Mounjaro, Prescribed Thoughtfully. Not Just a Prescription.

Mounjaro is the brand name for tirzepatide, an injectable medication taken once a week. It works by activating two hormone receptors at the same time: GIP and GLP-1. Most GLP-1 medications, like Ozempic or Wegovy, target only the GLP-1 receptor. That dual action is what sets Mounjaro apart, and it's why clinical trials showed particularly strong results for both blood sugar control and weight reduction.

Practically speaking, Mounjaro slows how quickly your stomach empties, reduces appetite, and helps your body respond to insulin more effectively. Patients often describe feeling full sooner and thinking about food less. Those effects are real, and they are the mechanism, not a side effect.

Like all GLP-1 class medications, Mounjaro can cause nausea, especially early on. Starting at a low dose and increasing gradually helps most people tolerate it well. Dr. Gougian goes over this with you before you start, so you know what to expect.

1. 1

   Before you come

   In this case, the evidence is strong. The same molecule in Mounjaro, tirzepatide, was later approved under the brand name Zepbound specifically for chronic weight management. The science behind weight loss and diabetes overlaps significantly, and Dr. Gougian's D-ABOM credential reflects the specialized training to make that clinical determination appropriately.

2. 2

   The visit

   If you are coming in specifically for weight loss and Mounjaro is the right fit, she will tell you that. If Zepbound is a better option for your situation, she will explain why. The goal is the right medication for you, not a one-size approach.

3. 3

   Vaccines, only the ones you need

   We compare your records against the USCIS vaccine list. Where a record exists, you are done. Where one is missing, immunity testing can usually show you are already protected, so you don’t repeat shots you have already had.

4. 4

   Results and the sealed envelope

   When lab results are back, Dr. Gougian completes and signs the I-693 and seals it in an envelope for USCIS. With complete records and normal labs, that is often within a few days of your visit. If a vaccine dose or repeat test is needed, we give you a realistic date before you leave. Don’t open the sealed envelope; you receive a separate copy to keep.

5. 5

   If something turns up

   A positive tuberculosis blood test, for example, usually means a chest X-ray, not a denial. We explain what it means, arrange what is needed, and complete the form when it is done. You are never left guessing.

We know the timeline matters. Many patients are working against an interview date or a request for evidence, and we schedule and process exams with that in mind. The exam is a flat fee quoted before you book; blood tests and vaccines are itemized and added only if you need them, so there are no surprise costs.

Mounjaro and Zepbound contain the exact same active ingredient: tirzepatide. The difference is FDA approval. Mounjaro is approved for type 2 diabetes. Zepbound is approved for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight plus a weight-related condition.

Why does this matter? Mostly because of insurance. Some plans cover Mounjaro for diabetes but not for weight loss. Others cover Zepbound for weight loss but not Mounjaro. The coverage depends on your diagnosis, your specific plan, and sometimes the prior authorization criteria your insurer uses.

If you are already on Mounjaro for diabetes and wondering whether switching to Zepbound makes sense, that is a conversation worth having. Dr. Gougian can walk through both options with you at your visit.

Yes. Prescribing Mounjaro off-label for weight loss is standard practice and well within the scope of a physician's authority. Dr. Gougian holds board certification in obesity medicine specifically, which means she has the clinical training to make that determination and document it appropriately for your chart and for insurance purposes.

They contain the same medication, tirzepatide, at the same doses. Mounjaro is FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes. Zepbound is FDA-approved for weight management. The distinction affects how insurance covers each one. Which is right for you depends on your diagnosis, your insurance plan, and what Dr. Gougian recommends after your visit.

Our office is at 6300 Baltimore Ave, University Park, MD 20782, on Route 1 between Hyattsville and College Park, a short drive from Washington, DC and close to Metro’s Green Line.

Patients come from across the region because there are not many Civil Surgeons who do this volume of exams, and fewer still who do them in Spanish. We regularly see patients from Hyattsville, College Park, Langley Park, Takoma Park, Silver Spring, Riverdale Park, Greenbelt, Laurel, and Washington, DC.