Dedea, M.D. Family Medicine
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Weight Loss Services
Dedea, M.D. Family Medicine
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Weight Loss Services
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Weight Loss Services

 In terms of health and wellness, being overweight or obese is incredibly risky. For residents of Hernando County and established patients of Dedea, MD. Family Medicine, searching for a safe and effective way to shed excess pounds, the team of skilled doctors can help. To learn more about medically supervised weight loss services, call the office to book a visit or email info@tntmedicine.com with any questions.

Weight loss Q & A

  

What are some ways weight loss can improve my overall health?

Extensive research shows a clear link between being overweight or obese and a wide array of health problems. Carrying a significant volume of extra weight strains virtually all the organs and systems in your body. 

Some of the risks associated with being overweight or obese include:

  • Stroke
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Heart disease
  • Kidney disease
  • Dementia
  • Sexual dysfunction
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Depression
  • Gallbladder disease
  • Thyroid problems

This list is far from comprehensive. If you are overweight or obese, finding a way to move closer to a healthy weight is one of the most impactful things you can do for your overall health. 


How does medically supervised weight loss work?

 

If you’re like many people, you’ve probably tried several diet and exercise plans. You may have even achieved a degree of success, only to find the weight quickly returning as soon as you step away from a highly regimented program. 

That’s because fad diets and extreme exercise plans are not sustainable over the long term. Medically supervised weight loss takes a different approach, placing your health as the central focus. 

Medications might be part of your journey. Numerous drugs can help control your appetite or enhance how your body metabolizes food into energy. While drug therapy can be great for many people, it has yet to be used as a stand-alone solution. 

What can I do on my own to support my weight loss goals?

 The choices you make daily shape your weight loss and weight management. That’s why we recommend pairing with a dietician and personal trainer/gym membership to learn healthy, sustainable lifestyle modifications.

You explore ways to get more nutrient-dense foods into your daily diet without extreme calorie restriction or an overall sense of deprivation. You also learn how to incorporate more movement into each day. There is no need to spend hours at a gym; even something as simple as adding a daily walk to your routine can yield impressive results. 

When you’re ready to start, contact Dedea, MD Family Medicine to schedule a consultation. Online booking is always available, or you can call the office during business hours. 

Medication assisted weight loss

BMI 30 or above is mutifactorial.  Stress, hormones, genetics, age, work environment, diet, sleep cycle, all are contributing players when it comes to weight and body shape. Many get to a point where they have maximized what they can change and hit a plateau. Some are limited in working out due to pain or joint conditions.  Many different medications have been prescribed over the years, but the ones that have had the most success are the GLP-1 class.

About Semaglutide Injections

 Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. These drugs replicate the GLP-1 hormone's appetite suppressing and digestion-slowing properties.

Wegovy* and Ozempic* both contain semaglutide, which is FDA-approved. Strict clinical trials were carried out to ensure the drug's safety and efficacy.  Ozempic specifically is strictly prescribed for type 2 diabetes at this time. It was concluded that Ozempic not only helps with appetite suppression, but glucose control with minimal low glucose effects under proper guidance by a physician. The Pharmaceutical company rebranded Ozempic as Wegovy to be used as strictly a weight loss med for a BMI >30. 

For people who want to lose weight, semaglutide is an effective option to help curb the appetite while working on the other factors that influence weight.

How does it work?

How Semaglutide Shots Work

 Semaglutide is injected subcutaneously once a week. The medication works as an appetite suppressant by replicating hormones that naturally interact with your digestive system, thereby lessening sensations of hunger.

Semaglutide lowers caloric intake by slowing digestion and delayed gastric emptying mimicking a 'chemical gastric bypass'. Food passes through your stomach more slowly when you take the drug, so you feel fuller longer and have less of an appetite.

Semaglutide also affects the brain region responsible for hunger and cravings. This enables you to further reduce the size and frequency of your meals.

What to expect *not the golden rule*

MONTH ONE

During the adjustment period, you may experience side effects like nausea while noticing a reduced appetite and modest weight loss (around 2-4 pounds).

MONTH TWO

Weight loss becomes more noticeable (1-2 pounds per week), side effects diminish, and portion control improves as appetite suppression continues.

