Medication to Aid in Weight Loss

With new appetite suppressing medicine available, patients are finding it easier to finally shed the pounds they’ve been holding onto. At Boise Natural Health Clinic, we primarily use prescription compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide as the medications of choice for patients seeking weight loss.

Semaglutide and Tirzepatide are the generic name for popular name-brand medications such as Wegovy and Ozempic and Monjaro.  These medications, also often referred to as GLP-1 receptor agonists (and GIP receptor agonists), are once-weekly injectable medications that reduce appetite leading to weight loss. These types of medications are well-studied and have been used in the treatment of diabetes for many years. The use of semaglutide for weight loss was approved in 2021.

Weight Loss Programs at BNHC

We help patients meet their weight loss goals using a variety of individualized tools based on each person’s unique needs.

Weight loss programs include:

• Visit fees can be found at https://boisenaturalhealth.com/fees/.
• Initial appointments are generally scheduled weekly for 2 – 3 weeks, then transition to monthly. This schedule may be adjusted based on individual needs.
• Messaging with your naturopathic physician through our patient portal is included for quick questions and concerns between visits
• Lab tests may be required as part of the program and could be necessary during the protocol, especially for those with thyroid issues or other health concerns. Lab testing is not included in the price of visits.
• The program will be adjusted if you have additional health conditions or medications.
• Your progress will be closely monitored with adjustments to medication dosages and schedules as needed, especially if side effects occur.
• Support and guidance will be provided as you transition off weight loss medications.

Individualized Nutrition and Movement Counseling

All patients seeking weight loss support at BNHC will be counseled on nutrition and movement. Shared decision-making is used to create achievable and sustainable goals surrounding diet and exercise. With any weight loss program, patients are at risk of losing not only fat but also muscle mass. This is why we prioritize recommendations that will help preserve muscle while still losing fat, minimizing risks that can be associated with weight loss. Nutritional counseling also aims to prevent nutrient deficiencies that can occur with a reduction in appetite.

Identifying Other Contributing Factors

Our naturopathic physicians will take a comprehensive history and identify potential underlying causes for unexplained weight gain. This might include assessing your hormone status, optimizing thyroid function, reviewing medications with weight gain as a side effect, or looking at your gastrointestinal health. If an underlying cause is identified, our physicians can often treat the cause.

Our naturopathic physicians often also use non-pharmaceutical treatments to support weight loss.  Nutritional supplements, herbal medicine, and acupuncture can help speed metabolism and reduce cravings.