For many people, weight loss often feels like an uphill battle filled with frustration, diet fatigue, and a cycle of regaining pounds after temporary success. Traditional approaches like calorie restriction and intensive exercise can help some individuals, but for many others – especially those dealing with metabolic conditions – these methods don’t produce long-term results. That’s why modern medicine has developed new, science-backed treatments designed to support real, sustainable weight management.
One of the most effective breakthroughs in recent years has been GLP-1 receptor agonist injections, a class of medications originally created for managing type 2 diabetes but now widely recognized as powerful tools for medical weight loss. At his Newport Beach and La Jolla practices, Dr. Tim Sayed, MD, MBA, FACS, offers medically supervised GLP-1 weight loss programs tailored to each patient’s unique needs, helping them lose weight safely and effectively while improving overall health.
If you’ve struggled with yo-yo dieting or feel like your weight won’t budge no matter what you try, GLP-1 injections may be the solution that finally works for you.
What Are GLP-1 Agonists?
GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonists are a type of injectable medication that mimic a naturally occurring hormone in the gut. This hormone plays a critical role in regulating appetite, food intake, and blood sugar levels.
When administered as a shot, GLP-1 medications work by:
- Reducing appetite: They slow down stomach emptying and signal the brain to feel full sooner.
- Lowering cravings: By modifying appetite signals, patients often report having far less desire for sweets and highly processed foods.
- Supporting stable blood sugar: GLP-1 medications improve insulin response and reduce spikes in blood glucose, which is particularly beneficial for patients with insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes.
- Promoting weight loss: By helping you eat fewer calories without feeling deprived, GLP-1 agonists promote gradual and sustainable fat loss.
Some of the most well-known GLP-1 medications for weight management include semaglutide (brand names like Ozempic® and Wegovy®) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro®), which have been shown in studies to help patients lose between 15–20% of their body weight on average when combined with healthy lifestyle changes.
Why Choose Medically Supervised Weight Loss with Dr. Sayed?
While GLP-1 injections are highly effective, they are not a one-size-fits-all solution. Successful weight loss requires personalized care, close medical monitoring, and comprehensive support. That’s where Dr. Sayed’s practice excels.
Dr. Sayed and his team provide:
- Individualized treatment plans: Every patient has unique goals and challenges, and treatment is customized to reflect that.
- Safe monitoring: Continued evaluations help avoid side effects and ensure healthy progress.
- Holistic guidance: While the injections are powerful, sustainable results come from pairing them with lifestyle coaching, nutrition support, and exercise guidance.
- Compassionate care: Dr. Sayed believes in empowering his patients by actively listening to their concerns, celebrating their successes, and adjusting strategies as needed.
Many patients appreciate that the injections take the emotional struggle out of eating by regulating hunger naturally, allowing them to focus more on healthy living without constant willpower battles.
How GLP-1 Injections Help with Weight Loss
Losing weight isn’t just about calories – it’s about metabolic health, appetite regulation, and psychology. GLP-1 agonist shots help in multiple ways:
- Biological appetite control: Unlike fad diets that rely solely on extreme calorie restriction, GLP-1s address the underlying mechanism of overeating. Patients typically feel satisfied after smaller meals.
- Reduction in emotional eating: Many patients note that they’re less compelled to snack out of boredom or stress, which helps eliminate extra “empty calories.”
- Fat loss over muscle loss: These medications preferentially support fat reduction, especially visceral fat around the abdomen, which is associated with higher risks for heart disease and diabetes.
- Sustainable results: Weight loss achieved with GLP-1 therapy tends to be gradual, averaging 1–3lbs per week, which is optimal for long-term maintenance.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
GLP-1 agonist shots are not for everyone, but they are particularly effective for people who:
- Have struggled with overweight or obesity (BMI of 27 or higher with health problems, or 30 and above).
- Experience constant hunger or cravings that sabotage dieting attempts.
- Have conditions such as insulin resistance, prediabetes, or type 2 diabetes.
- Have tried traditional weight loss programs without long-term success.
- Are ready to commit to ongoing lifestyle changes, including healthier eating and regular physical activity.
Patients with a history of certain thyroid tumors, pancreatitis, or gastrointestinal issues may not be suited for these treatments, which is why medical supervision by Dr. Sayed is essential.
