While in-demand semaglutide is used with proper diet and exercise programs to control high blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes, it now increasingly also is being applied as a medication for long-term weight management. One local, health care team makes the medication conveniently accessible for those who qualify to receive it.
Last summer, Kevin Teubner, along with two partners, opened a new clinic in University City at 7301 Tulane Ave. After qualifying, patients at New Horizon Wellness can receive an FDA-approved, custom-blended injectable prescription medication. Working under the oversight of physicians, patients receive corresponding doses of semaglutide or tirzepatide, which is sold under the brand names Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro.
Semaglutide is a modified molecule developed by Novo Nordisk, and approved for use in the United States in 2017. Medical experts indicate it's a peptide similar to the hormone glucagon-like peptide-1, modified with a side chain. It works as a protein made in the intestine and results in decreased blood sugars and appetite. A small change in the molecule allows the medication to last weeks in human bodies rather than minutes.
How does semaglutide function? Kevin says it works with and through the brain, stomach, pancreas and liver by helping regulate appetite and cravings; delaying gastric emptying; releasing the right amount of insulin when blood sugar levels are high; and reducing production of glucose, which lowers blood sugar levels. Combined with a B12 dosage, it also helps stimulate and increase metabolism.
Aside from weight loss, he says patients taking the medications also have seen a decreased risk of certain conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, joint pain and reduced blood pressure. Over the course of the program, most patients can expect to lose up to an average of 20% of body weight, he adds.
"We also have vitamin-driven injectables for energy and healthy support of our livers and kidneys," explains Kevin, who indicates the future intention is to become a full wellness center with additional services, such as red-light therapy and anti-aging treatments.
"Overall, our goal is to help people with their longevity and ability to enjoy it," he adds.
He says their discrete location near physical therapy practice Boutique Physio provides a peaceful, upbeat and comforting ambiance.
Kevin says their medications are secured from a pharmaceutical company that routinely secures FDA recertification. He says the process works by first getting in touch with him via text or a phone call, followed by an online registration. A physician then reviews the registration details with each patient to ensure it represents a comprehensive medical history and that there are no health-related contradictions. Once approved, Kevin talks to new patients to schedule an appointment. He says they maintain office hours Mondays through Saturdays, and that he has medical assistants basically on-call 24/7.
"After a health consultation, our patients start with a modest dose of medications once a week and then we proceed with a customized plan," Kevin says.
He adds that the goal is to get to an optimal level of units per week for the maximum benefit. "But everyone's bodies are different. So we often stair-step it over a few weeks' time, all the while revisiting the personal plan made for each person."
Kevin says some patients notice changes fairly quickly, but everyone should see noticeable results after the first few months of treatment.
"It's key to drink a generous amount of water every day during treatment and stay away from artificial food ingredients. Other than that, most people's bodies get along really well with it, and our patients tell us they quickly feel more energy," he states.
Cost currently starts at approximately $400 per month, so about $100 per week. Kevin says they offer a '100/100 Win/Win' program through which their patients get $100 for referring a potential patient who converts to a new patient. Associated new patients also get $100 credit. Each existing patient can receive credit for two referrals, or $200, each month. So, in essence, half of one's medication cost can be covered through referrals.
During the first quarter of 2024, Kevin says they expect to have a new offensive peptide to work with as well. "We have many patients who eventually are able to come off of other medications, mainly due to the weight loss aspect. We really enjoy going on these weight loss journeys with everyone. We can serve as a sort of accountability partners and health advisers, but equally important, as supportive wellness cheerleaders."
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"Typical patients want to lose 15-20 pounds," says Kevin Teubner, New Horizon Wellness co-owner."
