What It Is
GLP-1 receptor agonist medications represent a significant advancement in medical weight management. These FDA-approved treatments work by mimicking naturally occurring hormones that regulate appetite, slow gastric emptying, and signal fullness to the brain. Originally developed for type 2 diabetes, clinical trials demonstrated that these medications produce substantial, sustained weight loss in non-diabetic patients, leading to FDA approval for chronic weight management.
Charlotte Medical Aesthetics offers a physician-supervised GLP-1 weight loss program that includes medical evaluation, personalized prescribing, dose titration, progress monitoring, and ongoing support. This is not a quick fix or a standalone prescription. It is a structured medical program designed for long-term results under the direct supervision of Dr. Lindsay Crenshaw.
What makes CMA's program different is the clinical setting. Patients receive medical weight management alongside access to the full range of aesthetic treatments, including skin tightening and body contouring options that can address the physical changes that often accompany significant weight loss.
Brands and Products
Semaglutide (Wegovy / Ozempic)
A GLP-1 receptor agonist manufactured by Novo Nordisk. Semaglutide mimics the GLP-1 hormone to regulate appetite, slow gastric emptying, and signal satiety to the brain. In the landmark STEP-1 clinical trial, participants achieved an average of 14.9-18% body weight reduction over 68 weeks compared to 2.4% with placebo and lifestyle changes alone. FDA-approved for chronic weight management in patients with a BMI of 30 or higher, or 27 or higher with a weight-related health condition. Administered as a weekly self-injection.
Tirzepatide (Zepbound / Mounjaro)
A dual GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonist manufactured by Eli Lilly. Tirzepatide targets two appetite-regulating hormones simultaneously, which may account for its higher average weight loss compared to single-hormone medications. In the SURMOUNT-1 clinical trial, participants achieved an average weight loss of 15-20.9% of body weight over 72 weeks depending on dose, with some studies reporting up to 22.5%. FDA-approved for the same patient population as semaglutide. Also administered as a weekly self-injection.
Who It's For
Because CMA's weight management program is private-pay and not billed through insurance, you do not have to meet the strict BMI thresholds that insurance coverage typically requires. GLP-1 medications are still real medical treatment, so every patient is carefully evaluated to make sure the program is safe and appropriate for them. During your consultation, your provider reviews your health history, current medications, and goals to determine whether you are a good candidate.
This program is particularly well suited for patients who feel that their body works against their efforts, because in many cases, it does. Hormonal regulation of appetite and metabolism is a biological reality, not a failure of willpower. GLP-1 medications address that biology directly.
Patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma, MEN2 syndrome, or a history of pancreatitis may not be candidates. Women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant should not use these medications. Candidacy is determined during a thorough medical consultation.
What to Expect
Getting Started
The program begins with a comprehensive consultation with your medical provider. This includes a review of your health history, current medications, baseline measurements, and weight management goals. If you are a candidate, your provider will recommend either semaglutide or tirzepatide based on your profile and prescribe a starting dose.
During the Program
Medication is self-administered as a weekly subcutaneous injection, which your provider will teach you to do at your first visit. Dosing begins low and is adjusted carefully. We keep you at the lowest effective dose and increase only as needed to reach your results, while minimizing side effects. Regular check-ins with your CMA provider track your progress, adjust dosing as needed, and provide accountability and support. Nutritional and lifestyle counseling are integrated into the program.
What to Expect Along the Way
Most patients notice reduced appetite and earlier fullness within the first few weeks. Weight loss is gradual and progressive, typically accelerating as dosing increases. Common early side effects include mild nausea, constipation, or fatigue, which generally diminish as your body adjusts. Your provider monitors for side effects at every check-in and adjusts your plan accordingly. Significant results typically develop over several months of consistent treatment.
Treatment Areas
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Weight Can I Expect to Lose?
Clinical trials showed average weight loss of 14.9-18% of body weight with semaglutide and 15-20.9% with tirzepatide over approximately 68-72 weeks. Individual results vary based on starting weight, dosage, adherence, and lifestyle factors. Your provider will set realistic expectations during your consultation based on your specific situation.
What Is the Difference Between Semaglutide and Tirzepatide?
Semaglutide targets one appetite-regulating hormone (GLP-1). Tirzepatide targets two (GLP-1 and GIP), which may contribute to its higher average weight loss in clinical trials. Both are FDA-approved, well studied, and administered as weekly injections. Your provider will recommend the medication best suited to your health profile, goals, and response.
What Are the Side Effects of GLP-1 Medications?
The most common side effects are gastrointestinal: nausea, constipation, diarrhea, and mild abdominal discomfort. These effects are typically mild, occur most often during dose increases, and generally diminish as your body adjusts. Your provider monitors for side effects at every check-in and can adjust your dosing schedule to improve tolerance.
Do I Have to Inject Myself?
Yes, the medication is a weekly self-administered subcutaneous injection using a pre-filled pen. Your provider will teach you the technique at your first visit. Most patients find it quick and straightforward after the first one or two doses. The injection takes seconds and uses a very fine needle.
Will I Regain the Weight if I Stop the Medication?
Weight regain is possible if medication is discontinued without a plan in place. This is true of most chronic conditions treated with medication. CMA's program includes nutritional and lifestyle counseling specifically to help you build habits that support long-term maintenance. Your provider will work with you on a transition plan if and when you are ready to discontinue.
Why Get GLP-1 Treatment at a Med Spa Instead of a Weight Loss Clinic?
Charlotte Medical Aesthetics offers the same physician-supervised prescribing and monitoring you would receive at a weight loss clinic, but with an important advantage: access to aesthetic treatments that address the physical changes that often accompany significant weight loss. Skin laxity, volume changes, and body contouring concerns can be treated in the same practice. It is a more comprehensive approach to how your body looks and feels.
Is the GLP-1 Program Covered by Insurance?
CMA's weight management program is a private-pay medical program. Insurance coverage for GLP-1 medications varies widely by carrier, plan, and indication. Your provider can discuss pricing and payment options during your consultation. The program is structured to provide personalized medical supervision that goes beyond what most insurance-based prescriptions include.