At Cape Fear Physical Medicine and Rehab, we are committed to helping our patients achieve optimal health and function—whether they’re recovering from injury, managing chronic pain, or seeking to improve their overall wellness. For many patients, especially those dealing with conditions such as obesity, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, or related musculoskeletal problems, medical weight management can be an essential part of a comprehensive rehabilitation plan.

GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) is a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels, control appetite, and promote feelings of fullness. It is naturally released after eating, signaling the body to slow down digestion and reduce hunger. Both tirzepatide and Ozempic are GLP-1 receptor agonists, which mimic the effects of GLP-1 to help with weight loss and blood sugar management. Ozempic (semaglutide GLP-1) is a well-known GLP-1 medication that helps reduce appetite and promote weight loss by acting on these hunger-regulating pathways.

Tirzepatide enhances fat loss more effectively than Ozempic because it targets not only GLP-1 receptors but also GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) receptors. This dual action helps increase insulin sensitivity and improve fat metabolism, leading to more significant weight loss results. Studies have shown that tirzepatide offers greater weight loss benefits than Ozempic, making it a more powerful option for patients focusing on fat loss.

If you are struggling with weight-related health issues that are affecting your physical function or recovery, talk to our team about whether GLP-1 or dual-action medications like tirzepatide could be right for you. At Cape Fear Physical Medicine and Rehab, we’re here to support your journey to better health and improved quality of life.

At Cape Fear Physical Medicine and Rehab, we are committed to providing comprehensive care that addresses the full spectrum of our patients’ health needs, including the management of chronic conditions that can impact mobility and overall well-being. One important advancement in medical therapy is the use of GLP-1 medications, such as tirzepatide and Ozempic (semaglutide GLP-1).

How GLP-1 Medications Work

GLP-1 medications work by mimicking or enhancing a natural hormone in the body called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). This hormone is released from the intestines after you eat and helps regulate blood sugar levels. These medications stimulate the pancreas to release more insulin when blood sugar is high, lowering blood glucose levels.

They also reduce the production of glucagon, a hormone that otherwise raises blood sugar, and slow stomach emptying after meals, which helps you feel full longer and can reduce appetite. Tirzepatide offers an added benefit by also acting on a second hormone receptor, called GIP, enhancing its impact on blood sugar regulation and weight management.

Controlling blood sugar and supporting weight loss are critical for many of our patients, especially those managing type 2 diabetes, obesity, or metabolic syndrome. These conditions can contribute to chronic pain, joint stress, neuropathy, and decreased physical function. By helping to regulate blood sugar and support healthy weight loss, GLP-1 medications can reduce inflammation, improve mobility, and enhance the effectiveness of physical therapy and rehabilitation programs.

Benefits to Patients:

• Improved Blood Sugar Control: Reducing blood sugar helps prevent complications that may interfere with rehabilitation, such as neuropathy or delayed healing.

• Weight Management: Supporting healthy weight loss can relieve stress on joints, reduce pain, and improve participation and outcomes in physical therapy.

• Appetite Regulation: Feeling fuller for longer can make it easier to adopt and maintain healthy lifestyle changes that complement your rehab goals.

At Cape Fear Physical Medicine and Rehab, we work closely with you to develop a personalized plan that may include advanced medical therapies like GLP-1 medications, alongside physical therapy, nutritional counseling, and other supportive services. This integrated approach ensures you receive the most effective care to restore function, reduce pain, and improve your quality of life.

Tirzepatide and Ozempic are different from traditional weight loss treatments because they target the body’s hormonal systems to reduce appetite and improve metabolism. Ozempic works by mimicking the GLP-1 hormone, which helps regulate blood sugar and promotes feelings of fullness. Tirzepatide takes it a step further by activating both GLP-1 and GIP receptors, making it even more effective in reducing hunger and improving insulin response, which can lead to greater weight loss results.

Unlike older weight loss medications that primarily suppress appetite, tirzepatide and Ozempic help with weight loss by influencing multiple biological processes, including digestion, hunger signals, and fat metabolism. By targeting the root causes of obesity rather than merely its symptoms, these approaches are more effective and sustainable for many patients.

Our multidisciplinary team at Cape Fear Physical Medicine and Rehab collaborates closely with every patient to determine the most appropriate strategies for weight management and metabolic health. When indicated, medications like tirzepatide and Ozempic can be integrated with physical therapy, nutritional counseling, and lifestyle modifications to maximize results and enhance overall well-being.

At Cape Fear Physical Medicine and Rehab, our providers adopt a comprehensive and individualized approach when considering advanced medications like tirzepatide and Ozempic for patients with type 2 diabetes or those seeking effective weight management solutions.

Doctors decide between prescribing tirzepatide or Ozempic based on several factors, including the patient’s specific health needs, weight loss goals, and medical history. Ozempic (semaglutide GLP-1) is a GLP-1 receptor agonist primarily prescribed for managing type 2 diabetes, though it is also effective for weight loss. It works by mimicking the GLP-1 hormone to regulate blood sugar and promote satiety. Tirzepatide, on the other hand, targets both GLP-1 and GIP receptors, which may offer additional benefits for some patients. It has shown greater weight loss potential in clinical studies compared to Ozempic, making it an appealing option for those primarily focused on weight management.

Ultimately, the decision comes down to individual patient response, treatment goals, and any underlying health conditions. If a patient has type 2 diabetes along with a need for weight loss, Ozempic might be the preferred choice. However, for patients who are more focused on weight loss alone or need more significant results, tirzepatide may be more suitable. Doctors like Dr. Meisha K. Abbasinejad at Cape Fear Physical Medicine consider these factors to create a personalized treatment plan that maximizes effectiveness and Ultimately, our goal is to recommend the medication that aligns best with your unique health needs and lifestyle, ensuring the safest and most effective path to improved health outcomes. At Cape Fear Physical Medicine and Rehab, you can expect a collaborative, evidence-based approach to care that prioritizes your well-being at every step.

At Cape Fear Physical Medicine and Rehab in Fayetteville, NC, Dr. Meisha K. Abbasinejad, MD, offers personalized weight loss plans using advanced GLP-1 therapies like Ozempic and tirzepatide. As an experienced specialist in weight management, Dr. Abbasinejad understands that each patient’s weight loss journey is unique, so she takes the time to create a tailored treatment plan that combines the right medication with lifestyle modifications to ensure the best results.

Dr. Abbasinejad’s approach to weight loss includes:

• Personalized evaluation — Dr. Abbasinejad conducts a thorough assessment of your health, medical history, and lifestyle habits to identify factors that may affect your weight loss.

• Medication selection — Based on your individual needs, Dr. Abbasinejad will carefully choose the most suitable GLP-1 therapy, such as Ozempic or tirzepatide, to help you achieve your weight loss goals.

• Lifestyle guidance — Dr. Abbasinejad provides support and guidance on nutrition, exercise, and behavior changes to complement your treatment and enhance your progress.

• Ongoing monitoring — With regular check-ups and follow-up appointments, Dr. Abbasinejad will track your progress, address any concerns, and adjust your plan as needed for optimal, long-term results.

With Dr. Abbasinejad’s expertise and personalized approach, you can feel confident in achieving sustainable weight loss and improved overall health. Contact us today for more information, or simply schedule an appointment online! We are conveniently located at 1540 Purdue Dr, Ste. 200, in Fayetteville, NC 28303. We serve patients from Fayetteville NC, Woodfield NC, Hope Mills NC, Fort Bragg NC, Eastover NC, and surrounding areas.