From Clinical to Beautiful
GPL-1 Medications for Weight Loss
To schedule a consultation Call Us at (608) 315-4809
GLP1 Injections, Supervised by Medical Experts
The first generation of these medications works on GLP-1 (Glucagon-Like Peptide-1) receptors, lowering appetite by signaling the brain, slowing down stomach digestion so food empties slower, and stimulating insulin release when blood sugar is high. The second generation of this class of medication works on both the GLP-1 receptors and GIP (Glucose-Dependent Insulinotropic Polypeptide) receptors, which work to further reduce food intake and optimize the pancreas’s insulin response. Yet to be released, the third generation of these medications, works on GLP-1, GIP, and Glucagon receptors (GCG), increasing the body’s energy expenditure (how many calories you burn) and improving how the body breaks down stored body fat.
GLP-1 Weight Loss at Madison Medispa
Our program is run by Dr. Erdman, who has over 25 years of experience and serves as the on-site medical director at Madison Medispa. He performs your initial consultation, checks the appropriate labs, and is available throughout your treatment by appointment, by phone, or by text. The difference between a successful GLP-1 program and a frustrating one often comes down to how well the medication is managed.
How GLP–1 Medications Work for Weight Loss:
Several factors are believed to contribute to this class of medications’ effectiveness for weight loss.
- Reduced appetite: GLP–1 medication appears to act on the brain’s appetite center, leading to decreased feelings of hunger and increased feelings of fullness or satiety. This can result in reduced food intake and ultimately lead to weight loss.
- Slower stomach emptying: GLP–1 medication can slow down the emptying of the stomach, which may contribute to increased feelings of fullness and reduced food intake.
- Lower baseline blood sugar levels and smooth out blood sugar fluctuations which helps to avoid food cravings and bad food choices.
Semaglutide
Originally marketed as Ozempic for Type 2 Diabetics, it was rebranded to Wegovy for weight loss when studies showed that 90% of patients lost 15% or more of their starting body weight. The active ingredient in Wegovy is Semaglutide, which is a GLP–1 receptor agonist.
Tirzepatide
Originally marketed as Monjaro for Type 2 Diabetics, it was rebranded as Zepbound for weight loss when studies showed that 90% of patients lost 20% or more of their starting body weight. The active ingredient in Zepbound is Tirzepatide, a dual-action GLP–1 agonist and GIP analog.
Retatrutide
The third generation of this class has yet to be released. It works on all three pathways, activating GLP–1, GIP, and Glucagon receptors. Studies have demonstrated patients taking Retatrutide have been able to lose 25% or more of their starting body weight.
Not sure which is right for you? Read our full comparison of Wegovy vs. Zepbound.
Doctor-Led Treatments with Dr. Erdman
Dr. Erdman is the owner and onsite medical director of Madison Medispa. He has over 20 years of experience in the field of cosmetic dermatology and oversees all treatments performed at Madison Medispa.
“In this era of pop-up med spas, part-time injectors, and off-site
medical directors, my goal is to ensure a professional environment where our patients can feel confident they will receive safe and effective treatments.”
How It’s Used:
GLP–1 meds are given as an injection just under the skin, once a week. Initially, these injections are supervised by a physician, but once you are comfortable doing your own injection, you will do them at home. Patients are started at very low, well tolerated levels and the dosage is increased every 2–4 weeks until you are losing 1–2 lbs. per week.
Common Side Effects:
GLP–1 medications are generally well-tolerated, but side effects do occur; most patients find that side effects ease as the body adjusts. The most common ones are listed below.
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Stomach (abdomen) pain
- Headache
- Fatigue (tiredness)
- Heartburn
- Bloating, burping, or gas
- Injection site pain
- Indigestion
Contraindications:
Who Should Not Use GLP–1 Medications
You should not use GLP–1 medications if you have any of the following conditions:
- Patients who are pregnant or planning to try to become pregnant in the next 2 months.
