Welcome to Richmond Aesthetic Weight Loss, where we strive to change lives through personalized weight loss programs designed and monitored by our knowledgeable medical professionals, including board-certified plastic surgeon Neil Zemmel, MD and board-certified physician assistant Sarah Ashcraft, PA. Our clinic offers a variety of effective options, including Ozempic®, Zepbound™, Wegovy®, and Mounjaro®, along with compounded GLP-1 medications for those not eligible for insurance coverage. Our compounding pharmacy is the first in Virginia to receive national accreditation and exceeds the highest standards of safety and cleanliness.
To make your journey as accessible as possible, we accept most medical insurance plans, including Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield and TRICARE. In addition, our pricing is highly competitive, allowing this life-changing weight loss treatment to fit more comfortably within your budget.
Trust Richmond Aesthetic Weight Loss to provide the comprehensive, personalized care you need for a healthier, happier you. Learn more about medically supervised weight loss with GLP-1 medications by scheduling an appointment at Richmond Aesthetic Weight Loss.
Check back soon to see amazing patient transformations!
- What Are Weight Loss Injections?
- Weight Loss Injectable Options
- Weight Loss Injection Eligibility
- Weight Loss Injectable Process
- Amount of Weight Loss with Injectable Drugs
- Weight Loss Injections Side Effects
- Weight Loss Injectable Cost
- Insurance Coverage for Weight Loss Injectables
What Are Weight Loss Injections?
Women and men unable to lose weight through diet and exercise alone, may be able to achieve more successful results with the assistance of weight loss injections containing either semaglutide or tirzepatide. The active ingredients in these medications have been found to aid in controlling hunger and feeling fuller faster—a struggle often felt by individuals living with obesity or excess weight—to help support weight loss. A few of the more well-known injectable weight loss drugs include Ozempic®, Zepbound™, Wegovy®, and Mounjaro®, which are each administered by once weekly injections.
What Are the Different Injectable Weight Loss Drugs?
There are several injectable medications available that can trigger changes within the body that may help contribute to weight loss. The four most popular medications include:
Ozempic® (semaglutide)
FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes, Ozempic® is commonly prescribed for off-label weight loss due to its ability to increase insulin production, which then creates feelings of being full faster.
Zepbound™ (tirzepatide)
Approved by the FDA for chronic weight management, Zepbound™ helps to control blood sugar and slow down the process of food digestion to feel fuller longer.
Wegovy® (semaglutide)
Also FDA-approved for weight loss, Wegovy® decreases feelings of hunger and, therefore, prevents the individual from over-consuming calories.
Mounjaro® (tirzepatide)
Similar to Zepbound™ with the ability to regulate blood sugar levels, Mounjaro® is FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes patients but can be used off-label for weight loss.
After a thorough evaluation, Dr. Zemmel can help determine the safest and most effective option based on the unique needs and goals of qualified patients.
Am I Eligible for Weight Loss Injections?
To be eligible for weight loss injections, patients generally have a BMI (body mass index) of 30 or higher, or a BMI of 27 or higher with a weight-related medical condition, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol. Certain medical conditions, including kidney, gallbladder, or thyroid disease, may prohibit candidacy for medications containing semaglutide or tirzepatide.
Additionally, previous methods of trying to lose weight (e.g., diet, exercise, and nutrition plans) may be assessed to better understand the patient’s health history. Ultimately, approval for a prescribed injectable weight loss drug will be determined after an in-depth consultation with an experienced physician, such as Dr. Zemmel.
What Does the Weight Loss Injectable Process Involve?
At Richmond Aesthetic Weight Loss, we believe in providing a personalized and balanced approach to weight management. Our dedicated team, led by Dr. Neil Zemmel and Sarah Ashcraft, PA, offers comprehensive care tailored to meet each patient’s unique needs. Here’s a detailed look at what the weight loss injectable process entails:
Initial Consultation
Your journey begins with an in-depth consultation where we take the time to understand your medical history, lifestyle, and weight loss goals. This thorough evaluation allows us to create a customized treatment plan designed specifically for you, which may include GLP-1 medications.
Personalized Injectable Treatment Regimen
Weight loss injectables are selected based on your medical profile and desired weight loss results, ensuring a tailored approach to your weight management. Weight loss injections are typically self-administered once per week on the same day and time. The injections are usually given under the skin in easily accessible areas such as the abdomen or outer thighs. The dosage of medication is increased every four weeks or as directed by your physician.
Monitoring and Adjustments
Regular monitoring is important to the success of your weight loss journey. We schedule routine check-in appointments to track your progress, adjust your dosage if necessary, and ensure the treatment remains effective and safe.
Ongoing Support and Encouragement
Our commitment to your success doesn’t stop at the initial consultation. We provide continuous support and encouragement throughout your weight loss journey. Whether you need advice, adjustments to your treatment plan, or simply some motivation, our team is here for you.
At Richmond Aesthetic Weight Loss, we are dedicated to helping you achieve and maintain a healthier weight through safe, compassionate care. Our goal is to empower you with the tools and support you need to lead a healthier, more fulfilling life.
Are There Side Effects to Weight Loss Injections?
Patients may experience side effects, including diarrhea, loss of appetite, nausea, stomach pain, and vomiting, which are generally mild but should be reported to their care team if it becomes more severe. While taking injectables for weight loss, it is best to stay hydrated with plenty of fluids and incorporate a healthy diet and regular exercise routine.
How Much Weight Can I Lose with Weight Loss Injections?
Weight loss results from injectable medications containing semaglutide or tirzepatide vary by individual, depending on the brand, dosage, treatment plan, diet and exercise, and other factors. With that said, patient studies have shown the following average weight loss results from prescription injectables:
- Ozempic®: 20% of body weight (1)
- Zepbound™: 20% of body weight (2)
- Wegovy®: 15% of body weight (3)
- Mounjaro®: 20% of body weight (4)
It should be noted that once patients stop taking these medications, weight regain can occur. With this in mind, it is important to ensure a strong support plan and healthy lifestyle is in place to maintain long-term weight management.
Patients that are able to achieve significant weight loss with semaglutide or tirzepatide injectables may experience residual cosmetic concerns, such as sagging skin or isolated pockets of fat. To further enhance the positive physical changes to the body through weight loss, Dr. Zemmel can perform post-weight loss body contouring, tummy tuck, or liposuction procedures to sculpt and define contours and complete the desired body transformation.
How Much Do Weight Loss Injections Cost?
We strive to make weight management possible to everyone by offering budget-friendly pricing for weight loss injections. While the extent of a patient’s needs and goals may affect their total cost, in general semaglutide treatments cost approximately $500 per month, while tirzepatide treatments typically cost $650 at our clinic.
Does Insurance Cover Weight Loss Injections?
Our team accepts most major medical insurance plans, including Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield and TRICARE, to help make treatment more accessible to patients. Please note, insurance coverage for weight loss injections can vary significantly based on your specific insurance plan and the type of medication prescribed. To determine whether your insurance plan covers weight loss injections, it is essential to check with your insurance provider.
Curious if your insurance covers weight loss injections? View our comprehensive list of employers who have offered anti-obesity medication coverage.
For those without weight loss insurance coverage, we also offer compounded GLP-1 formulations. In addition, we provide the option of cash pay plans for those without coverage.
Schedule Your Visit at Richmond Aesthetic Weight Loss
If you would like to learn more about our weight loss clinic and whether semaglutide or tirzepatide medications may be right for you, please contact our team at Richmond Aesthetic Weight Loss by calling (804) 423-2100. You can also stay connected with us at @richmondaestheticweightloss on Instagram.