Frequently Asked Questions

Get straightforward answers about physician-assisted weight loss, tirzepatide, semaglutide, body composition scans, red light therapy, targeted cryotherapy, peptides, wellness injections, and what to expect at Simple Weight Solutions in Franklin, Tennessee.

Medical Weight Loss

What is physician-assisted weight loss?

Physician-assisted weight loss is a personalized medical program designed to help appropriate patients lose weight safely under the supervision of a licensed medical provider. Rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all diet, the treatment plan considers your health history, goals, body composition, lifestyle, nutrition, and the factors that may be making weight loss difficult.

Who is a good candidate for medical weight loss?

You may be a candidate if you have struggled to lose weight through lifestyle changes alone, experience persistent hunger or cravings, or have excess weight that affects your health or quality of life. Medication eligibility depends on factors such as BMI, medical history, current medications, and weight-related health conditions. Every patient is evaluated individually.

What happens at the first weight loss appointment?

Your first appointment includes a review of your medical history, previous weight-loss efforts, current medications, goals, nutrition, and lifestyle. When included in your program, we also complete a Styku 3D body scan to establish a starting point. Your provider then discusses appropriate treatment options and creates a personalized plan.

How is medical weight loss different from traditional dieting?

Traditional diets often focus primarily on calorie restriction. Medical weight management also considers appetite regulation, food cravings, body composition, medication options, health conditions, muscle preservation, and long-term maintenance. The goal is not simply to lose weight quickly, but to create a safer and more sustainable path forward.

How quickly can I lose weight safely?

Weight-loss rates vary according to starting weight, treatment, nutrition, activity, sleep, stress, and individual biology. Faster is not always better. Our focus is steady fat loss while protecting lean muscle, supporting nutrition, and monitoring how you feel throughout treatment.

Can I lose weight without surgery?

Yes. Many patients achieve meaningful weight loss through medically supervised treatment, nutrition changes, physical activity, behavioral support, and prescription medication when appropriate. Bariatric surgery can be beneficial for certain patients, but it is not the only effective option.

Do I need to exercise during a medical weight loss program?

Exercise is strongly encouraged, but it does not need to be extreme. Walking, regular daily movement, and resistance training can support cardiovascular health, preserve lean muscle, improve body composition, and make long-term weight maintenance easier.

What should I eat during my weight loss program?

Most patients benefit from meals built around adequate protein, vegetables, fiber-rich carbohydrates, healthy fats, and good hydration. Protein is especially important during weight loss because it helps support fullness and preserve lean muscle. Recommendations are individualized to your goals and health needs.

Will I lose muscle while losing weight?

Some lean-mass loss can occur with any significant weight loss, especially when calorie and protein intake are too low. We emphasize adequate protein, resistance training, appropriate calorie intake, and body-composition tracking to help patients lose fat while protecting as much muscle as possible.

How often are follow-up appointments?

The frequency depends on your treatment plan and where you are in the program. Follow-up visits allow us to monitor progress, review side effects, discuss nutrition, adjust treatment when appropriate, and answer questions. Patients receiving prescription treatment require regular medical follow-up.

Does insurance cover medical weight loss?

Coverage varies significantly by insurance plan, medication, diagnosis, and employer benefits. Simple Weight Solutions can explain its program costs and available options, but your insurance company is the best source for confirming prescription coverage and reimbursement eligibility.

Tirzepatide

What is tirzepatide?

Tirzepatide is a once-weekly prescription medication that activates both GIP and GLP-1 receptors. For appropriate patients, it can help reduce appetite, increase fullness, decrease cravings, and support substantial weight loss when combined with nutrition, activity, and ongoing medical care.

How does tirzepatide help with weight loss?

Tirzepatide affects hormonal pathways involved in appetite, fullness, blood-sugar regulation, and food intake. Many patients feel satisfied with smaller portions and experience less persistent hunger or “food noise,” making it easier to follow a healthier eating plan.

Is tirzepatide better than semaglutide?

Both medications can be effective. Clinical studies have generally shown greater average weight loss with tirzepatide, but individual results and tolerability vary. The better choice depends on your medical history, goals, previous treatment, potential side effects, medication availability, and provider recommendation.

How much weight can I lose with tirzepatide?

