At our Zormeier Cosmetic Surgery & Longevity Center locations in Nobleville, IN, Shelbyville, IN, Danville, IL, Healdsburg, CA, and Ukiah, CA, we offer a GPL-1, as well as dual and triple agonist weight loss injection treatment plans that can help patients achieve their weight loss goals. Also known as the skinny shot, this injectable can work alongside a weight management plan to help you lose weight and keep it off long-term.
What Is the Skinny Shot?
The skinny shot is another term for a GPL-1 injection. GPL-1 is a weight loss medication that was originally developed to treat Type 2 diabetes, and studies revealed that it also proved to be effective as an obesity treatment. The skinny shot is a weight loss injectable medication that can help patients lose significant weight through a customized treatment plan. It also promotes improved blood sugar control by regulating blood sugar levels and stimulating the body’s ability to produce insulin.About Our Weight Loss Injections
GLP-1 Receptor Agonists
GLP-1 receptor agonists are medications that mimic the natural hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which helps regulate appetite and blood sugar balance. An “agonist” is a substance that binds to a specific receptor in the body and activates it to produce a biological response. These injections slow digestion, reduce hunger signals, and help you feel full longer after eating. They also support healthy glucose levels by enhancing insulin release and reducing the amount of sugar produced by the liver. When the use of this medication is part of a medically supervised weight management plan, GLP-1 treatments can help patients reduce calorie intake more comfortably and sustain meaningful weight loss. In addition to supporting weight control, these medications can also improve overall metabolic health, including blood pressure and cholesterol levels.Dual Agonist Injections
Dual agonist injections target two hormone pathways involved in appetite control and metabolism. These treatments stimulate both the GLP-1 and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptors and help the body to manage hunger signals and insulin response more efficiently. GLP-1 and GIP agonist injections improve how the body processes carbohydrates and fats while supporting a stronger feeling of fullness after meals. Because these medications influence multiple metabolic pathways, they may lead to greater reductions in body weight for certain patients.How It Differs From GLP-1 Agonists
While GLP-1 agonists primarily target one receptor involved in appetite and glucose control, dual agonists engage two separate hormone systems simultaneously. Dual agonists provide a more comprehensive approach to regulating appetite and nutrient metabolism. Activating the GIP receptor enhances the body’s ability to use fat for energy while maintaining better stability in blood sugar levels.What It Is Used For
Dual agonist injections are used as part of a structured medical program to support weight reduction and metabolic improvement. They can help individuals with obesity or weight-related health concerns improve blood sugar control, reduce fat accumulation, and increase overall energy utilization. These injections may also benefit those who have plateaued with other weight loss methods.Triple Receptor Agonists
Triple receptor agonists are a newer class of metabolic medications that activate three hormone pathways simultaneously: GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon receptors. Each receptor contributes differently to appetite control, energy balance, and fat metabolism. When all three are stimulated together, the body can experience more coordinated effects on hunger regulation, calorie burning, and blood sugar stability.How It Differs From GLP-1
Engaging the glucagon receptor helps increase energy expenditure, while stimulation of GIP and GLP-1 receptors supports appetite control and insulin regulation. The combination allows the body to use fat more effectively while stabilizing glucose levels so that it can provide more than just appetite suppression. Triple agonists may offer a more comprehensive treatment for the right patient seeking weight management and body composition improvements.What It Is Used For
Triple receptor agonists are used to assist adults with obesity or metabolic challenges that have not responded well to diet, exercise, or single-pathway treatments. They regulate appetite, enhance calorie burning, and stabilize blood sugar levels within a medical weight management plan. These medications may also benefit those with conditions related to insulin resistance or impaired glucose tolerance.Triple Agonist Treatment Clinical Trials
Triple agonist research is still in its early stages. Treatment clinical trials are currently underway, including a study of triple agonists in patients with obesity and cardiovascular disease that is set to conclude in May of 2026.What Weight Loss Shots Can Help With
Accelerated Weight Loss
Because of the way that GPL-1 interacts with natural bodily processes, it accelerates weight loss. Results vary among patients regarding the total weight lost, and once we design your treatment plan at one of our NorCal area locations, we can give you more details about how much weight you can expect to lose based on your starting point and ultimate goals.Reduced Appetite
Another one of the benefits of the skinny shot is that once administered, it begins working to help you lose weight and reduce your appetite. As a result of the treatment, you will feel fuller for longer, reducing the chance of you giving into emotional eating or cravings, which is a significant benefit when following a weight management treatment plan.Reduced Risk of Obesity and Related Diseases
With obesity comes an increased risk of obesity-related medical conditions, including Type 2 diabetes, stroke, cancer, and heart disease, among others. When you take steps to lose the necessary amount of weight to reach optimal health, you simultaneously reduce the risk of obesity and the other health conditions that accompany it.What Are the Treatment Benefits?
