What Are GLP-1 Medications and How Do They Work?
GLP-1 receptor agonists are a class of medications that mimic a naturally occurring hormone in your body called glucagon-like peptide-1. This hormone plays a key role in regulating appetite, slowing stomach emptying, and signaling to your brain that you are full. When used as part of a doctor-supervised weight loss program, these medications can significantly reduce caloric intake without requiring you to white-knuckle through hunger or fatigue.
At Wholesome Healthcare in South Ogden, Carli Thompson, FNP-C and Nick Jarvis, FNP-C prescribe GLP-1 medications — including semaglutide and tirzepatide — when clinically appropriate, following a comprehensive evaluation of your health history, weight loss goals, and overall metabolic health. Many patients ask, “Is Ozempic the same as semaglutide?” The answer is yes: Ozempic contains semaglutide as its active ingredient. However, Ozempic is FDA-approved specifically for blood sugar management in type 2 diabetes, while Wegovy — also semaglutide — carries the FDA indication for chronic weight management. When we prescribe semaglutide, we are prescribing the active ingredient that makes these medications effective, used in the context that is clinically appropriate for each individual patient.
Who Qualifies for GLP-1 Weight Loss Treatment?
GLP-1 medications are not a one-size-fits-all solution, and they are not appropriate for everyone. Following a comprehensive evaluation, our providers generally consider patients who meet one or more of the following criteria:
A body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher (obesity)
A BMI of 27 or higher with at least one weight-related health condition, such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol
A demonstrated difficulty losing weight through diet and exercise alone
No contraindications such as a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2
You do not need to have type 2 diabetes to qualify. Many of our patients at Wholesome Healthcare are otherwise healthy individuals who have struggled with weight for years despite genuine effort. Nick Jarvis, FNP-C conducts an in-depth intake visit to review your labs, medications, and health history before any prescription is issued. Carli Thompson, FNP-C is equally involved in ongoing monitoring visits to assess your response, adjust dosing when appropriate, and address any side effects.
We serve patients from throughout Weber County and the surrounding communities, including South Ogden, North Ogden, Ogden, Roy, Riverdale, and Layton. Both in-person visits and telehealth appointments are available, depending on your preference and clinical appropriateness.
Semaglutide vs. Tirzepatide: Which Is Right for You?
Two active ingredients are currently at the center of medically supervised weight loss: semaglutide and tirzepatide. Both are proven to produce meaningful weight reduction when used as part of a comprehensive program, but they work through different mechanisms and may suit different patients.
Semaglutide — GLP-1 receptor agonist. Well-known brands (for reference): Ozempic (diabetes), Wegovy (weight). Average weight loss in trials: ~15% of body weight. Best for: patients newer to GLP-1 therapy or those with strong tolerability concerns.
Tirzepatide — GLP-1 / GIP dual receptor agonist. Well-known brands (for reference): Mounjaro (diabetes), Zepbound (weight). Average weight loss in trials: ~20–22% of body weight (SURMOUNT trials). Best for: patients seeking greater efficacy, those with insulin resistance, or those who have not responded adequately to semaglutide.
Neither medication is objectively “better” — the right choice depends on your individual health profile, prior treatment history, tolerability, and clinical goals. Carli Thompson, FNP-C and Nick Jarvis, FNP-C will walk you through the options during your consultation and recommend the most appropriate path forward. Individual results vary.
What to Expect: Starting Your GLP-1 Program
If you are approved for treatment following your evaluation, here is what a typical program looks like at Wholesome Healthcare:
Initial Consultation
Your first visit includes a review of your health history, current medications, and metabolic labs. Our providers will discuss realistic goals, explain how the medication works, and answer all your questions. There is no pressure — this is a clinical decision made collaboratively.
Gradual Dose Titration
GLP-1 medications are started at a low dose and increased gradually over several weeks. This titration schedule is designed to minimize side effects — nausea is the most commonly reported — while allowing your body to adjust. Most patients find the process manageable, and side effects typically lessen as the body adapts.
