The lines between metabolic and mental health are blurring fast, and psychiatrists are uniquely positioned to treat both
Some smaller peptides (e.g., collagen, GHKCu) can be taken orally or applied topically
Both medications slow gastric emptying and reduce appetite, but their receptor targets create nuanced differences in outcomes
What it costs: Programs at Main Street Med Spa start at $250 per month with a 3-month minimum commitment, supervised by Madison Alcaz, RN, BSN, and Stacey Chavez, FNP-BC
Water, herbal tea, and broth all count
Phase-by-Phase Results Weeks 1-4 (0.25mg): Expected weight loss: 2-5 pounds What youll notice: Possible appetite changes beginning, adjustment to medication Visual change: None apparent Weeks 5-8 (0.5mg): Cumulative weight loss: 6-10 pounds What youll notice: Clearer appetite suppression, reduced portion sizes Visual change: Minimal, possibly clothes fitting slightly better Weeks 9-12 (1.0mg): Cumulative weight loss: 12-18 pounds What youll notice: Consistent weekly losses, significant appetite reduction Visual change: Beginning to be noticeable, especially in face Weeks 13-16 (1.7mg): Cumulative weight loss: 18-25 pounds What youll notice: Strong appetite suppression, eating patterns clearly changed Visual change: Others starting to comment Weeks 17-28 (2.4mg maintenance): Cumulative weight loss: 25-40 pounds What youll notice: Peak weight loss period, maximum medication effect Visual change: Clearly visible transformation Weeks 29-52: Cumulative weight loss: 35-50 pounds What youll notice: Weight loss continuing but gradually slowing Visual change: Dramatic difference from starting point Week 68 (trial endpoint): Cumulative weight loss: 30-50+ pounds (approximately 15% for average responders) What youll notice: Approaching new equilibrium Visual change: Complete transformation for most patients These figures represent typical trajectories
