At Long Island Weight Loss Institute (LIWLI), we hear it all the time: “I’ve tried everything, and nothing works.” If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone, and you’re asking the right questions.
With FDA-approved medications like Wegovy, Zepbound, Ozempic, and Mounjaro, weight loss injections are helping thousands of Long Island residents finally get results. But before you start, you deserve real answers. Not the usual hype. Not vague online advice. Actual clinical insight.
Below are eight of the most important questions we get from patients, along with answers that reflect our expertise, our experience, and our commitment to your success.
1. How do Wegovy and Zepbound actually work?
These medications belong to a class called GLP-1 receptor agonists. They mimic natural gut hormones that regulate hunger, digestion, and insulin response. Wegovy (semaglutide) primarily targets GLP-1, while Zepbound (tirzepatide) goes a step further by also activating GIP receptors, helping control appetite and enhance metabolic balance even more effectively.
Think of them as resetting your internal hunger thermostat. You feel full sooner, eat less, and gain better control over cravings. At LIWLI, we choose the medication based on your individual biology, lifestyle, and treatment goals.
2. How much weight can I really lose?
In clinical studies, patients using these medications lost between 15 and 22 percent of their body weight. However, outcomes depend on how closely the program is followed, how your body responds, and whether the treatment is combined with supportive care.
At LIWLI, we provide:
- A medically supervised prescription plan
- Personalized nutrition guidance
- Physical activity coaching
- Ongoing follow-up and goal reviews
We also take the time to explain what real progress looks like and how to set expectations based on your unique history.
3. Are weight loss injections safe to take long-term?
Yes, when they are properly monitored by trained professionals. Wegovy and Zepbound are FDA-approved for long-term weight management. However, long-term use means staying on top of safety markers, potential side effects, and medication interactions.
That is why LIWLI monitors:
- Blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol
- Digestive health and hydration
- Your full list of current medications
- Lab markers that could indicate rare but serious issues like pancreatitis or thyroid irregularities
We also help you manage common side effects like nausea or constipation by adjusting your dosing and providing practical, personalized strategies.
4. Will my weight loss injections be covered by insurance?
It depends on your plan, your BMI, and whether you have related conditions like high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or sleep apnea. Some insurance companies cover these medications when used for obesity treatment, especially if there is a documented medical need.
At LIWLI, we take care of the paperwork:
- We verify your eligibility and submit prior authorizations
- If denied, we help appeal or explore alternate options
- We walk you through self-pay rates, manufacturer savings programs, and pharmacy discount cards
We also know how to document your case properly to increase your chances of approval. That is a major difference between us and general care providers who may not specialize in obesity medicine.
5. Will I lose muscle along with fat?
Rapid weight loss can sometimes reduce lean muscle mass, but with the right plan, it is completely avoidable. At LIWLI, we make muscle preservation a priority, especially for adults over 40 who are more prone to sarcopenia (age-related muscle loss).
We help you protect muscle by:
Monitoring at every visit, whether your weight loss is coming from fat, muscle, or water weight.
- Recommending high-protein, nutrient-dense meals
- Suggesting resistance-based movement and light strength training
- Monitoring energy levels and functional fitness, not just the scale
Some patients even gain strength and stamina as their weight decreases. It is not just about shrinking, it is about transforming.
6. What is the difference between LIWLI and a med spa or online clinic?
Many weight loss services, including med spas, virtual clinics, and trendy subscription models, provide weight loss injections. But most do not provide real medical oversight. You get a prescription and a dose… and not much else.
At LIWLI, your care is led by Dr. Michael Kaplan, board-certified in both Obesity Medicine and Internal Medicine. You get:
- One-on-one attention with licensed medical professionals
- A dosing plan tailored to your progress and side effect tolerance
- Lab testing and physical monitoring
- Long-term strategies for when you reach your goal weight
That is a huge difference. We do not hand you a vial and wish you luck. We walk with you through every step of your weight loss transformation.
7. What happens after I reach my goal weight? Will I have to stay on this forever?
Not necessarily. Many of our patients gradually reduce or even stop their injections once they reach their goals, as long as they have built strong lifestyle habits and are ready for maintenance. For others, long-term medication is appropriate, just like with high blood pressure or cholesterol.
We help you plan your after with:
- Tapering protocols to ease off medication safely
- Post-weight-loss maintenance nutrition
- Ongoing coaching and check-ins
- Lifestyle strategies to keep your metabolism active and stable
Your path forward is your own, and we are here to make sure it is one you can sustain confidently.
8. How do these injections affect hormones, especially during menopause or midlife changes?
For women in their 40s, 50s, and beyond, weight gain is often tied to hormonal changes. Menopause and perimenopause can increase insulin resistance, slow metabolism, and shift fat storage toward the midsection.
GLP-1 medications like Wegovy and Zepbound can be especially effective during this stage of life. They help:
- Reduce blood sugar spikes and insulin fluctuations
- Suppress excessive appetite and cravings
- Improve fat metabolism that may have been altered by hormone decline
We often hear from female patients that they finally feel back in control of their bodies, even after years of struggling with stubborn weight. Our providers understand how hormones influence results and will adjust your program accordingly.
Ready to talk? We are ready to listen.
There is no magic bullet for weight loss, but there is a smart, medically guided way forward. If you are curious about whether Wegovy, Zepbound, or another weight loss injection could work for you, we are here to help you find out with honesty, experience, and real support.
Call Long Island Weight Loss Institute today at 516-333-5555 or 631-366-2333 or schedule a consultation online at one of our convenient locations in East Meadow, Amityville, Smithtown, or Port Jefferson Station.
Let us make your next chapter a healthy one.