Wegovy® (Semaglutide) & Zepbound™ (Tirzepatide) Medical Weight Loss in Portland, Oregon

---

Why Most Diets Fail—and What Actually Works

---

If you’re struggling to lose weight despite doing everything “right,” you’re not alone. Millions of people are fighting a losing battle with weight because the real cause is often ignored: a hormone deficiency.

Clinical trials for Wegovy® (semaglutide) and Zepbound™ (tirzepatide) have shown that most people who are overweight or obese—and who have not succeeded with diet and exercise alone—are actually suffering from a deficiency of the peptide hormones GLP-1 and GIP.

These hormones regulate appetite, metabolism, and blood sugar. Without adequate levels, your body resists weight loss—even when your willpower doesn’t.

That’s why GLP-1 and GIP medications are so effective. They work by replacing your body’s missing hormones—making this a form of hormone replacement therapy for weight loss.

Just like low testosterone or menopause can’t be reversed with diet alone, GLP-1 and GIP deficiencies require medical treatment. At Full Potential HRT Clinic in Portland, we’ve seen safe, consistent success with brand-name weight loss medications like:

• Wegovy® (semaglutide)

• Zepbound™ (tirzepatide)

These treatments help patients overcome years of frustration and finally reach a healthier weight—without starvation, crash diets, or unsustainable plans.

---

Why Hormone-Based Medical Weight Loss Works

---

Just like testosterone deficiency or menopause can’t be reversed through diet and lifestyle alone, GLP-1 and GIP deficiencies require medical support. By restoring these hormones, Wegovy® and Zepbound™ help:

• Reduce appetite and cravings
• Improve blood sugar and insulin sensitivity
• Promote fat loss while preserving lean mass
• Support long-term weight maintenance

At our Portland clinic, we tailor every weight loss program to your hormone profile, goals, and overall health.

---

How the Medications Work

---

GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) and GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) are key hormones involved in appetite regulation, insulin production, and metabolic function. These hormones:

• Signal fullness to the brain after eating
• Slow stomach emptying to keep you satisfied longer
• Improve insulin release to manage blood sugar
• Reduce food intake and increase energy expenditure

Wegovy® contains semaglutide, which mimics GLP-1. Zepbound™ contains tirzepatide, which mimics both GLP-1 and GIP for an even more powerful effect. These medications correct hormone deficiencies and help restore your body’s natural weight regulation systems.

---

What About Other Medications?

---

While Wegovy® (semaglutide) and Zepbound™ (tirzepatide) are highly effective for many patients, they aren’t the right fit for everyone. Some individuals may experience side effects, others may not see the results they hoped for, and for some, the cost of brand-name GLP-1 medications may be a barrier.

At Full Potential HRT Clinic, we offer several alternative prescription options that can be very effective in the right situations—especially when combined with healthy lifestyle changes and ongoing support. These medications may be used for patients who:

• Do not tolerate semaglutide or tirzepatide
• Cannot afford brand-name GLP-1 medications
• Do not benefit from them
• Have completed their main weight loss phase and are transitioning into maintenance or weaning off GLP-1 therapy

Our alternative options include:

• Tesofensine – A dopamine-norepinephrine-serotonin reuptake inhibitor that powerfully reduces appetite and increases fat metabolism.
• Bupropion (Wellbutrin) – A norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor that can suppress appetite and support mood during weight loss.
• Low-dose Naltrexone (LDN) – Helps regulate inflammation, improve metabolic function, and reduce sugar cravings.
• Compounded liraglutide (generic form of Saxenda®) – A once-daily GLP-1 injection offered exclusively as a cost-effective alternative for patients who are unable to afford semaglutide or tirzepatide. Please note: we do not prescribe the brand-name Saxenda®, and in our experience, compounded liraglutide tends to be less well-tolerated than semaglutide or tirzepatide.

These alternatives are available through a lower-cost membership option and can be a valuable part of a personalized medical weight loss plan.

---

Learn more about Liraglutide (Saxendra®) Medical Weight Loss in Portland, Oregon

---

---

Wegovy® (Semaglutide) & Zepbound™ (Tirzepatide) Medical Weight Loss in Portland, Oregon

Step 1 – Wegovy® (Semaglutide) & Zepbound™ (Tirzepatide) Medical Weight Loss Evaluation & Consultation

---

Our medical weight loss program begins with a comprehensive evaluation to uncover the root causes behind your challenges with weight gain or difficulty losing weight. This includes a full review of your medical history, a physical exam with body measurements, body composition analysis, and lab testing.

Based on this assessment, we create a personalized treatment plan that may include semaglutide (Wegovy®) or tirzepatide (Zepbound™)—but only if these medications are clinically appropriate, safe, and aligned with your goals. If we determine they’re not a good fit, or if cost is a concern, we’ll discuss alternative treatment options such as tesofensine, bupropion, LDN, or compounded liraglutide (the generic form of Saxenda®), each with their own lower-cost membership option.

