I Know Weight Loss Medications Are Becoming Popular but Are They Safe?

At North Texas Med360 in Frisco, Texas, Jenine Referente, FNP-C, and Kayla Posada, CLT, offer medical weight loss solutions and guide you through the maze of promising new drugs. 

Ozempic® 

Ozempic is a GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonist, approved initially to manage type 2 diabetes. It gained widespread popularity for its off-label use as a weight-loss medication. 

Like most medications, Ozempic comes with a few potential side effects, including nausea, vomiting, and fatigue. Long-term use requires regular monitoring of blood sugar levels and kidney function. 

Only use FDA-approved prescriptions from trusted providers, such as North Texas Med360, as compounded or counterfeit versions pose risks. 

The upside to Ozempic is that it: 

• Helps improve blood sugar control in individuals with type 2 diabetes
• Promotes weight loss by reducing appetite and enhancing feelings of fullness
• Can lower the risk of cardiovascular complications associated with diabetes
• Supports gradual and sustainable weight management for long-term health benefits

Extensive clinical research supports the use of Ozempic, and it is approved for safety and efficacy when prescribed appropriately.

Mounjaro® 

Manufactured by Eli Lilly, Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is another injectable medication for type 2 diabetes, with incredible results for weight loss. Clinical trials have shown weight loss of up to 15-22% after 72 weeks in some users on the maximum dose. 

Although Mounjaro is for diabetes management, most in the medical community expect the FDA to approve it soon for weight loss. 

Common side effects of Mounjaro include gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea and nausea. Rare complications, such as pancreatitis, require careful monitoring. 

The upside of Mounjaro is that it: 

• Promotes and sustains weight loss when combined with diet and lifestyle changes 
• Improves blood sugar control in patients with diabetes
• Reduces risk of obesity-related complications such as heart disease and joint issues

Mounjaro may also improve your overall metabolic health. 

Wegovy® 

Wegovy, FDA-approved specifically for obesity treatment, contains the same active ingredient as Ozempic (semaglutide) but at a higher dosage for weight loss. It’s approved for people with a BMI of 30 or higher (or 27+ with other obesity-related health conditions). 

Side effects range from mild digestive discomfort to rare conditions like gallbladder issues. We check your blood work regularly to monitor your kidney and liver function. 

The upside of Wegovy is it: 

• Leads to significant weight loss when combined with a healthy diet and exercise
• Improves obesity-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea 
• Reduces the risk of developing health complications related to obesity

Wegovy contributes to better overall metabolic health; keeping the excess weight off is easy.

Zepbound® 

Like Ozempic and Wegovy, Zepbound is a GLP-1 receptor agonist for weight management, suppressing appetite that enables incremental weight loss over time. 

Zepbound is for people struggling with calorie control, and we prescribe it in tandem with diet and lifestyle changes. 

Zepbound is considered safe, but you may experience nausea, constipation, or abdominal pain. We schedule regular follow-ups to ensure you get the correct dosage and minimize side effects. 

The upside of Zepbound is that it: 

• Helps you lose weight loss by reducing hunger and increasing satiety 
• Improves blood sugar, helping you manage type 2 diabetes

The key to success with Zepbound is to pair it with lifestyle changes — true of all weight loss medications. Our guided medical supervision is non-negotiable if you’re serious about long-term weight management, healthy eating, and regular exercise. 

Contrave® 

Contrave combines two FDA-approved drugs — naltrexone and bupropion — to target hunger signals in the brain and cravings. It works uniquely compared to GLP-1 agonists. 

The main difference is that Contrave is a noninjectable option, so it’s ideal for those who don’t take injectable medications. 

Contrave’s side effects range from dry mouth to elevated blood pressure; you should not take it if you have a history of seizures or uncontrolled hypertension. 

The upside of Contrave is that it: 

• Addresses physical hunger and emotional eating 
• Provides an oral option for those seeking non injectable weight management solutions 

Contrave can help you lose weight when combined with proper diet and exercise and may be a suitable choice if you struggle with traditional weight loss methods. 

How North Texas Med360 keeps you safe 

Unlike generic programs that offer blanket prescriptions, North Texas Med360 customizes your medical weight loss plan and protects you during your weight loss journey. 

Thorough evaluations 

You undergo a health history assessment, including blood work and an InBody Composition Analysis, to determine eligibility for weight loss medications. 

Ongoing monitoring 

You get regular checkups every 4-6 weeks during the initial phases to monitor side effects, and we check your blood work at key intervals to ensure your kidneys, liver, and metabolic functions are doing well. 

Evidence-based methods 

We only prescribe FDA-approved, properly sourced weight loss drugs. 

Call North Texas Med360 or book an appointment online today for help with weight loss.