Medical Weight Loss Clinic Sugar Land, TX

What is Medical Weight Loss, and How Does It Differ from Traditional Weight Loss Programs?

Traditional Weight Loss Programs: Why They Often Fall Short

Most commercial weight loss programs give you a meal plan, maybe some group support, and expect willpower to carry you through. They focus on calories in versus calories out. Eat less, move more, and you'll lose weight—right?

That's why people lose 10-15 pounds on these programs, then hit a wall. Or they white-knuckle their way through restrictive diets, lose weight, then regain it all within months. The program blames lack of commitment. But the real issue is that biology eventually wins.

Medical Weight Loss: A Different Approach

Medical weight loss treats obesity as what it actually is—a medical condition requiring medical intervention. Instead of relying solely on willpower, we use prescription medications that work with your body's hormone systems to make weight loss achievable.

Here's what makes medical weight loss different:

Prescription medications - FDA-approved drugs like semaglutide and tirzepatide that regulate appetite hormones, reduce hunger, and help your body release stored fat. These aren't supplements or over-the-counter pills—they're serious medications that require medical evaluation.

Medical supervision - Regular monitoring by doctors who track your progress through appointments and lab work. We adjust treatment based on your response, manage side effects, and ensure weight loss happens safely.

Personalized treatment - Your plan is based on your medical history, current health conditions, medications, metabolism, and lifestyle—not a generic template everyone follows.

Addressing root causes - We identify and treat the biological factors preventing weight loss: slow metabolism, insulin resistance, hormonal imbalances, medications causing weight gain, or underlying conditions like thyroid dysfunction.

Long-term focus - We're not promising rapid weight loss that disappears quickly. We're helping you achieve sustainable weight loss with ongoing support to maintain results.

The difference comes down to this: traditional programs ask you to fight your biology. Medical weight loss uses science to work with your biology, making lasting weight loss actually achievable.

Stop fighting your biology. Let us help you work with it.

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📞 Call (713) 636-2621 to speak with our team

Why Weight Loss Surgery Isn't Your Only Option

Many people assume they need weight loss surgery to lose significant weight. Bariatric surgery carries real risks, lengthy recovery times, and permanent changes to how your body processes food. But there's an evidence-based alternative that's changing medical weight loss: prescription medications combined with medical supervision.

The truth about traditional weight loss programs is simple: they don't work long-term because they ignore biology. When you eat less, your body fights back by increasing hunger hormones and slowing metabolism. This is why dieters eventually regain weight. You're not failing—your biology is working against you.

Our evidence-based medical weight loss program addresses the root cause. We use FDA-approved medications that work with your body's hormone systems to reduce hunger, improve metabolism, and help you achieve sustainable weight loss without fighting your biology constantly.

How Does Medical Weight Loss in Sugar Land Work?

Step 1: Comprehensive Medical Evaluation

Your journey begins with understanding what's actually happening in your body. We don't just weigh you and hand you a diet plan. We conduct a thorough medical evaluation including:

Detailed health history - Previous weight loss attempts, current medications, family history of obesity, health conditions affecting weight, eating patterns, activity level, sleep quality, and stress factors.

Physical examination - Body composition analysis showing muscle mass, fat percentage, and metabolic rate. We measure vital signs and assess overall health.

Laboratory testing - Complete bloodwork checking thyroid function, blood sugar and A1C, insulin levels, cholesterol and triglycerides, liver and kidney function, and hormone levels when relevant.

This baseline assessment identifies what's been working against you—whether that's metabolic issues, hormonal imbalances, medication side effects, or underlying conditions like insulin resistance.

Step 2: Personalized Treatment Plan Development

Based on your evaluation, we create a medical weight loss program specific to your situation. This includes:

Medication selection - Determining which prescription weight loss medications are most appropriate for you. Most patients benefit from GLP-1 medications like semaglutide or tirzepatide, but we choose based on your medical profile, insurance coverage, and treatment goals.

Dosing strategy - We start with low doses and increase gradually to minimize side effects while maximizing results. Your body needs time to adjust to these medications.

