Frequently Asked Questions About GLP-1 Weight Loss
Everything you need to know about semaglutide, tirzepatide, and medical weight loss at New Hope Weight Loss. Can't find your answer? Call (657) 837-3342.
Getting Started
How much does it cost to get started?
The initial doctor review and prescription fee is $119. Medication costs are billed separately. Semaglutide plans start at $166/month and tirzepatide at $233/month. HSA and FSA accepted.
What is the process to start treatment?
There are four steps. First, take our 2-minute qualifying quiz. Second, complete the medical intake questionnaire with your health history. Third, your physician reviews your information and, if approved, writes your prescription ($119). Fourth, fulfillment of your medication is available only if a prescription is approved and the dispensing pharmacy can fulfill it for the patient location, with packaging and shipping details confirmed by the pharmacy before fulfillment.
Do I qualify for GLP-1 weight loss medication?
GLP-1 medications are FDA-approved for adults with BMI 30+ or BMI 27+ with a weight-related condition like type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure.
Can I do everything via telemedicine?
Yes. New Hope Weight Loss offers full telemedicine consultations. Physician review, prescription, and ongoing support can be handled remotely; medication fulfillment separately requires an approved prescription and dispensing-pharmacy confirmation for the patient and location. The pharmacy confirms packaging and any shipping details before fulfillment.
Do you accept insurance?
We're a cash-pay practice, and we chose this on purpose. Insurance for branded GLP-1 medications gets denied roughly 40% of the time and prior authorization typically takes 30 to 90 days, which means months in back-and-forth with your insurer for a $1,349/month medication that may never get approved. Our path: $119 for the initial visit, no surprise bills, no prior auth waits. We accept HSA and FSA, and we offer Klarna and Affirm financing if monthly payments help. Most patients prefer this, but if insurance is essential, we'll refer you to a clinic that handles it.
About the Medications
What is semaglutide?
Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, a medication that mimics a natural hormone your body produces after eating. It reduces appetite, slows digestion, and helps regulate blood sugar. It's the active ingredient in Wegovy (for weight loss) and Ozempic (for diabetes). FDA-approved for chronic weight management since 2021.
What is tirzepatide?
Tirzepatide is a dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist, it targets two hormonal pathways instead of one. This dual mechanism may produce greater weight loss. It's the active ingredient in Zepbound (for weight loss) and Mounjaro (for diabetes). FDA-approved for weight management in 2023.
What is the difference between semaglutide and tirzepatide?
Semaglutide targets GLP-1 receptors with average 14.9% weight loss at 68 weeks in the STEP 1 brand trial. Tirzepatide targets both GLP-1 and GIP receptors with an average 20.9% at 72 weeks in the SURMOUNT-1 brand trial at 15 mg weight loss. Your physician recommends the best option.
How do your medications relate to Ozempic and Mounjaro?
The dispensing pharmacy label identifies the compounded preparation as semaglutide or tirzepatide. It is a different product from FDA-approved brands, is not FDA-approved or brand-identical, and results vary. Any compounded prescription is patient-specific. The dispensing pharmacy's identity, license, and ability to fulfill for the patient's location must be confirmed before fulfillment. Compounded medications are not FDA-approved products, but they contain the ingredient names used in certain FDA-approved products; a compounded preparation remains a separate product. Brand names like Wegovy, Ozempic, Mounjaro, and Zepbound are registered trademarks of their respective manufacturers. New Hope Weight Loss is not affiliated with Novo Nordisk or Eli Lilly.
How are the medications administered?
Both semaglutide and tirzepatide are once-weekly subcutaneous injections. You administer them yourself at home using a small needle, most patients describe it as painless. Your health advisor will guide you through the first injection.
Treatment & Side Effects
What are the common side effects?
The most common side effects are gastrointestinal: nausea (especially in the first few weeks), diarrhea, constipation, and decreased appetite. These typically improve as your body adjusts and your dose stabilizes. Both medications carry an FDA boxed warning about thyroid C-cell tumors. Your physician monitors for side effects throughout treatment.
How is my dose managed?
Both medications follow a dose-titration schedule, you start at a low dose and gradually increase over several weeks. This minimizes side effects. Your physician at New Hope Weight Loss reviews your progress monthly and adjusts your dose based on your response, weight loss, and any side effects.
How often do I check in with my doctor?
Your health advisor checks in with you regularly, and your physician reviews your progress at each dosage adjustment, typically monthly. You can contact your health advisor between scheduled check-ins with any questions or concerns.
What if the medication doesn't work for me?
If you are not approved for treatment after physician review, you are not charged for medication. If you begin treatment and are not seeing results, your physician may adjust your dose, switch you to a different medication, or modify your treatment plan.
Can I take GLP-1 medication with other medications?
Your physician reviews your complete medication list during the intake process and evaluates potential interactions. GLP-1 medications can interact with certain diabetes medications and may affect absorption of oral medications. Always disclose all medications during your medical intake.
Results & Expectations
How much weight will I lose?
FDA-approved brand trials provide context, not a prediction for compounded medication. STEP 1 reported an average 14.9% at 68 weeks for brand semaglutide, and SURMOUNT-1 reported an average 20.9% at 72 weeks for brand tirzepatide 15 mg. Compounded products are not FDA-approved or brand-identical, and individual results vary. The appropriate option depends on indication, medical history, tolerability, access, total cost, and physician review.
How quickly will I see results?
Response and the timing of any change vary. Follow-up reviews tolerability, nutrition, and response before the plan is adjusted; there is no guaranteed individual timeline or outcome.
Will I regain weight after stopping the medication?
Some weight regain is common after stopping GLP-1 medications, studies show approximately two-thirds of lost weight may return within a year of discontinuation. This is why your physician may recommend a maintenance dose or transition plan rather than abrupt discontinuation.
Do I need to diet and exercise while taking GLP-1?
GLP-1 medications work best as part of a comprehensive approach. While the medications significantly reduce appetite and food intake, incorporating moderate exercise and balanced nutrition will enhance your results and help maintain weight loss long-term. Your health advisor can provide dietary guidance.
What is "food noise" and how do GLP-1 medications help?
"Food noise" is the constant mental preoccupation with food, thinking about your next meal, fighting cravings, and struggling with willpower. GLP-1 medications reduce this mental chatter by acting on the brain's appetite centers, allowing many patients to experience food in a healthier, more neutral way for the first time.
About the Clinic
Where is New Hope Weight Loss located?
Our clinic is at 1503 South Coast Drive, Suite 322, Costa Mesa, CA 92626. We're centrally located in Orange County, within 15 minutes of Irvine, Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, and Santa Ana. Free parking on-site.
What are your hours?
Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM PST. Saturday hours available by appointment. Telemedicine consultations available during business hours.
Do you have Spanish-speaking staff?
Yes. Our bilingual health advisors provide full support in Spanish throughout the entire treatment process.
What areas do you serve?
We serve patients in-person from all of Orange County including Costa Mesa, Irvine, Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, Anaheim, Santa Ana, Tustin, Orange, Fountain Valley, Fullerton, Garden Grove, and Laguna Beach. Telemedicine is available to patients throughout California and select states where available.
How do I contact you?
Call (657) 837-3342 Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM PST. You can also start online by completing our 2-minute quiz or medical intake form at newhopeweightloss.com.
Medical disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Individual results may vary. GLP-1 medications require a prescription and physician supervision.
New Hope Weight Loss | 1503 South Coast Drive, Suite 322, Costa Mesa, CA 92626 | (657) 837-3342