglutides can lower appetite by affecting an area of the brain that is responsible for appetite control. It also slows down the emptying of the stomach so you feel fuller and leads to portion control, wanting to eat less. The brand drug Ozempic is an example of a semaglutide,  at Medical Cosmetics, Dr. Varano & staff offer Semaglutide the same active ingredient used in Wegovy & Ozempic. We can also write prescriptions for Ozempic, Wegovy & Mounjaro or Tirzepatide if patients want to try those options. In clinical trials, semaglutide participants demonstrated significant weight loss effects compared to those who received a placebo. It's important to note that semaglutide should be used under the supervision of a healthcare professional and is currently approved for weight management.

The most common side effects reported include nausea, vomiting, indigestion, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain. These side effects are generally mild and tend to improve over time with minimal intervention. Dr Varano and Staff closly follow every individual on the weight loss program to help prevent or limit any potential side effects and can provide any necessary medication if any issue arise. If you're interested in our  semaglutide program for weight loss, we can assess whether it is an option for you and provide guidance on the appropriate dosage and medical monitoring. Weight loss medications/drugs should be used as part of a comprehensive approach to weight management which includes if suitable regular exercise, healthy diet, and lifestyle modifications. The semaglutide for the program is obtained from a FDA regulated & State regulated compounding pharmacy, its does not use any salts (sodium or acetate) which allows us to pass along the savings in regular pricing.

Under our Board Certified Physician supervision, (averages $300/month) when starting out as dosage will vary slightly per patient as it will be titrated up to your optimal response. The drug supply is included for initial standard starting dose, as well as all medical monitoring, supplies, follow ups etc.  All patients will require different dosing (costs approximation will be discussed at consultation). This is not covered by insurance plans or Medicare/Medicaid 

  • To start the program is $625, which covers the first 8-10+ weeks of medication (approx $300/month), the initial assessment, body composition scale measurements, education on self injection, medical supplies, and bi monthly follow ups which can be done by telemedicine. September 2024 Special $179/1st month* starter dose only & in -office only one time usage.
    • After completing the starting vial (60 days) on the 3rd month there is a monthly fee of $195 plus the cost of the drug. This totals your total monthly cost to approximately $300-$450/month. This includes office fees, medical monitoring and a 2 month supply of the medication. 
    • If you are already on a GLP-1, and want to switch to the Semaglutide, we will start you at the monthly maintenance ($195 plus cost of the drug). 
    • Price range listed depends on your optimal dosage as different people will respond well at a low dose, others at a medium dose or some may require a high dose, this can only be determined once you start the medication as we medically monitor the outcome. Regardless we say your price range after the first 2 months will be approximately $300-$450/month as it is dose dependent.  We can do the initial consult via telemedicine or in office & have the medication shipped to your home. 
    • Click to  Read our practice testimonial article as seen in Baltimore Fish Bowl & Washington Post completed by one of our patients weight loss journey. 

    Here is a sample of some of our patients weight loss who have been on our program for 4-6 months

    semagltutide weight loss results
    random sample results


    Looking to contour and remove bulges or the muffin top rapidly? Consider checking out our Liposuction page , as Dr Varano has performed over 3000 liposuction procedures . Non invasive/ non surgical options check out our Coolsculpting or Cooltone pages

    If you are ready for a FREE CONSULT w/ Dr. Varano ( PHONE OR IN OFFICE) you can fill out the health history form here.

      CLICK TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT/FREE CONSULT

      Frequently Asked Questions

      GLP-1 medications such as Semaglutides work by several mechanisms:

      1. GLP-1 Receptor Activation: Semaglutides binds to and activates the GLP-1 receptors, which are mainly located in the pancreas, stomach, brain and other tissues. This activation triggers various positive physiological responses in response to the medication.
      2. Glucose Regulation: By activating GLP-1 receptors in the pancreas, Semaglutides increase insulin levels. This helps breakdown fatty tissue.
      3. Suppression of Glucagon: Semaglutides also suppresses the release of glucagon, a hormone that raises blood sugar levels. 
      4. Slows Gastric Emptying:  slows down the emptying of the stomach, which causes increased feelings of fullness and better portion control. Therefore you will eat less.
      5. Brain Signaling: Activation of GLP-1 receptors in the hypothalamus of the brain which helps reduce hunger and increase satiety signals, leading to a decreased desire to eat.

