GLP-1 weight loss medication is a way to support weight loss and improve your health. Weight management can be challenging, even with consistent efforts. Factors such as hormones, genetics, metabolism, and underlying health conditions can all impact your ability to lose weight and keep it off.
GLP-1 medications have emerged as a popular option to support meaningful weight loss. (1) GLP-1s mimic the body’s natural hormones to control appetite and slow digestion. They have the ability to truly change the relationship we have with food. When paired with healthy lifestyle habits these weight loss medications can offer an additional tool for managing weight and improving overall health. GLP-1 medications have continued to grow in utlitty as many of our patients use GLP-1 medications for so much more than just weight loss such as to help with inflammation, decrease the risk of cardiac risk, and the treatment of sleep apnea. This is just beginning of the of the uses for which our patients will use GLP-1 medications.
The GLP-1 medications have been part of my personal journey (Dr. Johnny Franco) as I have personally lost about 90lbs on the medications and have been able to maintain a stable weight for four years now. My weight loss journey has not only changed my weight but it has changed my life. Similar to many of our patients I was fit growing up and then life happened. I tried many different weight loss programs, medications and treatments with minimal success. When I first started my weight loss journey with the GLP-1 medications such as Wegovy, Zepbound and Ozempic I was skeptical and then I was able to lose the weight and keep the weight off.
At Austin Plastic Surgeon, we are proud to provide innovative, comprehensive wellness programming to support your weight loss goals. We design a personalized treatment plan that matches GLP-1 weight loss medications to your individual needs and work with you every step of the way. Learn more about our full collection of GLP-1 weight loss medications and wellness programming by contacting us online or calling our offices directly at:
Contents
- 1 What are GLP-1 Weight Loss Medications?
- 2 How do GLP-1s work?
- 3 Who’s the Ideal Patient for GLP-1s?
- 4 Benefits
- 5 Personal Consultation
- 6 Cost of GLP-1s in Austin, TX
- 7 FAQ
- 7.1 How quickly do GLP-1 medications work for weight loss?
- 7.2 What are the most common side effects of GLP-1 weight loss medications?
- 7.3 Do I really need to diet or exercise while taking GLP-1 medications?
- 7.4 What is the difference between a semaglutide and GLP-1s?
- 7.5 How much weight can you lose on GLP-1 medications?
- 7.6 Are GLP-1 medications safe?
- 8 References
What are GLP-1 Weight Loss Medications?
Glucagon-like peptide-1, known as GLP-1, is a hormone naturally produced in the body that helps regulate blood sugar and controls appetite and digestion. GLP-1 receptor agonists are medications that mimic the effects of the hormone to support weight loss and management. GLP-1s reduce appetite and delays the emptying of the stomach so you feel full longer.
Common forms of GLP-1 medications are semaglutide, including brand names Ozempic and Wegovy, and tirzepatide, which combines GLP-1 formulation with GIP (gastric inhibitor polypeptide) for a dual action effect that has the brand names Mounjaro and Zepbound. (2) GLP-1 weight-loss medications are commonly conveniently dosed as a once-weekly injection or oral tablets taken once daily.
How do GLP-1s work?
GLP-1 medications such Semaglutide and Tirzepatide mimic the body’s hormones to support weight loss by:
- Slowing Digestion: GLP-1 medications keeps food in the stomach longer, so you feel full longer
- Quieting Cravings: GLP-1s decrease the appetite and hunger sensations to reduce “food noise”
- Boosting Insulin Secretion: GLP-1s signal to the pancreas to release more insulin which moves sugar out of the bloodstream and into cells to be used as fuel
- Lowering Glucagon Levels: By reducing glucagon levels, GLP-1 medications manage blood sugar levels to promote weight loss (3)
Who’s the Ideal Patient for GLP-1s?
