Everything You Want to Know About Medical Weight Loss

If you’re researching GLP-1 medications like semaglutide (Ozempic®, Wegovy®) or tirzepatide (Mounjaro®, Zepbound®), you’re not alone. These powerful, FDA-approved therapies have become widely recognized for their effectiveness in medical weight loss, blood sugar control, and even their potential to support heart and brain health. And, like anything exciting and revolutionary, it’s normal and healthy to have questions. Fortunately, we have answers!

At Flow Wellness, with in-person locations in Bend, OR and Seattle, WA, as well at telehealth options for the whole Pacific Northwest, we specialize in personalized, medically supervised weight loss that’s built around your biology—not a one-size-fits-all solution. In this Q&A, our team of licensed experts answers the most common questions we hear from patients exploring GLP-1 therapy.

What Are GLP-1 Medications?

GLP-1s (glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists) are medications that mimic a hormone naturally produced in your body to regulate blood sugar, curb appetite, and improve insulin sensitivity. Originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes, several GLP-1s are now FDA-approved for weight loss in people with or without diabetes.

These medications work by balancing blood sugar throughout the body, slowing digestion, and reducing hunger. Over time, they help retrain your metabolism on a cellular level, supporting long-term fat loss and metabolic stability.

How Do GLP-1s Help With Weight Loss?

GLP-1s target multiple areas of metabolic function:

• Appetite suppression: You feel full sooner and stay full longer

• Slower gastric emptying: Your body digests food more slowly, reducing hunger signals

• Improved blood sugar control: More stable insulin levels, fewer energy crashes

• Reduced cravings: Especially for sugar and processed carbs

This is not a fad or short-term fix. When prescribed and monitored properly, GLP-1 therapy is a long-term, evidence-based tool for sustainable weight loss and metabolic reset.

Am I a Candidate for GLP-1 Therapy?

You may be a strong candidate for GLP-1 therapy if you:

• Struggle with stubborn weight gain, particularly around the midsection

• Have a BMI over 27 with additional concerns like insulin resistance, high cholesterol, or inflammation

• Experience fatigue, hormonal changes, or blood sugar swings

• Have tried diet and exercise without meaningful or lasting success

• Want a safe, doctor-guided approach to weight loss and wellness

As your GLP-1 doctor in Bend, OR, and Seattle, WA, Flow Wellness creates a tailored program based on your lab results, medical history, and goals.

What’s the Difference Between Semaglutide and Tirzepatide?

Both medications are highly effective GLP-1 therapies, but there are some key differences:

• Semaglutide (Ozempic®, Wegovy®) is a GLP-1-only agonist

• Tirzepatide (Mounjaro®, Zepbound®) activates both GLP-1 and GIP receptors, offering a dual metabolic effect

Tirzepatide often leads to faster and greater weight loss, especially for patients with insulin resistance or more significant metabolic dysfunction. At Flow Wellness, we help you choose the most effective option for your body and lifestyle.

How Long Do I Need to Stay on GLP-1s?

GLP-1s are considered safe for long-term use, but they’re not necessarily forever. At Flow Wellness, our goal is not just short-term weight loss—but lasting metabolic health.

Your care plan may include:

• Ongoing progress tracking and reassessment

• Supportive supplements to reduce side effects and boost outcomes

• Personalized nutrition and lifestyle coaching

• A structured and safe off-ramp plan if and when you’re ready to transition off medication

If you choose to pause treatment and later find weight returning, we can help you restart therapy strategically and safely to stay on track.

Are There Any Side Effects?

Side effects are most commonly digestive in nature and often mild. They may include:

• Nausea or bloating

• Constipation or diarrhea

• Reduced appetite

• Temporary fatigue during dose adjustments

At Flow Wellness, we use a slow, individualized titration protocol to minimize discomfort and closely monitor your response at every stage of treatment.

How Is Flow Wellness Different from Online GLP-1 Clinics?

As a leading GLP-1 doctor in Bend, OR and Seattle, WA, Flow Wellness offers something online-only programs can’t: a relationship with real, board-certified providers who know your health history and care deeply about your outcomes.

Unlike online national services that ship medications with minimal consultation, we:

• Customize your GLP-1 plan around comprehensive lab results and whole-body context

• Provide direct access to a clinical team who knows you by name

• Recommend prescriptive supplements and hormone balancing, as needed

• Offer both in-person and telehealth visits with board-certified local medical providers for ongoing support

We don’t just prescribe. We partner with you for long-term success.

How Do I Start?

We’ve made it simple to begin your GLP-1 journey at Flow Wellness:

1. Book your free intake appointment to determine fit: Medical Weight Loss
2. Complete intake paperwork and consent forms
3. Meet with your licensed provider in-person or virtually
4. Begin your personalized GLP-1 program with support at every step

Schedule Your Consultation Today

If you’re looking for a trusted, experienced GLP-1 doctor in Bend, OR or Seattle, WA, or online for all of Oregon, Washington, and California, Flow Wellness offers medically guided weight loss solutions designed to work with your body—not against it. Whether you’re just beginning your journey or looking for a better alternative to online programs, we’re here to help you reclaim your energy, confidence, and long-term health.

Learn More Here:

• This is The Best GLP-1 Medication
• What Happens If You Stop GLP-1 medication? (Real Patient Stories)
• GLP-1s: A Temporary Tool or a Lifelong Treatment?