Medical Weight Loss with GLP-1 Medications in Katy, TX

What are GLP-1 medications?

GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonists are a class of medications originally developed for type 2 diabetes that have proven highly effective for sustained weight loss. They work by mimicking a hormone the gut naturally produces to signal fullness to the brain, reducing appetite and slowing how quickly food leaves the stomach. The combined effect is that patients eat less, feel full sooner, and stay satisfied longer between meals.

The two most-studied GLP-1 medications used for weight management today are Semaglutide (also known by the brand names Wegovy and Ozempic) and Tirzepatide (Zepbound and Mounjaro). Tirzepatide is technically a dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist, which means it activates a second gut hormone pathway and may produce greater weight loss in some patients. Both medications are administered as a once-weekly subcutaneous injection.

Dr. Qureshi's program uses high-quality compounded generic versions of Semaglutide and Tirzepatide, prescribed and monitored under medical supervision in his Katy, TX office. This is fundamentally different from unmonitored online prescriptions — every patient is evaluated, has labs reviewed, and is followed throughout treatment to ensure safety and progress.

Who is a candidate for GLP-1 weight loss?

Most adults with elevated BMI or weight-related health concerns are potential candidates. Initial eligibility is determined at an in-office consultation, which includes a BMI and weight measurement, vitals, and a thorough review of your medical history, current medications, and prior weight loss attempts. Patients who have struggled to lose weight through diet and exercise alone, or who have weight-related conditions such as high blood pressure, prediabetes, sleep apnea, or chronic joint pain that limits exercise, often benefit most from GLP-1 therapy.

There is one critical exclusion that applies to every patient: GLP-1 medications carry an FDA boxed warning regarding thyroid C-cell tumors. They should not be used in patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) or in patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN-2). Other factors that may affect eligibility include current pregnancy or breastfeeding, a history of pancreatitis, severe gastroparesis or other gastrointestinal disease, and certain medication interactions. These are evaluated individually at your visit.

If GLP-1 is not the right fit, Dr. Qureshi will discuss alternative options. You can also contact the office in advance with questions about your specific situation.

What does the program include?

The medical weight loss program at Dr. Qureshi's office is built around a structured initial visit followed by ongoing monitoring, with the goal of safe, sustainable progress over time.

Initial office consultation with Dr. Qureshi. The first visit is an in-person evaluation where Dr. Qureshi reviews your goals, medical history, family history, and any previous weight-loss efforts. He will explain the differences between Semaglutide and Tirzepatide and recommend the medication best suited to your profile.

Blood work and vitals at intake. Baseline labs help confirm GLP-1 is appropriate for you and provide a starting point for monitoring metabolic health throughout treatment.

BMI, weight measurement, and goal-setting. Concrete numbers and a realistic timeline are established at the first visit so progress can be tracked objectively from month to month.

Medical history review. Including the boxed-warning screening for thyroid cancer history and other contraindications.

Prescription of generic Semaglutide or Tirzepatide. Compounded generics from a reputable pharmacy, with clear instructions on dosing and self-administration of the once-weekly injection.

Ongoing weight monitoring. Patients are followed regularly to assess progress, manage side effects, and adjust dosing as needed.

Virtual follow-up appointments available. After the initial in-person visit, most routine check-ins can be completed by telehealth — no need to drive to the office for a quick progress review.

Note that nutrition and lifestyle coaching are not part of this program. Dr. Qureshi prescribes and monitors the medication itself. Patients seeking structured nutrition coaching alongside their GLP-1 treatment can be referred to dietitians or weight-loss programs that complement the medical treatment.

What results can I expect?

Weight loss on GLP-1 medications follows a predictable pattern, though the exact pace varies from patient to patient based on starting weight, dose, and individual response.

Most patients begin to notice weight loss within the first month of treatment, often as early as the first few weeks once the appetite-suppressing effect takes hold. The typical pace is 5 to 10 pounds or more per month, with steeper early losses for patients with higher starting BMI and a more gradual curve as treatment continues.

Long-term clinical trial data is what makes GLP-1 medications so widely prescribed. In published trials, patients have achieved up to 25% total body weight loss after 72 weeks of consistent treatment. According to NIH treatment guidelines for obesity, sustained weight loss of 5–10% of body weight is associated with meaningful improvements in blood pressure, blood sugar, and cardiovascular risk — and GLP-1 medications consistently exceed those thresholds for the majority of patients who stay on therapy.

It is important to frame these numbers correctly: a 25% loss is the upper end of what was observed in tightly controlled clinical trials, not a guarantee for every patient. Dr. Qureshi will discuss realistic expectations for your specific situation at your consultation. For a detailed patient guide, see our article on GLP-1 medications for weight loss.

Pricing and what to expect

Cash pay for GLP-1 medications in this program starts at $100 per month. This is a notable advantage over brand-name Wegovy and Ozempic, which often run $1,000 or more per month at retail pharmacies without coverage. The lower cost is possible because the program uses high-quality compounded generic versions of Semaglutide and Tirzepatide rather than the brand-name products.

Insurance coverage for GLP-1 medications is limited. Most commercial insurance plans do not cover GLP-1 medications when prescribed for weight loss, though some plans cover them when prescribed for type 2 diabetes (a different ICD-10 code). Coverage rules change frequently — Dr. Qureshi's office can help clarify what your specific plan covers and what your out-of-pocket cost would be. For general questions about coverage at this practice, see the insurance page.

When is GLP-1 NOT appropriate?

Why choose Dr. Qureshi for GLP-1 in Katy?

Dr. Imran Qureshi is a board-certified physician running a monitored, in-office medical weight loss program — not an unsupervised online prescription service. Patients are evaluated in person at intake, screened for contraindications, started on the medication best suited to their history, and followed throughout treatment. This is the difference between a medication delivered to your door and a medical program with a physician accountable for your care.

The program is also priced to make GLP-1 therapy accessible. Cash pay starting at $100 per month makes ongoing treatment realistic for patients whose insurance won't cover brand-name medications. And because GLP-1 weight loss is integrated with Dr. Qureshi's interventional pain practice, patients with chronic pain that limits exercise often see compounding benefits — losing weight reduces load on arthritic joints and the spine, which in turn improves what they can do physically.

Same-week appointments are typically available. Call (281) 982-2144 to schedule a consultation.