At Learn2Lose in Charlotte, we offer programs that include prescription GLP-1 weight loss injections and oral GLP-1 treatment options as part of a physician-guided medical weight loss program at our locations in Charlotte and Matthews. These prescription medications work by regulating appetite and improving blood sugar control and may support weight management in appropriate patients when used under medical supervision. Schedule a consultation to determine whether GLP-1–based medical weight loss may be appropriate for you.
Table of Contents
- What are GLP-1 Medications?
- How do GLP-1 Injections Help with Weight Loss?
- What are the Benefits?
- What are the Side Effects?
- Am I candidate for GLP-1 Injections?
- Which GLP-1 is Right for Me?
How GLP-1 Weight Loss Treatments Work
GLP-1 stands for glucagon-like peptide-1, a hormone your body produces naturally in the intestines. This hormone plays a role in appetite regulation, gastric emptying, and glucose metabolism. GLP-1 medications are designed to mimic or enhance the effects of this hormone and are used in clinical settings to influence appetite regulation and metabolic signaling. For a deeper comparison of treatment options, see our Semaglutide vs Tirzepatide guide
Appetite Suppression:
They reduce hunger signals in the brain, which may reduce caloric intake in some patients.
Enhanced Fullness:
They increase the sensation of satisfaction after eating, which may influence eating behavior.
Slower Digestion:
They delay the emptying of the stomach, which contributes to prolonged satiety.
Blood Sugar Stability:
By influencing how the body regulates glucose, they may affect appetite signaling.
These effects may make GLP-1 medications an option that may be appropriate for some individuals as part of a medical weight management plan, especially when paired with healthy eating habits and regular physical activity.
How Do GLP-1 Medications Promote Weight Loss?
GLP-1 medications work by interacting with receptors in the brain that manage hunger and fullness. When these receptors are activated, hunger signals may be reduced, which can influence caloric intake. The medication also slows the digestive process, meaning food remains in the stomach longer and contributes to satiety. Over time, these effects may contribute to reduced caloric intake in some patients as part of a medically supervised weight management approach.
Common GLP-1 Weight Loss Treatments
GLP-1–based medical weight loss treatments include both injectable and oral options. Injectable GLP-1 therapies have been used for several years in the management of obesity and metabolic disease. More recently, an oral semaglutide formulation (Wegovy® oral formulation) has been FDA-approved for chronic weight management in appropriate adults when used alongside reduced-calorie nutrition and increased physical activity.
The specific medication, formulation, and dosing strategy are determined by a licensed medical provider based on an individual’s medical history, treatment goals, and approved indications.
Examples of GLP-1–based treatments may include:
- Semaglutide
- Tirzepatide
- Other GLP-1 receptor agonists, depending on clinical appropriateness
Approved indications, routes of administration, and dosing schedules vary by medication. A medical evaluation is required to determine whether an injectable or oral GLP-1 option is appropriate.
What to Expect from GLP-1 Medications:
Benefits and Side Effects
Benefits
- Weight Management: Some patients may experience reductions in body weight beyond lifestyle modification alone; individual results vary.
- Metabolic Effects: These medications may influence blood sugar regulation and appetite signaling in some patients.
- Dosing Convenience: Some GLP-1 formulations allow for less frequent dosing, depending on the medication and treatment plan.
Side Effects
- Gastrointestinal Issues: Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are the most common, especially during the first few weeks.
- Appetite Changes: Some people feel less hungry than usual, which can be a benefit but may require dietary adjustments.
- Other Considerations: Rarely, more serious effects like pancreas or gallbladder issues can occur, so monitoring by a healthcare provider is essential.
Side effects, dosing adjustments, and tolerability are reviewed during consultation and monitored throughout treatment.
Who Might Benefit from
GLP-1 Medications?
GLP-1 treatments may be appropriate for patients who have struggled to lose weight through diet, exercise, or other medications alone — especially when factors like insulin resistance, metabolic slowdown, or appetite dysregulation are involved.
You may be a good candidate if you experience frequent hunger or cravings, difficulty losing weight despite consistent effort, or a pattern of weight regain after dieting.
These treatments are also commonly considered for individuals with weight-related health concerns such as prediabetes, insulin resistance, or metabolic syndrome.
At Learn2Lose, our medical providers evaluate each patient individually to determine whether GLP-1 treatment is appropriate and which option — including injections or oral medications — may provide the best results.
Not sure if you’re a candidate?
Schedule a medical consultation
to get a personalized recommendation.
Choosing the Right GLP-1 Medication
Selecting an appropriate GLP-1–based weight loss treatment involves consideration of several clinical and lifestyle factors:
- Health Conditions: – Existing medical conditions, including diabetes or gastrointestinal concerns, may influence medication selection.
- Lifestyle Preferences: – Dosing frequency and route of administration may vary depending on the medication and individual preferences.
- Side Effect Profile: – Side effect profiles vary by medication and may include gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea or constipation.
- Cost Considerations: – Medication pricing can vary, but has improved as of early 2026. Our team can discuss the latest pricing at your initial weight loss consultation.
At Learn2Lose, medical providers tailor recommendations based on individual medical history, treatment goals, and approved indications.
GLP-1 Weight Loss Program Pricing, Medical Providers and Safety Information
What it costs
Learn2Lose programs start at $99 per week. The 4-week semaglutide program is $418 and the 4-week tirzepatide program is $549. Your $149 initial consultation is credited toward a 4-week program if you choose to start. Learn2Lose is a direct-pay practice, so no insurance is required.
Who supervises your care
Your program is directed by David Croland, DO, board certified in Family Medicine by the National Board of Physicians and Surgeons (NBPAS) and founder of Learn2Lose in 2006. A medical evaluation is required before any medication is prescribed, and your medical provider monitors your progress throughout the program.
Important safety information
GLP-1 medications such as semaglutide and tirzepatide are not right for everyone. They carry a boxed warning about the risk of thyroid C-cell tumors seen in animal studies. Do not use them if you or a family member has had medullary thyroid carcinoma or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2), or if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation and stomach discomfort. Serious risks include pancreatitis, gallbladder problems and dehydration that can affect the kidneys. Tell your medical provider about every medication you take and every health condition you have. For full details see our semaglutide and tirzepatide pages. This information is general and does not replace a medical evaluation.
