Weight Loss Medications · Michigan Weight Loss Institute
GLP-1 and Oral Weight Loss Treatment in Michigan
FDA-approved therapies. Physician-supervised care. Personalized treatment and ongoing monitoring.
Michigan Weight Loss Institute offers semaglutide (Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Zepbound) alongside other prescription options, including phentermine, Contrave, Qsymia, and liraglutide when appropriate. Medication selection considers your health history, treatment goals, risks, preferences, and coverage. Care is supervised by Rita Kathawa, MD, double board-certified in Internal Medicine and Obesity Medicine. We serve Metro Detroit patients at our Sterling Heights and Bingham Farms locations.
What Are GLP-1 Weight Loss Medications?
GLP-1 stands for glucagon-like peptide-1, a hormone involved in appetite and glucose regulation. GLP-1 receptor agonists activate the same receptor. Effects vary by medication and patient and may include:
- Appetite regulation — may help increase fullness and reduce hunger
- Slowed gastric emptying — food moves through your stomach more slowly, reducing hunger spikes
- Blood sugar regulation — stimulates insulin release in response to meals, supporting metabolic health
In STEP 1, adults with overweight or obesity without diabetes who received semaglutide 2.4 mg plus lifestyle intervention had an average 14.9% reduction in body weight at 68 weeks, compared with 2.4% with placebo. In SURMOUNT-1, adults with obesity or overweight without diabetes who received tirzepatide 15 mg had an average 20.9% reduction at 72 weeks, compared with 3.1% with placebo. These are study averages; individual results vary. The studies used different designs and were not a direct comparison of the two medications.
Semaglutide and Tirzepatide for Weight Management
Semaglutide and tirzepatide are two of the FDA-approved options used in our weight management program. Your physician will determine whether either option is appropriate based on your medical history, current medications, metabolic health, treatment goals, and potential risks.
Semaglutide (Wegovy)
Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist. In the STEP 1 trial, adults without diabetes who received semaglutide 2.4 mg plus lifestyle intervention had an average 14.9% reduction in body weight at 68 weeks, compared with 2.4% with placebo. Individual results vary.
Tirzepatide (Zepbound)
Tirzepatide activates both GIP and GLP-1 receptors. In the SURMOUNT-1 trial, adults without diabetes who received the 15 mg dose had an average 20.9% reduction in body weight at 72 weeks, compared with 3.1% with placebo. Individual results vary.
Who Is a Candidate for Weight Loss Medication?
Eligibility varies by medication and approved indication. Common adult weight-management criteria include:
- BMI ≥ 30 (obesity), or
- BMI ≥ 27 (overweight) with at least one weight-related condition: Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, cardiovascular disease, or MASLD/NAFLD
A complete medical evaluation is required before treatment. Review the FDA prescribing information for Wegovy and Zepbound; your physician will determine whether treatment is appropriate for you.
Other Prescription Weight Loss Medications
GLP-1 treatment is one option within a broader treatment plan. Oral medications and daily liraglutide may be considered based on your medical history, response to previous treatment, preferences, and cost. Coverage must be checked for each medication and plan.
Phentermine
Adipex-P, Lomaira, and generic formulations
A stimulant appetite suppressant approved for short-term use. The formulation determines the dosing schedule. It is not appropriate for people with certain cardiovascular conditions or uncontrolled high blood pressure; your clinician also reviews other contraindications and interactions.
Naltrexone and Bupropion (Contrave)
This extended-release combination acts on pathways involved in appetite. It is taken twice daily after gradual dose escalation. It is not appropriate with chronic opioid use, uncontrolled high blood pressure, or a seizure disorder. Its boxed warning addresses suicidal thoughts and behaviors associated with antidepressants.
Phentermine and Topiramate (Qsymia)
A once-daily extended-release capsule for chronic weight management. Qsymia can cause fetal harm and must not be used during pregnancy. Patients who can become pregnant need pregnancy testing and effective contraception. Your clinician reviews additional risks, monitoring, and safe discontinuation.
