Obesity
BMI of 30 or higher with diet, activity, and lifestyle support
Semaglutide and Tirzepatide Weight Loss in Easley, SC: GLP-1 Therapy with Weekly Check-Ins
GLP-1 and GLP-1/GIP Therapy, Weekly Check-Ins
Treatment Time:Under 5 minutes per visit
Frequency:Weekly subcutaneous injection
Onset:Reduced appetite in 2 to 4 weeks
FDA Status:Compounded GLP-1 medications (not FDA approved)
Why It Matters
When Diet and Exercise Are Not Enough for Weight Loss
A medical answer for stubborn weight
If you have spent years counting calories, trying every plan, and still feel the scale will not move, you are not alone. Stubborn weight is not a willpower problem. Hormones, metabolism, sleep, stress, and medications all shape how your body holds and releases fat. For many adults, traditional diet and exercise alone simply cannot overcome that biology, and the constant restart cycle wears on both confidence and health. Riverstone Wellness sees this story every week, and we believe you deserve more than another plan that ignores how your body actually works.
Semaglutide and tirzepatide change the conversation. As GLP-1 based medications, they work with your physiology to quiet hunger, slow stomach emptying, and steady blood sugar, so eating less feels possible rather than punishing. Tirzepatide adds a second hormonal pathway (GIP) for some patients who want a stronger metabolic response. Paired with our weekly check-ins, lab review, and lifestyle coaching, semaglutide or tirzepatide becomes part of a complete supervised plan. Many patients combine therapy with lipotropic injections in Easley, SC or sermorelin therapy in Easley, SC for added metabolic and recovery support.
Treatment Timeline
Treatment Time
Under 5 minutes per visit
Injection Schedule
Once weekly, subcutaneous
First Signs
2 to 4 weeks (reduced appetite)
Full Effect
6 to 12 months at maintenance dose
Recovery
None, return to activities same day
What Is Semaglutide and Tirzepatide?
GLP-1 Therapy for Sustainable Weight Loss
Semaglutide and tirzepatide are injectable medications that mimic gut hormones to help adults lose weight. The compounded versions we prescribe are not FDA approved. Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist (the same class as Wegovy and Ozempic) and tirzepatide is a dual GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonist (the class behind Mounjaro and Zepbound). Both are once-weekly subcutaneous injections that reduce appetite, slow gastric emptying, and improve insulin response. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration first approved semaglutide as Ozempic for type 2 diabetes in 2017 and as Wegovy for chronic weight management in 2021, and approved tirzepatide as Mounjaro for type 2 diabetes in 2022 and as Zepbound for chronic weight management in 2023. You can review the official FDA approval information at fda.gov.
Mechanically, semaglutide binds to GLP-1 receptors in the brain and digestive tract, while tirzepatide binds to both GLP-1 and GIP receptors. Both medications slow gastric emptying so meals stay with you longer, dampen hunger and food noise through signals to the hypothalamus, and improve insulin response. The result is fewer cravings, smaller comfortable portions, and steadier energy across the day. The STEP clinical trials of semaglutide showed average weight reductions of roughly 12 to 15 percent of starting body weight over 68 weeks, while the SURMOUNT trials of tirzepatide showed slightly greater average weight loss, with reductions of roughly 18 to 22 percent of starting body weight at the highest doses. Trial summaries are indexed on PubMed.
Benefits of Semaglutide and Tirzepatide at Riverstone Wellness
Real outcomes, real support
2000+ Satisfied patients
- 01
Two GLP-1 Options
Choose semaglutide or tirzepatide based on history, goals, and budget
- 02
Meaningful Weight Loss
Approximately 12 to 15 percent on semaglutide, 18 to 22 percent on tirzepatide in trials. Individual results vary.
