GLP-1 Therapy for Weight Loss in Santa Barbara
Physician-supervised GLP-1 medication as part of an individualized medical weight management plan.
Turner Medical Arts offers GLP-1 therapy, including tirzepatide, semaglutide, and the oral GLP-1 medication Foundayo™ (orforglipron), through our physician-led Medical Weight Management program in Santa Barbara and by telehealth. Treatment begins with a medical evaluation and laboratory testing. Medication is prescribed only when clinically appropriate and is monitored with monthly follow-up. Medical oversight is $450 per month, medications are priced separately, and your initial consultation is complimentary.
Complimentary Initial Consultation | $0
In-person in Santa Barbara and telehealth available. Call (805) 962-1957.
What Is GLP-1 Therapy?
GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) is a hormone your gut releases after you eat. GLP-1 medications act on the same receptors to help you feel full sooner and stay full longer, reduce appetite and food cravings, slow how quickly your stomach empties, and help regulate blood sugar. Used alongside nutrition and lifestyle changes, they can support meaningful, medically supervised weight loss.
GLP-1 Medications We Prescribe
- Tirzepatide, a once-weekly injection that acts on both GLP-1 and GIP receptors
- Semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist
- Foundayo™ (orforglipron), a once-daily oral GLP-1 medication for patients who prefer a non-injectable option
The right medication depends on your health history, lab results, goals, preference for oral or injectable treatment, and how you tolerate it. Some patients are better suited to other options, such as phentermine, which our Medical Weight Management program also offers.
Who Is a Candidate for GLP-1 Therapy?
GLP-1 medications for weight management are generally considered for adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, or 27 or higher with a weight-related condition such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol.
They are not right for everyone. GLP-1 medications are not used during pregnancy, and some are not recommended for people with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN 2). Your provider will also review conditions such as a history of pancreatitis or gallbladder disease. Your evaluation determines whether GLP-1 therapy is safe and appropriate for you.
How GLP-1 Therapy Works at Turner Medical Arts
- Complimentary consultation. Discuss your goals, previous treatments, and whether our program is a good fit.
- Medical evaluation and lab testing. We assess metabolic health, glucose regulation, thyroid function, nutritional status, medications, sleep, and body composition.
- Individualized dosing. Medication usually starts at a low dose and increases gradually. This may include standard titration, slower dose escalation, lower maintenance doses, or customized microdosing when appropriate.
- Monthly follow-up. We review your progress, side effects, and goals, and adjust your plan as needed.
- Long-term maintenance. We plan with you for keeping your results after initial weight loss.
Protecting Lean Muscle
Weight loss from any cause can include some loss of muscle. Your plan can include guidance on protein intake and strength training, body composition tracking, and, when clinically appropriate, peptide therapy to support lean muscle.
Side Effects and Safety
The most common side effects are gastrointestinal, such as nausea, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, and reduced appetite. They are usually most noticeable when starting or increasing a dose, and gradual dose increases help reduce them. Less common but serious risks include pancreatitis and gallbladder problems. Your medical team monitors you monthly and adjusts treatment as needed.
If you develop severe or persistent abdominal pain, contact your provider right away. For a medical emergency, call 911.
GLP-1 Therapy Cost
Ongoing medical oversight is $450 per month and includes monthly follow-up, individualized treatment planning, medication management and dose adjustments, and long-term maintenance planning. GLP-1 medications are priced separately and paid directly by the patient. Laboratory testing and other therapies are also separate. The initial consultation is complimentary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between tirzepatide and semaglutide?
Both are GLP-1-based medications. Semaglutide acts on the GLP-1 receptor. Tirzepatide is a once-weekly injection that acts on both the GLP-1 and GIP receptors. Which one is right for you depends on your health history, goals, and how you respond to treatment.
Is there a GLP-1 pill for weight loss?
Yes. Foundayo™ (orforglipron) is a once-daily oral GLP-1 medication. Turner Medical Arts offers oral and injectable options when clinically appropriate.
How much does GLP-1 therapy cost at Turner Medical Arts?
Medical oversight is $450 per month, including monthly follow-up, medication management, and dose adjustments. GLP-1 medications, laboratory testing, and other therapies are priced separately. The initial consultation is complimentary.
What happens if I stop taking a GLP-1 medication?
Many people regain weight after stopping GLP-1 medication. That is why your plan includes long-term maintenance, which may involve a lower maintenance dose, gradual changes to treatment, and nutrition and activity habits that support your results.
Can I start GLP-1 therapy by telehealth?
Telehealth appointments are available, and in-person visits are available in Santa Barbara. Our team will confirm which visit format is right for your care.
Do I have to take a GLP-1 medication to join the weight management program?
No. Medication is recommended only when clinically appropriate. Your evaluation determines whether GLP-1 therapy, another medication, nutrition and lifestyle changes, or a combination makes sense for you.
Start With a Complimentary Consultation
Meet with our medical team to discuss your goals, previous treatments, and whether GLP-1 therapy is appropriate for you.
Complimentary Consultation | $0
Santa Barbara + Telehealth · (805) 962-1957
