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GLP-1 Weight Loss Injections in Tempe, AZ

Wegovy • Zepbound • Retatrutide – Transformyou Medical Weight Loss

If you’ve struggled to lose weight or keep it off, you’re not alone—and it’s not just about willpower. At Transformyou in Tempe, we specialize in physician-guided weight loss programs using the latest FDA-approved GLP-1 medications, including WegovyZepbound, and upcoming Retatrutide.

These innovative treatments help regulate appetite, improve metabolism, and make lasting weight loss achievable—safely and effectively.

What Are GLP-1 Medications?

GLP-1 agonists (Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 receptor agonists) are a modern class of medications originally designed to treat type 2 diabetes. In 2014, the FDA approved certain GLP-1 medications for chronic weight management after studies showed impressive results in appetite control and fat loss.

At Transformyou, our medical team works with three leading GLP-1 treatments:

These therapies mimic natural hormones that signal fullness, balance blood sugar, and optimize how your body uses energy.

How GLP-1 Weight Loss Injections Work

GLP-1 medications are weekly injections that help your body work with you—not against you—by supporting the hormones that control hunger and metabolism.

They work by:

  • Slowing digestion, so you feel fuller longer
  • Reducing appetite and cravings
  • Helping your pancreas release insulin when needed
  • Preventing excess sugar production by the liver
  • Improving blood sugar and insulin sensitivity

Together, these effects help promote steady, sustainable weight loss while improving your overall health markers.

 

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How Long Does GLP-1 Therapy Take to Work?

Most patients notice results from GLP-1 therapy within the first few weeks. Appetite and cravings typically decrease within 2–4 weeks, followed by steady, healthy weight loss over 3–6 months. Consistent use, proper nutrition, and physician-guided dosing help maximize fat reduction and long-term success with GLP-1 medications such as Semaglutide and Tirzepatide.

The Science Behind Wegovy, Zepbound & Retatrutide

Each GLP-1 medication has a slightly different mechanism, giving your provider flexibility to find the best fit for your goals:

Wegovy (Semaglutide)

Targets the GLP-1 receptor to help regulate appetite and stabilize blood sugar.

Zepbound (Tirzepatide)

Activates both GLP-1 and GIP receptors, enhancing fullness and boosting metabolic efficiency.

Retatrutide

The newest advancement in this class—activating GLP-1, GIP, and GCG receptors for powerful fat-burning, appetite regulation, and energy balance, even during rest.

These medications are transforming how we approach obesity, insulin resistance, and metabolic health—providing patients with a safe and medically supervised alternative to traditional diet methods.

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Hormones Involved in GLP-1 Therapy

Understanding how these medications work starts with understanding your body’s natural hormones:

Leptin (The Satiety Hormone)

Leptin tells your brain when you’re full. Many people with excess weight develop leptin resistance, meaning the brain doesn’t recognize fullness signals. GLP-1 medications help restore leptin sensitivity, reducing hunger and supporting long-term weight maintenance.

Insulin (The Energy Manager)

When cells resist insulin’s signal, glucose stays in your blood and fat-burning slows down. GLP-1 therapy helps lower insulin resistance, stabilize blood sugar, and restore healthy fat metabolism.

Glucagon (The Balancer)

Glucagon raises blood sugar while insulin lowers it. GLP-1s help balance these hormones, promoting normal glucose metabolism and steady fat loss.

Personalized Dosing for Your Body

Your dose depends on your individual response, tolerance, and progress. Our experienced medical team monitors you closely and adjusts your plan to ensure safety and results.

The key is not just the medication—it’s the right dose, at the right time, for you.

Potential Side Effects

Most patients tolerate GLP-1 medications very well. The most common mild side effects include:

  • Nausea or decreased appetite
  • Constipation or diarrhea
  • Fatigue or dizziness

Rare side effects may include pancreatitis, gallbladder issues, or kidney problems. You’ll be monitored carefully throughout treatment to ensure your safety and well-being.

Why Patients Trust Transformyou

At Transformyou, every patient works directly with Dr. Bird, in person or via Telehealth. 

We take time to understand your health history, lifestyle, and goals before designing a personalized medical weight loss plan that’s:

  • Safe
  • Effective
  • Sustainable
  • Scientifically backed

You’ll receive ongoing support, education, and medical monitoring throughout your journey. Our mission is simple: to help you look, feel, and live better with long-term results you can trust.

Take the First Step Toward Lasting Weight Loss

If you’re ready to explore GLP-1 injections or want to learn whether Wegovy (Semaglutide), Zepbound (Tirzepatide), or Retatrutide is right for you—schedule a consultation today.

Book Your Medical Weight Loss Consultation

We believe weight loss should be science-backed, physician-led, and personally empowering. Whether you’re new to medical weight loss or exploring GLP-1 options, our team will help guide you with expertise, compassion, and care every step of the way.

References

Jastreboff et al., “Triple- Hormone-Receptor Agonist Retatrutide for Obesity - A Phase 2 Trial,” N. Engl. J. Med., vol. 389, no. 6, pp. 514–526, Aug. 2023, doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa2301972.

Harris, “Triple-Hormone Combination Retatrutide Induces 24% Body Weight Loss,” JAMA, vol. 330, no. 4, p. 306, Jul. 2023, doi: 10.1001/jama.2023.12055.

Urva et al., “The novel GIP, GLP- 1 and glucagon receptor agonist retatrutide delays gastric emptying,” Diabetes Obes. Metab., vol. 25, no. 9, pp. 2784–2788, Sep. 2023, doi: 10.1111/dom.15167.