- 03
Appetite Control
Quieter cravings and steadier hunger between meals
- 04
Metabolic Improvements
Better blood sugar, insulin response, and lipid profile
- 05
Weekly Check-Ins
Direct provider support, not a hands-off prescription model
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Convenient Dosing
Once-weekly subcutaneous injection, often self-administered
Semaglutide and Tirzepatide vs Other Weight Loss Options
Compare your choices
| Treatment | Mechanism | Time | Results | Duration | Downtime | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semaglutide at Riverstone | GLP-1 receptor agonist, appetite and gastric control | Weekly injection | 12 to 15 percent body weight loss | 6 to 12 months, often longer for maintenance | None | BMI 30+ or 27+ with comorbidity |
| Tirzepatide at Riverstone | Dual GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonist | Weekly injection | 18 to 22 percent body weight loss | 6 to 12 months, often longer for maintenance | None | Higher weight loss target, similar candidates |
| Phentermine | Stimulant appetite suppressant | Daily oral pill | Approximately 5 percent body weight loss | Up to 12 weeks (short-term) | None | Short-term jumpstart, no cardiovascular risk |
| Diet and Exercise Alone | Calorie reduction and behavior change | Daily habits | 3 to 5 percent body weight loss on average | Lifelong | None | Mild to moderate weight goals |
| Bariatric Surgery | Surgical reduction or rerouting of stomach | One-time procedure | 20 to 30 percent body weight loss | Permanent anatomical change | 2 to 6 weeks | Severe obesity (BMI 40+ or 35+ with comorbidity) |
Semaglutide Weight Loss
Semaglutide Weight Loss
Real Results
In our weekly check-in model, most patients begin to notice quieter appetite and smaller portions within the first 2 to 4 weeks of semaglutide or tirzepatide therapy. Visible body changes typically follow at 8 to 12 weeks, with the most meaningful weight loss appearing between months 6 and 12 as you reach and maintain your therapeutic dose. Results vary by starting weight, lifestyle, medication choice, and consistency.
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Who Is a Good Candidate for Semaglutide or Tirzepatide?
Right care, right person
Semaglutide and tirzepatide work best as part of a supervised plan in adults whose weight is affecting their long-term health. During your evaluation, Kristina reviews your medical history, current medications, labs, and goals to confirm whether GLP-1 therapy fits your story, and which medication is the better starting point for you.
Ideal Candidates for Semaglutide or Tirzepatide
- Adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher
- Adults with a BMI of 27 or higher who also have a weight-related condition such as hypertension, prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, or dyslipidemia
- Patients struggling with strong appetite, food noise, or repeated diet plateaus
- Patients ready for weekly check-ins, lifestyle adjustments, and lab follow-up
- Patients seeking a stronger trial-based weight loss response (tirzepatide may be considered)
- People seeking medical support for weight management treatment in Easley, SC as part of a long-term plan
Who Should Wait or Avoid Semaglutide and Tirzepatide
- Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC)
- Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN2)
- Pregnancy, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding
- Known hypersensitivity to semaglutide, tirzepatide, or their excipients
- History of pancreatitis or severe gastrointestinal disease, until cleared by your provider
- Severe gastroparesis or significant chronic gastrointestinal motility disorders
- Active gallbladder disease without medical clearance
If any of the absolute contraindications apply to you, we will guide you toward a safer plan, which may include lipotropic injections, sermorelin therapy, or supervised lifestyle care.
Treatment Overview at Riverstone
Step by step with Kristina
Consultation
Kristina reviews your history, BMI, labs, and goals to confirm GLP-1 therapy is right for you.
Medication Selection
Kristina helps you choose between semaglutide and tirzepatide based on history, insurance coverage, cost, and weight loss goals.
Baseline Labs
Kristina orders metabolic, thyroid, and lipid panels to set a clear starting point before your first injection.
Starting Dose and Escalation
Kristina starts you on the lowest tolerated weekly dose and titrates upward gradually based on response and tolerance.
Weekly Check-Ins
Kristina meets with you each week to review progress, side effects, dose timing, and lifestyle goals.
Side Effects and Safety
What to know about both medications
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Common GI Side Effects
Most side effects are gastrointestinal and improve with time, hydration, and meal adjustments. Common effects of both semaglutide and tirzepatide include nausea (especially after each dose increase), vomiting, mild fatigue, constipation, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, decreased appetite, and burping or reflux. Many patients also notice early fullness with smaller meals, which is part of how the medication works.
