Frequently Asked Questions About GLP-1 Weight Loss
Everything you need to know about semaglutide, tirzepatide, and medical weight loss at New Hope Weight Loss. Can't find your answer? Call (657) 837-3342.
Getting Started
How much does it cost to get started?
The $119 fee covers an individual physician review. A prescription is a separate clinical decision, and medication is billed separately. Published compounded-medication prices start at $166 per month for semaglutide and $233 per month for tirzepatide. Compounded medications are not FDA-approved or brand-identical; eligibility, availability, and results vary.
What is the process to start treatment?
There are four steps. First, take the 2-minute orientation quiz; it does not determine eligibility. Second, complete the medical questionnaire. Third, pay the $119 fee for an individual physician review. A prescription is issued only when clinically appropriate. Fourth, if a prescription is issued, a dispensing pharmacy must confirm that it can fulfill it for the patient and location.
Do I qualify for GLP-1 weight loss medication?
FDA approvals and labeled indications belong to specific products, doses, populations, and uses. BMI may be one part of a product's labeled indication, but it does not establish personal eligibility. A clinician must review medical history, contraindications, current medications, pregnancy considerations, goals, location, and other factors. Compounded preparations are not FDA-approved.
Can I do everything via telemedicine?
Many visits can occur by telehealth. The clinician determines whether an in-person examination, testing, or another local step is needed. Prescribing depends on individual review, and any dispensing availability is confirmed separately for the patient and location.
Do you accept insurance?
New Hope is a cash-pay practice and does not bill insurance. The $119 physician-review fee and medication prices are listed separately. Credit and debit cards are accepted. HSA and FSA payments are accepted, subject to the account and applicable rules. Financing may be available through Cherry, Klarna, or Affirm; approval, costs, and terms are set by the third-party provider. Confirm current options before paying.
About the Medications
What is semaglutide?
Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist used in specific FDA-approved products, including Wegovy and Ozempic from Novo Nordisk. Each product has its own label, indication, dose, warnings, and evidence. A compounded semaglutide preparation is a different product that is not FDA-approved or brand-identical. New Hope is not affiliated with Novo Nordisk.
What is tirzepatide?
Tirzepatide acts at GIP and GLP-1 receptors and is used in specific FDA-approved Zepbound and Mounjaro products from Eli Lilly. Each product has its own label, indication, dose, warnings, and evidence. A compounded tirzepatide preparation is a different product that is not FDA-approved or brand-identical. New Hope is not affiliated with Eli Lilly.
What is the difference between semaglutide and tirzepatide?
The products have different mechanisms, labels, dosing schedules, warnings, and evidence. STEP 1 reported a 14.9% average at 68 weeks for the studied brand semaglutide product and population. SURMOUNT-1 reported 20.9% at 72 weeks for the studied 15 mg brand tirzepatide dose and population. These are brand-trial results, not predictions for compounded preparations or any individual. Results vary, and a clinician weighs the full medical context.
How do your medications relate to Ozempic and Mounjaro?
The dispensing pharmacy label identifies the compounded preparation as semaglutide or tirzepatide. It is a different product from FDA-approved brands, is not FDA-approved or brand-identical, and results vary. Any compounded prescription is patient-specific. The dispensing pharmacy's identity, license, and ability to fulfill for the patient's location must be confirmed before fulfillment. Compounded medications are not FDA-approved products, but they contain the ingredient names used in certain FDA-approved products; a compounded preparation remains a separate product. Brand names like Wegovy, Ozempic, Mounjaro, and Zepbound are registered trademarks of their respective manufacturers. New Hope Weight Loss is not affiliated with Novo Nordisk or Eli Lilly.
How are the medications administered?
Administration depends on the exact product and pharmacy label. If an injectable preparation is prescribed and dispensed, follow its patient-specific instructions and use only after the clinical team or dispensing pharmacy has answered your technique, storage, and disposal questions. Do not assume every preparation has the same concentration or instructions.
Treatment & Side Effects
What are the common side effects?