GLP-1 weight loss medications can be an effective option for a wide range of individuals struggling with weight loss and management. Weight loss of even 5-10% of the total body weight can improve many weight related complications. (4) These medications are usually included as a tool within our comprehensive wellness program that is customized to your individual needs to improve your health. With close monitoring and support navigating lifestyle improvements in diet and exercise, your comprehensive treatment plan will amplify the effects of GLP-1 weight loss for sustainable results.
During your personal consultation, we will work closely with you to determine if weight loss medications are right for you and which GLP-1s will be most effective. Candidates who have success with GLP-1 weight loss medications include:
- Adults with obesity: Generally defined as a Body Mass Index of 30 or higher or a waist circumference of 40 inches or more for men or 35 inches or more for women.
- Adults who are overweight: An unhealthy weight that is not yet classified as obese, being overweight is defined as a BMI of 25 or higher.
- Patients who have difficulty with weight management: If lifestyle improvements are not sufficient or sustainable or your weight often “yo-yos” back and forth GLP-1s may be useful.
- Adults with weight-related health concerns: This may include heart problems, high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, type 2 diabetes, kidney disease or sleep apnea that stem from or are made worse by excessive weight.
- Patients with realistic expectations and commitment to treatment: It is important to have an understanding that successful, sustained weight loss requires changes to diet and exercise in addition to GLP-1s and long-term follow-up.
- Adults whose lives are negatively impacted by excessive weight: If your weight limits your daily activities or prevents physical movement, GLP-1s could help.
- Patients preparing for Surgery – At Austin Plastic Surgeon the GLP-1 medication such as Wegovy, Zepbound and Mourjaro can be used to help prepare patients for surgery. The GLP-1 medication can help patient reach their ideal weight prior to surgery which will decrease the risk of complications and improve their overall resutls. Many of our patients also use the medications post surgery to help with inflammation.
Benefits
GLP-1 and dual acting GIP/GLP-1 weight loss medications bring many benefits including:
- Weight Loss Management: weight loss medications are a valuable tool in losing and maintaining weight, especially when paired with lifestyle improvements
- Appetite Regulation: by reducing hunger and fullness signals, these medications help patients manage portion sizes and reduce overall food intake
- Improved Metabolic Health: weight loss and improved blood glucose levels can reduce cardiometabolic risks and improve the function of the metabolism
- Reduced Weight-Related Conditions: reduction in overall weight can improve conditions such as high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and joint issues
- Improve Surgical Outcomes: At Austin Plastic Surgeon we the GLP-1 medications such as Wegovy, Zepbound and Mounjaro have become a critical our our patients entire journey from helping them reach their ideal weight prior to surgery to maintaining their results after surgery.
- The GLP-1 medications have helped out patients treat areas that we have never been able to address in our practice previously such as visceral or internal fat. Removing this internal fat not only improves our patients health but improves the results of their surgery.
- In the past we never had the ability to reduce the internal fat for our patients. This has given our us an entirely new dimension in which to help sculpt and shape our patients. We can contour and shape our patients from the inside out.
- It has helped our patients that have struggled with inflammation to help improve their final results
- Longevity: GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic, Zepbound and Mounjaro may be the first true longevity medications. As a plastic surgeon we have been able to sculpt, shape and contour, but semaglutide and tirzepatide have given us the ability to change not only how patients appear, but how they live. We have the ability to help our patients live healthier, better. We will see a fundamental change in aesthetics as we will begin treating our patients from the inside out.
Personal Consultation
Your personal consultation is the beginning of your weight loss transformation. During your private consultation, we will discuss your concerns, review your medical history, and take the time to fully understand your weight loss goals. We will answer any questions you have.
During your consultation, we will perform a comprehensive exam to record baseline information and determine what treatments best suit your body’s needs. Afterwards we will develop a customized treatment plan designed to optimize your weight loss for sustainable results.