Nutrition guidance - Practical eating strategies that fit your life, preferences, and cooking abilities. No extreme diets or meal replacements—sustainable changes you can maintain long-term.

Activity recommendations - Exercise suggestions appropriate for your current fitness level. We meet you where you are and help you build from there.

Follow-up schedule - Regular appointments to monitor progress, typically every 2-4 weeks initially, then monthly once you're stable.

Step 3: Medication Administration and Education

If you're prescribed GLP-1 injections (semaglutide or tirzepatide), we teach you exactly how to self-administer them at home. These are weekly injections using small, thin needles—much easier than most people expect.

We explain:

• Proper injection technique
• Best injection sites (usually abdomen or thigh)
• How to store medication
• What side effects to expect
• When to contact us with concerns

Most patients feel comfortable with injections after the first week. The medication starts working immediately, though full effects build over several weeks.

Step 4: Ongoing Monitoring and Adjustment

Medical weight loss isn't "set it and forget it." We see you regularly to:

Track progress - Weight changes, body composition shifts, how you're feeling physically and mentally, energy levels, hunger and fullness patterns.

Monitor health markers - Periodic lab work shows improvements in blood sugar, cholesterol, liver function, and other metabolic indicators.

Adjust treatment - If you're not losing weight as expected, we increase medication or investigate other factors. If side effects are problematic, we adjust dosing or timing. If you're doing great, we continue what's working.

Troubleshoot challenges - Hit a plateau? We figure out why and adjust strategy. Struggling with specific situations? We problem-solve together.

Celebrate improvements - Weight loss isn't just numbers on a scale. We acknowledge improvements in how you feel, what you can do, and how your health markers are changing.

Step 5: Transition to Maintenance

Once you reach your goal weight, we don't just send you on your way. We work together to determine the best maintenance approach:

Some patients successfully taper off medication and maintain results through lifestyle changes. Others stay on a lower maintenance dose long-term. Both paths work—we figure out what's right for your body and situation.

The goal is keeping the weight off permanently, not just losing it temporarily. That's why our medical weight loss in Sugar Land focuses on sustainable, long-term results.

Ready to start your personalized weight loss journey?

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Semaglutide in Sugar Land: The Medication Changing Medical Weight Loss

Semaglutide (Ozempic® for diabetes, Wegovy® for weight loss) has revolutionized weight loss treatment. It's an FDA-approved medication that works by mimicking GLP-1 hormones your body naturally produces to regulate appetite and blood sugar.

How Semaglutide Works:

When you take semaglutide, you feel full faster and stay satisfied longer. Food loses its grip on your mind. The constant mental battle with hunger quiets down. You eat less naturally because your body signals fullness—not because you're white-knuckling through restriction.
Semaglutide Results: Clinical studies show people lose 15-22% of their body weight on semaglutide—numbers previously seen only with weight loss surgery. If you weigh 200 pounds, that's 30-45 pounds of sustainable weight loss.

Why Choose Semaglutide:

It's the most studied weight loss medication available, with years of safety data. Results are exceptional. Once-weekly administration is convenient. Most insurance plans now cover it. Patients keep the weight off when they continue the lifestyle changes we help them implement.

Alternative Weight Loss Medications

Not every patient is a candidate for semaglutide. We offer evidence-based alternatives:

Tirzepatide (Mounjaro®, Zepbound®):

Newer medication working on two hormone receptors instead of one. Some patients achieve slightly higher weight loss (20-25%) compared to semaglutide. Administered the same way (once-weekly injection). Cost similar to semaglutide.

Phentermine:

Classic appetite suppressant taken orally. Works well for patients wanting oral medication or those with mild-to-moderate weight concerns. Results are more modest than semaglutide (5-10% weight loss) but still meaningful. Very affordable—generic option costs $20-40 monthly.

Naltrexone/Bupropion (Contrave®):

Combination therapy for patients with depression or anxiety alongside weight concerns. Oral medication taken twice daily. Results 5-10% weight loss. Cost $100-150 monthly without insurance.

