The “Skinny Shot”
There is no more prominent buzzphrase right now than the "skinny shot" Everyone wants to know how safe and effective this new class of medications is for weight loss, from the Oscars to prime-time news.
Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) and Semaglutide (Ozempic and Wegovy) are the blockbuster drugs referred to as the "skinny shot."
A Newer Class of Medications
Tirzepatide and Semaglutide are a newer class of medications that were originally branded for diabetes treatment. They both work similarly well for appetite suppression and weight loss, so they are now being branded for obesity treatment and weight loss. Dr. Blake Kelly, the founder of Oklahoma Wellness and Weight Loss in Oklahoma City, says that the weight loss produced with these medications is simply the icing on the cake. This medication class will revolutionize healthcare treatment not only in the United States but around the world. With 70% of Americans meeting the criteria for obesity and weight loss, these medications could not have been discovered at a better time.
The Need for Weight Loss Medications
For decades, the first-line treatment for conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, fatty liver, etc., has always been lifestyle changes and weight reduction. However, most patients cannot achieve treatment goals without the help of various medications. This medication will help patients reduce their high blood pressure and cholesterol medication dosages or get off them altogether.
It seems like a long time since physicians were this excited about a breakthrough treatment such as this. This class of medications is going to change everything. Exceptionally few patients will not qualify for treatment with this class of drugs. Two rare conditions could disqualify a patient, such as a very rare form of familial thyroid cancer and if the patient has had pancreatitis in the past. Apart from those two conditions, almost everyone is a candidate. Even people with type 1 diabetes can benefit from this medication as it increases insulin sensitivity and facilitates weight loss which helps diminish their insulin requirement. Whether or not insurance will cover the drug is another issue altogether. Hopefully, as they consider this class of medication not simply for cosmetic weight loss but for overall morbidity and mortality reduction, they will get on board and make this class of medicines affordable for a broader spectrum of patients, not simply patients with diabetes.
Treatment from Oklahoma Wellness and Weight Loss
While side effects can limit tolerability, most patients can achieve their weight loss goals with a customized dosage and schedule. Dr. Kelly founded Oklahoma Wellness and Weight Loss in early 2023 after his own frustrating journey with being overweight. After five years of trying unsuccessfully, he turned to Tirzepatide, the active ingredient in Mounjaro. Having success for the first time with a 45lb weight reduction in 4 months was an eye-opener. Dr. Kelly has established the most cost-effective “skinny shot” treatment program in the Oklahoma metro area.