Glossary

Weight Loss & GLP-1 Terms

Definitions for semaglutide, Ozempic, Wegovy, medical weight loss, and other terms you’ll see when exploring treatment in Atlanta and Georgia.

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Appetite suppressant

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A medication or substance that reduces hunger. GLP-1 medications like semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound) act as appetite suppressants by targeting brain regions that regulate appetite, helping you feel full longer. Many weight loss providers in Atlanta and across Decatur, Buckhead, and Sandy Springs prescribe these FDA-approved options.

Bariatric surgery

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Surgery to promote weight loss by altering the stomach or digestive tract (e.g., gastric bypass, sleeve). For many patients, medical weight loss with GLP-1 medications like semaglutide or Wegovy is a less invasive option. Providers throughout Atlanta, Marietta, and Alpharetta, Georgia can help you compare options.

Baseline weight

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Your weight at the start of treatment, used to measure progress. In clinical trials of semaglutide (Wegovy), participants lost an average of 15–20% of baseline weight. Roswell, Dunwoody, and Atlanta providers can help you set realistic goals based on your baseline.

Blood sugar

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The amount of glucose in your blood. GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and semaglutide help lower blood sugar and support weight loss, making them useful for type 2 diabetes and obesity. Weight loss doctors in Atlanta, Johns Creek, and Smyrna, GA often prescribe these for both conditions.

BMI (Body Mass Index)

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A measure of body fat based on height and weight. Many GLP-1 weight loss programs use BMI for eligibility: typically BMI 30+ (obesity) or 27+ with a weight-related condition. Providers in Atlanta, Midtown, Kennesaw, and across Georgia can calculate your BMI and discuss semaglutide or Wegovy eligibility.

Caloric deficit

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Consuming fewer calories than you burn, which leads to weight loss. GLP-1 medications like semaglutide make it easier to maintain a caloric deficit by reducing appetite. Combined with healthy eating, this supports lasting results. Medical weight loss providers in Atlanta and Decatur often combine medication with nutrition guidance.

Compounded semaglutide

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Semaglutide prepared by a compounding pharmacy, often at a lower cost than brand-name Ozempic or Wegovy. Available through some providers in Atlanta, Sandy Springs, Alpharetta, and Georgia when prescribed by a licensed doctor. Always use a reputable pharmacy and prescriber.

FDA approved

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Cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for safety and efficacy. Semaglutide (Ozempic for diabetes, Wegovy for weight loss), tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound), and liraglutide (Saxenda) are FDA-approved GLP-1 medications. Atlanta-area and Georgia providers prescribe these approved options for medical weight loss.

GLP-1 (Glucagon-like peptide-1)

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A hormone that helps regulate blood sugar and appetite. GLP-1 receptor agonist medications (e.g., semaglutide, tirzepatide) mimic this hormone and are used for weight loss and type 2 diabetes. Find GLP-1 doctors in Atlanta, Buckhead, Midtown, Roswell, and across Metro Atlanta, Georgia.

Liraglutide (Saxenda)

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A daily-injectable GLP-1 medication FDA-approved for weight loss (brand name Saxenda). Semaglutide (Wegovy) is a once-weekly alternative that many patients prefer. Providers in Atlanta, Dunwoody, and Marietta, GA can help you choose between GLP-1 options.

Maintenance dose

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The ongoing dose of medication after the initial ramp-up. For Wegovy (semaglutide), the maintenance dose for weight loss is typically 2.4 mg once weekly. Your doctor in Atlanta or Alpharetta will tailor your dosing schedule and monitor your progress.

Medical weight loss

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Weight loss supervised by a doctor or qualified provider, often using FDA-approved medications like semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) or tirzepatide (Zepbound). Available across Atlanta, Sandy Springs, Decatur, Johns Creek, and Metro Atlanta, Georgia.

Metabolic health

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The state of your metabolism, blood sugar, blood pressure, and related factors. GLP-1 medications like semaglutide can improve metabolic health while supporting weight loss. Weight loss providers in Atlanta, Roswell, and Smyrna often monitor these markers during treatment.

Mounjaro (tirzepatide)

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Brand name for tirzepatide, a dual GLP-1/GIP medication FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes. Zepbound is the same drug approved for weight loss. Available through providers in Atlanta, Buckhead, Alpharetta, and Georgia. Compare with semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) during a free consultation.