B-12 and Lipotropic Injections:

Support medications that boost energy and metabolic function when combined with primary weight loss medications. Weekly injections, $25-50 each. Not primary weight loss agents but helpful support.

How We Choose Your Weight Loss Medication:

We evaluate your medical history, metabolic assessment, insurance coverage, budget, goals, and previous medication responses. Based on this comprehensive review, we recommend the best medication for YOUR situation.

What Are the Benefits of Medical Weight Loss?

Results That Actually Last

The biggest benefit? You lose significant weight and keep it off. Patients in our comprehensive medical weight loss program typically lose 15-25% of their starting weight over 6-12 months. That's 30-50 pounds if you weigh 200 pounds—real, life-changing weight loss.

Compare that to typical diet programs where you might lose 10 pounds then plateau, or lose more but regain it all within six months. Medical weight loss produces sustainable results because we're treating the biological factors that caused weight gain in the first place.

Health Improvements Beyond the Scale

Weight loss and improve overall health outcomes we see include:

Metabolic improvements - Blood sugar dropping to normal ranges, A1C decreasing significantly, insulin sensitivity improving, reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Cardiovascular benefits - Blood pressure normalizing (often reducing or eliminating medications), cholesterol levels improving, reduced inflammation markers, lower heart disease risk.

Physical function - Less joint pain and better mobility, improved sleep quality (sleep apnea often improves or resolves), increased energy and stamina, better ability to exercise and stay active.

Mental and emotional health - Confidence returning, reduced depression and anxiety symptoms, improved body image, better quality of life overall.

These improvements often begin within the first month, well before you reach your final goal weight.

Medical Safety and Supervision

Unlike DIY approaches or unregulated programs, you have doctors monitoring every aspect of your treatment. We catch potential problems early, adjust medications when needed, and ensure weight loss happens safely—especially important if you have diabetes, heart conditions, or other health issues.

Imagine losing 30-50 pounds and keeping it off. It's possible with medical support.

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The Medications That Are Changing Weight Loss

GLP-1 Medications (Semaglutide and Tirzepatide)

These injectable medicines have revolutionized weight loss treatment. They work by mimicking hormones your body naturally produces to regulate appetite and blood sugar. When you take GLP-1 medications, you feel full faster and stay satisfied longer. Food stops dominating your thoughts. That constant mental battle with hunger quiets down.

Clinical studies show people lose 15-25% of their body weight on these treatments—numbers we rarely saw with older weight loss medications or even some bariatric surgery results. More importantly, patients keep it off when they follow through with the lifestyle changes we help them implement.

We prescribe both semaglutide and tirzepatide based on your specific needs. Tirzepatide is newer and works on two hormone receptors instead of one, which sometimes produces even better results. Both are weekly injections you do at home—simpler than it sounds, and we teach you exactly how.

Additional Treatment Options

GLP-1s aren't our only tool. We also use appetite suppressants for patients who need help with portion control, B-12 and lipotropic injections to support metabolism and energy, and other anti-obesity medications when they make sense for your situation.

The key is matching the right treatment to your body and goals. We take time to get it right.

Curious which medication is right for you?

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Who Benefits from Medical Weight Loss Clinic Sugar Land?

Our comprehensive weight loss program helps patients who:

• Have struggled to lose weight through diet and exercise alone
• Have a BMI over 30 (or over 27 with health conditions)
• Deal with obesity-related complications like high blood pressure or fatty liver disease
• Want to avoid weight loss surgery or haven't had success with it
• Need to improve health markers before planned procedures
• Have hit a plateau with other weight loss programs

Medical weight loss provides an alternative way to lose weight for those who haven't found success with traditional methods. The combination of prescription medications, medical supervision, and personalized support creates a powerful framework for achieving your weight loss goals.

If you've tried everything else, it's time to try medical weight loss.

Find Out If You're a Candidate

Why Choose Core Primary Care As For Weight Loss Clinic In Sugar Land?

