Medical Weight Loss with GLP-1
Modern medication-supported weight loss for airway and metabolic health.
What it is
GLP-1 receptor agonists (a class of medications that includes semaglutide and tirzepatide, marketed as Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound) are FDA-approved for weight management. They are weekly injections that mimic glucagon-like peptide-1, a natural hormone that regulates appetite, slows stomach emptying, and improves how the body responds to insulin. Average documented weight loss in clinical trials is 15 to 22 percent of starting body weight over 68 to 72 weeks.
Why we do it
Excess weight is one of the strongest single risk factors for obstructive sleep apnea. Even moderate weight loss (a 10 percent reduction) lowers AHI substantially and, in mild to moderate cases, can reverse sleep apnea entirely. Weight loss also reduces blood pressure, improves blood sugar, and lowers the load on the cardiovascular system. We integrate medical weight loss into our airway practice because, for many patients, it is the most powerful single intervention available, and it has direct measurable effects on the airway.
What happens during the procedure
Initial visit covers medical history, baseline labs, a discussion of expectations, and an honest review of side effects (mild nausea is common in the first weeks, usually manageable with dose titration). Treatment begins at a low starting dose, increased every four weeks until a maintenance dose is reached. Monthly follow-up visits track weight, labs, blood pressure, and side effects. The medication is paired with nutrition counseling and an emphasis on resistance training to preserve lean muscle mass during weight loss.
Who it’s for
Adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 27 or higher with weight-related conditions (such as sleep apnea, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, or fatty liver disease), or BMI 30 or higher regardless of other conditions. Not appropriate for patients with personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer, MEN-2 syndrome, or active pancreatitis.
Recovery and what to expect
No recovery. Mild gastrointestinal side effects in the first weeks are typical. Long-term use is supported by trial data through five years.