Results vary. Some patients achieve significant weight loss over time, while others respond more modestly. Your starting weight, dosage, treatment duration, nutrition, activity, sleep, side effects, and consistency all affect the outcome. We focus on your individual response rather than promising a specific number.

Does tirzepatide reduce cravings and food noise?

Many patients report less hunger, fewer cravings, and less mental preoccupation with food. This can make portion control and healthier food choices feel more manageable. The response differs from person to person and may change as treatment progresses.

What are the common side effects of tirzepatide?

Common side effects include nausea, constipation, diarrhea, indigestion, abdominal discomfort, and feeling full sooner than expected. Gradual dose increases and appropriate eating habits can improve tolerability for many patients. Contact your medical provider about persistent, severe, or concerning symptoms.

Who should not take tirzepatide?

Tirzepatide is not appropriate for everyone. Your provider will review your medical history, pregnancy status, medications, gastrointestinal conditions, and personal or family history of certain endocrine cancers or syndromes. A medical evaluation is required before treatment.

How often is tirzepatide taken?

Tirzepatide is generally administered once weekly. The dose is usually increased gradually based on your response, side effects, treatment goals, and provider instructions. Do not change your dose or schedule without speaking with your medical provider.

How long do patients stay on tirzepatide?

Treatment duration is individualized. Obesity is often a chronic condition, so some patients benefit from longer-term medication while others transition to a lower dose or a non-medication maintenance plan. Your provider will periodically reassess the benefits, side effects, goals, and available options.

What happens if I stop tirzepatide?

Appetite and cravings may increase after stopping treatment, and weight regain is possible. A structured maintenance plan—including adequate protein, resistance training, activity, sleep, and ongoing support—can improve your chances of preserving your progress.

Can I switch from semaglutide to tirzepatide?

Some patients may be able to switch, but the timing and starting dose require medical guidance. Your provider will consider your current dose, side effects, response, medical history, and the time since your last injection before recommending a transition plan.

Semaglutide

What is semaglutide and how does it work?

Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist. It can reduce appetite, increase fullness, slow stomach emptying, and help regulate blood sugar. When medically appropriate and combined with healthy habits, it can be an effective tool for chronic weight management.

How much weight can I lose on semaglutide?

Weight loss varies by patient. Clinical trials have demonstrated meaningful average weight loss, but your individual result depends on dosage, duration, starting weight, nutrition, movement, sleep, medication tolerance, and consistency. No ethical clinic can guarantee a specific result.

Does semaglutide reduce cravings?

Many patients report reduced hunger, fewer cravings, and less “food noise.” They may feel full with smaller portions and find it easier to follow their nutrition plan. Not everyone experiences the same degree of appetite reduction.

What are the common side effects of semaglutide?

Common side effects include nausea, constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, indigestion, heartburn, and reduced appetite. These effects often improve as the body adjusts, particularly when dosing is increased slowly. Report severe or persistent symptoms to your provider.

How long should I stay on semaglutide?

There is no single treatment length that fits everyone. Some patients use semaglutide for several months, while others benefit from longer-term treatment. Your provider will assess your progress, side effects, health goals, and maintenance strategy over time.

What happens when I stop semaglutide?

Hunger and cravings may return, and weight regain can occur. Building sustainable habits during treatment and having a clear maintenance plan can improve the likelihood of keeping weight off. Some patients may benefit from ongoing or adjusted treatment under medical supervision.

Styku 3D Body Scan

What is a Styku 3D body scan?

Styku uses infrared imaging to create a three-dimensional model of your body and record circumference measurements. It helps us establish a baseline and track changes in body shape and composition over time, rather than relying only on scale weight.

Why use a body scan instead of a regular scale?

A scale cannot show where your body is changing. You may lose inches, improve your waist measurement, or preserve muscle even during weeks when scale weight changes slowly. Body-composition tracking provides a more complete view of progress.

What does the Styku scan measure?

The scan captures a 3D body model, circumference measurements, and estimated body-composition and health-risk metrics. It is intended to track trends and changes over time and should not be treated as a stand-alone medical diagnosis.

How often should I have a body scan?

The ideal interval depends on your program. Scanning every several weeks or at key program milestones allows enough time for meaningful physical changes while helping us evaluate whether your plan is working.

Red Light Therapy & Body Contouring

What is red light therapy?