Winkler, J. T. Kis, K. A. Kiss, and L. Schandl, “A GLP1-receptoragonistáktól a glükagonreceptoragonizmussal kiegészített hármashormonreceptor-aktiválásig.:hármashormonreceptor-aktiválásig.: Új távlatok a 2-es típusú diabetes és az elhízás kezelésében,” Orv. Hetil., vol. 164, no. 42, pp. 1656–1664, Oct. 2023, doi: 10.1556/650.2023.32894.

Coskun et al., “LY3437943, a novel triple glucagon, GIP, and GLP- 1 receptor agonist for glycemic control and weight loss: From discovery to clinical proof of concept,” Cell Metab., vol. 34, no. 9, pp. 1234-1247.e9, Sep. 2022, doi: 10.1016/j.cmet.2022.07.013.

Hankosky ER, Wang H, Neff LM, Kan H, Wang F, Ahmad NN, Griffin R, Stefanski A, Garvey WT. Tirzepatide reduces the predicted risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and improves cardiometabolic risk factors in adults with obesity or overweight: SURMOUNT-1 post hoc analysis. Diabetes Obes Metab. 2024 Jan;26(1):319-328. doi: 10.1111/dom.15318. Epub 2023 Nov 6. PMID: 37932236.

Cho YK, La Lee Y, Jung CH. The Cardiovascular Effect of Tirzepatide: A Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 and Glucose-Dependent Insulinotropic Polypeptide Dual Agonist. J Lipid Atheroscler. 2023 Sep;12(3):213-222. doi: 10.12997/jla.2023.12.3.213. Epub 2023 Jul 19. PMID: 37800107; PMCID: PMC10548186.

Wilding JPH, Batterham RL, Calanna S, Davies M, Van Gaal LF, Lingvay I, McGowan BM, Rosenstock J, Tran MTD, Wadden TA, Wharton S, Yokote K, Zeuthen N, Kushner RF; STEP 1 Study Group. Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity. N Engl J Med. 2021 Mar 18;384(11):989. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa2032183. Epub 2021 Feb 10. PMID: 33567185.

Jastreboff AM, Aronne LJ, Ahmad NN, Wharton S, Connery L, Alves B, Kiyosue A, Zhang S, Liu B, Bunck MC, Stefanski A; SURMOUNT-1 Investigators. Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity. N Engl J Med. 2022 Jul 21;387(3):205-216. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa2206038. Epub 2022 Jun 4. PMID: 35658024.

Wadden TA, Bailey TS, Billings LK, Davies M, Frias JP, Koroleva A, Lingvay I, O'Neil PM, Rubino DM, Skovgaard D, Wallenstein SOR, Garvey WT; STEP 3 Investigators. Effect of Subcutaneous Semaglutide vs Placebo as an Adjunct to Intensive Behavioral Therapy on Body Weight in Adults With Overweight or Obesity: The STEP 3 Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA. 2021 Apr 13;325(14):1403-1413. doi: 10.1001/jama.2021.1831. PMID: 33625476; PMCID: PMC7905697.

O'Neil PM, Birkenfeld AL, McGowan B, Mosenzon O, Pedersen SD, Wharton S, Carson CG, Jepsen CH, Kabisch M, Wilding JPH. Efficacy and safety of semaglutide compared with liraglutide and placebo for weight loss in patients with obesity: a randomised, double-blind, placebo and active controlled, dose-ranging, phase 2 trial. Lancet. 2018 Aug 25;392(10148):637-649. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(18)31773-2. Epub 2018 Aug 16. PMID: 30122305.

Gallwitz B, Giorgino F. Clinical Perspectives on the Use of Subcutaneous and Oral Formulations of Semaglutide. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2021 Jun 29;12:645507. doi: 10.3389/fendo.2021.645507. PMID: 34267725; PMCID: PMC8276717.

Frías JP, Davies MJ, Rosenstock J, Pérez Manghi FC, Fernández Landó L, Bergman BK, Liu B, Cui X, Brown K; SURPASS-2 Investigators. Tirzepatide versus Semaglutide Once Weekly in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes. N Engl J Med. 2021 Aug 5;385(6):503-515. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa2107519. Epub 2021 Jun 25. PMID: 34170647.

Jastreboff AM, Aronne LJ, Ahmad NN, Wharton S, Connery L, Alves B, Kiyosue A, Zhang S, Liu B, Bunck MC, Stefanski A; SURMOUNT-1 Investigators. Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity. N Engl J Med. 2022 Jul 21;387(3):205-216. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa2206038. Epub 2022 Jun 4. PMID: 35658024.

Heise T, Mari A, DeVries JH, Urva S, Li J, Pratt EJ, Coskun T, Thomas MK, Mather KJ, Haupt A, Milicevic Z. Effects of subcutaneous tirzepatide versus placebo or semaglutide on pancreatic islet function and insulin sensitivity in adults with type 2 diabetes: a multicentre, randomised, double-blind, parallel-arm, phase 1 clinical trial. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol. 2022 Jun;10(6):418-429. doi: 10.1016/S2213-8587(22)00085-7. Epub 2022 Apr 22. PMID: 35468322.

Nauck, M.A., D‘Alessio, D.A. Tirzepatide, a dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor co-agonist for the treatment of type 2 diabetes with unmatched effectiveness regrading glycaemic control and body weight reduction. Cardiovasc Diabetol 21, 169 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12933-022-01604-7

GLP-1 agonists: Diabetes drugs and weight loss

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