FDA-approved semaglutide and tirzepatide product labels list gastrointestinal adverse effects and product-specific contraindications, warnings, and boxed warnings. A compounded preparation does not have an FDA-approved label and is not reviewed by FDA for safety, effectiveness, or quality before marketing. Review risks with a clinician and seek prompt medical advice for severe, persistent, or concerning symptoms.
How is my dose managed?
Dosing and any titration depend on the exact prescription, formulation, health history, tolerability, and clinical response. Follow the patient-specific label and prescriber's instructions. Do not increase, decrease, hold, restart, or combine doses without speaking with the prescriber.
How often do I check in with my doctor?
Follow-up cadence is individualized. The care plan should explain when the clinician will reassess response, tolerance, nutrition, and any dose decision, and how to contact the team between scheduled reviews. Confirm the current communication process before starting.
What if the medication doesn't work for me?
No outcome is guaranteed. Medication charges and refunds follow the published terms for the service actually provided. If response, tolerability, access, or goals change, the clinician reviews the information individually before recommending whether to continue, change, or stop a plan.
Can I take GLP-1 medication with other medications?
Submit a complete list of prescriptions, over-the-counter products, and supplements. A clinician reviews that information individually before any prescribing decision and may request records, laboratory testing, pharmacy input, or another step. Do not start, stop, or combine medicines based on this questionnaire alone.
Results & Expectations
How much weight will I lose?
FDA-approved brand trials provide context, not a prediction for compounded medication. STEP 1 reported an average 14.9% at 68 weeks for brand semaglutide, and SURMOUNT-1 reported an average 20.9% at 72 weeks for brand tirzepatide 15 mg. Compounded products are not FDA-approved or brand-identical, and individual results vary. The appropriate option depends on indication, medical history, tolerability, access, total cost, and physician review.
How quickly will I see results?
Response and the timing of any change vary. Follow-up reviews tolerability, nutrition, and response before the plan is adjusted; there is no guaranteed individual timeline or outcome.
Will I regain weight after stopping the medication?
Weight regain can occur after treatment stops, but the amount and timing vary by product, study population, treatment duration, and individual circumstances. Do not stop, restart, or change a dose on your own. Discuss benefits, risks, access, and a long-term plan with the prescriber.
Do I need to diet and exercise while taking GLP-1?
Nutrition, movement, sleep, and behavior support may be part of medical weight management, but no single plan guarantees a result. Recommendations should account for medical conditions, mobility, eating-disorder history, tolerance, and preferences. Ask the clinician which supports are appropriate for you.
What is "food noise" and how do GLP-1 medications help?
"Food noise" is an informal term for frequent or intrusive thoughts about food, eating, cravings, or hunger. It is not a diagnosis, and biological, psychological, environmental, and medication-related factors can contribute. Some people report a change during treatment, but experiences and results vary.
About the Clinic
Where is New Hope Weight Loss located?
The published clinic address is 1503 South Coast Drive, Suite 322, Costa Mesa, CA 92626. Travel time varies with traffic. Confirm appointment instructions, building access, and current parking information with the clinic before traveling.
What are your hours?
Contact the clinic to confirm current hours and appointment availability. Many visits may occur by telehealth, but the clinician determines whether an in-person step is needed.
Do you have Spanish-speaking staff?
Bilingual team support is published. Contact the clinic to request Spanish-language assistance and confirm who will support each part of the process.
What areas do you serve?
The clinic is located in Costa Mesa and may see people from surrounding communities. Telehealth, prescribing, and dispensing availability depend on the patient's location and are confirmed before care. A location page is not proof of current service availability.
How do I contact you?
Call (657) 837-3342 or use the 2-minute orientation quiz. The quiz does not determine eligibility. Confirm current hours and response times directly with the clinic; do not send urgent or emergency concerns through a website form.
Medical disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Individual results may vary. GLP-1 medications require a prescription and physician supervision.
New Hope Weight Loss | 1503 South Coast Drive, Suite 322, Costa Mesa, CA 92626 | (657) 837-3342