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Understanding the Best Non-Surgical Weight Loss Procedures

What Are GLP-1 Medications and How Do They Work?

GLP-1 medications are a class of injectable drugs that mimic the effects of a hormone (glucagon-like peptide-1) naturally released in your gut after you eat. This hormone helps regulate blood sugar, insulin, and appetite. By activating GLP-1 receptors, these medications slow stomach emptying, reduce appetite, help you feel fuller longer, and decrease cravings. As a result, many patients experience steady, sustainable weight loss.

Popular GLP-1 medications for weight loss and diabetes management include:

  • Ozempic® (semaglutide)
  • Wegovy® (semaglutide)
  • Saxenda® (liraglutide)
  • Mounjaro® (tirzepatide)

Clinical research and real-world experience show these medications can be highly effective, especially when used as part of a comprehensive lifestyle program under medical supervision.

Ozempic® and Wegovy®: Effectiveness and Safety for Weight Loss

What Does Semaglutide Do?

Semaglutide is the active ingredient in Ozempic® and Wegovy®. It works as a GLP-1 receptor agonist, helping the body feel full after meals, reducing appetite, and supporting blood sugar and insulin control. The combination of these effects makes semaglutide a powerful tool for long-term, non-surgical weight loss.

Is Ozempic® Safe for Weight Loss?

Ozempic® (semaglutide) is widely used for weight management, and numerous studies have demonstrated both its safety and effectiveness when prescribed and monitored by a healthcare professional. Side effects can include nausea and gastrointestinal symptoms, but these are often temporary and manageable. Certain patients, including those with a history of medullary thyroid carcinoma, should not use these medications. Our team carefully reviews your medical background to ensure safety.

Is Wegovy® Safe for Weight Loss?

Wegovy® uses the same active ingredient (semaglutide) as Ozempic® but is dosed specifically for weight loss. It has been rigorously tested for this use and is considered safe for most adults when managed by a physician.

Non-Surgical Weight Loss Options and Alternatives

GLP-1 medications serve a dual purpose in our practice, both as stand-alone therapies and as part of a comprehensive plan for patients preparing for bariatric surgery. If you need to reach a certain target weight before surgery, GLP-1 therapy can help you safely lose the required pounds under medical supervision, optimizing your health and supporting better surgical outcomes. We routinely incorporate these medications into pre-surgical weight loss plans, helping patients achieve a safe weight to receive the bariatric procedure of their choice.

For many, however, GLP-1 injectables offer a powerful alternative to surgery. These medications can deliver dramatic results without the risks, recovery time, or lifelong changes associated with surgical intervention. Whether you are considering surgery in the future or prefer a non-surgical solution, GLP-1 therapy provides a flexible, effective pathway backed by medical science.

Your care plan at Atlanta Bariatrics will always be individualized, providing you with evidence-based interventions, ongoing support, and a dedicated team – no surgery required, unless you choose it.

Take control of your health and transform your future. Schedule your personalized consultation with Atlanta Bariatrics, your partner in medical weight loss and non-surgical solutions in Atlanta, GA.

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Patient support with physician-led GLP-1 program

A Program Tailored to You

How the GLP-1 Path Works

Step 1: Consult with Provider & Labs

Meet with your specialist to review your health history, goals, and lab results. We’ll determine the safest, most effective plan tailored to you.

Medication Options

GLP-1 Therapies at Atlanta Bariatrics

Wegovy® (semaglutide)

FDA-approved GLP-1 injection for chronic weight management.

  • Weekly injection, supervised by a physician
  • Proven to reduce appetite and support long-term weight loss
  • Comprehensive nutrition & coaching included
Ozempic® (semaglutide)

FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes; used off-label for weight management when appropriate.

  • Weekly injection, with monitored dose adjustments
  • Supports blood sugar control & weight loss
  • Side-effect management and coaching included
Compounded Semaglutide

Pharmacy-compounded alternative for patients when brand medication is not available or covered.

