Medical Weight Loss
What is medical weight loss?
Quick answer
Medical weight loss is a provider-supervised program that combines a medical evaluation, labs, nutrition support and, when appropriate, GLP-1 medications such as semaglutide or tirzepatide. At Complete Rural Medicine in Lincoln and Friend, NE, we also track body composition with an InBody 570 scan.
Weight is driven by biology: hormones, metabolism and appetite signals. That's why willpower alone so often falls short. Modern GLP-1 medications work with that biology to reduce hunger, and our team pairs them with nutrition, movement and regular check-ins so the results last.
Our Program
How our weight-loss program works
- Free consult and labs. A complimentary consultation to review your history, goals and medications, then blood work.
- InBody scan. Measure body fat, muscle and water for a true starting point.
- Your plan. Nutrition, activity and medication when appropriate, started at a low dose.
- Check-ins. Regular visits for dose adjustments, side effects and accountability.
- Long-term plan. Protect muscle, keep habits and plan for maintenance.
GLP-1 Medications
Semaglutide vs. tirzepatide
| Semaglutide | Tirzepatide | |
|---|---|---|
| Brand names | Wegovy®, Ozempic® | Zepbound®, Mounjaro® |
| How it works | Acts on GLP-1 to reduce appetite and slow digestion | Acts on GLP-1 and GIP |
| Average weight loss in trials | About 15% over 68 weeks (STEP 1) | About 21% at the highest dose over 72 weeks (SURMOUNT-1) |
| How it's taken | Once-weekly injection | Once-weekly injection |
| Common side effects | Nausea, constipation, diarrhea | Nausea, constipation, diarrhea |
Brand names are trademarks of their respective owners and are listed for identification only. Trial results came with diet and exercise changes; individual results vary.
Is It Right for You?
Who is a good candidate?
- Adults with a BMI of 30 or higher
- Adults with a BMI of 27 or higher plus a weight-related condition, such as high blood pressure, prediabetes, type 2 diabetes or high cholesterol
- People ready to make nutrition and activity changes alongside medication
When GLP-1 medication isn't a fit
These medications aren't for people who are pregnant or planning pregnancy, or who have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or MEN2. Your provider also reviews history of pancreatitis, gallbladder disease and other conditions before prescribing.
Body Composition
Why we track more than the scale
Losing weight fast can mean losing muscle, which slows your metabolism. Our InBody 570 scan measures fat, muscle and water so we can see what's really changing and adjust protein, activity and dosing to protect muscle. If you want extra muscle-building support, Emsculpt NEO is available at our Lincoln clinic.
Your Care Team
Weight-loss providers in Lincoln & Friend
Your program is led by board-certified family nurse practitioners, including a provider with a Master of Public Health, who prescribe, monitor and adjust your plan.
Hablamos español
Pérdida de peso médica en Lincoln, NE
Programas supervisados con medicamentos GLP-1, análisis InBody y apoyo en español con Amparo Fernandez.
Near You
Medical weight loss near me in Lincoln & Friend, NE
Patients join our program from Lincoln, Friend, Crete, Seward, Milford, Dorchester, Exeter, Geneva and surrounding communities.
Questions & Answers
Medical weight loss FAQs
What is medical weight loss?
Medical weight loss is a weight-loss program supervised by a licensed provider. It combines a medical evaluation, lab work, nutrition and lifestyle support and, when appropriate, prescription medication such as semaglutide or tirzepatide, with regular check-ins to track progress and safety.
What's the difference between semaglutide and tirzepatide?
Semaglutide (the active ingredient in Wegovy and Ozempic) acts on one appetite hormone pathway, GLP-1. Tirzepatide (the active ingredient in Zepbound and Mounjaro) acts on two, GLP-1 and GIP. In clinical trials, tirzepatide led to somewhat more weight loss on average, but the right choice depends on your health, goals, side effects and cost.
How much weight can I lose?
Results vary. In major clinical trials, people taking semaglutide lost about 15% of their body weight on average over 68 weeks, and people taking the highest dose of tirzepatide lost about 21% over 72 weeks, along with diet and exercise changes.
Who is a good candidate?
GLP-1 medications are generally approved for adults with a BMI of 30 or higher, or 27 or higher with a weight-related condition such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes or high cholesterol. They aren't right for everyone, including people who are pregnant or have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or MEN2.
Are GLP-1 medications safe?
They have a well-studied safety record when prescribed and monitored by a licensed provider. The most common side effects are nausea, constipation and other stomach symptoms, which we reduce by starting at a low dose and increasing slowly. Your provider screens for conditions that make these medications unsafe.
What's included in the program?
Your program includes a medical evaluation, lab work, an InBody 570 body-composition scan, a personalized nutrition and activity plan, prescription medication when appropriate and regular follow-up visits for dose adjustments and accountability.
How much does medical weight loss cost?
Your first weight-loss consultation is complimentary. After that, cost depends on your plan and medication. Office visits and labs may be covered by insurance, and medication coverage varies widely. Your provider will give you clear pricing at your consultation, before you commit.
What happens when I stop the medication?
Many people regain some weight after stopping GLP-1 medication. That's why we focus on protecting muscle, building habits you can keep and planning for the long term, including how and when to taper.
Do you offer weight loss in Friend, NE too?
Yes. Medical weight loss is available at both clinics: 3900 S 6th St, Suite 1, Lincoln, NE 68502, (402) 267-2645, and 515 2nd St, Friend, NE 68359, (308) 646-2471.
Sources
- Wilding JPH, et al. Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity (STEP 1). N Engl J Med. 2021
- Jastreboff AM, et al. Tirzepatide once weekly for the treatment of obesity (SURMOUNT-1). N Engl J Med. 2022
- NIDDK: Prescription medications to treat overweight and obesity
Medically reviewed content from Complete Rural Medicine. This page is for education and does not replace a visit with a licensed provider. For a medical emergency, call 911.