Liraglutide (Saxenda)
Liraglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist administered once daily for weight management. It is a separate option from semaglutide and tirzepatide, not an add-on to another GLP-1 medicine. Treatment requires gradual dose escalation and evaluation of response and tolerability.
Medication Options at a Glance
Medication choice involves more than an average weight-loss percentage. Studies differ in dose, duration, participants, and lifestyle support. This overview compares medication types and administration; it is not a dosing guide.
| Medication | Type | Administration | Key consideration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wegovy (semaglutide) | GLP-1 receptor agonist | Weekly injection or daily tablet | Formulation, indication, and administration instructions differ; discuss suitability with your clinician. |
| Zepbound (tirzepatide) | Dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist | Weekly injection | Individualized dose escalation and monitoring. |
| Saxenda (liraglutide) | GLP-1 receptor agonist | Daily injection | Do not combine with another GLP-1 medicine. |
| Qsymia | Phentermine and topiramate | Once-daily oral capsule | Pregnancy prevention and testing are essential for patients who can become pregnant. |
| Contrave | Naltrexone and bupropion | Twice-daily oral tablets after escalation | Requires review of opioid use, blood pressure, seizure risk, and mood symptoms. |
| Phentermine | Stimulant appetite suppressant | Oral; schedule depends on formulation | Approved for short-term use; cardiovascular screening is important. |
Wegovy is FDA-approved in both injectable and tablet forms. The STEP 1 results described above apply to the studied 2.4 mg weekly injection, not every semaglutide formulation or dose. See the current Wegovy prescribing information.
Benefits Beyond Weight Loss: Metabolic and Cardiovascular Health
- Cardiovascular risk reduction in a specific population — in SELECT, semaglutide 2.4 mg reduced the relative risk of major cardiovascular events by 20% among adults with established cardiovascular disease and overweight or obesity without diabetes.
- Glucose regulation — these medications affect glucose-dependent pathways; monitoring is individualized, especially for patients using diabetes medications.
- Liver and metabolic health — patients with MASLD, MASH, or other liver disease need diagnosis-specific evaluation and monitoring.
- Obstructive sleep apnea — the FDA approved Zepbound for moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea in adults with obesity, used with reduced-calorie nutrition and increased physical activity.
Patients with MASLD, MASH, or other liver disease need individualized evaluation. Michigan Weight Loss Institute’s NAFLD Clinic coordinates weight management with liver and metabolic monitoring when appropriate.
Why Physician Supervision Matters
At Michigan Weight Loss Institute, medication management is part of a structured physician-led medical weight loss program.
- Comprehensive initial evaluation — labs, physical exam, and body composition analysis
- Personalized treatment plan — medication selection and dosing tailored to you
- Dose titration support — gradual increases to minimize side effects
- Ongoing monitoring — regular follow-up visits tracking weight, labs, and metabolic markers
- Nutritional and behavioral guidance — evidence-based lifestyle support
Dr. Kathawa is double board-certified in Internal Medicine and Obesity Medicine. Her team provides individualized evaluation and ongoing weight management care.
What to Expect During Treatment
- Initial Consultation — Full medical evaluation with Dr. Kathawa: labs, vitals, body composition, health history.
- Medication Selection & Prescription — Your clinician discusses GLP-1 and other medication options based on your health profile. Our team helps with benefits verification and prior authorization when needed.
- Start Low, Go Slow — Dose increased gradually over several weeks to minimize side effects.
- Regular Follow-Up Visits — Progress reviews, dose adjustments, and behavioral support.
- Long-Term Planning — Response varies. We review effectiveness, tolerability, nutrition, activity, and the ongoing treatment plan at follow-up visits.
Now accepting new patients at Sterling Heights and Bingham Farms.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Kathawa and discuss which weight loss medication options may fit your needs. Locations in Sterling Heights and Bingham Farms.
Safety, Side Effects, and Monitoring
Every medication has risks and contraindications. Your clinician reviews your full medication list, medical history, pregnancy plans, and treatment goals before prescribing.
- GLP-1 and GIP/GLP-1 medicines: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation can occur. Serious risks include pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, dehydration-related kidney injury, and severe allergic reactions. Wegovy, Zepbound, and Saxenda carry boxed warnings about thyroid C-cell tumors observed in rodents and must not be used with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or MEN2.