       We can do the initial consult via telemedicine or in office & have the medication shipped to your home.

      Under Physician supervision, our program is $625 for the first 2 months (average $300/month) when starting out as dosage will vary slightly per patient as it will be titrated up to your optimal response. The drug supply is included for initial standard starting dose, as well as all medical monitoring, supplies, follow ups etc. All patients will require different dosing (costs approximation will be discussed at consultation). This is not covered by insurance plans or Medicare/Medicaid. Insurance typically only covers patients with pre existing diabetes which can be managed by your primary care physician.

        • After completing the starting vial (60 days) and medical maintenance there is a monthly fee of $195 plus the cost of the drug. This totals your total monthly cost to approximately $300-$450. This includes office fees, medical monitoring and a 2 month supply of the medication.
        • If you are already on a GLP-1 and paying higher costs, and want to switch to the generic Semaglutide, we will start you at the monthly maintenance ($195 plus cost of the drug).
        • Price range listed depends on your optimal dosage as different people will respond well at a low dose, others at a medium dose or some may require a high dose, this can only be determined once you start the medication as we medically monitor the outcome. Regardless we say your price range after the first 2 months will be approximately $300-$450/month as it is dose dependent. We can do the initial consult via telemedicine or in office & have the medication shipped to your home.





         

        1. Education

        Our medically supervised staff will provide personalized support and direction.

        Our staff will instruct you how to inject and use the Semaglutide.  You will have an initial assessment and attend scheduled appointments in person or by telephone with our staff to assure that you are on you way to meeting your weight loss goal. Once that goal is reached, we will make sure each client understands how to maintain their new weight. We will review your medical history to make sure the treatment requirements are safe and effective for each individuals existing medical/health conditions

        2. Medication

        We will provide medication that suppresses your appetite and will help you stick to a low-calorie diet. If you are hungry, and your willpower gets depleted and susceptible to temptation then mediation and adjustments can be made. We can individualize and tailor each treatment regimen for each client. As you start losing weight and start getting healthier, your success will be positive reinforcement We will also prescribe proper supplemental nutritional requirements and which OTC vitamins can be purchased to maintain proper health. The semaglutide is the generic form from a compounding pharmacy, its does not use any salts (sodium or acetate) which allows us to pass along the savings in regular pricing.

        3. Support

        We will provide you the necessary support  and monitor for any potential side effects, including our staffs email addresses, and contact information should you get off track or have any additional questions. We will adjust, titrate and refill the medication when it is needed 

        For those patients who are looking to spot reduce fat bulges we offer non surgical , non invasive Zeltiq Coolsculpting For larger areas of body contouring also offer the Slimlipo Laser Liposuction.

        Some common side effects are: Nausea, vomiting,  diarrhea, constipation, headache, fatigue, heartburn, fatigue. Our staff will monitor if you have any symptoms and adjust your dosage or prescribe any necessary additional medications to help with symptoms.

        1. You have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). Semaglutides such as Ozempic have been associated with an increased risk of thyroid tumors in animal studies.  In Humans the risk of semaglutide induced thyroid relevance of rodent Thyroid C cell tumors has not been determined.
        2. You are allergic to semaglutide . Allergic reactions can range from mild to severe and may require immediate medical attention.
        3. You have a history of severe gastrointestinal disease or have gastroparesis. it can slow down stomach emptying, and its use may exacerbate these conditions.
        4. You have a history of decreased kidney function or pancreatitis. There have been reports of pancreatitis using Semaglutides, and caution should be used if you have a history of pancreatitis or poor renal functions.
        5. You are pregnant or planning to become pregnant or breast feeding. The safety during pregnancy has not been established, and it is generally not recommended for use during pregnancy.
        6. Have a history of diabetic retinopathy.
        7. You have history of severe or major depression or suicidal thoughts.





        77% of adults lost 5% or more of their body weight

        62% of adults lost 10% or more of their body weight

        52% of adults lost 15% or more of their body weight

        *Sources
        Garvey WT, Batterham RL, Bhatta M, et al. Two-year effects of semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity: the STEP 5 trial.Nat Med. 2022,28(10):2083-2091.
        Novomedlink.com

        * Disclaimer: As with all medical treatments Individual Results May Vary, No Guarantees.


        Instructions on how to self inject Semaglutide

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        Compounding Pharmacy info : CPA 7240 Kingston Pike, Knoxville  TN 37919