Frequently Asked Questions
What are GLP-1 medications and how do they work for weight loss?
GLP-1 medications — including semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro/Zepbound) — are FDA-approved injectable therapies that mimic the glucagon-like peptide-1 hormone your gut produces after eating. They regulate appetite signals in the brain, slow gastric emptying, and improve insulin sensitivity — making sustainable fat loss possible without relying on willpower alone.
How much weight can I lose on GLP-1 medications like semaglutide or tirzepatide?
Clinical trials show that patients using GLP-1 medications lose an average of 15–20% of total body weight over 6–12 months — roughly 30–45 pounds for most adults. Results become visible within 8–12 weeks, and your Rex Edge Health provider adjusts your dosage monthly to maximize your results.
What prescription medications does Rex Edge Health use for medical weight loss?
GLP-1 medications such as semaglutide and tirzepatide are commonly used to regulate appetite and support weight loss. Depending on individual needs, providers may also use medications such as metformin, naltrexone, bupropion, or topiramate to support metabolism and appetite control. Your provider determines the safest and most effective treatment plan based on your health history and goals.
Do I need to follow a strict diet or exercise plan while on GLP-1 medications?
No — you do not need to follow a strict diet or intense exercise regimen while on GLP-1 therapy. The medication naturally suppresses appetite, making it easier to eat less without willpower or calorie counting. That said, simple lifestyle improvements — better food choices, moderate movement, quality sleep — can meaningfully accelerate your results. Rex Edge Health's program is built around real life: no meal plans, no gym mandates, just medically guided weight loss that fits your schedule.
What are the side effects of GLP-1 medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide?
The most common side effects of GLP-1 medications — semaglutide and tirzepatide — are nausea, constipation, and mild fatigue, particularly during the first 4–8 weeks. These are typically mild and temporary, diminishing as your provider gradually increases your dosage. Serious side effects are rare. Your Rex Edge Health provider monitors your response at every monthly check-in.
How is Rex Edge Health different from Hims, Ro, and Found for men's weight loss?
Unlike Hims, Ro, and Found — which use algorithm-driven, subscription-based models with minimal provider interaction — Rex Edge Health delivers concierge-level, provider-led medical weight loss. Every patient receives a personalized treatment plan, direct access to their provider via messaging, monthly performance reviews, and proactive dosage adjustments. There are no automated check-ins, no generic protocols, and no app-based care. Rex Edge Health is built clients in Arizona who want real medical accountability, not a subscription box.
Does Rex Edge Health accept insurance for GLP-1 weight loss treatment?
Rex Edge Health does not accept insurance. We operate as a direct-pay telehealth practice, keeping pricing transparent and eliminating prior authorization delays. All programs are HSA and FSA eligible. Our Core plan starts at $399/month and Elite at $549/month, both with a $149 initial consultation credited toward your first month.
How long will I need to stay on GLP-1 medication?
GLP-1 medications are most effective as a long-term therapy. Most patients follow a structured program for a minimum of 12–24 months to achieve and stabilize their weight loss results. Clinical research shows that patients who stop GLP-1 medications early regain an average of 60–75% of their lost weight within one year of stopping — because the underlying metabolic signals that drive hunger and fat storage return when the medication is discontinued. At Rex Edge Health, your provider works with you to determine the right duration for your goals, whether that is a defined program period or ongoing maintenance, with dosage adjusted over time to reflect your progress.
Am I a good candidate for GLP-1 weight loss treatment?
GLP-1 medications are clinically indicated for adults with a BMI of 30 or higher, or a BMI of 27 or higher with at least one weight-related health condition such as high blood pressure, insulin resistance, elevated cholesterol, or sleep apnea. Beyond BMI, ideal candidates are people who have struggled to achieve lasting results through diet and exercise alone — often because of underlying metabolic issues like insulin resistance or hormonal imbalances rather than a lack of effort. At Rex Edge Health, candidacy is determined during a private virtual consultation where your provider reviews your health history, labs, and goals before recommending any treatment. Most women and men who inquire qualify.
Will I lose muscle mass on GLP-1 medications?
Muscle loss is a legitimate concern with any significant weight loss, including GLP-1 therapy — and it is one of the most important reasons to have a provider actively managing your program. Clinical studies show that approximately 25–39% of weight lost on GLP-1 medications can come from lean muscle mass rather than fat, particularly at higher doses or without adequate protein intake. At Rex Edge Health, your provider monitors your body composition and may recommend protein targets, resistance activity, and adjunct therapies such as enclomiphene or NAD+ to actively protect lean muscle while you lose fat. The goal is not just a lower number on the scale — it is a stronger, leaner body.