- Other medications: Phentermine requires cardiovascular screening; Contrave requires review of opioid use, seizure risk, blood pressure, and mood; Qsymia requires pregnancy precautions and other monitoring. These are examples, not complete safety lists.
- Pregnancy and other medicines: Weight-loss medicines should not be used during pregnancy. Tell your clinician about plans to conceive, breastfeeding, diabetes medicines, and all supplements. Do not combine or change weight-loss medicines without prescribing guidance.
- Procedures and concerning symptoms: Tell your anesthesia team if you use a GLP-1 medicine. Seek prompt medical help for severe or persistent abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, or signs of an allergic reaction.
Read the full prescribing information for Wegovy, Zepbound, Saxenda, and the oral options linked above. Your treatment plan includes follow-up to assess benefits, side effects, and whether to continue or change therapy.
Insurance Coverage and Cost
Coverage depends on your plan, the prescribed medication, the reason for treatment, and any prior authorization requirements. A prescription does not guarantee coverage. Our team can help with benefits verification and required documentation so you can understand your options before starting.
Ask about formulary restrictions, copays, exclusions, and whether manufacturer assistance is available to you. Program eligibility and terms vary. Medicare patients can review our Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Program information and contact the office for help checking current requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions About Weight Loss Medications
What weight loss medications does MWLI discuss with patients?
Options include semaglutide (Wegovy), tirzepatide (Zepbound), liraglutide (Saxenda), phentermine, naltrexone/bupropion (Contrave), and phentermine/topiramate (Qsymia). Your clinician determines whether medication is appropriate and which option fits your medical history, risks, goals, and coverage.
Are all weight loss medications GLP-1 medicines?
No. Semaglutide and liraglutide act at the GLP-1 receptor. Tirzepatide acts at both GIP and GLP-1 receptors. Phentermine, Contrave, and Qsymia use other pathways. Oral options are available, and FDA-approved Wegovy tablets are also a GLP-1 option for eligible adults.
Who is a candidate for weight loss medication?
Common adult criteria include BMI of 30 or above, or BMI of 27 or above with a weight-related condition. Eligibility differs by medication and indication. A full medical evaluation is needed before prescribing.
How much weight can I expect to lose?
Results vary with the medication, dose, treatment duration, health conditions, and lifestyle support. The clinical trial results discussed on this page are study averages, not individual predictions or a direct comparison between medications. Your clinician monitors your response and adjusts the plan when appropriate.
Does insurance cover these medications?
Coverage varies by plan, medication, and indication. Prior authorization or other requirements may apply, and some plans exclude weight-loss drugs. Our team helps you check benefits and understand potential costs; coverage and assistance cannot be guaranteed.
Does MWLI prescribe compounded semaglutide or tirzepatide?
No. MWLI uses FDA-approved products and does not prescribe compounded semaglutide or tirzepatide.
What side effects should I discuss with my clinician?
Side effects and serious risks differ by medication. Review the safety section and full prescribing information, including boxed warnings. Tell your clinician about all medicines, health conditions, pregnancy plans, and planned procedures. Contact the office if symptoms occur rather than changing treatment on your own.
Can GLP-1 treatment help with other health conditions?
Some products have additional approved uses in specific populations. These uses depend on the product and diagnosis and do not apply to every GLP-1 medicine or every patient. Your clinician can review cardiovascular, sleep apnea, liver, and metabolic health needs as part of your evaluation.
Where can I schedule a consultation?
Michigan Weight Loss Institute sees patients in Sterling Heights and Bingham Farms. Request a consultation to discuss medication options within our medical weight loss program.
Page updated: September 9, 2026.
For additional background, read the NIDDK guide to prescription medications for overweight and obesity. This page provides general education; medication decisions require an individual clinical evaluation.
Explore Your Weight Loss Treatment Options
Michigan Weight Loss Institute accepts new patients at our Sterling Heights and Bingham Farms locations. Board-certified physician care. FDA-approved medications. Individualized treatment plans.