- Patients who are breastfeeding.
- Anyone with a personal or family history of thyroid cancer
- Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma
- Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)
- Patients with a history of severe allergic reaction to GLP–1 medications
- Patients who have had inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis), or gallbladder problems (including gallstones),
- Patients who experience low blood sugar.
- Patients with kidney or liver problems.
- Patients with diabetic retinopathy (damage to the eye’s retina)
- BMI below 20
Doctor-Led Care at Madison Medispa
Initial consultation.
Dr. Erdman meets with you, reviews your health history, and orders any necessary labs. If GLP–1 medications are appropriate for you, he’ll prescribe the starting dose and walk you through how to do the injection.
The first 3 months.
You’ll come in every two weeks. Dr. Erdman can monitor your progress, make proper medication dosage adjustments, and address and resolve any side effects. Our team is here to make sure you are set up to succeed.
After 3 months.
Most patients are on a stable dose and have learned how to manage their routine. At this point, the program becomes more flexible. You can still schedule appointments any time you have a question or concern, and Dr. Erdman remains available by text.
Post-Weight Loss Skin Tightening Solutions.
Losing weight with GLP–1 medications can achieve incredible results, but for some patients, loose or sagging skin becomes the next concern. Rapid weight loss can leave areas like the stomach, arms, thighs, and face with reduced skin elasticity, even after reaching your goal weight.
At Madison Medispa, we offer non-surgical skin tightening and body contouring treatments designed to help improve skin firmness and support your results after GLP–1 weight loss treatment. Whether you are actively losing weight or maintaining your new look, our team can help you explore options for tightening loose skin without surgery.
Learn more in our blog:
How to Tighten Loose Skin After Weight Loss Without Surgery (GLP–1)
Why Choose Madison Medispa For Your GLP-1 Weight Loss Treatment:
The simple answer is saftey. At Madison Medispa, your weight loss treatment will be directly managed by Dr. Erdman. He will perform your initial consultation, check the appropriate labs, and help you learn how to do the injections. He is on site (not a remote medical director in another city) and always available to help with problems or questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have additional questions? Contact Us anytime and we’ll be happy to answer them for you.
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How much does GLP–1 treatment cost at Madison Medispa?
Consultations are free. During your appointment, Dr. Erdman will walk you through medication costs and what to expect over the course of the program.
Do I need a prescription?
Yes. GLP–1 meds are prescription medications. A physician must evaluate your health history, order appropriate labs, and determine whether GLP–1 medications are appropriate for you. At Madison Medispa, Dr. Erdman handles this during your initial consultation.
How is Madison Medispa’s program different from online GLP–1 services?
Online programs typically send you a prescription with limited ongoing oversight. Our program includes bi-weekly in-person appointments with Dr. Erdman during the first three months, which is when most dosage adjustments and side effect management happen. Dr. Erdman is also available for questions between visits. Most patients find that level of access makes the difference between stopping early and reaching their goal.
Can I get GLP–1 meds if I live outside of Madison or Waunakee?
Yes. We see patients from across Dane County and beyond. Some patients drive from an hour or more away. If travel is a concern, we can discuss what the visit schedule looks like during your consultation. Some patients use telemedicine to cut down on travel.
What should I do about loose skin after losing weight?
Loose skin is a common concern after significant weight loss. Madison Medispa offers non-surgical body contouring and skin tightening treatments that can improve firmness in areas like the stomach, arms, and thighs. We can address this as part of your overall care. Learn more about skin tightening after weight loss.
Schedule Your Free Consultation
Ready to start your weight loss journey? Our doctor-led treatments can help you achieve real results. Dr. Erdman has over 25 years of experience and oversees all treatments performed at Madison Medispa. Consultations are free. There is no obligation to proceed.
Or call us at (608) 315-4809
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Tel: 608-315-4809
Fax: 608-831-7044
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