Medically Guided Weight Loss
Conveniently located to serve the areas of Berkeley, Oakland and Bay Area, CA
Medically assisted weight loss is designed to help patients lose weight under medical supervision, often incorporating a GLP-1 medication such as tirzepatide or retatrutide.
These medications work by interacting with the hormones responsible for satiety and hunger, and can slow digestion. This results in improved metabolism, stabilized blood sugar, reduced appetite, and noticeable weight loss. (1)
At Nubo Spa, we offer tirzepatide and retatrutide* to help patients take control of their physical health and wellness.
To schedule your consultation and learn more about medically assisted weight loss, please submit our online contact form. To speak to a member of our team or schedule a consultation over the phone, please call (510) 637-9394.
Contents
- 1 About Tirzepatide
- 2 About Retatrutide
- 3 Benefits of Medically Assisted Weight Loss
- 4 Ideal Candidates
- 5 Personal Consultation
- 6 Preparation
- 7 Procedure
- 8 Recovery
- 9 Results
- 10 Corresponding Procedures
- 11 Cost of Medically Assisted Weight Loss in Berkeley, CA
- 12 FAQ
- 12.1 What are the common side effects of medically assisted weight loss?
- 12.2 How long can I expect to take tirzepatide or retatrutide?
- 12.3 Is medically-assisted weight loss safe?
- 12.4 Can I stop taking my weight loss medication whenever I choose?
- 12.5 Can I undergo body contouring surgery while I’m on weight loss medication?
- 13 References
About Tirzepatide
Tirzepatide is an FDA-approved medication initially designed to help patients manage type 2 diabetes, but it has seen a significant increase in use for weight loss due to its impressive results. Tirzepatide is both a Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist and a glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor agonist. This means this medication mimics both the GLP-1 and GIP hormones to regulate and manage the body’s insulin and blood sugar levels. (1)
About Retatrutide
Retatrutide is an emerging medication that is being researched for its potential to help patients lose weight. This medication is a triple agonist that targets the GLP-1 receptor, GIP receptor, and glucagon. (2) This medication has yielded results in trials for both diabetic and non-diabetic patients, with reported improvements in blood pressure, total cholesterol, fasting glucose, and insulin, and more. (3)
Benefits of Medically Assisted Weight Loss
Both tirzepatide and retatrutide have numerous benefits for those who are struggling with weight loss. A few of these noteworthy advantages include:
- Effective Weight Loss: Clinical trials have resulted in patients losing a significant amount of body weight, particularly when the medication is combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise.
- Appetite Suppression: Weight loss medications can reduce feelings of hunger and increase satiety, making it easier for individuals to stick to their dietary plans and reduce their caloric intake.
- Improved Insulin Sensitivity: By enhancing insulin sensitivity, these medications may help control blood sugar levels.
Ideal Candidates
Ideal candidates for medically assisted weight loss typically include those who have been struggling to lose weight through dieting or exercise alone. Candidates must be over 18 and committed to following a long-term treatment plan.
Each candidate interested in medically assisted weight loss should be in good overall health with realistic expectations as to what this treatment can accomplish. Our team will determine each patient’s candidacy during their consultation.
Personal Consultation
Before starting their treatment, each patient will need to attend a personal consultation. Our team will ask each patient about their medical history, current prescriptions, and treatment goals. There will also be a discussion about each individual’s weight-loss journey thus far and the weight-loss methods they have tried previously. A physical assessment will also be conducted.
From there, our team will craft each individual’s treatment plan to support each of their health goals. We will explain how the medication works, what the expected results are, and recommended lifestyle habits to maximize effectiveness. Each patient’s experience is different, and we approach each consultation openly to ensure we understand how we can best help them achieve their goals.
To schedule your personal consultation and start your medically assisted weight loss treatment, please submit our online contact form. To speak to a member of our team or schedule a consultation over the phone, please call (510) 637-9394.
Preparation
When preparing for our medically assisted weight loss treatment, each patient should adopt healthy lifestyle habits. This includes regular exercise and a nutritious diet. Any further instructions will be provided by a member of our team during the consultation.
Procedure
At Nubo Spa, we offer both tirzepatide and retatrutide as weight-loss injections to help each patient achieve their weight-loss goals. Our weight-loss specialist can help each patient determine the best treatment plan for them during their consultation.
Tirzepatide Injections
Tirzepatide and retatrutide injections are meant to be taken once weekly. This treatment can be administered either in the thigh, arm, or abdomen, with injection sites rotating to avoid irritation. As each patient adjusts to their medication, the weight loss specialist may continue adjusting the dose for the best possible results. (1)
Recovery
Each individual can return to their daily routine after their injection. Patients may experience initial side effects such as gastrointestinal changes, mild headaches, or nausea, but these effects are temporary and will gradually dissipate as each patient adjusts to their new regimen. Over-the-counter remedies can help alleviate these symptoms. It is also strongly recommended to stay hydrated to help minimize side effects.
