For many adults, losing weight takes more than willpower. Hunger hormones, a slower metabolism, and years of on-and-off dieting can all work against you, which helps explain why so many people lose weight only to watch it return. GLP-1 medications have given patients and doctors a new tool. Clinical trials show that adults who took a weekly semaglutide injection lost an average of 14.9% of their body weight over 68 weeks, compared with 2.4% for those who received a placebo.
Results like these have sparked strong interest in medical weight loss in Marina del Rey, along with plenty of questions. Continue reading to learn how these medications work, who qualifies, what a supervised program involves, and what to consider if you’re exploring GLP-1 treatment in Marina del Rey.
How Does GLP-1 Treatment Help You Lose Weight?
GLP-1, short for glucagon-like peptide-1, is a hormone your gut releases after you eat. It signals your brain that you're full, slows how quickly food leaves your stomach, and helps your body manage blood sugar. GLP-1 medications copy the effects of this natural hormone and keep them active much longer.
The biggest change most patients notice is a quieter appetite. The constant pull toward snacks fades, and smaller portions start to feel satisfying. That shift makes healthier eating much easier to stick with day after day.
Two medications lead GLP-1 treatment today:
- Semaglutide is a once-weekly injection that acts on GLP-1 receptors to curb hunger and steady blood sugar.
- Tirzepatide is a once-weekly injection that acts on both GLP-1 and GIP receptors. GIP is a second gut hormone that affects appetite and insulin.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Medical Weight Loss?
The FDA has approved GLP-1 medications for long-term weight management in adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher. Adults with a BMI of 27 or higher may also qualify if they have at least one weight-related health condition like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, or sleep apnea.
You may be a good fit for medical weight loss if you:
- Have a BMI in the overweight or obesity range
- Have tried diet and exercise without lasting results
- Deal with constant hunger that makes portion control hard
- Live with a weight-related health condition
- Want regular guidance and check-ins from a doctor
These medications aren't safe for everyone. Anyone with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or a related genetic condition should not take them. Additionally, patients who are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or have had pancreatitis need a careful conversation with their doctor first.
What Happens During a Physician-Supervised Weight Loss Program?
Your first visit focuses on your overall health. Expect to talk through your weight history, past diets, current medications, and goals. Your provider will also review your blood pressure and lab work to see how your metabolism, blood sugar, and hormones are functioning. If GLP-1 treatment makes sense for you, you can expect to:
- Start on a low dose so your body has time to adjust
- Increase your dose every few weeks based on how you feel and respond
- Give yourself one quick injection at home each week
- Have follow-up visits to track your progress, fine-tune your dose, and address any concerns
Eating enough protein and adding strength training help preserve muscle as your body sheds fat, supporting a healthier metabolism over time.
What Side Effects Should You Expect From GLP-1 Medications?
Most side effects involve digestion and tend to flare up as your dose increases. Common ones include:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Bloating, gas, or heartburn
- Feeling full very quickly
- Mild fatigue during the first few weeks
These symptoms usually ease as your body adjusts. Smaller meals, plenty of water, and fewer greasy foods can help. Serious problems like pancreatitis or gallbladder issues are rare, but you should contact your provider right away if you develop severe or lasting stomach pain.
Can You Keep the Weight Off After GLP-1 Treatment?
A question we regularly hear is, “Will the weight come back if I stop the medication?” The honest answer depends on what happens after treatment. Your provider should plan for the long term from the start. Some patients stay on a lower maintenance dose, while others taper off slowly with close monitoring. Either way, regular meals with enough protein, consistent strength training, and good sleep make the biggest difference in keeping weight off.
As fat volume shrinks, some people also notice looser skin on the body or a more hollow look in the face. Treatments that rebuild collagen can help restore firmness, and our article on collagen stimulation explains how those options work.
Where to Find the Best Physician-Led Medical Weight Loss in Marina del Rey
GLP-1 medications give many adults a real advantage against stubborn weight, especially when hunger and metabolism have made past efforts feel impossible. Safe, lasting results depend on careful screening, steady dose adjustments, and ongoing support from a provider who knows your health history.
Our founder and medical director, Dr. Shawn Abrishamy, personally oversees every patient in our medical weight loss program. Dr. Shawn completed his residency in family medicine, a specialty focused on preventing and managing chronic conditions like high blood pressure, prediabetes, and weight-related health problems. The University of California, Irvine, named him Resident of the Year in Family Medicine. Today, he pairs that medical foundation with a personalized program that includes a comprehensive evaluation, metabolic and hormone assessments, gradual dose adjustments, and regular follow-up visits.
Patients who want to address skin changes after weight loss can also work with Dr. Shawn on collagen-building treatments like Morpheus8 and microneedling.
Our office sits inside the UCLA Marina Professional Building at 4560 Admiralty Way, Suite 200, near Cedars-Sinai Marina del Rey Hospital and just off Lincoln Boulevard. It's a short drive from the western end of the Marina Freeway, making it an easy trip from Venice, Playa Vista, Culver City, Santa Monica, and West Los Angeles.
Ready to explore GLP-1 treatment in Marina del Rey with a medical weight loss consultation and find out which plan fits your body and your goals?
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