Nearly Five Decades of Experience

We've served Sugar Land and Houston since 1976. Our long-term presence means we understand the unique health challenges facing our community. Our medical weight loss clinic isn't separate—it's integrated into our comprehensive primary care practice, allowing us to address all aspects of your health.

Truly Personalized Medical Care

We don't believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. Your weight loss treatment plan reflects your unique medical history, lifestyle, preferences, and goals. We take time to understand what hasn't worked before and why, then create strategies designed for your success.

Convenient Location and 24/7 Access

Our Sugar Land, TX location on University Boulevard is easily accessible throughout Fort Bend County. Plus, our patient portal lets you communicate with your care team, access lab results, and manage appointments 24/7—making it easier to stay on track.

Insurance Coverage Assistance

Many insurance plans cover medical weight loss when medically necessary. We'll help you understand your insurance coverage and work with you to make treatment affordable.

Join the patients who've transformed their lives at Core Primary Care.

Schedule Your Visit at Our Sugar Land Clinic

What Results Can You Expect From Our Medical Weight Loss Program Sugar Land?

The amount of weight you lose depends on your starting weight, how well you follow your treatment plan, and which medications you're taking. However, patients in our medical weight loss program typically see:

Months 1-3: Initial weight reduction of 5-10% of body weight, improved energy, better blood sugar control

Months 4-6: Continued weight loss with noticeable changes in how clothes fit and improved mobility

Months 6-12: Significant weight loss of 15-25% of total body weight for many patients, along with improvements in cholesterol, blood pressure, and other health markers

These results represent sustainable weight loss—not rapid drops followed by regaining the weight. Weight loss varies from person to person. Some patients reach their goals within 6-9 months, while others continue treatment longer. We work with you to determine the right timeline for your situation.

Beyond Weight Loss: Improving Your Overall Health

Successful weight loss can lead to improvements throughout your body:

• Better cardiovascular health (lower blood pressure, improved cholesterol)
• Enhanced metabolic function (better insulin sensitivity, improved blood sugar control)
• Reduced joint pain and improved mobility
• Increased mental health and confidence
• Better sleep quality
• More energy for daily activities

Our medical weight loss in Sugar Land isn't just about the number on the scale. It's about enhancing overall health and helping you feel better in every aspect of your life.

Your transformation starts with one decision. Make it today.

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Additional Services at Our Weight Loss Clinic in Sugar Land Texas

We provide:

• Nutritional counseling (practical advice that fits your lifestyle)
• Hormone replacement therapy (when hormonal imbalances affect weight loss)
• Metabolic testing (to understand how your body processes nutrients)
• Behavioral support (help identifying triggers and developing coping strategies for long-term success)

Get comprehensive support for lasting results.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Sugar Land Weight Loss Program

Is it worth it to go to a weight loss clinic?

If you've tried losing weight on your own multiple times without lasting success, absolutely. Commercial programs work for some people, but if you're dealing with significant weight issues, there are usually biological factors that willpower alone can't overcome.

A medical weight loss clinic gives you what DIY approaches can't: professional diagnosis of what's preventing weight loss, prescription medications that address biological barriers, ongoing medical supervision, and expert guidance through challenges. The investment pays off when you actually lose the weight and keep it off instead of cycling through the same pounds year after year.

Think of it like this—if you had high blood pressure, you wouldn't just try to relax harder. You'd see a doctor for proper treatment. Weight should be approached the same way.

Are there any potential risks or side effects associated with medical weight loss interventions?

Yes, like any medical treatment, there are potential risks and side effects—which is exactly why medical supervision matters.

Common side effects include:

• Nausea (especially when starting GLP-1 medications)
• Digestive changes like constipation or diarrhea
• Decreased appetite
• Temporary fatigue
• Mild injection site irritation

Most of these are temporary and improve as your body adjusts. We start with low doses and increase gradually to minimize discomfort.

Rare but serious risks include:

• Pancreatitis
• Gallbladder problems
• Severe allergic reactions
• Changes in heart rate

These are uncommon, and we monitor you regularly to catch any problems early.