  • Customized dosing under physician supervision
  • May include B12/B3 additives for energy support (if appropriate)
  • Strict pharmacy compliance standards
Mounjaro® (tirzepatide)

Dual incretin (GIP/GLP-1) injection approved for diabetes, with strong weight-loss outcomes.

  • Weekly injection, personalized titration
  • Improves insulin sensitivity & reduces appetite
  • Physician-guided care and monitoring
Zepbound® (tirzepatide)

FDA-approved specifically for weight loss; same active ingredient as Mounjaro®.

  • Weekly injection for chronic weight management
  • Shown to deliver significant, sustained weight loss
  • Integrated with nutrition & lifestyle support
Compounded Tirzepatide

Compounded option available when brand medications are not accessible or covered by insurance.

  • Custom pharmacy preparation, physician supervised
  • Dosing tailored to patient needs
  • Safe alternative when FDA brands are cost-prohibitive

All medications are prescribed only when medically appropriate after evaluation. Individual results and eligibility vary. Atlanta Bariatrics ensures patients are closely monitored for safety, efficacy, and long-term success.

Physician-Led • Dietitian-Supported

Your Partners in Lifelong Wellness

As experts in weight management, our board-certified team provides a holistic, supervised approach you won’t find with one-size-fits-all programs. We combine GLP-1 therapies with education, counseling, and personalized lifestyle plans.

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Christopher J. Hart, MD

Christopher J. Hart

MD, FACS, FASMBS

William H. Johnson, MD

William H. Johnson

MD, FACS

Expert Guidance from Atlanta Bariatrics

“It’s not always straightforward. This new group of medications are some of the best we have seen, and very promising, and a lot of people are having great results. But there are times when they might not be the right option. One of the great things about Atlanta Bariatrics is that you have multiple options for patients. We try to customize our treatment plan specifically to the individual patient.”
— Dr. Christopher J. Hart , Atlanta Live Interview

Frequently Asked Questions

GLP-1 Program FAQs

The “best” medication varies by individual. For many, GLP-1 options such as Wegovy®, Ozempic®, or Mounjaro® deliver the most meaningful benefits. We’ll compare pills and injectables and tailor a plan to your health profile, lifestyle, and goals.
Wegovy® (semaglutide) is the leading injectable approved specifically for chronic weight management, with Ozempic® and Mounjaro® also showing strong outcomes. Each is taken weekly and is most effective when combined with nutrition and behavior changes.
GLP-1 injections are considered safe when prescribed and monitored by experienced clinicians. They mimic natural gut hormones to help you feel full, lower appetite, and support healthy metabolism—without surgery. Side effects are usually mild and temporary; we’ll monitor you closely.
Prescription pills can help some people achieve modest weight loss when paired with supervised nutrition and lifestyle changes. The most significant, sustainable results often come from GLP-1 injectables. We’ll review all options during your consult.
Getting started is simple. Request a consultation online or call our office. At your first visit, we’ll complete an in-depth assessment and recommend the safest, most effective plan for your goals.
Most patients begin to see weight loss within the first few weeks, with the most significant changes over 6–12 months.
Some patients can taper off with medical guidance. Working closely with our registered dietitians helps you build sustainable habits in cooking, shopping, and daily routines so you’re best positioned to maintain weight loss after tapering.
GLP-1 medications can be safe when used correctly, but every patient’s health is unique. Our board-certified surgeons Dr. Christopher J. Hart and Dr. William H. Johnson carefully screen each patient and guide your care for safety.
GLP-1 medications can be effective but may require continued use. Bariatric surgery typically provides more durable weight loss—especially when paired with nutrition and lifestyle support. We’ll help you decide which path fits your goals.
Coverage varies by plan. Our coordinator will check your benefits and help you understand all costs up front.

Ready to Find Your Best Path?

Whether you’re considering Wegovy, Zepbound, Tirzepatide, Semaglutide, or bariatric surgery, Atlanta Bariatrics can guide you toward the safest and most effective plan for lasting success.

“We have a system set up to make you successful. We have patients that have failed at everything, failed at all these diets out there, and we are helping them lose significant weight.”
— Dr. William Johnson, Atlanta Live Interview

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