Frequently Asked Questions

GLP-1 is an abbreviation of Glucagon-like peptide-1. They are a type of peptide hormone that can stimulate the pancreas to produce more insulin after meals. they slow the movement of food from the stomach into the small intestine, which helps suppress appetite — meaning the patient feels full faster and longer. As a result, they eat less.  During clinical trials using the drugs for the treatment of type 2 diabetes it was observed that many patients taking GLP-1 medications experienced significant weight loss. In 2021, Wegovy (semaglutide) (Ozempic) for management of obesity as well as type 2 diabetes.

In 2023, Zepbound   Mounjaroo (tirzepatide) was approved and was thought to be more potent  than previous medications.  It is a new class  GLP-1/GIP. The term GIP stands for gastric inhibitory polypeptide. Like GLP-1 it is a peptide hormone that is responsible for insulin release after a meal with a variety of other impacts. While there are no head-to-head trials of GLP-1 medications to the GLP-1/GIP combination product, the combination product has resulted in a larger amount of weight loss in clinical trials than the previous GLP-1 products.  In the last five years the use of the drug for medically assisted weight control has increased by over 300%.

  • Ozempic (semaglutide): Used for Type 2 diabetes; costs around $900–$1,200/month.
  • Wegovy (semaglutide): Approved for weight loss; costs about $1,300/month.
  • Trulicity (dulaglutide): For Type 2 diabetes; priced at $800–$1,000/month.
  • Victoza (liraglutide): Treats Type 2 diabetes; costs approximately $800/month.
  • Saxenda (liraglutide): For weight loss; priced at $1,200/month.
  • Byetta (exenatide): For Type 2 diabetes; costs around $600/month.
  • Rybelsus (oral semaglutide): For Type 2 diabetes; priced at $800–$900/month.
  • Monjuro ( Trizepatide) - Weight loss and Type 2 diabetes at $800-$900/month.
  • Zebond (Trizepatide) - Weight loss and Type 2 diabetes at $800-$900/month

By using a local trusted compounding pharmacy and prescribing in the most cost-effective manner we have been able to lower the cost to patients.  Most treatment plans require a increase in dosage every month.  The cost per month increases for the patient.  We have outlined the cost below.  Lifetime cost is dependent on the ability to reach a low maintenance dose.  We enable this goal with resources from BODYSITE to encourage lifestyle changes that would promote prolonged weight loss while tapering the dose.

Tirzepatide:

  1. Week 1-4 2.5mg/week        10 total        $200 
  2. Week 5-8 5mg/week           20 total        $220
  3. Week 9-12 7.5mg/week      30 total        $280
  4. Week 13-16 10mg/week     40 total        $340
  5. Week 17-20 12.5mg/week  50 total        $400
  6. Week 21-24 15mg/week     60 total        $460

 

My daughter and I were motivated to establish Bella Jade Health and Wellness LLC  after over a year of experience with using Tirzepatide  as an adjunct to weight loss.  We used several sources and actually visited and examined several compounding pharmacies producing GLP-1 compounds.  We found varied service, efficacy, and price.  We feel we have benefited greatly from the process, losing 51 and 71 pounds respectively. We have recognized that cost is a great barrier to it’s use.  Insurance coverage remains spotty.  Abruptly stopping the medication appears to have a high incidence of regaining most of the weight. A ten-year cost of treatment  at moderately high dose could range from $55-95,000.  We have carefully created a cost saving strategy to take advantage the bulk savings at our most trusted local pharmacy.  A significant percentage of the cost for the pharmacy is the labor to produce the sterile vials in small quantities for the first few months.

  The compounded medication is stable for 90 days if refrigerated.  The Clinic cost for MG of tirzepatide varies from $8-$12 depending on the concentration of the compound.  During a typical protocol for  a six month trial would require 10,20,30,40,50,60 MGs/month on a progressive dosage format.   Costs if ordered in the most cost effective manner would be 200- 220-280-340-400-460 = $1900 This would require ad significant increase of time and labor at the clinic level.    Second 6 months at a 40mg/month  $2040  12 month total $3940.  Costs would be significantly reduced in the second 6 months if the dose could be reduced further with life style changes.  We view a plan that includes vigorous lifestyle changes(Diet and  activity) would promote tapering or even elimination of  the medications.    

We have the following vision:

  • Only ordering the medication in the lowest per Mg price. This would require purchase of a three month supply at the lower doses.
  • Plan to taper the dose after goal weight loss is reached. We are evaluating sublingual preparations as a possible tapering solution.  Lower cost and more convenient
  • Intensive diet and activity intervention with the medication. Lifestyle changes will facilitate the tapering process.
  • We have partnered Body Site to provide daily support with diet and activity. They also encourage online monitoring of progress with journaling.

GLP-1 medications, like semaglutide (Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Zepbound), are widely used for weight loss, but they do come with potential side effects. Here are some of the most commonly reported ones:

  • Gastrointestinal issues: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain.
  • Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas, which can cause severe abdominal pain.
  • Gallbladder problems: Some users experience gallstones or gallbladder attacks.
  • Injection site reactions: Redness, swelling, or irritation at the injection site (for injectable versions).
  • Dehydration-related kidney issues: In rare cases, acute kidney failure has been reported.
  • Mental health concerns: Some studies suggest a possible link between GLP-1 medications and an increased risk of depression or suicidal thoughts.
  • "Ozempic face": Rapid weight loss can lead to sagging skin and facial wrinkles.
  1. Must live in Utah
  2. Body Mass Index of >30 or Type 2 Diabetes
  3. Review of potential cost
  4. Enter personal information in the enrollment form
  5. Consultation with one of our medical providers
  6. Enrollment at Body Site patient site
  7. Completion of enrollment paperwork provided through the BodySite platform. (Medical History and Consent Form)
  8. After review by staff, patient will be invoiced for 1-3 months’ treatment.
  9. Prescriptions will be sent to pharmacy in SLC and should be received by patient within 3-5 days.
  10. Body Site patient portal will give daily tasks and instructions

Using the increasing dose scheme, patients tend to lose 2-3 pounds/week, with a total loss of 20 percent of their original weight.  Many are able to maintain the loss with a smaller maintenance dose, if they been able to make significant life style changes (Diet and activity). Without lifestyle changes patients tend to quickly regain lost weight if the drugs are abruptly stopped.