Let us provide the weight loss support you need by scheduling your personal consultation with Austin Plastic Surgeon by contacting us online or calling our offices at:
Cost of GLP-1s in Austin, TX
Your GLP-1 weight loss treatment will be customized to your individual needs, so the cost will vary depending on your needs and medication regimen. After we have developed your customized health and wellness protocols, we will provide you with a comprehensive price estimate. Our Biohacking Beyond Beauty Membership and financing options are available to qualifying patients to make GLP-1 weight loss treatment more affordable. Begin your weight loss transformation by filling our online form or calling:
FAQ
How quickly do GLP-1 medications work for weight loss?
Patients usually notice changes to digestion and appetite soon after starting GLP-1 medications. Meaningful weight loss typically develops over the coming weeks and months. Doses are usually increased gradually so more significant weight loss builds throughout the course of treatment.
What are the most common side effects of GLP-1 weight loss medications?
Since GLP-1s are creating changes in the digestive system, it is common to experience gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, constipation, or diarrhea. These are often mild and subside as the body adjusts to treatment. While these symptoms can be unpleasant, they are a positive sign that the medication is taking effect.
Do I really need to diet or exercise while taking GLP-1 medications?
GLP-1 medications are a tool that complements, not replaces, a healthy lifestyle with appropriate nutrition and physical activity. For the best, longest-lasting results possible, it is important to establish new eating patterns and healthy habits along with your GLP-1 treatment.
What is the difference between a semaglutide and GLP-1s?
GLP-1 medications mimic the naturally occurring hormone in the body to control appetite and regulate digestion. GLP-1s are a broad class of medications that include semaglutide. Semaglutide is commonly compounded in customized formulas and sold under several brand names including Ozempic and Wegovy.
How much weight can you lose on GLP-1 medications?
Results vary by medication, dosing, and the individual. Studies have shown that obese patients lose an average of 15-25% of body weight after a year on GLP-1 medications. <a href=”#references”><sup>(5)</sup></a>
Are GLP-1 medications safe?
With professional, medical oversight GLP-1s are a safe and effective tool for weight loss. GLP-1s are FDA-approved and have been well studied. They were originally developed in the 1990s for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and cleared for weight loss use in 2014.
References
- Thomsen RW, Mailhac A, Løhde JB, Pottegård A. Real-world evidence on the utilization, clinical and comparative effectiveness, and adverse effects of newer GLP-1RA-based weight-loss therapies. Diabetes, obesity & metabolism. 2025;27 Suppl 2(Suppl 2):66-88. doi:10.1111/dom.16364
- Samms RJ, Coghlan MP, Sloop KW. How May GIP Enhance the Therapeutic Efficacy of GLP-1? Trends Endocrinol Metab. 2020;31(6):410-421. doi:10.1016/j.tem.2020.02.006
- Al-Massadi O, Fernø J, Diéguez C, Nogueiras R, Quiñones M. Glucagon Control on Food Intake and Energy Balance. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2019;20(16):3905. doi:10.3390/ijms20163905
- Ard J, Fitch A, Fruh S, Herman L. Weight Loss and Maintenance Related to the Mechanism of Action of Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 Receptor Agonists. Advances in Therapy. 2021;38(6):2821-2839. doi:10.1007/s12325-021-01710-0
- Reiss AB, Gulkarov S, Lau R, et al. Weight Reduction with GLP-1 Agonists and Paths for Discontinuation While Maintaining Weight Loss. Biomolecules. 2025;15(3):408. doi:10.3390/biom15030408
About Dr. Johnny Franco
Plastic Surgeon · Austin Plastic Surgeon
- Board certification
- American Board of Plastic Surgery (verify)
- Education and training
- Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry, Beloit College
- Doctorate of Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston
- Residency, Plastic Surgery, Saint Louis University School of Medicine (chief resident 2010-2011)
- Training, Microsurgery (cancer reconstruction), Chan Gung Hospital in Taiwan (2011)
- Fellowship, Breast Reconstruction and Fat Transfer, Gent University Hospital in Belgium
- Memberships
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons
- American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
- Austin Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons
- Awards
- Merck Index Award
- Walter S. Haven Prize
- NPI
- 1053503672
- Offices
- Austin · San Antonio · West Lake Hills