MONTH THREE

Steady weight loss (cumulative 8-12 pounds), improved energy levels, and enhanced metabolic benefits like better blood sugar regulation become apparent.

MONTH FOUR

Weight loss may slow or plateau, but healthier eating habits and increased physical activity are more ingrained by this stage.

MONTH FIVE

Weight loss continues (potentially 15-20 pounds or more), along with noticeable health improvements like better blood pressure and cholesterol, and fewer food cravings.

MONTH SIX

By this time, sustained weight loss (10-20% of starting weight) is achieved, with long-term lifestyle changes solidified and improved confidence due to progress.

How to get started?

First, call your insurance to see if they cover either Wegovy or Zepbound for weight loss only. Some insurances say they cover 'Ozempic' or Mounjaro but what they don't always make clear, those medications are only for those who are diagnosed with TYPE 2 DIABETES. Many ask if Prediabetes or Borderline Diabetes can get coverage, The answer as of now is no. Unfortunately, more insurance companies that once were covering weight loss medications such as Wegovy and/or Zepbound are no longer.

Once it has been determined that the insurance does not include weight loss medications Wegovy/Zepbound are not in formulary but want to pursue semaglutide from Dedea, MD Family Medicine, an appointment needs to be made for the discussion to see if one qualifies. 

The Journey

Established Patients. This program is designed to provide a comprehensive and supportive approach to achieving your weight-loss and health goals.

Program Highlights:

  • Compounded-Semaglutide Injections:
    In office administrated weekly injections with weight check .
  • Always make sure you have your injection appointment scheduled the same day of the week you received your first injection. For instance, if you received medication on Monday, you must return the following Monday to receive your subsequent dose.
  • Mandatory Initial Evaluation of Obesity and Discussion of Risk-Benefit of semaglutide with Primary Care Provider: This is entirely at the cost of the patient in accordance with their health insurance policy (dependent upon copay and deductible). Self-pay rate for our primary care office visits are $145 at the time of writing this contract.  
  • Mandatory Monthly Weight Management Appointments with Primary Care Provider: This is entirely at the cost of the patient in accordance with their health insurance policy (dependent upon copay and deductible). These visits are meant to monitor progress, weight changes using the SCALE MD PRO to track body changes, medication side effects, and adjust dosages as needed. Self-pay rate for our primary care office visits are $145 at the time of writing this contract.  
  • Only patients of Dedea, M.D. Family Medicine primary care practice are eligible to make this purchase. 

**Cost Breakdown: ** 

  • Semaglutide **subject to change in price if pharmacies increase rates** 
  • Each price is for four (4) injections of the noted dose 

0.25mg x 4 injections – $200 

0.5mg x 4 injections – $250 

1mg x 4 injections – $300 

1.7mg x 4 injections – $350 

2.4mg x 4 injections – $400 

Payments are monthly, non-refundable, and subject to sales tax (6.5% Hernando County), and processing fee of 2.5% if using a credit card but there are no long-term contract obligations. 

  • If a week is missed, there are no 'make ups' or 'pro-rating'. The price listed above pays for the four-week period regardless of missed injections.  


Program Requirements:

  • BMI over 30 to qualify.
  • We can go ahead and schedule if you are ready to start. 
  • Appointments will go over medication side effects, BMI Measurements, Weight-In, Updates on your dietary changes, etc. 


Please note: Monthly Weight Management Therapy Visits are considered a Doctors Visit and only Weight Management parameters and updates will be discussed during those visits. Any chief health complaints outside of Weight Management will have to be scheduled as a separate visit. Also note,  While medication is an effective tool, weight-loss is a lifelong journey.It is ENCOURAGED to pair this program with additional support, such as working with a dietitian (weight watchers) and engaging in fitness programs, but it is not "mandatory". We are currently partnering with a local gym to offer more resources for your health journey. More information will be provided on this partnership soon. If you're ready to take the first step, please email us at info@tntmedicine.com or call our office to schedule your consultation.

Copyright © 2023 Toast & Toller  Concierge Medicine, LLC - All Rights Reserved.

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