Weight loss injections · GLP-1 medications · physician-guided weight loss
Weight Loss Injections, Prescribed by a Doctor Who Actually Knows You
Dr. Rachel Gougian of Pandora Family Medicine is a Diplomate of the American Board of Obesity Medicine. She prescribes and monitors weight loss injections, including Wegovy, Zepbound, Ozempic, and Mounjaro, right here in University Park, MD. No subscription. No app. A real physician who sees you in person.
At a glance
- Diplomate, American Board of Obesity Medicine
- Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound available
- Prior authorization assistance included
- $200 initial visit · $150 follow-up
- No subscription, no monthly program fees
- ★ 4.7 Google rating
What Are Weight Loss Injections?
Weight loss injections are prescription medications given as a once-weekly self-injection, usually in the abdomen or thigh. Most of them belong to a class called GLP-1 receptor agonists. They work by mimicking a hormone your body already makes, one that regulates appetite, slows digestion, and signals fullness to your brain.
These are not diet pills. They are not stimulants. GLP-1 medications were originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes, and researchers noticed something consistent: patients lost significant weight. That observation led to dedicated weight loss formulations like Wegovy and Zepbound, which are now FDA-approved specifically for chronic weight management.
They work best when prescribed by someone who understands both the medication and you: your health history, your other medications, your goals. That is what physician-guided weight loss means in practice.
GLP-1 Injections Available at Pandora Family Medicine
Dr. Gougian prescribes four GLP-1 medications, each with its own profile, dosing schedule, and insurance coverage patterns. Here is a brief overview. Each medication has its own dedicated page with more detail.
Wegovy (semaglutide)
FDA-approved for weight loss. Wegovy is a once-weekly injection that has shown meaningful, sustained weight reduction in clinical trials. It is often the first medication insurance will cover when prior authorization criteria are met.
Zepbound (tirzepatide)
FDA-approved for weight loss. Zepbound targets two hormones instead of one, which may explain why clinical trials showed greater average weight loss compared to semaglutide alone. A strong option for patients who haven't responded to other medications.
Ozempic (semaglutide)
FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes, and widely prescribed off-label for weight loss. Ozempic uses the same active ingredient as Wegovy at a different dose. Many patients know this name from the news and have questions about it. Dr. Gougian will walk through whether it makes sense for you.
Mounjaro (tirzepatide)
FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes, and the same active ingredient as Zepbound. Like Ozempic, it is sometimes prescribed off-label for weight loss depending on your insurance situation and medical history.
How Weight Loss Injections Work
GLP-1 medications do not force weight loss. They change the conditions that make weight loss difficult. Most people who struggle with weight are not lacking willpower. They are working against hormonal signals that drive hunger and slow metabolism. GLP-1 injections quiet those signals.
In practice, patients typically notice reduced appetite within the first few weeks. Food feels less urgent. Portions naturally shrink. The medication is titrated slowly, starting at a low dose and increasing over several months, to reduce the risk of side effects like nausea.
Physician monitoring matters here. Dose adjustments, side effect management, and knowing when to hold or change course all require a doctor who is paying attention. That is what follow-up visits are for.
You do not need to prove you are sick enough to ask about weight loss medication. If you have been struggling with your weight and want to talk through whether a GLP-1 medication makes sense, that is reason enough to come in.
Schedule OnlineHow much do weight loss injections cost near Washington, DC?
The visit itself is $200 for the initial appointment and $150 for follow-ups. Medication cost is separate and depends on your insurance coverage. With prior authorization approved, many patients pay significantly less than list price. Without insurance coverage, GLP-1 medications can run $900 to $1,400 per month at retail, though manufacturer savings programs sometimes reduce that. Unlike telehealth services like Ro, Noom, or Calibrate, Pandora Family Medicine charges no subscription or monthly program fee. You pay for the visit. That is the cost.
Do I need a prescription for weight loss injections?
- Yes. Wegovy, Zepbound, Ozempic, and Mounjaro are all prescription medications. They cannot be dispensed legally without a prescription from a licensed physician. Be cautious of compounding pharmacies or online services offering semaglutide without a clear prescribing physician involved. The FDA has raised concerns about quality and safety in that space. At Pandora Family Medicine, Dr. Gougian writes the prescription, monitors your progress, and adjusts your treatment over time.
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A note on safety
Which weight loss injection works best?
What do weight loss injections cost at Pandora Family Medicine in University Park?
Do I need a prescription to get weight loss injections like Wegovy or Zepbound?
Ready to talk through your options?
Schedule an initial visit online or call us at 301-200-0960. Appointments are usually available within the week. If you have already done your research and know which medication you want to discuss, mention it when you book. It helps Dr. Gougian come prepared.