Our goal is to ensure that every patient receives the safest, most effective, and most sustainable weight loss strategy for their individual needs.

New to Our Clinic? Here’s What to Expect

---

---

Learn more about Testosterone & Hormone Replacement Therapy for Men
Learn more about Testosterone & Hormone Replacement Therapy for Women

---

Already a Patient? Here’s How to Get Started with Weight Loss

---

Step 2 – Active Medical Weight Loss with Semaglutide or Tirzepatide

---

Our approach to medical weight loss with semaglutide (Wegovy®) or tirzepatide (Zepbound™) is built on years of success helping patients not just lose weight—but keep it off.

We design every plan to be comprehensive and personalized. Your doctor may prescribe semaglutide or tirzepatide alone or alongside other medications, supplements, or supportive therapies. We always incorporate realistic diet and lifestyle guidance tailored to your needs.

Our goal is to identify and treat the true root causes of weight gain—so you can achieve long-term, sustainable success.

Step 3 – Maintain Your Medical Weight Loss with Semaglutide or Tirzepatide

---

Once a patient reaches their target or healthy weight, their provider will help determine whether it’s time to fully discontinue semaglutide or tirzepatide—or transition into our Maintain Medical Weight Loss Membership.

Over the past few years, we’ve found that patients have the most long-term success when they gradually taper their dose over 6 to 12 months while continuing to monitor their weight and progress.

This slower weaning process makes it far more likely they’ll be able to maintain their results after stopping the medication.

Patients who are also on testosterone or hormone replacement therapy (TRT or HRT) often have an even easier time keeping the weight off after discontinuation, thanks to improved metabolic balance.

---

Step 4 – Discontinue Semaglutide or Tirzepatide Safely and Successfully

---

One thing that makes our approach to medical weight loss truly different is our long-term goal: to help you successfully discontinue medication while keeping the weight off for good.

We achieve this by prescribing semaglutide or tirzepatide as part of a broader, customized treatment plan that also addresses hormonal imbalances, nutritional gaps, and lifestyle factors that may have contributed to weight gain in the first place.

If you ever begin to regain weight after stopping medication, you’re always welcome to restart treatment. In most cases, if it’s been less than 12 months since you completed our Maintain Medical Weight Loss Membership, you won’t need to repeat the full evaluation process.

---

Why Our Medical Weight Loss Program Succeeds Where Others Fall Short

---

---

Ready to Start? Schedule Your Semaglutide & Tirzepatide Weight Loss Evaluation Today

---

---

---

Frequently Asked Questions

---

Below are some of the most common questions we hear from patients considering semaglutide, tirzepatide, or other medical weight loss options at our Portland clinic. If you’re wondering how it all works, what it costs, or what kind of results to expect — you’re in the right place.

How do I get started?

---

To get started, simply schedule your Initial Semaglutide & Tirzepatide Medical Weight Loss Evaluation & Consultation. During this visit, your doctor will review your medical history, perform a physical exam, assess your body composition, and order comprehensive bloodwork to evaluate factors like hormone levels, metabolism, insulin sensitivity, and more. From there, we create a personalized treatment plan based on your unique profile.
📞 Call 971-438-2700 or schedule online here →

How much does semaglutide or tirzepatide cost?

---

Wegovy® (semaglutide): $499 per month
Novo Nordisk offers Wegovy® through its NovoCare Pharmacy program at a flat rate of $499/month for cash-paying patients. This includes a box of four prefilled pens (one per week), regardless of the dose. This option is ideal for patients who don’t have insurance coverage for weight-loss medications.

Zepbound™ (tirzepatide): Starting at $349 per month
Eli Lilly offers Zepbound™ through LillyDirect, with pricing based on the selected dose:

• 2.5 mg: $349/month

• 5 mg: $499/month

• 7.5 mg or 10 mg: $499/month if refilled within 45 days — otherwise, prices may increase to $599 or $699/month

These are single-dose vials that require self-injection using a syringe. Like Wegovy®, these prices are for patients paying cash directly to the manufacturer.

At Full Potential HRT Clinic, our default process is to prescribe brand-name medications directly to the manufacturer (NovoCare or LillyDirect) using the Surescripts network, which typically provides the best available cash-pay pricing.

If a patient prefers to use a different pharmacy, we’re happy to accommodate — but we do not send the same prescription to more than one pharmacy. Patients must choose either the direct manufacturer route or another pharmacy for each individual fill or refill.

Do you accept insurance?

---

No — Full Potential HRT Clinic is a 100% cash-pay concierge medical clinic. We do not accept or work with insurance for any reason. This allows us to provide premium care without restrictions, delays, or surprise denials. Many patients choose to use HSA or FSA funds.

Do you use brand-name or compounded versions?

---

We only prescribe FDA-approved brand-name medications (Wegovy® and Zepbound™) for semaglutide and tirzepatide. These are usually sent directly to the manufacturer via Surescripts for the lowest cash-pay pricing.