Aside from accelerating weight loss, GPL-1 injection treatment plans and our other weight loss injections offer many benefits. These injectables are suitable for those who want to lose minimal and significant weight, and they also complement a weight management plan that includes regular exercise and a healthy diet.A Safe Treatment
When you begin a treatment plan with a skinny shot, you can rest assured that not only is it safe and FDA-approved (FDA approval for weight loss applies to GLP-1 and dual receptor agonist injections only) to help you lose your desired amount of weight, but we will monitor your treatment progress throughout your medical weight loss journey with us. We will ensure that the treatment is helping you achieve your desired results and make adjustments if needed. Safety is our top priority, so you can have confidence knowing that not only will this injectable help you achieve your results, but we will take the necessary steps to ensure that it does so safely.Non-Surgical, Medically Supervised Approach
Treatment with receptor agonist-based therapies is a non-surgical way to improve metabolic health and support weight management. Each plan is carefully monitored by a medical professional who can adjust dosing, evaluate your progress, and make sure the therapy is aligning with your health goals.Several Different Options
Having several treatment options allows us to customize our services precisely to your health goals and metabolic needs. We will consider everything from your current health to the goals you have for the future to find a treatment plan that aligns with your body’s response and desired outcomes.Long-Term Potential for Sustained Results
GLP-1 agonists influence underlying metabolic processes that contribute to energy balance, appetite regulation, and nutrient absorption. When you combine these treatments with our medical guidance and a healthy lifestyle, these treatments can support lasting improvements in weight stability and wellness.
Tirzepatide Vs Semaglutide: Similarities and Differences
Understandably, given how quickly tirzepatide and semaglutide have risen to prominence, these two distinct drugs are sometimes lumped together. And to be sure, there is much overlap between the two in terms of their potential benefits and applications, but they are not the same. Here’s a quick breakdown of how the two compare across several clinically relevant categories:
Mechanism
Both semaglutide and tirzepatide stimulate a kind of receptor in the body known as the GLP-1 receptor. In healthy people, this receptor is normally activated by hormones that the body already produces. When GLP-1 receptors are stimulated, they prompt insulin release to help curb blood sugar spikes. This receptor also manages appetite.
The difference between semaglutide and tirzepatide in this case is that tirzepatide also acts as an agonist, or stimulator, of GIP receptors. Among the many function of this class of receptors are, once again, blood sugar regulation and appetite. In other words, tirzepatide promotes the same benefits of semaglutide, but on two fronts, often rendering it more effective.
Benefits
Both semaglutide and tirzepatide have been proven effective for regulating a healthy body weight, but most research gives tirzepatide a slight (1-2%) edge. Similarly, both of these drugs can also reduce blood sugar in type 2 diabetics. Whether you intend to use either of these off label or for diabetes management, consulting with a licensed professional is highly recommended to ensure adequate dosage, safety, and more.
Dosage
Keeping in mind that it’s always the best practice to defer to your treatment provider’s individualized recommendations, a typical starting dose for semaglutide is 0.25 milligrams per week. Assuming you respond well to the treatment, the dosage may be gradually increased to as high as 2.4 milligrams per week, which is what the FDA has determined as the “standard maintenance dosage.” These weight loss injections are typically self-administered once a week.
