Weight Loss with GLP-1 Medications
Semaglutide, tirzepatide, and the next generation of weight loss medications, prescribed and supervised by Dr. Brechner. We build a plan around your goals, your insurance, and your timeline.
Causes and Treatment
GLP-1 receptor agonists are the most effective non-surgical weight loss tools available. They work by mimicking the body's natural GLP-1 hormone, which slows gastric emptying, reduces appetite, and improves insulin sensitivity. Patients on appropriate doses typically lose 15% to 22% of body weight over 12 to 18 months.
The current GLP-1 landscape includes three medications and one in late-stage trials:
- Semaglutide (brand names Ozempic, Wegovy): the original GLP-1 weight loss drug. Once-weekly injection. Average weight loss around 15%.
- Tirzepatide (brand names Mounjaro, Zepbound): a dual-action GLP-1 + GIP agonist. More appetite suppression than semaglutide. Average weight loss around 20%.
- Liraglutide (Saxenda): a daily injection, the older option. Useful when cost or insurance dictates.
- Retatrutide: a triple-action GLP-1 + GIP + glucagon agonist in Phase 3 trials. Not yet FDA-approved for weight loss but expected 2026 to 2027.
The right medication depends on your goals, insurance coverage, side effect tolerance, and how aggressively you want to lose weight. Better Med Spa offers all currently approved GLP-1s, microdose protocols for cost-conscious patients, and full physician supervision throughout your program.
Better Med Spa's Recommended Treatments
Most patients work with us on one of four protocols. Your consultation determines starting dose, titration schedule, and whether telehealth or in-person makes more sense for your situation.
Semaglutide
The original GLP-1 weight loss medication. Once-weekly injection. Predictable, well-studied, and the right starting point for most first-time GLP-1 patients.
Tirzepatide
Dual-action GLP-1 + GIP receptor agonist. Stronger appetite suppression than semaglutide and higher average weight loss in head-to-head trials. Once-weekly injection.
Microdose Protocols
Lower-dose semaglutide or tirzepatide protocols designed for cost-conscious patients, those with a smaller weight loss goal, or those who want gentler titration.
GLP-1 Weight Consultation
A 30-minute consultation with our medical team to map your goals, review your medical history, set a starting protocol, and determine whether telehealth or in-person fits.
Outside Chicago? Better offers telehealth GLP-1 programs across Illinois with prescription medications shipped to your door. The same physician supervision, the same titration schedule, just from your living room.
How to Choose Between Them
Match your starting medication to your situation. Your provider will adjust as you go.
| If you want | Choose |
|---|---|
| First time on GLP-1 medications | Semaglutide (predictable, well-studied) |
| Maximum weight loss | Tirzepatide (dual-action, ~20% loss) |
| Plateaued on semaglutide | Switch to tirzepatide |
| Cost-conscious or smaller goal | Microdose semaglutide or tirzepatide |
| Live outside Chicago | Telehealth GLP-1 program |
| Not sure which is right | GLP-1 Weight Consultation |
The realistic timeline matters more than the medication choice. GLP-1 results compound over 12 to 18 months. Most patients reach their target weight around month 12 to 14, then enter a maintenance phase on a lower dose. Stopping abruptly without a maintenance plan is the most common reason for weight regain.
Side effects (nausea, fatigue, GI changes) are most common in the first 4 to 8 weeks and typically fade as your body adapts. Better's protocol uses gradual titration to minimize side effects, and we have a clinical team available to adjust if you're struggling.
What to Expect at Better Med Spa
Your first visit is a 30-minute consultation, either in our Lincoln Park clinic or via telehealth. We review your medical history, current medications, weight loss goals, and any prior GLP-1 experience. Your provider explains the medication options, expected results, side effects, and the titration schedule.
If you're a candidate, we send your prescription to a partner compounding pharmacy that ships directly to your home. Most patients self-inject once weekly. We schedule monthly check-ins for the first 3 months to adjust dose and address side effects, then quarterly thereafter.
Dr. Brechner supervises every program. Better's approach is genuinely medical, not a script-mill: we measure baseline labs, watch for side effects, and adjust dose based on response rather than running everyone through the same protocol.
Most patients pair GLP-1 with a few skincare or body treatments to manage the cosmetic side of weight loss (loose skin, facial volume loss). We'll mention these at your consultation, no pressure.
Ready to talk to one of our providers?
A 30-minute consultation maps your goals, your starting medication, and whether in-person or telehealth fits your life.
Before and After
See real Better Med Spa patient results in our gallery. Individual results vary based on starting point, dosage, and skin quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much weight will I lose on a GLP-1?
Average weight loss is 15% on semaglutide and 20% on tirzepatide over 12 to 18 months. Individual results vary based on starting weight, dose, lifestyle changes, and consistency. Patients who pair GLP-1 with strength training and protein-forward eating typically see the strongest results.
How much do GLP-1 medications cost in Chicago?
Cost varies based on medication, dose, and whether your insurance covers it. Compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide programs at Better start in the mid-hundreds per month. Brand-name Wegovy or Zepbound through insurance can be much lower. We review pricing and coverage during your consultation.
Will I gain the weight back if I stop?
Stopping abruptly without a maintenance plan typically results in regaining 50% to 75% of the lost weight within 12 months. Better's protocol includes a gradual taper plus a maintenance dose for patients who want to hold their results long-term, similar to how blood pressure or thyroid medications work.
Most patients describe the injections as a series of small pinches. We use the smallest needles available and can apply topical numbing cream on request. The whole appointment is typically under 30 minutes including the consultation.
What are the side effects?
The most common: nausea, fatigue, constipation, and changes in appetite or taste. These are usually most intense in the first 4 to 8 weeks and fade as the body adapts. Serious side effects are rare. Better's titration protocol minimizes side effects by starting low and increasing gradually based on tolerance.
Do I need to come into the spa, or can this be done via telehealth?
Both options are available. Many patients prefer telehealth for the ongoing visits and only come in for baseline labs or if they want to add skincare or body treatments. We serve patients across Illinois via telehealth.
Related Reading
Where We Serve
Better Med Spa is located in Lincoln Park and serves patients across Chicago, including Old Town, Lakeview, Bucktown, Gold Coast, DePaul, West Loop, and River North.
Ready to start a GLP-1 weight loss program with real medical supervision?
Schedule a consultation and we will build a plan that fits you, your timeline, and your budget.