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Rare but Serious Risks
Less common but more serious risks shared by both medications include pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, kidney strain related to dehydration, low blood sugar (especially when combined with insulin or sulfonylureas), and rare allergic reactions. Both carry a boxed warning regarding thyroid C-cell tumors based on rodent studies and are contraindicated in patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or MEN 2.
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Weekly Monitoring
Both medications are started at a low dose and titrated slowly under medical supervision. Riverstone Wellness reviews side effects with you at every weekly visit so small issues do not become big ones. Kristina screens for contraindications, monitors weight, vitals, and labs as indicated, and adjusts your dose or pauses titration whenever needed to keep you both comfortable and safe. This oversight keeps treatment safe and effective.
Cost of Semaglutide and Tirzepatide in Easley, SC
Transparent, supervised pricing
Tirzepatide is offered in two supply options: a 34 mg supply, which provides up to 13 weeks of medication at 2.5 mg weekly for $588, and a 51 mg supply, which provides up to 20 weeks of medication at 2.5 mg weekly for $883. Most patients use tirzepatide; semaglutide pricing is determined at your visit. GLP-1 therapy is used to treat type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, and obesity, and supports weight loss by suppressing appetite and reducing "food noise." Many patients also notice improved cholesterol and blood pressure measurements and reduced inflammation.
What's Included
- Initial consultation with Kristina Schafer, NP
- Weekly provider check-in visits
- Side effect, dose titration, and progress review
- Lifestyle, nutrition, and activity guidance
Insurance and Payment
GLP-1 weight loss is offered as a self-pay program. CareCredit financing is accepted for qualifying patients.
Why Choose Riverstone Wellness for Semaglutide and Tirzepatide Weight Loss in Easley, SC
Weekly support, lasting results
Weekly Provider Check-Ins
Every patient is seen each week to review progress, dosing, and side effects
Two GLP-1 Pathways
Both semaglutide and tirzepatide offered, brand-name or compounded options
Internal Medicine Foundation
Lab work, comorbidity screening, and chronic condition oversight built in
Whole-Person Wellness Model
Nutrition, vitamin injections, and peptide options layered for complete support
Transparent Pricing
$360 / 8 weeks includes medication, weekly visits, and provider oversight
Side Effect Management
Slow titration and weekly check-ins keep small issues from becoming big ones
Related Services
Combine GLP-1 therapy with membership care and metabolic support.
Semaglutide and Tirzepatide FAQ
Answers from your provider
What is the difference between semaglutide and tirzepatide?
Semaglutide is a single-receptor GLP-1 agonist (Wegovy and Ozempic class). Tirzepatide is a dual-receptor agonist that targets both GLP-1 and GIP (Mounjaro and Zepbound class). Both are once-weekly subcutaneous injections that reduce appetite and slow gastric emptying. In clinical trials, tirzepatide produced slightly greater average weight loss than semaglutide, but individual response, tolerability, and cost vary, so Kristina helps you choose the right starting medication for your goals.
How quickly does semaglutide work?
Most patients on semaglutide notice quieter appetite and smaller comfortable portions within 2 to 4 weeks. Visible weight changes usually appear by weeks 8 to 12, with the most meaningful results between months 6 and 12 once you reach maintenance dose. Tirzepatide tends to show a similar timeline with an often slightly stronger appetite-suppressing effect at higher doses.
Am I a candidate for GLP-1 therapy?
You may be a candidate for semaglutide or tirzepatide if you have a BMI of 30 or higher, or a BMI of 27 or higher with a weight-related condition such as hypertension, prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, or dyslipidemia. Kristina screens for absolute contraindications such as personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma, MEN2, severe gastroparesis, pregnancy, or breastfeeding before starting therapy.
What does the weekly check-in include?
Each weekly visit at Riverstone Wellness includes a brief progress review, weight and vitals, a side-effect check, a review of your nutrition and activity, dose adjustments when appropriate, and any lab follow-up. The check-in is built into the program so you are never managing GLP-1 therapy alone.
Do you compound or use brand-name products?