Ongoing Monitoring and Lifestyle Guidance
Our providers monitor your overall response, including blood pressure, labs, and how you are feeling day to day. We also provide practical nutrition guidance with an emphasis on adequate protein intake, which supports muscle preservation during weight loss — an often-overlooked component of effective treatment. You will receive evidence-informed strategies that complement your medication and your lifestyle.
Results: What Does the Research Say?
Clinical trial data for semaglutide showed an average weight loss of approximately 15% of body weight over 68 weeks. Tirzepatide trials demonstrated average losses of 20–22% of body weight over 72 weeks. These results were achieved with lifestyle intervention alongside medication.
In real-world clinical practice, results vary. Most patients begin to notice changes within the first four to eight weeks, with more substantial progress visible at the three- to six-month mark. Some weight regain after stopping medication is common, which is why our program emphasizes durable lifestyle habits throughout treatment.
Pricing and Insurance
We believe in pricing transparency. Consultation fees at Wholesome Healthcare are straightforward — our team will provide exact pricing during your intake call or visit. GLP-1 medications for weight loss are not consistently covered by most commercial insurance plans, though coverage is evolving. FSA and HSA funds may be applicable. Our team will help you understand your options. Call us at 801-686-5015 for current pricing.
Why Choose Wholesome Healthcare for Medical Weight Loss in Ogden?
Board-certified nurse practitioners — Carli Thompson, FNP-C and Nick Jarvis, FNP-C are licensed, credentialed family nurse practitioners authorized to prescribe independently in Utah.
Comprehensive evaluation before every prescription — We do not prescribe based on an online questionnaire alone. Your health is reviewed thoroughly before any clinical decision is made.
Ongoing support, not a drop-ship model — Unlike telehealth-only providers, we monitor your progress, adjust your plan, and remain available to you throughout treatment.
Local and convenient — Located at 920 Chambers St Ste 11, South Ogden, UT 84403, serving Weber County and Northern Utah. Telehealth available for appropriate follow-up visits.
Whole-person care — Weight is one number. Your health is a full picture. Our providers treat you accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ozempic the same as semaglutide?
Yes. Ozempic contains semaglutide as its active ingredient, but it is FDA-approved specifically for blood sugar management in type 2 diabetes, not as a weight loss drug. Wegovy, also semaglutide, carries the FDA weight management indication. When semaglutide is prescribed by our providers, it is always done in a clinically appropriate context based on your individual health evaluation.
Do I need to have diabetes to qualify?
No. Many of our patients do not have diabetes. Qualification is based on BMI, weight-related health conditions, and overall clinical appropriateness. Our providers will assess your specific situation during a consultation.
How long does it take to see results?
Most patients begin to notice changes in appetite and early weight loss within four to eight weeks. More significant progress is typically visible at three to six months. Results vary based on individual response, lifestyle adherence, and dosing trajectory.
Will I gain the weight back if I stop?
Research suggests some weight regain is common after stopping GLP-1 medications, particularly without reinforced lifestyle habits. Our program emphasizes nutrition and behavioral support throughout treatment to make progress as durable as possible. Providers will discuss long-term planning with you, including what stopping the medication looks like clinically.
Can a nurse practitioner prescribe GLP-1 medications in Utah?
Yes. In Utah, family nurse practitioners with full practice authority — including Carli Thompson, FNP-C and Nick Jarvis, FNP-C — are authorized to prescribe medications independently.
How much does GLP-1 treatment cost?
Costs vary based on the medication prescribed and your program structure. We provide transparent pricing during your consultation or intake call. Contact us at 801-686-5015 for current pricing information.
Take the First Step Toward Medical Weight Loss in Ogden
If you are ready to explore whether GLP-1 medications are right for you, Carli Thompson, FNP-C and Nick Jarvis, FNP-C at Wholesome Healthcare are here to help. We serve patients in South Ogden, Ogden, North Ogden, Roy, Riverdale, Layton, and throughout Weber County.
Individual results vary. GLP-1 medications are prescribed only when clinically appropriate, following a comprehensive evaluation. This page is for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice.
Ready to get started? Book your consultation online or call us at 801-686-5015.