For patients seeking more affordable alternatives, we do offer compounded liraglutide and other medications like tesofensine, bupropion, and LDN under a lower-cost membership.

How much weight will I lose?

---

Results vary, but in clinical trials:

• Patients on semaglutide lost an average of 15% of their body weight

• Patients on tirzepatide lost up to 22.5% of their body weight

Your results will depend on your baseline health, metabolism, medication adherence, and lifestyle changes — but most of our patients see dramatic improvements in weight, energy, and overall health within the first 3–6 months.

Will I regain weight when I stop taking the medication?

---

Not necessarily. At Full Potential, we’ve developed a structured weaning process to help you maintain your results. We gradually taper your dose over several months while continuing to monitor your labs, body composition, and symptoms.

Patients on hormone replacement therapy — including testosterone (TRT), estrogen/progesterone (HRT), thyroid hormone, or growth hormone support — often find it easier to maintain weight loss long-term, even after stopping GLP-1 medications.

What if I don’t tolerate semaglutide or tirzepatide?

---

If you experience side effects or find these medications unaffordable, we offer several effective alternatives, including:

• Tesofensine – a powerful appetite suppressant and fat-burner

• Bupropion (Wellbutrin) – supports mood and reduces cravings

• Low-Dose Naltrexone (LDN) – helps regulate metabolism and reduce inflammation

• Compounded liraglutide – a daily GLP-1 option available at a lower price point

In addition, many patients benefit from hormone therapies such as:

• TRT (Testosterone Replacement Therapy)

• HRT (Testosterone Replacement Therapy with Estrogen and Progesterone Therapy)

• Thyroid hormone optimization or replacement therapy

• Growth hormone optimization or replacement therapy

These therapies are often well-tolerated and can significantly improve metabolic function, energy, and fat loss — especially when used as part of a comprehensive weight loss plan. We’ll help you find the treatment path that best supports your goals and long-term success.

We do not routinely prescribe medications like phentermine-topiramate or orlistat, due to high rates of side effects, tolerability issues, and concerns about long-term safety. Our goal is always to help you lose weight without compromising your health.

How long does it take for semaglutide or tirzepatide to work?

---

Most patients begin to notice changes in appetite and cravings within 1–2 weeks. Meaningful weight loss usually begins by the 4–6 week mark, and progress continues over several months. We titrate your dose slowly to reduce side effects and support long-term results.

What are the common side effects?

---

The most common side effects include:

• Nausea

• Bloating or gas

• Constipation

• Fatigue

• Decreased appetite

Our doctors prescribe supportive treatments to improve tolerability and minimize symptoms so that you can reach your target dose comfortably and safely.

How is Semaglutide Taken? How is Tirzepatide Taken?

---

Both semaglutide and tirzepatide are long-acting peptide medications with a half-life of about one week. This allows patients to maintain stable, therapeutic levels with just one subcutaneous injection per week. The medication remains active in your system throughout the week and begins working as soon as you start eating—helping regulate appetite, blood sugar, and energy use.

In some cases, we recommend splitting the weekly dose into two smaller injections given a few days apart. This can help improve tolerability, reduce side effects, and enhance the medication’s effectiveness for certain patients.

How do semaglutide and tirzepatide differ?

---

• Semaglutide (Wegovy®) mimics GLP-1, a hormone that reduces appetite, slows digestion, and regulates blood sugar.

• Tirzepatide (Zepbound™) mimics both GLP-1 and GIP, a second hormone that enhances insulin sensitivity and fat metabolism.

Tirzepatide tends to produce faster and more dramatic weight loss, but either option can be highly effective depending on your goals, budget, and tolerance.

---

Still have questions? Visit our full Weight Loss FAQ page for in-depth answers about safety, alternatives, tapering, clinical results, and more.

Important Medical & Legal Notes About Treatment

---

• We do not dispense or administer any medication without a valid prescription and an established doctor–patient relationship. For us, this includes an in-person office visit and evaluation.

• Wegovy® (semaglutide) and Zepbound® (tirzepatide) are FDA-approved for medical weight loss in patients who have not achieved success with diet and exercise alone. These medications work best when combined with a healthy lifestyle, and we strongly encourage diet, exercise, sleep, and stress management as part of your plan.

• Results vary. Like any medical treatment, weight loss results are not guaranteed. While clinical trials showed impressive success rates with Wegovy® (semaglutide) and Zepbound® (tirzepatide), individual outcomes depend on many factors — including dose, consistency, underlying health, and lifestyle changes.

• Prescription & Pharmacy Policy. We prescribe brand-name medications Wegovy® (semaglutide) and Zepbound® (tirzepatide) by default through the manufacturer’s direct cash-pay system to ensure the best pricing. If you prefer to use a different pharmacy, we’re happy to accommodate — but we do not send the same prescription to more than one pharmacy. You must choose either the direct manufacturer route or an alternate pharmacy for each fill or refill.

---

Ready to Start? Schedule Your Semaglutide & Tirzepatide Weight Loss Evaluation Today

---