Weigh Loss
Sustainable Weight Loss With GLP-1 and GLP-1/GIP Medications
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At Blueberry Direct Primary Care, we’re committed to evidence-based approaches that support healthy, sustainable weight loss as part of whole-person care. For many adults with overweight or obesity, medications that mimic gut hormones: especially GLP-1 receptor agonists (RAs) and related dual-action agents have become powerful tools when combined with nutrition, movement, and lifestyle support.
How these medication works
GLP-1 receptor agonists (like semaglutide) mimic a naturally occurring hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which helps regulate appetite, slow gastric emptying, and improve insulin sensitivity. These actions can reduce hunger and energy intake, promoting gradual, clinically meaningful weight loss. Tirzepatide adds another layer by also acting on the GIP receptor, which may enhance metabolic effects and further support weight reduction. Nature+1
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What the Evidence Shows
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Semaglutide (e.g., Wegovy)
Large high-quality randomized trials — including the STEP series — have consistently shown that adults without type 2 diabetes treated with semaglutide 2.4 mg lose an average of about 15% of their body weight compared with placebo over ~68 weeks. PMC
This level of weight loss is significantly greater than seen with older medications or lifestyle intervention alone and is associated with improvements in cardiometabolic risk factors when paired with lifestyle support. AJMC
Tirzepatide (e.g., Mounjaro/Zepbound)
In the SURMOUNT-1 and other trials, people treated with tirzepatide achieved even larger average weight reductions — often 16–21% of body weight over ~72 weeks, depending on dose. PubMed+1
Head-to-head research also shows that tirzepatide can produce greater weight loss than semaglutide on average (~20% vs ~14%), likely due to its dual action on GLP-1 and GIP receptors. EurekAlert!
What This Means for You​
These medications represent a substantial advance in medical weight management:
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Significant, clinically meaningful loss: Many patients lose 10–20%+ of body weight, far exceeding traditional lifestyle intervention alone. PMC+1
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Metabolic health benefits: Beyond weight loss, improvements in blood sugar, blood pressure, and cardiovascular risk markers are common when treatment is sustained and combined with diet/exercise. AJMC
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Real-world results: Observational studies show meaningful weight loss with semaglutide and tirzepatide outside of clinical trials, although continuous treatment and appropriate dosing are key for best outcomes. PMC
Important note: Weight tends to partially return if treatment is stopped without ongoing lifestyle support, underscoring the importance of a long-term, patient-centered plan. PMC
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Who Might Benefit
Medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide may be appropriate for adults with:
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BMI ≥30 kg/m², or
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BMI ≥27 kg/m² with weight-related health conditions (e.g., high blood pressure, prediabetes, sleep apnea)
These therapies are most effective when used as part of a comprehensive plan that includes nutritional guidance, physical activity, behavioral support, and ongoing care tailored to your life and goals.
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Safety and Side Effects
Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, constipation, or mild gastrointestinal discomfort, especially during dose escalation. Most symptoms tend to lessen over time with gradual dosing adjustments. Serious adverse events are rare but may include gallbladder issues and pancreatitis; monitoring and individualized care help mitigate risks. AJMC
Our clinician team will guide you through shared decision-making, appropriate dosing, monitoring labs, and frequency of visits to ensure safety and effectiveness.
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What to Expect in Your Blueberry DPC Plan
At Blueberry DPC, weight-focused care with GLP-1 or dual-agonist medications includes:
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Personalized assessment to determine if medication is appropriate
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Careful dose escalation and monitoring
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Integration with nutrition and lifestyle support
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Regular follow-ups for adjustments and encouragement
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A compassionate, unhurried approach that honors your story
We believe in treating you, not just numbers — and in supporting sustainable change for long-term health.
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References
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Wilding JPH, Batterham RL, Calanna S, et al.
Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity.
N Engl J Med. 2021;384(11):989-1002. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa2032183
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Rubino D, Abrahamsson N, Davies M, et al.
Effect of continued weekly subcutaneous semaglutide vs placebo on weight loss maintenance in adults with overweight or obesity: The STEP 4 randomized clinical trial.
JAMA. 2021;325(14):1414-1425. doi:10.1001/jama.2021.3224
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Kushner RF, Calanna S, Davies M, et al.
Clinical characteristics and outcomes with semaglutide 2.4 mg for weight management: STEP 1 trial.
Diabetes Obes Metab. 2020;22(12):2132-2141. doi:10.1111/dom.14103
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Jastreboff AM, Aronne LJ, Ahmad NN, et al.
Tirzepatide once weekly for the treatment of obesity.
N Engl J Med. 2022;387(3):205-216. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa2206038
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Ludvik B, Giorgino F, Jódar E, et al.
Once-weekly tirzepatide versus once-weekly semaglutide in patients with type 2 diabetes (SURPASS-2).
N Engl J Med. 2021;385(6):503-515. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa2107519
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Frias JP, Nauck MA, Van J, et al.
Efficacy and safety of tirzepatide monotherapy versus semaglutide in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Lancet. 2021;398(10295):143-155. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(21)01324-6
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Wharton S, Astrup A, Endahl L, et al.
Estimating the long-term effects of semaglutide on weight loss and cardiometabolic risk factors.
Obesity (Silver Spring). 2022;30(8):1487-1496. doi:10.1002/oby.23430
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Khera R, Murad MH, Chandar AK, et al.
Association of pharmacological treatments for obesity with weight loss and adverse events: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
JAMA. 2016;315(22):2424-2434. doi:10.1001/jama.2016.7602
References are provided for educational purposes and reflect published clinical trials and peer-reviewed literature. Individual results may vary, and treatment decisions are made through shared decision-making with your physician.
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