Obesity

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A medical condition defined by a BMI of 30 or higher. FDA-approved treatments include Wegovy (semaglutide) and Zepbound (tirzepatide). Medical weight loss doctors in Atlanta, Marietta, Kennesaw, and across Georgia can evaluate eligibility and prescribe these medications.

Off-label

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Use of a medication for a purpose other than its FDA-approved indication. Ozempic is approved for type 2 diabetes but is sometimes prescribed off-label for weight loss; Wegovy is the same drug approved specifically for weight management. Atlanta and Georgia providers can explain which option fits your situation.

Ozempic

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Brand name for semaglutide FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes. Often used for weight loss as well (sometimes off-label). Same active ingredient as Wegovy at lower doses. Find Ozempic providers in Atlanta, Midtown, Sandy Springs, Decatur, and Metro Atlanta, Georgia.

Pre-filled pen

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A device that contains a single dose of medication (e.g., semaglutide) for subcutaneous injection. Ozempic and Wegovy are typically supplied as pre-filled pens for once-weekly use. Providers in Atlanta, Dunwoody, and Roswell can show you how to use them safely at home.

Prior authorization

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Approval from your insurance company before they will cover a medication. Often required for Wegovy or Zepbound. Weight loss clinics in Atlanta, Alpharetta, and Johns Creek, Georgia can help you navigate prior authorization or discuss self-pay options.

Receptor agonist

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A drug that activates a specific receptor in the body. GLP-1 receptor agonists (e.g., semaglutide, tirzepatide) activate GLP-1 receptors to reduce appetite and improve blood sugar. These medications are the foundation of modern medical weight loss in Atlanta and across Georgia.

Rybelsus

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Brand name for oral semaglutide, a once-daily pill for type 2 diabetes. The injectable form (Ozempic, Wegovy) is more commonly used for weight loss. Providers in Atlanta, Buckhead, and Sandy Springs can discuss oral vs. injectable GLP-1 options.

Semaglutide

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An FDA-approved GLP-1 medication used for weight loss and type 2 diabetes. Sold as Ozempic (diabetes) and Wegovy (weight loss). Taken as a once-weekly subcutaneous injection. Semaglutide weight loss providers are available throughout Atlanta, Marietta, Alpharetta, Decatur, and Metro Atlanta, Georgia.

Subcutaneous injection

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An injection given just under the skin (not into muscle or vein). Semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound) are given this way, usually once weekly, with a pre-filled pen. Atlanta and Georgia providers teach proper technique for at-home use.

Telehealth

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Healthcare delivered remotely by video or phone. Many weight loss providers in Atlanta, Sandy Springs, Roswell, and Georgia offer telehealth for GLP-1 consultations and follow-ups, so you can start semaglutide or Wegovy without an in-person visit.

Tirzepatide

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A GLP-1/GIP medication sold as Mounjaro (diabetes) and Zepbound (weight loss). Like semaglutide, it is given once weekly by injection. Providers in Atlanta, Buckhead, Alpharetta, and Metro Atlanta can prescribe tirzepatide for weight loss.

Type 2 diabetes

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A condition in which the body doesn’t use insulin well, leading to high blood sugar. GLP-1 medications like Ozempic (semaglutide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide) are FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes and also support weight loss. Find diabetes and weight loss doctors in Atlanta, Decatur, and Johns Creek, GA.

Wegovy

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Brand name for semaglutide FDA-approved for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with a weight-related condition. Same drug as Ozempic at a higher dose. Wegovy providers are available in Atlanta, Midtown, Sandy Springs, Marietta, and across Georgia.

Weight loss plateau

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A period when weight stops decreasing despite continued effort. With GLP-1 medications like semaglutide, your provider may adjust dose or lifestyle recommendations. Atlanta, Roswell, and Dunwoody weight loss doctors can help you break through a plateau and stay on track.

Weight management

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Long-term approach to achieving and maintaining a healthy weight. Medical weight loss with semaglutide (Wegovy) or tirzepatide (Zepbound) is one evidence-based option. Providers throughout Atlanta, Alpharetta, Smyrna, Kennesaw, and Metro Atlanta, Georgia offer structured weight management programs.

Zepbound

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Brand name for tirzepatide FDA-approved for weight loss. Same drug as Mounjaro (used for diabetes) at doses for weight management. Like Wegovy (semaglutide), it’s a once-weekly injection. Find Zepbound and Wegovy providers in Atlanta, Buckhead, Sandy Springs, and Georgia.

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