Medical Weight Loss Program
Lower appetite. Slow gastric emptying. Improve insulin sensitivity.
Semaglutide and tirzepatide mimic the gut hormone GLP-1 (and, for tirzepatide, also GIP), which is naturally released by the small intestine in response to food. They produce three convergent effects: slowing gastric emptying so food stays in your stomach longer (you feel full sooner and longer), signaling satiety to the hypothalamus (you simply think about food less), and improving pancreatic beta-cell function and peripheral insulin sensitivity (your blood sugar responds more smoothly to what you do eat). The combination produces a sustained reduction in calorie intake that diet alone rarely achieves. Phase-3 trial data are striking: the STEP program for semaglutide shows ~15% mean body-weight loss over 68 weeks; the SURMOUNT program for tirzepatide shows ~21% over 72 weeks. These are the largest effect sizes ever recorded for non-surgical weight loss, and they exceed most expectations of what is biologically possible without restrictive surgery.
Gradual titration · nutrition coaching · composition tracking.
Weekly subcutaneous injections starting at the standard 0.25 mg semaglutide (or 2.5 mg tirzepatide), titrating monthly to therapeutic dose (semaglutide 1.7-2.4 mg, tirzepatide 5-15 mg). The gradual ramp matters: most side effects occur during titration, and slow steps reduce nausea, constipation, and the early-fatigue trough significantly. We pair the medication with monthly nutrition counseling focused on protein adequacy (1.2-1.6 g/kg target body weight) to preserve lean muscle mass, fiber intake to manage constipation, and meal-timing strategies that fit a smaller appetite without skipping nutrients. Quarterly DEXA body-composition scans track what really matters — fat-mass loss vs. lean-mass preservation. Lab monitoring (lipids, HbA1c, ALT, lipase, kidney function) runs at month 3, 6, 12 and as clinically indicated. If side effects are persistent or the response plateaus, we adjust dose, hold for a cycle, or switch between semaglutide and tirzepatide.
Designed around keeping what you achieved.
The hardest problem in modern weight-loss medicine is not getting to target — GLP-1 agonists make that part biologically achievable for most patients. The hard problem is the year after. STEP-4 data show that without continued medication or substantial lifestyle structure, roughly two-thirds of weight is regained within 12 months of stopping. We do not pretend otherwise. The MMC plan is built from day one around what happens after target weight is reached. The taper phase steps the dose down gradually over 3-6 months while nutrition coaching shifts toward sustained behavior — protein floor, resistance training, sleep architecture, and the daily structure that maintains satiety without medication. For many members, a low-dose maintenance protocol (e.g. semaglutide 0.5-1.0 mg weekly) continues indefinitely. For others, the lifestyle scaffold is sufficient. The conversation about which path fits you happens early, not as a panicked discussion the week before insurance stops covering.
- 01
Semaglutide
Weekly subcutaneous, titrated 0.25-2.4 mg. Most-studied GLP-1 with deepest long-term safety data.
- 02
Tirzepatide
Weekly subcutaneous, titrated 2.5-15 mg. GIP/GLP-1 dual agonist with the largest effect size to date.
- 03
Gradual Titration
Monthly dose steps to therapeutic level — minimizes nausea, constipation, and early fatigue.
- 04
Protein-Focused Nutrition
1.2-1.6 g/kg protein target to preserve lean mass; fiber and meal-timing coaching.
- 05
DEXA Composition Tracking
Quarterly body-composition scans — not just the scale. Confirms fat-mass loss vs. lean preservation.
- 06
Lab Monitoring
Lipids, HbA1c, ALT, lipase, kidney function at months 3, 6, 12 and as clinically indicated.
- 07
Side-Effect Support
Anti-emetic protocol, dose-hold or switch when needed, gallbladder surveillance.
- 08
Taper & Maintenance
Built-in 3-6 month taper plan; optional low-dose maintenance protocol.
- 09
Resistance Training Pairing
Coordinated with strength training to defend lean mass during weight loss.
Frequently Asked
Will the weight come back after I stop?
If lifestyle work and a maintenance protocol aren't continued, yes — STEP-4 data show roughly two-thirds of patients regain weight within 12 months of stopping semaglutide. The MMC program is designed around taper-and-maintenance from day one rather than acute weight loss followed by hope. Many members continue a low-dose maintenance protocol indefinitely; others taper off completely with strong lifestyle scaffolding. We discuss your path early.
What are the common side effects?
Nausea, constipation, and fatigue dominate the first 4-6 weeks, mitigated by gradual titration. Most resolve as your physiology adapts. Rare but serious events we screen for and monitor include pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, severe gastroparesis, and rarely thyroid C-cell tumours (rodent finding only; not established in humans). Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma is an absolute contraindication.
Will I lose muscle along with fat?
Without intervention, some lean-mass loss is unavoidable during rapid weight loss with any modality. Our protocol minimizes it: 1.2-1.6 g/kg protein, structured resistance training, and quarterly DEXA scans to catch lean-mass losses early. If composition tracking shows excessive lean-mass loss, we adjust nutrition and training before more weight comes off.
Is it covered by insurance?
Most BC private extended-health plans cover semaglutide and tirzepatide for diagnosed obesity (BMI ≥ 30, or ≥ 27 with cardiometabolic comorbidity). MSP does not cover GLP-1 agonists for weight loss but does cover them for type-2 diabetes. We assist with prior-authorization paperwork and provide itemized receipts for extended-health and CRA Medical Expense Tax Credit submission.
Can I drink alcohol on GLP-1?
Most members tolerate alcohol normally, though many find their appetite for it drops alongside their appetite for food. Heavy episodic drinking is not recommended, both because of pancreatic considerations and because alcohol calories on a small appetite easily replace nutrition.
How quickly will I see results?
Most members start to see appetite changes within 1-2 weeks and meaningful scale movement by week 4-6. The full effect develops over 6-12 months. Pace depends on starting weight, titration schedule, and lifestyle alignment. The scale is a lagging indicator — DEXA composition usually moves earlier and tells a more honest story.