GLP-1 MEDICATIONS IN NORTHERN VIRGINIA AND MARYLAND
Semaglutide and Tirzepatide Weight Loss Injections
Weight is not about willpower. Hormones, metabolism and hunger signals all play a part. GLP-1 medications such as semaglutide (Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Zepbound) work with those signals to help you feel full sooner and stay full longer.
At Nova Physician Wellness Center, board-certified obesity medicine physicians prescribe and monitor these medications as part of a full plan that includes nutrition and lifestyle support. We see patients at 8 offices across Northern Virginia and in Rockville, Maryland.
Semaglutide and Tirzepatide near you.
You can start GLP-1 treatment at any of our offices. Each one offers a physician evaluation, prescriptions when appropriate, and follow-up visits to adjust your dose and monitor progress.
Why Weight Loss Can Be So Difficult
Weight loss isn’t just about willpower. Hormones, metabolism, and underlying health conditions can make it difficult to lose weight and keep it off.
Many patients struggle despite:
- Dieting
- Exercise
- Lifestyle changes
What Are GLP-1 Medications?
GLP-1 medications copy a natural gut hormone that helps control hunger. Semaglutide acts on GLP-1. Tirzepatide acts on GLP-1 and a second hormone called GIP. Both help support weight loss by:
- Reducing appetite
- Slowing digestion
- Helping you feel full longer
- Improving blood sugar regulation
Most are given as a once-weekly injection at home, in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Your care team will show you how to administer these injections.
GLP-1 Medication Options Explained
Our physicians choose a medication based on your health history, goals and insurance coverage.
Wegovy® (Semaglutide)
Wegovy is a once-weekly semaglutide injection approved by the FDA for weight management. It is approved for adults with obesity, adults who are overweight with a weight-related condition, and teens 12 and older with obesity. In adults with heart disease and excess weight, it is also approved to lower the risk of heart attack and stroke. It is used with a reduced-calorie eating plan and more physical activity.
Zepbound™ (Tirzepatide)
Zepbound is a once-weekly tirzepatide injection approved by the FDA for weight management in adults with obesity, or adults who are overweight with a weight-related condition. It is also approved to treat moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea in adults with obesity. It is used with a reduced-calorie eating plan and more physical activity.
Ozempic® (Semaglutide)
Ozempic contains the same active ingredient as Wegovy. It is FDA approved for adults with type 2 diabetes, to improve blood sugar and lower the risk of heart attack and stroke in those with heart disease. If you have type 2 diabetes, your physician will discuss whether Ozempic or Wegovy is the better fit.
Mounjaro® (Tirzepatide)
Mounjaro contains the same active ingredient as Zepbound. It is FDA approved for adults with type 2 diabetes, to improve blood sugar along with diet and exercise. If you have type 2 diabetes, your physician will discuss whether Mounjaro or Zepbound is the better fit.
Which Medication Is Right for You?
Choosing the right medication depends on your:
- Health history
- Weight loss goals
- Insurance coverage
- Lifestyle
Our physicians will guide you in selecting the safest and most effective treatment plan.
Who Is a Candidate for GLP-1 Treatment?
GLP-1 medications may be appropriate for:
- Adults with obesity (BMI 30 or higher)
- Adults with a BMI of 27 or higher and a weight-related condition, such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes or sleep apnea
- Teens 12 and older with obesity, through our Pediatric Obesity Program
- People who have not reached their goals with diet and exercise alone
These medications must be prescribed and monitored by a qualified provider.
What to Expect with GLP-1 Treatment
Patients may experience:
- Gradual, steady weight loss over several months
- Less hunger and fewer cravings
- Improved blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol for many patients
- Regular check-ins to adjust your dose
- Nutrition support to make sure you still get enough protein and nutrients while eating less
Are There Side Effects?
GLP-1 medications may cause:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Other gastrointestinal symptoms
These effects are usually mild and often ease as your body adjusts. Your physician starts with a low dose and raises it slowly to help. Wegovy, Zepbound, Ozempic, Mounjaro and Saxenda carry an FDA boxed warning about a rare type of thyroid tumor, so your physician reviews your personal and family history before prescribing. Learn more in our
guide to GLP-1 side effects.
Insurance and Cost
We accept most major insurance plans, including Medicare, for office visits. Coverage for GLP-1 medications depends on your plan and your health history. Our team helps with prior authorization and explains your options before you start.
Why Choose Nova Physician Wellness Center?
Unlike online-only weight loss programs, we provide:
- Board-certified obesity medicine physicians
- Nearly two decades of experience
- Personalized treatment plans
- Ongoing monitoring and adjustments
- Integrated nutrition, exercise, and behavioral support
We focus on long-term success—not just short-term weight loss.
How GLP-1 Treatment Works
STEP 1
Comprehensive Evaluation
Meet with a physician to determine if GLP-1 treatment is right for you.
STEP 2
Personalized Plan
Receive a customized plan including medication,
nutrition, and lifestyle guidance.
STEP 3
Ongoing Monitoring
Regular follow-ups ensure safe and effective results.
Advanced Body Composition Tracking
We use InBody™ technology to monitor:
- Fat loss
- Muscle preservation
- Overall body composition
This ensures your weight loss is healthy and sustainable.
Frequently Asked Questions About GLP-1 Medications
Where can I get semaglutide or tirzepatide near me?
Nova Physician Wellness Center prescribes semaglutide and tirzepatide at 8 offices: Fairfax, Lansdowne, Vienna (Tysons), Arlington, Sterling, Woodbridge and Charlottesville in Virginia, and Rockville in Maryland. Every patient starts with a physician evaluation.
What is the difference between semaglutide and tirzepatide?
Semaglutide (Wegovy, Ozempic) acts on one appetite hormone, GLP-1. Tirzepatide (Zepbound, Mounjaro) acts on two, GLP-1 and GIP. Both are once-weekly injections. Your physician will help you choose based on your health, goals and insurance.
How quickly will I see results?
Most people notice less hunger within the first few weeks. Weight loss is gradual and continues over several months as your dose is slowly increased.
Are GLP-1 medications safe?
They have been studied in large clinical trials and are FDA-approved. Like any medication, they have side effects and are not right for everyone. That is why a physician reviews your history first and monitors you throughout treatment.
Does insurance cover semaglutide or tirzepatide?
It depends on your plan and your health history. We accept most major insurance plans, including Medicare, for visits, and our team helps with prior authorization for medications.
Can I take these medications if I have diabetes?
Yes, in many cases. Ozempic and Mounjaro are approved for type 2 diabetes, and your physician will coordinate your diabetes care with your weight treatment.
Who should not take GLP-1 medications?
They are not used during pregnancy, or for people with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or MEN 2 syndrome. Your provider reviews your full history to make sure treatment is safe for you.
Can teens take GLP-1 medications?
Wegovy is FDA approved for teens 12 and older with obesity. Our Pediatric Obesity Program works with teens and parents to decide together whether medication fits into a teen's care plan.
What happens if I stop taking the medication?
Many people regain some weight after stopping, because hunger signals return. Our weight maintenance program helps you plan for the long term, whether you continue, taper or stop.
Do I still need to change my diet and activity?
Yes. These medications work best with a healthy eating plan and regular activity. Because many patients eat much less, our dietitians help make sure you still get enough protein and nutrients.
How is this different from online programs?
Your care is led by a board-certified obesity medicine physician, with regular follow-ups, body composition tracking, nutrition support and behavioral support. It is a full medical program, not just a prescription.
Start Your GLP-1 Weight Loss Journey Today
With expert medical guidance, lasting weight loss is possible.

