What are GLP‑1 medications?
If you feel like you have “tried everything” to lose weight and nothing sticks, you are not alone. Many people come to Clinica Cabrera feeling frustrated, tired, and discouraged.
GLP‑1 medications, like semaglutide and tirzepatide, are prescription medicines originally created to help manage blood sugar in people with diabetes. Doctors later noticed that many patients also lost a meaningful amount of weight, leading to new options specifically approved for weight loss.
These medications are not fad diet pills. They are part of a medical weight loss plan that looks at your health history, labs, lifestyle, and goals. At Clinica Cabrera, we use GLP‑1s carefully and thoughtfully, pairing them with nutrition, mindset support, and regular follow‑up.
How GLP‑1 medications help with weight loss
GLP‑1 stands for “glucagon‑like peptide‑1,” which is a hormone your body naturally makes. It helps regulate blood sugar and also plays a big role in appetite and fullness.
GLP‑1 medications work by:
- Reducing appetite: You feel full sooner and have fewer intense cravings.
- Slowing stomach emptying: Food stays in your stomach longer, so you stay satisfied between meals.
- Supporting blood sugar control: This can help people with insulin resistance or prediabetes.
The goal is not to starve you. Instead, GLP‑1 medications help your brain and gut “turn down the volume” on constant hunger, so you can make healthier choices without fighting your body every minute of the day.
Key benefits of GLP‑1 weight loss treatment
When used safely under medical supervision, GLP‑1 medications can offer powerful benefits for adults struggling with weight.
- Clinically meaningful weight loss: Many patients lose a significant percentage of their body weight over time.
- Improved health markers: Blood sugar, blood pressure, cholesterol, and fatty liver may improve as weight comes down.
- Less “food noise”: Constant thoughts about food often quiet down, making life feel calmer and more in control.
- Support for metabolic conditions: Helpful for people with prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, PCOS, or metabolic syndrome.
- Supervised, structured care: You are not left on your own. We monitor your response and adjust your plan as needed.
At Clinica Cabrera, we focus on sustainable change, not quick fixes. Our patients often tell us they finally feel like their biology is working with them instead of against them.
Common side effects and how we manage them
Like any medication, GLP‑1s such as semaglutide and tirzepatide can cause side effects. Most are related to the digestive system and are often manageable with the right approach.
Common side effects can include:
- Nausea or upset stomach
- Gas, bloating, or burping
- Constipation or, less commonly, diarrhea
- Decreased appetite (which is expected but should still feel safe)
- Occasional fatigue or headache, especially at the beginning
At Clinica Cabrera, we usually start at a low dose and go up slowly. We also give you specific guidance on what and how to eat to reduce discomfort, such as smaller meals, eating slowly, and choosing lighter foods during the first weeks.
If you ever feel that a side effect is too strong, we want you to reach out. We can adjust your dose, change the timing, or explore other options so your plan remains safe and realistic.
Who is a good candidate?
GLP‑1 medications are not for everyone, and that is a good thing. Medical weight loss should always be personalized to keep you safe.
In general, adults may be candidates if they:
- Have a higher body weight or BMI and want supported weight loss
- Struggle with weight‑related conditions like prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol
- Have tried lifestyle changes alone without lasting results
- Are not pregnant or breastfeeding, and do not have certain medical contraindications
- Are willing to attend regular follow‑ups and lab work as recommended
During your consultation at Clinica Cabrera, we review your medical history, medications, and goals. If a GLP‑1 is not the right fit for you, we will discuss other safe options to help you move toward better health.
What to expect at Clinica Cabrera
Starting a new medication can feel intimidating, especially if you have been judged about your weight in the past. Our goal is to offer a warm, respectful, and judgment‑free experience.
Here is what your GLP‑1 journey at Clinica Cabrera might look like:
- Initial consultation: We talk about your history, your current health, and your goals. We also review your medications and supplements.
- Labs and evaluation: We may order lab tests to better understand your metabolic health and ensure a GLP‑1 is safe for you.
- Personalized plan: Together we choose a starting dose, discuss how to inject (if applicable), and plan your follow‑up visits.
- Ongoing support: We check in regularly to adjust your dose, manage side effects, and fine‑tune your nutrition and lifestyle habits.
- Long‑term strategy: We help you think beyond the scale, focusing on energy, mobility, mood, and long‑term health in busy life.
You are never “just a number.” We want you to feel seen, heard, and supported from your first visit onward.
Lifestyle tips to boost your results
GLP‑1 medications can open the door to change, but your daily habits keep that door open. You do not need a perfect routine; simple, realistic steps matter.
Some tips we often share with our patients include:
- Prioritize protein: Aim to include a source of protein at most meals to support muscle and satiety.
- Stay hydrated: Sip water across the day, especially if you feel more constipated.
- Move gently: Walking, light strength work, or stretching can all help, even in a busy NYC schedule.
- Eat mindfully: Put devices away, chew slowly, and notice when you feel satisfied, not stuffed.
- Protect your sleep: A calmer mind and body make cravings easier to manage.
At Clinica Cabrera, we meet you where you are. We understand the realities of busy work hours, commuting, and family life, and we help you find a plan that fits into your world.
Is a GLP‑1 right for you?
If you are wondering whether semaglutide, tirzepatide, or another GLP‑1 medication could finally help you move the needle on your weight, you do not have to guess alone.
At Clinica Cabrera, we look at the whole person, not just the number on the scale. We will talk honestly about what these medications can and cannot do, and we will help you find a safe, realistic path toward better health.
Ready to explore whether GLP‑1 medical weight loss is a good fit for you? Reach out to Clinica Cabrera to schedule a consultation and take your next step with expert, compassionate support.
Share: