Progress Report on Our Medical Weight Loss Patients
- Fact-checked by Dr. Desiree Granados
Updated: November 2024
The Sanctuary Wellness Institute is excited to share the progress our medical weight loss patients have made over recent months. In this update we will reveal how much weight our patients are losing, what their side effects have been, and more.
Research continues to demonstrate that medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide significantly reduce weight by targeting GLP-1 receptors, which influence hunger and blood sugar regulation. By suppressing appetite, these medications lead to reduced caloric intake and promote sustained weight loss.
At the Sanctuary, we are committed to helping our patients achieve sustainable weight loss through medically guided programs using GLP-1 agonists like semaglutide and tirzepatide. Our patients can meet with our doctors in person or via telehealth, then administer their injections at home.
Our Patients’ Weight Loss by Month
The Sanctuary began offering GLP-1 medical weight loss prescriptions earlier this year in 2024. We now serve a steady number of patients month after month and wanted to share a closer look at their journey. Here’s more info on the results our patients have achieved while participating in The Sanctuary’s weight loss program:
Weight Loss in the First Month
So far, 83% of our patients experience noticeable weight loss after their first month in the program, each shedding an average of 3 pounds after Month 1. We are happy to see so many patients experience quick results, which serves as a motivational boost for continuing in the program.
For the 12% of patients who do not see initial changes, patience pays off as nearly all of them begin to see results in subsequent months.
Weight Loss After Four Months
Over time, nearly every patient (99%) consistently reported some weight loss each month, culminating in an average loss of 18 pounds per patient after the first 4 months.
Among those achieving the most dramatic results, one patient lost 41 pounds by the end of Month 4. Results like these underscore our opinion that with commitment and professional support, GLP-1 medications offer an effective tool for weight management.
“It’s so rewarding to see our patients achieve consistent weight loss month after month,” says The Sanctuary’s founder John DiBella. “I truly believe this progress reflects not only the effectiveness of GLP-1 medications, but also the commitment and motivation of our patients. Staying dedicated throughout this journey is key, and we’re all here to support them along the way.”
Average Weight Loss by Month
Our patients experience gradual, month-by-month weight loss with medications like semaglutide, allowing healthy body adaptation, reducing rebound risk, and supporting sustainable habits.
These averages also align with the weight loss guidelines recommended by health professionals (see the CDC’s recommendations), emphasizing that slow and steady progress often leads to better long-term results. On average, our patients lost weight in the following amounts month-to-month:
- Month 1: 4 lbs
- Month 2: 5 lbs
- Month 3: 5 lbs
- Month 4: 4 lbs
Highest Weight Loss by Month
While many patients experience a steady, moderate rate of weight loss, some see more dramatic changes each month, depending on factors like individual metabolism, adherence to dietary and exercise guidelines, and responsiveness to the medication. Here are the monthly weight loss figures for patients with the highest reductions:
- Month 1: 9 lbs
- Month 2: 11 lbs
- Month 3: 12 lbs
- Month 4: 9 lbs
These higher rates of weight loss reflect the program’s adaptability to diverse needs, demonstrating how GLP-1 medications can yield impressive results for certain individuals.
Our Patients’ Side Effects
One of the advantages of our medical weight loss program is its tolerability, with more than half of our patients (approximately 57%) reporting no side effects at all each month.
Most Common Side Effects
For those who do encounter side effects, the most commonly reported is mild nausea without vomiting, which affects about 20% of our patients. This nausea typically subsides as the body adjusts to the medication.
Other side effects are less common but may still affect a small portion of our patients. Approximately 12% experience heartburn, a manageable symptom that can often be reduced with dietary adjustments and medication timing. Another 11% of patients report mild headaches, which tend to diminish over time.
Regarding side effects, Dr. Granados says, “While some patients may experience mild side effects at the beginning, it’s important to remember that these often improve over time. Our goal is to provide support and strategies to help manage any discomfort, ensuring that each patient feels comfortable and confident on their weight loss journey.”
When Side Effects Appear
Most side effects occur early on, with 38% of patients reporting symptoms during the first month. For some, side effects emerged later:
- 18% noticed symptoms for the first time in Month 2.
- 14% did not experience side effects until Month 3.
The gradual decrease in side effects and patient comfort over time highlights the body’s adaptation to these medications. Our medical team is here to help patients navigate these challenges, offering tips and strategies to reduce discomfort.
Side Effect Improvement Over Time
Many patients who experience side effects with semaglutide or tripeptide find that these symptoms tend to improve over time, as their bodies gradually adapt to the medication. For instance, among our patients who had initial symptoms in Month 1, around 36% of them reported a complete absence of side effects by Month 2.
Additionally, another 36% of patients noticed that their side effects had become significantly milder, indicating that symptoms like nausea, headaches, or heartburn are often temporary.
By Month 3, these trends become even more pronounced. At this stage, 43% of patients who had initially experienced side effects no longer reported any discomfort, while another 43% found that their symptoms were less severe than they were at the start.
“Our patients’ ability to adapt to these medications over time is promising,” says one of our medical weight loss doctors, Dr. Granados. “We work closely with each individual to ensure that any side effects are managed effectively so they can focus on their weight loss goals.”
Learn More About Medical Weight Loss from The Sanctuary
At the Sanctuary Wellness Institute, our experienced doctors and staff are dedicated to providing personalized weight loss solutions tailored to each patient’s needs. To support our patients in making informed choices, we offer resources addressing common questions on medical weight loss:
- Is Medical Weight Loss Covered By Insurance?
- Are There BMI Requirements for Weight Loss Drugs?
- Tirzepatide vs. Semaglutide: Which Is Better for Weight Loss?
- How to Inject Semaglutide
- Does Semaglutide Suppress Appetite Immediately?
- How Much Weight Can You Lose with Semaglutide?
Conclusion
The Sanctuary Wellness Institute’s medical weight loss program is available across multiple states, including Connecticut, Florida, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Virginia. This expansion allows us to bring advanced medications and personalized support to even more patients seeking safe, effective solutions for weight management.
Led by a team of empathetic and knowledgeable providers, we are committed to delivering compassionate care and supporting each patient’s journey toward lasting health and well-being. Suppose you’re ready to take the next step toward effective, sustainable weight management. In that case, we invite you to join us at The Sanctuary for a transformative approach to lasting health and wellness.
States Where We Offer Medical Weight Loss Services
How we reviewed this article:
- Steps for Losing Weight
https://www.cdc.gov/healthy-weight-growth/losing-weight/index.html
Current Version
November 14, 2024
Written By
Nicholas DiBella
Fact-checked By
Dr. Desiree Granados
Editorial Process
Our Editorial Process
Nicholas DiBella received his psychology degree from West Chester University of Pennsylvania and has been writing content for the Sanctuary Wellness Institute since 2023. He is passionate about all things cannabis.
