Medicated weight loss is clinically appropriate for adults with a BMI of 30 or higher, or a BMI of 27 or higher with at least one weight-related condition such as insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, or dyslipidemia. Candidacy is determined after a clinical intake that includes medical history review, current medications, and relevant labs. Contraindications include personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2), active pancreatitis, and current pregnancy or breastfeeding. A prescription is not guaranteed — clinical appropriateness is evaluated individually at every visit.

Most patients notice appetite and craving suppression within one to two weeks of reaching an active dose. Measurable fat loss typically begins in weeks two through four and continues progressively over months two through six as titration advances. Clinical trials of semaglutide and tirzepatide have shown average body weight reductions of 15–22% over 68–72 weeks with consistent use. Individual outcomes vary based on starting dose, titration pace, medication adherence, dietary protein intake, and activity level. Results are not guaranteed, and timeline is affected by how quickly your dose escalates relative to your tolerance.

Muscle loss during GLP-1 therapy is a real and underreported risk. Research shows that 25–40% of total weight lost on GLP-1 medications without structured protein and resistance anchoring can come from lean mass, not fat. At Steel City, we take this seriously. Our protocol incorporates Protein Anchoring — a structured daily protein framework timed around activity and adjusted as your dose increases — specifically to protect lean mass during rapid fat loss. For patients who qualify, we also discuss peptide adjuncts that support growth hormone signaling and lean mass preservation. That clinical layer is not standard at most GLP-1 programs.

Steel City bills a Medical Service Fee every four weeks for clinical oversight, provider access, secure messaging, lab ordering, and protocol management. Medication is billed separately on a pay-per-refill basis through our pharmacy partner — you are not charged for medication you don't use. The new patient consultation is $150 and includes a full clinical intake, lab review, and protocol discussion. HSA and FSA funds are eligible. There are no hidden membership fees, and pricing is disclosed upfront before you commit to anything.

FDA-approved brand-name GLP-1 medications — including Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound — are manufactured to strict federal standards and contain the active drug at verified concentrations. Compounded GLP-1 medications are made to order by state-licensed 503A or 503B pharmacies for a specific patient under a valid prescription. They are not FDA-approved and are not identical to brand-name products, but they are produced under pharmacy regulatory oversight with quality and sterility standards. Steel City considers compounded options when clinically appropriate, vets the pharmacies we work with, and provides detailed dosing education to minimize errors. We never use research-use-only (RUO) peptides — products labeled not for human consumption that are sold online without pharmacy oversight.

The most common GLP-1 side effects — nausea, reflux, constipation, and fatigue — are dose-dependent and largely manageable with a slow, individualized titration schedule. We start at the lowest effective dose and advance based on your symptom response, not a fixed calendar timeline. If side effects emerge, we pause the escalation, micro-adjust dosing, and apply a structured relief protocol rather than discontinuing. Patients who push through dose increases too quickly experience significantly higher rates of side effects and discontinuation. Our titration philosophy prioritizes tolerance first, because consistent adherence over months produces better outcomes than aggressive early dosing.

GLP-1 medications are not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. If you are planning a pregnancy, inform your provider well in advance — a washout period of at least two months is recommended before attempting conception. We coordinate discontinuation timing and will align with your OB/GYN as needed. Women of childbearing age on GLP-1 therapy should use reliable contraception throughout treatment.

Steel City provides GLP-1 medicated weight loss via telehealth to patients physically located in Colorado, Arizona, Idaho, Maine, Montana, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Washington, and Wyoming at the time of their visit. You do not need to be a resident — only physically present in a licensed state during your telehealth appointment. Arkansas is not served.

Steel City prescribes semaglutide and tirzepatide — the two most clinically validated GLP-1 receptor agonists for weight loss. Depending on availability, insurance status, and clinical fit, your provider may prescribe compounded versions from a licensed 503A pharmacy or assist with accessing brand-name options such as Wegovy or Zepbound. We never use research-use-only (RUO) peptides — products labeled "not for human consumption" sold without pharmacy oversight or a valid prescription.

Relevant labs prior to starting GLP-1 therapy include a comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), fasting glucose, HbA1c, lipid panel, and thyroid function (TSH). Additional markers may be ordered based on your medical history. Labs are ordered through Quest Diagnostics or Rupa Health and should be completed before or at the time of your initial consultation.