Results
The results of a medically assisted weight loss treatment will become more apparent over time, as the patient continues receiving their dose. Most patients will begin to experience changes within the first few weeks of treatment, noticing fewer cravings and eating smaller meal portions.
Several factors can affect how quickly results manifest, including the type of exercises being performed, the amount of exercise performed each week, the patient’s diet, and the patient’s metabolic rate.
Our weight loss specialists can help patients put together a dietary plan consisting of nutritious foods that will support them on their journey. They will also help each patient determine the most effective exercise regimen to maintain their results.
Corresponding Procedures
After undergoing significant weight loss, there are several treatments that our team at Nubo Spa can perform to help enhance each patient’s appearance.
Botox
Botox is an FDA-approved treatment designed to help reduce and prevent the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. This treatment is a neuromodulator, meaning it interacts with our nervous system to inhibit acetylcholine, the neurotransmitter responsible for repeated muscle contractions. (5) This treatment is one of the most popular minimally invasive cosmetic treatments worldwide, allowing patients to restore a more youthful-looking appearance.
Sculptra
Sculptra is an FDA-approved injectable filler that is administered to address signs of visible aging, such as fine lines, creases, wrinkles, and facial volume loss. This treatment is composed of poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), a biostimulatory material, meaning it stimulates the production of collagen in the skin. (6) With Sculptra, each patient can enhance their appearance and combat the volume loss associated with rapid weight reduction, also known as “Ozempic face” or “Ozempic butt.”
Cost of Medically Assisted Weight Loss in Berkeley, CA
The cost of each patient’s medically assisted weight loss treatment can vary depending on several factors. Medications like tirzepatide and retatrutide are designed for long-term treatment. During each patient’s consultation, the weight loss specialist will provide a total cost estimate for their personalized treatment plan, as well as any additional appointments needed.
To learn more about the cost of medically assisted weight loss, please schedule a consultation by submitting our online contact form or calling (510) 637-9394.
FAQ
What are the common side effects of medically assisted weight loss?
Common side effects may include nausea, diarrhea, and constipation. These are usually mild and lessen over time as your body adjusts to your medication. Staying hydrated can help minimize these effects.
How long can I expect to take tirzepatide or retatrutide?
Many patients continue using their medication long-term, especially as part of a comprehensive plan for weight maintenance.
Is medically-assisted weight loss safe?
Medically-assisted weight loss is generally considered safe, especially with the supervision of an experienced and knowledgeable team. However, these medications may not be suitable for everyone. A personal consultation will help determine your eligibility.
Can I stop taking my weight loss medication whenever I choose?
You should consult with your specialist before ceasing medication use.
Can I undergo body contouring surgery while I’m on weight loss medication?
It is recommended to wait until you have reached a stable, maintainable weight before undergoing any surgical procedures. For more information on your available options, we recommend scheduling a personal consultation at our Berkeley office.
*Medically assisted weight loss treatments, including tirzepatide and investigational medications like retatrutide, should only be used under medical supervision. Retatrutide is currently under clinical investigation and is not FDA-approved for weight loss. Additionally, compounded versions of these medications are not approved by the FDA and may vary in safety, quality, and effectiveness.This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Individual results may vary. Please consult with a licensed healthcare provider to determine what treatment is right for you.
References
- Khashayar Farzam, Patel P. Tirzepatide. Nih.gov. Published February 20, 2024. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK585056/#article-147813.s5
- Alaa Abdrabou Abouelmagd, Amro Mamdouh Abdelrehim, Bashir MN, et al. Efficacy and safety of retatrutide, a novel GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon receptor agonist for obesity treatment: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Baylor University Medical Center Proceedings. 2025;38(3):291-303. doi:https://doi.org/10.1080/08998280.2025.2456441
- Lilly’s phase 2 retatrutide results published in The New England Journal of Medicine show the investigational molecule achieved up to 17.5% mean weight reduction at 24 weeks in adults with obesity and overweight | Eli Lilly and Company. Eli Lilly and Company. Published 2022. https://investor.lilly.com/news-releases/news-release-details/lillys-phase-2-retatrutide-results-published-new-england-journal
- Jastreboff AM, Kaplan LM, Frias JP, et al. Triple–Hormone-Receptor Agonist Retatrutide for Obesity — A Phase 2 Trial. The New England Journal Of Medicine. 2023;389(6). doi:https://doi.org/10.1056/nejmoa2301972
- Padda IS, Tadi P. Botulinum Toxin. PubMed. Published November 6, 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557387/
- Christen MO. Collagen Stimulators in Body Applications: A Review Focused on Poly-L-Lactic Acid (PLLA). Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology. 2022;Volume 15:997-1019. doi:https://doi.org/10.2147/ccid.s359813