Riverstone Wellness offers both compounded semaglutide and compounded tirzepatide through a licensed compounding pharmacy, as well as brand-name prescriptions (Wegovy, Ozempic, Mounjaro, Zepbound) when appropriate or covered by insurance. Kristina will discuss the differences in supply, sourcing, dosing flexibility, and cost so you can choose with full information.
How much weight can I expect to lose?
In clinical trials, adults using semaglutide alongside lifestyle changes lost an average of 12 to 15 percent of starting body weight, while adults on tirzepatide at higher doses averaged 18 to 22 percent. At Riverstone Wellness, most patients see 5 to 15 percent body weight loss on semaglutide and 10 to 20 percent on tirzepatide over 6 to 12 months. Results vary based on starting weight, dose, consistency, and the medication you choose.
What are the most common side effects?
Both semaglutide and tirzepatide most commonly cause gastrointestinal side effects: nausea, occasional vomiting, mild fatigue, constipation or diarrhea, decreased appetite, and reflux. They usually improve within a few weeks of each dose increase, especially with smaller meals, adequate hydration, and slow titration.
Do I have to be on it forever?
Not necessarily, but obesity is a chronic condition. Many patients use semaglutide or tirzepatide for 12 to 24 months to reach a goal weight, then transition to a lower maintenance dose or a structured taper while keeping lifestyle gains in place. Some patients stay on a maintenance dose long-term to protect their results. Kristina will plan the duration with you based on response and goals.
What happens when I stop the medication?
When semaglutide or tirzepatide is discontinued, appetite signaling and gastric emptying gradually return to baseline. Without ongoing lifestyle structure, some patients regain part of the weight they lost. Riverstone Wellness builds a transition plan that may include continued lifestyle coaching, lower maintenance dosing, or supportive therapies such as lipotropic injections or sermorelin to help protect results.
Can I take semaglutide or tirzepatide if I have type 2 diabetes?
Yes. Both semaglutide and tirzepatide are FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes (Ozempic and Mounjaro respectively) and can improve glycemic control and insulin sensitivity. If you take insulin or a sulfonylurea, Kristina will adjust dosing carefully to reduce the risk of low blood sugar.
Location4891 Hwy 153 Unit E
Easley, SC, 29642
Easley, SC, 29642
Phone(864) 520-4474
Schedule Your Semaglutide and Tirzepatide Weight Loss Consultation
References
- Wilding JPH, Batterham RL, Calanna S, et al. Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity (STEP 1). New England Journal of Medicine, 2021. PubMed (PMID: 33567185) - Once-weekly semaglutide 2.4 mg produced an average 14.9 percent reduction in body weight over 68 weeks.
- Wadden TA, Bailey TS, Billings LK, et al. Effect of Subcutaneous Semaglutide vs Placebo as an Adjunct to Intensive Behavioral Therapy on Body Weight in Adults With Overweight or Obesity (STEP 3). JAMA, 2021. PubMed (PMID: 34370569) - Adults using semaglutide plus intensive behavioral therapy lost 16.0 percent of body weight versus 5.7 percent on placebo.
- Jastreboff AM, Aronne LJ, Ahmad NN, et al. Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity (SURMOUNT-1). New England Journal of Medicine, 2022. PubMed (PMID: 35658024) - Tirzepatide at 15 mg produced an average 20.9 percent reduction in body weight at 72 weeks in adults with obesity.
- Muller TD, Bluher M, Tschop MH, DiMarchi RD. Anti-Obesity Drug Discovery: Advances and Challenges (GLP-1 obesity review). Nature Reviews Drug Discovery, 2021. PubMed (PMID: 33301246) - A review of GLP-1 receptor agonists and incretin-based therapies for obesity, including mechanism and clinical results.
- Marso SP, Bain SC, Consoli A, et al. Semaglutide and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes (SUSTAIN-6 long-term safety). New England Journal of Medicine, 2016. PubMed (PMID: 30043770) - Long-term safety and cardiovascular outcomes data supporting semaglutide use in adults with type 2 diabetes.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Wegovy (semaglutide) and Zepbound (tirzepatide) prescribing information and boxed warnings. fda.gov/drugs
- Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly manufacturer prescribing information: wegovy.com, ozempic.com, zepbound.lilly.com, mounjaro.com