Tirzepatide dosage typically starts at 2.5 milligrams per week, and can be increased over time to 15 milligrams per week. Regularly monitoring your response to treatment and reporting any issues to your care team is crucial for preventing unwanted side effects.
How Does the Weight Loss Injection Process Work?
Consultation
During your initial consultation, we will give you more details about how the injection process works based on your unique treatment plan. We will review your medical history, discuss your wellness goals, and determine whether peptide-based therapy is a suitable option. Your provider will explain what to expect during treatment, how results develop, and what lifestyle habits can help maximize your outcome.Finding the Right Medication
Each person responds differently to these treatments, so selecting the right formulation is an important part of the process. Your provider will consider factors such as your medical history, current medications, and overall health goals before recommending a specific receptor agonist therapy. Some formulations may also be adjusted as treatment progresses to help maintain steady improvement and minimize unwanted side effects.Administration
GPL-1 injections are administered weekly. The skinny shot is an injectable fitted with a fine, thin needle. During treatment, the needle is administered just below the skin’s surface into adipose tissue. The treatment itself takes seconds to complete. Dual and triple agonist injections are also administered weekly on a regular schedule. These medications are all designed for slow, sustained release.Monitoring
Ongoing medical monitoring is an important part of every treatment plan. Regular check-ins allow us to track your progress, review any changes in appetite or energy, and adjust your dosage if needed. We may also discuss related therapies or strategies if your treatment goals extend beyond blood sugar regulation to include digestive or nutrient absorption support, or if you need help through a weight loss plateau.Aftercare and Ongoing Instructions
We will give you clear instructions about how to manage your injections and maintain results between appointments. Staying consistent with your treatment schedule, maintaining healthy eating habits, and keeping regular follow-up visits all help promote long-term success. You will also receive guidance on recognizing normal treatment responses and when to contact the office for adjustments or questions.Expected Results and Timeline
You can expect to notice the best results within three to six months of treatment. Some people begin to experience subtle changes earlier, such as steadier appetite control and increased energy. As treatment continues, improvements in blood sugar regulation and weight management can become more noticeable, particularly when paired with consistent lifestyle habits and medical guidance.Am I a Candidate?
If you have been trying to lose weight through traditional methods, like calorie restriction and exercise, but aren’t seeing results or aren’t achieving results as quickly as you’d like, you may be a good candidate for a GPL-1 injection treatment plan. Since this injectable can accelerate weight loss and do so safely, it can help you achieve your healthy goal weight and maintain it long-term.Tips to Maximize Your Results
As effective as the skinny shot is, mankind’s endless search for that “magic button” has not met an end quite yet. Especially if you’re aiming for a more toned physique, there is much more to a successful and sustainable weight loss effort than receiving the skinny shot alone. As always, the “standard prescription” (balanced diet, exercise, hydration, sleep, etc.) still very much applies. The one major tweak in the case of supplementing your skinny shot results is an increased focus on keeping blood glucose levels stable throughout the day—more on that below.Combining Weight Loss Injections With Lifestyle Habits
Carb-Conscious (Not Carb-Phobic!) Dieting
Trends and gadgets aside, standard weight loss diets are both reliable and versatile enough to accommodate different palates (home cooking skills help). Following a nutritionally dense and well-rounded diet rich in lean proteins, probiotics, healthy carbs and fats, and lots of fruits and vegetables that keeps your glucose levels steady throughout the day is an excellent way to complement the effects of the skinny shot. There’s a whole lot to go over in this department, so here it is in condensed format:- Complex, nutritious carbs: Yams, quinoa, legumes, and some seeds
- Fiber-rich foods: Nuts and seeds, whole grains, vegetables, fruit
- Lean proteins: Poultry (no skin), white fish, low-fat dairy, legumes, tofu
- Probiotic-rich foods: Sauerkraut, tempeh, yogurt, kefir, kimchi
- Plenty of fruits and vegetables: Dark and leafy veggies, berries, etc.
- Healthy fats: Avocado/olive oil, salmon, nuts, seeds, eggs