The risks need to be weighed against the health consequences of remaining at an unhealthy weight—diabetes, heart disease, stroke, joint damage, sleep apnea. For most patients, the benefits of medically supervised weight loss far outweigh the risks, especially compared to doing nothing about obesity.

We don't prescribe these medications to everyone. We evaluate your complete medical history to ensure treatment is safe for your specific situation.

Are weight loss medications injected into the stomach?

No, they're injected into the subcutaneous fat layer under your skin—not into your stomach organ. Think of it like a diabetic insulin injection.

The most common injection sites are your abdomen (anywhere on your belly except right around the belly button) or your thigh. You're injecting into the fatty tissue just under the skin, not deep into muscle or any organs.

The needles are very small and thin—much smaller than needles used for blood draws. Most people find injections less uncomfortable than they expected. After the first week, it becomes routine. We teach you the proper technique during your initial appointment and make sure you're comfortable before you do it at home.

Are the outcomes sustainable? Yes—when approached correctly.

Here's what makes medical weight loss results last:

Biological support - The medications help reset your metabolism and hunger hormones. Even after stopping medication, many patients maintain better appetite regulation than before treatment.

Habit development - During treatment, you build sustainable eating and activity habits. These continue working after you reach your goal.

Ongoing monitoring - We don't abandon you after weight loss. We help you transition to maintenance, whether that means staying on lower medication doses or managing with lifestyle changes alone.

Realistic expectations - We're not promising rapid weight loss that vanishes quickly. This is steady, sustainable progress that changes your health long-term.

Some patients maintain weight loss after stopping medication completely. Others stay on maintenance doses to prevent regain. Research shows this second approach often produces the best long-term outcomes. Either way, results are significantly more sustainable than typical diet programs because we've addressed the biological factors that caused weight gain initially.

How soon will I start seeing results?

Most patients notice changes within 2-4 weeks: decreased hunger in week 1-2, scale moving by week 3-4, consistent weight loss of 1-2 pounds weekly by months 2-3. Your timeline depends on starting weight, medication type, dosage, and individual metabolism. This is steady, sustainable progress—not rapid weight loss that disappears quickly.

Are semaglutide and weight loss medications safe?

Yes, when prescribed and monitored by physicians. Semaglutide has been used for years (originally for diabetes) and underwent extensive FDA testing. Safety is ensured by careful patient screening, starting with low doses, increasing gradually, regular monitoring, and medical supervision throughout. Common side effects are temporary. Serious side effects are rare (<1%). We don't prescribe to everyone—we evaluate your complete medical history to ensure treatment is safe for YOUR situation.

Can I take weight loss medication if I have diabetes?

Often yes, and weight loss can actually improve diabetes significantly. Semaglutide was originally developed for diabetes management. Benefits for diabetic patients include improved insulin sensitivity, significantly improved blood sugar control, potential reduction or elimination of diabetes medications. Important: If you take diabetes medications affecting blood sugar, we monitor your blood sugar carefully and adjust your diabetes medications as you lose weight.

What happens if the medication doesn't work for me?

This is rare—about 5-10% of patients. We have options: optimize dosing (sometimes increasing the dose helps), try alternative medications, add additional support medications, or investigate underlying issues interfering with weight loss. We give each medication 2-3 months at therapeutic dose before concluding it's not working. We don't give up—we troubleshoot until we find what works.

Do I need to follow a strict diet while on weight loss medication?

No. You need to eat reasonably, but not follow restrictive diets. No calorie counting obsessively, food group elimination, meal replacements, or white-knuckling through restriction. What you do need: reasonable portions (medication helps), mostly nutritious foods, adequate hydration, gradual sustainable changes. The medication reduces hunger so you're satisfied with smaller amounts. We provide practical nutrition guidance tailored to YOUR lifestyle—not generic meal plans. The goal is developing a healthy relationship with food.

How long will I need to stay on weight loss medication?