Red light therapy uses selected wavelengths of red and near-infrared light. Depending on the device and treatment protocol, patients may use it to support cellular energy, recovery, skin appearance, circulation, and general wellness.

Can red light therapy help with weight loss?

Red light therapy should not replace medical weight management, nutrition, or exercise. It may be used as a complementary service within a broader body-contouring or wellness program. Results vary, and it should not be presented as a stand-alone solution for obesity.

How many red light therapy sessions do I need?

Most red light protocols rely on consistency rather than a single treatment. The recommended number and frequency of sessions depend on the device, treatment goal, and individual response. Our team can recommend a schedule after discussing your goals.

Is red light therapy painful?

No. Red light therapy is non-invasive and does not require needles or recovery time. Most patients relax comfortably during the session and return to normal activities afterward.

Targeted Cryotherapy

What is targeted cryotherapy?

Targeted cryotherapy applies very cold air to a specific external area for a brief period. It may be used to support temporary relief of localized soreness, inflammation, recovery, or certain skin and wellness goals, depending on the treatment area and protocol.

Is targeted cryotherapy the same as fat freezing?

No. Our targeted cold-air treatment is not the same as cryolipolysis or “fat freezing,” which uses a different device and treatment method. We will explain the intended purpose and realistic expectations before your session.

How long does a targeted cryotherapy session take?

Treatment is usually brief, although the exact time depends on the area and purpose of treatment. Your provider or trained staff member will determine the appropriate protocol for you.

Who should avoid targeted cryotherapy?

Cold therapy may not be appropriate for people with certain circulation disorders, cold-sensitivity conditions, impaired sensation, open wounds, or other medical concerns. Tell us about your health history before treatment so we can determine whether it is appropriate.

Peptides & Wellness Injections

What are peptide injections?

Peptides are short chains of amino acids that act as signaling molecules in the body. Different peptides are used for different purposes, and evidence, regulatory status, risks, and expected benefits vary by product. Treatment should be individualized and medically supervised.

What is sermorelin?

Sermorelin is a growth-hormone-releasing hormone analog that stimulates the pituitary gland to release more of the body’s own growth hormone. It may be considered for selected patients after medical evaluation, but it is not a general-purpose weight-loss drug and results vary.

What is NAD+?

NAD+ is a coenzyme naturally present in cells and involved in energy metabolism and normal cellular processes. Some patients choose NAD+ injections as part of a wellness plan, although individual experiences vary and they should not be viewed as a substitute for sleep, nutrition, exercise, or medical care.

What is glutathione?

Glutathione is an antioxidant naturally produced by the body. It participates in cellular protection and normal detoxification processes. Injectable glutathione may be offered to appropriate patients as part of a broader wellness plan after reviewing potential benefits, limitations, and risks.

What is L-carnitine?

L-carnitine is a naturally occurring compound involved in transporting fatty acids into mitochondria, where they can be used in energy production. It is not a “magic fat burner,” but it may be included in an individualized wellness or weight-management program when appropriate.

What are lipotropic or MICC injections?

Lipotropic injections commonly contain nutrients such as methionine, inositol, choline, and vitamin B12. They may be used to support nutritional status or energy in selected patients, but they do not replace a calorie-appropriate diet, physical activity, or medical weight-loss treatment.

Can I combine wellness injections with a GLP-1 medication?

Some patients may be able to combine services, but every medication and injection should be reviewed by a licensed provider. Your health history, symptoms, prescriptions, supplements, and treatment goals all matter when determining whether a combination is appropriate.

Getting Started

Do you offer a free weight loss consultation?

Yes. Your journey begins with a free, no-obligation phone consultation. We will learn about your goals, answer initial questions, explain the program, and help determine whether an in-office medical appointment is the right next step.

Are treatment plans personalized?

Yes. Your plan is based on your medical history, goals, body composition, lifestyle, nutrition, medication eligibility, and preferences. We do not believe every patient needs the same medication, dose, service, or timeline.

Why choose Simple Weight Solutions in Franklin, TN?

Simple Weight Solutions combines evidence-based medical care with in-person support from a local team. Our goal is to help you lose fat, protect muscle, improve your health, and build habits that last—not simply hand you medication and send you on your way.

Ready to Take the First Step?

Schedule a free phone consultation to discuss your goals and learn whether Simple Weight Solutions is the right fit for you.

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