What to Expect from Treatment with Dr. Sayed
When you begin a medically supervised GLP-1 program at Dr. Sayed’s MedSpa, the process generally looks like:
- Comprehensive Consultation: Dr. Sayed will review your medical history, weight loss goals, health conditions, and lab tests to determine if you are a good candidate.
- Personalized Plan: A customized program will be designed specifically for you and may include nutrition counseling, activity recommendations, and aesthetic treatments to complement your weight loss goals.
- Treatment Administration: If appropriate, GLP-1 shots will be prescribed and administered in a safe setting. Many injections are self-administered weekly at home with easy-to-use pens.
- Monitoring & Support: Regular follow-up appointments track progress, adjust dosage, and ensure you see the right results with minimal side effects.
Once you reach your goal weight, Dr. Sayed will provide you with strategies to maintain it, including whether continued GLP-1 use is appropriate or if discontinuing injections is optimal.
Benefits of Losing Weight with Medical Support
Losing excess weight offers profound benefits beyond just improving appearance. Under Dr. Sayed’s supervised program, patients often experience:
- Increased energy and stamina
- Improved blood sugar regulation
- Lower cholesterol and triglycerides
- Reduced risk for cardiovascular disease
- Less joint pain and better mobility
- Better sleep quality and reduced snoring
- Improved confidence and mental well-being
- Longer-lasting results compared to crash dieting
By combining medical expertise with cutting-edge treatments like GLP-1 agonist injections, Dr. Sayed helps patients enjoy weight loss that is not only attainable but also sustainable.
Complimenting Weight Loss with Aesthetic Medicine
One unique benefit of working with Dr. Sayed’s MedSpa is the ability to pair medical weight loss with non-surgical aesthetic treatments. Many patients find that after losing weight, they want to improve skin tone, tighten sagging areas, or enhance facial features to align with their new, healthier body.
Popular treatments often combined with weight loss include:
- Skin tightening with radiofrequency devices like Potenza
- Body contouring to reduce stubborn fat pockets or better shape areas after weight loss with Emsculpt NEO
- Facial rejuvenation with Botox®, dermal fillers, or microneedling
By offering both medical weight management and aesthetic procedures, Dr. Sayed provides a truly comprehensive approach to health, beauty, and confidence.
Patient Success Stories
Many of Dr. Sayed’s patients share inspiring stories about their medical and aesthetic journeys. They often mention how GLP-1 shots helped them regain control over their eating habits, lose significant weight, and enjoy a healthier lifestyle they could actually stick with.
For example, patients who once struggled with constant cravings noticed within weeks that their desire for snacks and sugary drinks dramatically decreased. Others highlighted improvements in energy, sleep, and emotional well-being as the pounds started to come off. And because the weight loss was gradual rather than drastic, patients were able to adjust to new routines and maintain their results long after the first few months of treatment.
GLP-1 Agonist Shot FAQs/Frequently Asked Questions
How much weight can I expect to lose?
While results vary, many patients lose 1–3lbs per week. Clinical trials show average weight reductions of 15–20% of body weight with consistent treatment and lifestyle changes.
Are there side effects?
Some patients may experience mild nausea, digestive upset, or appetite changes during the first few weeks. These effects usually improve as the body adjusts. Serious side effects are rare under supervised care.
How long do I need to stay on the treatment?
The duration of treatment varies by patient. Some choose to continue using GLP-1 injections long term to support ongoing appetite regulation, while others eventually transition off injection use. Dr. Sayed will craft a long-term plan tailored to your health.
Do I have to diet and exercise too?
The injections make it easier to adopt healthier habits by reducing hunger and cravings, but lasting results come from a balanced approach that also includes nutrition improvements and regular activity.
Taking the First Step Toward Lasting Weight Loss
Weight loss doesn’t have to feel like an endless struggle against your own body. With modern medical solutions like GLP-1 agonist shots, patients are finally achieving meaningful, long-lasting results that improve both health and confidence.
If you’ve been frustrated with diets that don’t work, or you’re ready to explore advanced, physician-supervised options to regain control of your health, Dr. Tim Sayed and his team are here to help. Combining deep medical expertise with a compassionate, personalized approach, Dr. Sayed guides patients toward healthier living—without harsh restrictions or unrealistic expectations.
Schedule your consultation today at our Newport Beach or La Jolla office to see if a GLP-1 weight loss program is right for you. Together, we can help you feel more vibrant, confident, and in control of your wellness journey.