Most patients stay on therapeutic doses for 6-12 months during active weight loss. Once you've maintained goal weight for several months, we discuss whether to taper off or stay on a lower maintenance dose. Some patients successfully maintain weight without medication. Others find that staying on maintenance doses prevents regain. Both approaches work and are research-supported.

What is the most successful weight loss treatment?

Based on current medical evidence, GLP-1 medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide produce the best non-surgical weight loss results we've ever seen. Clinical trials show patients losing 15-25% of their body weight—numbers that previously required bariatric surgery.

These medications work by:

• Reducing appetite naturally
• Slowing stomach emptying
• Improving insulin sensitivity
• Changing how your brain responds to food

But medication works best when combined with medical supervision and lifestyle changes.

For patients who can't use GLP-1 medications, we have other prescription options that still produce good results. And for severe obesity with multiple health complications, bariatric surgery remains highly effective. The most successful treatment is the one that's medically appropriate for your situation and that you can stick with long-term.

Are semaglutide injections safe?

Yes, when prescribed and monitored by medical professionals, semaglutide is safe for most patients. Semaglutide has been used for years to treat type 2 diabetes and underwent extensive testing before FDA approval for weight loss.

Common side effects include nausea (usually temporary), digestive changes, and decreased appetite. Serious side effects are rare but possible, which is why medical supervision matters.

We don't prescribe it to everyone—certain conditions make it inappropriate. We start with low doses, increase gradually, and monitor you regularly. The risks of staying at an unhealthy weight typically far exceed the risks of properly supervised treatment.

How soon will I start seeing results from weight loss injections?

Most patients notice changes within 2-4 weeks:

• Week 1-2: Decreased hunger and feeling full with less food
• Week 3-4: The scale starts moving—most lose 5-10 pounds in the first month
• Month 2-3: Consistent weight loss of 1-2 pounds per week once you reach therapeutic dose

Your timeline depends on starting weight, medication type, dosage, and individual metabolism. This isn't rapid weight loss that disappears quickly—it's steady, sustainable progress that actually stays off.

We track your progress carefully and adjust treatment if needed.

Don't wait months to feel better. Start now.

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How long will I need to stay on weight loss injections?

There's no universal answer—it depends on your response and goals.

Most patients stay on therapeutic doses for 6-12 months during active weight loss. Once you've maintained your goal weight for several months, we might try reducing or tapering off to see if lifestyle changes alone maintain results.

Some patients successfully stop medication. Others stay on a lower maintenance dose long-term to prevent regaining weight. Both approaches are valid. Research shows many patients regain some weight when stopping completely—this reflects the biological nature of obesity, not failure.

Don't worry about "forever" right now. Focus on losing weight first. Once you're there, we'll figure out the minimum medication needed to maintain results.

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How much does a medical weight loss program cost?

With insurance: Many plans now cover weight loss medications if you have related health conditions.

• Standard co-pays for visits ($20-50)
• Prescriptions (varies widely, sometimes $25-100/month)

Without insurance: Costs are roughly $1,000-1,600 monthly including:

• Medication ($900-1,400)
• Visits and lab work

We offer:

• Patient assistance programs
• Compound pharmacy options
• HSA/FSA payment

We verify your coverage before starting and give you specific numbers for your situation. No surprises, no hidden fees.

Schedule a consultation and we'll discuss your exact costs.

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Do I need to follow a diet while undergoing a weight loss program?

You need to eat reasonably, but not follow a restrictive "diet."

No:

• Calorie counting
• Eliminating food groups
• Meal replacements
• Eating separately from your family

That kind of dieting usually fails long-term.

What you do need:

• Reasonable portions (medication helps)
• Mostly nutritious foods (protein, vegetables, whole grains)
• Adequate hydration
• Gradual changes you can sustain

Can you have pizza at a birthday party? Yes.
Dinner out with friends? Absolutely.
Occasional dessert? Of course.

The medication reduces hunger so you're satisfied with smaller amounts. We provide practical nutrition guidance tailored to your lifestyle. The goal is developing a healthy relationship with food, not white-knuckling through another restrictive diet.

Real life. Real food. Real results.