Weight Loss Medications: How They Work

At Stone Ridge Wellness Aesthetics, our goal is to support your journey to better health and well-being. For some individuals, prescription weight loss medications—also known as anti-obesity drugs—can be an effective component of a comprehensive weight management plan. However, these medications are not appropriate for everyone.

Our providers typically consider weight loss medications for adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, which meets the criteria for obesity. They may also be prescribed for individuals with a BMI of 27 or above who are experiencing weight-related health issues, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnea.

Before recommending any weight loss medication, our experienced team evaluates your overall health, medical history, and previous efforts with lifestyle changes, including diet and exercise. For optimal results, they are used together with ongoing support for nutrition, physical activity, and behavioral changes.

We encourage anyone considering weight loss medication to schedule a consultation with our medical team. Together, we will discuss the potential benefits and risks, and determine whether medication is an appropriate and safe option for your unique needs. Please note, weight loss medications are not suitable for individuals who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or who have certain medical conditions that could be affected by these treatments.

Weight loss medications can be a valuable tool to support your journey. These medications work in various ways—some help control appetite by targeting hunger centers in the brain, making it easier to reduce food intake. Others, like GLP-1 receptor agonists, mimic natural hormones that regulate appetite and blood sugar, helping you feel full sooner and longer after meals. There are also options, such as orlistat, that decrease the absorption of dietary fat, so fewer calories are processed by your body.

At Stone Ridge Wellness Aesthetics, our experienced healthcare providers carefully evaluate your health history, lifestyle, and weight loss goals to determine which medication, if any, is right for you. We emphasize a holistic approach: weight loss medications are most effective when combined with a balanced diet, regular exercise, and ongoing support from our team.

At Stone Ridge Wellness Aesthetics, we offer comprehensive weight management solutions that may include prescription weight loss medications as part of your personalized treatment plan. These medications, also known as anti-obesity drugs, can be effective tools to support your weight loss journey when combined with healthy lifestyle changes. However, as with any medication, potential side effects should be considered and monitored by your healthcare provider.

Common Weight Loss Medications & Their Side Effects

At Stone Ridge Wellness Aesthetics, we may prescribe medications such as GLP-1 receptor agonists (like semaglutide). These medications can have different side effects:

GLP-1 Receptor Agonists (Semaglutide, Liraglutide): Frequently cause gastrointestinal symptoms, especially during the initial phase or when increasing the dose. These include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal pain. In rare cases, these medications have been linked to pancreatitis or gallbladder issues.

At Stone Ridge Wellness Aesthetics, your safety and well-being are our top priorities. We conduct a thorough medical evaluation and take time to discuss your health history, current medications, and personal goals before recommending any weight loss medication. Allergic reactions are rare but possible. If you ever experience symptoms such as rash, swelling, difficulty breathing, or severe side effects, please contact us immediately or seek emergency care.

We believe that ongoing support is crucial to safe and successful weight loss. Our team will schedule regular follow-up appointments to monitor your progress, address any side effects, and make adjustments to your treatment as needed. If you experience any concerning symptoms between visits, we encourage you to reach out to us promptly.

For many individuals, lifestyle changes such as diet and increased physical activity may not be enough to achieve meaningful or lasting results. In such cases, weight loss medications—also known as anti-obesity drugs—can serve as valuable tools within a comprehensive, medically supervised weight management program.

Weight loss medications are not a quick fix, but when prescribed and monitored by our experienced providers, they can significantly enhance your weight loss efforts. FDA-approved medications like semaglutide (Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Zepbound) have shown promising results, with some patients losing more than 15% of their initial body weight when these medications are combined with healthy lifestyle modifications. On average, patients may expect to lose between 5% and 15% of their starting weight over the course of a year when following a comprehensive treatment plan.

These medications work in various ways—some help control appetite, others decrease fat absorption, and some impact how your body processes sugar. Our team will carefully evaluate your medical history, current health conditions, and personal goals to determine which medication, if any, is most appropriate for you.

Not all patients are candidates for weight loss medications. Generally, these medications are prescribed for adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, or for those with a BMI of 27 or higher who also have weight-related conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure. Our providers will closely monitor your progress, adjusting your treatment plan as needed to maximize results while minimizing potential side effects.

Most weight loss occurs within the first six months of starting medication. If you do not see at least 5% weight loss within three to six months, our team may recommend adjusting your medication or exploring alternative therapies to ensure your safety and success.

At Stone Ridge Wellness and Aesthetics, Dr. Ria Shirsolkar, MD, MS, approaches weight management through the lens of functional medicine, treating you as a partner rather than just a patient. Recognizing that true health radiates from within, Dr. Ria and her team offer cutting-edge GLP-1 receptor agonist treatments, such as Semaglutide, to help regulate appetite and metabolic function.

Instead of a “one-size-fits-all” model, the practice combines these advanced injectables with a comprehensive “Nutrition and Lifestyle Transformation Program.” By integrating medical expertise with personalized coaching, Dr. Ria ensures that your weight loss is both scientifically supported and sustainable for long-term vitality.

At Stone Ridge Wellness Aesthetics, we believe that true wellness is achieved through a holistic approach. Weight loss medications are just one part of a broader, long-term strategy that includes nutrition, exercise, behavioral support, and ongoing medical supervision. While these medications can help improve blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar control, they are most effective when integrated into a comprehensive wellness plan tailored to your unique needs. For more information, contact us or request an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 24560 Southpoint Dr, Suite 220 Aldie, VA 20105. We serve clients from Aldie VA, South Riding VA, Brambleton VA, Broadlands VA, Chantilly VA, Ashburn VA, Herndon VA, and surrounding areas.