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What is a GLP-1?

If you’ve been paying attention lately, you’ve heard the term. But most people don’t actually know what a GLP-1 (Glucagon-Like Peptide-1) is. It’s not a stimulant, and it isn't "cheating"—it’s a biological messenger that your body already produces naturally.

When you eat, your gut releases GLP-1 to tell your brain you’re full. It also slows down your digestion, keeping you satisfied for longer. The problem? Some of us have a biological "mismatch" where that signal isn't loud enough. Our Medical Weight Loss program uses GLP-1 receptor agonists (like Semaglutide and Tirzepatide) to amplify that signal. It quiets the "food noise," stabilizes your blood sugar, and lets you focus on your healthy lifestyle without fighting a constant uphill battle against hunger.

Self Care LA Virtual Weight Loss Program through Lilly Direct

Our virtual weight loss program offers the convenience and support you need—right from the comfort of your home. In partnership with Lilly Direct, we provide structured medical weight loss with bi-weekly virtual check-ins and monthly prescriptions for Zepbound, delivered straight to your door.

Membership Details

Monthly Membership Fee: $175 (auto-renews monthly)

This fee includes:

Bi-weekly virtual check-ins with our licensed medical provider
Ongoing support and management of medication-related side effects
Monthly prescriptions for Zepbound, including:
Submission and coordination of your prescription through Lilly Direct
Monthly renewal of your Zepbound prescription
Coordination of related supplies: syringes, alcohol swabs, and sharps container (ordered through Lilly Direct)

Note: The $250 membership does not include the cost of medication or supplies, which are paid directly to the pharmacy via Lilly Direct.

Dosage	Medication Cost	Total Monthly Cost (Medication + Membership)
2.5 mg	$349	$599
5 mg	$499	$749
7.5 mg	$599	$849
10 mg	$699	$949

Not covered by insurance: This program is out-of-pocket only.

Note on dosage: Dosage cannot be adjusted in the virtual program. For customized titration and more flexible care, consider our in-office weight loss program.

Take Control of Your Weight

Medical Weight Loss at Self Care LA

We understand the frustration of trying to lose weight, especially when it feels like nothing works. At Self Care LA in Santa Monica, we take a different approach—one that’s grounded in science and personalized care. Led by Dr. Bharat Kothakota, our Medical Weight Loss program combines safe, proven treatments with compassionate support, helping you achieve real, lasting results without the false promises of fad diets. Whether you’re looking to kickstart your journey or finally break through a plateau, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. At Self Care LA, we make your goals our priority, and we’re committed to helping you feel your best, inside and out.

A Science-Backed Approach

What is Medical Weight Loss?

Medical Weight Loss is a doctor-supervised program designed to help you lose weight in a healthy, sustainable way. Unlike trendy diets that often leave you feeling hungry and frustrated, our approach uses proven treatments that help control your appetite, boost your metabolism, and support fat loss. At Self Care LA, we focus on science-backed injections like Semaglutide, Tirzepatide, and B12 + MIC, which work together to help you shed pounds while feeling your best. Think of it as a personalized weight loss plan designed just for you.

Semaglutide: Your Weekly Weight Loss Booster

Semaglutide is a weekly injection that helps curb your appetite and reduce cravings. It acts like a hormone in your body that tells your brain when you’re full, making it easier to eat less without feeling deprived. Many of our patients see significant weight loss results with Semaglutide and love that it’s as simple as one injection per week.

Key Benefits of Semaglutide:

It helps control blood sugar levels
Steady, long-term weight loss results
Reduces hunger and cravings, making it easier to stick to healthy eating
A once-a-week injection that fits into your busy schedule

Tirzepatide: Double the Power for Better Results

Tirzepatide is a newer weight loss injection that targets two hormones instead of one. This dual-action approach helps reduce your appetite while improving how your body uses insulin, making it great for both weight loss and overall health. If you’ve tried losing weight with diet and exercise alone but haven’t seen the results you want, Tirzepatide could be a game-changer. It’s simple to use, with just one injection a week.

Key Benefits of Tirzepatide:

Combines two hormones for extra appetite control
Helps stabilize blood sugar levels
Supports steady weight loss without intense cravings
Easy, once-weekly injection with no downtime

Santa Monica Medical weight loss model with curly hair

Santa Monica medical weight loss model running

B12 + MIC Injections: Your Metabolism Boost

B12 + MIC injections are like a natural pick-me-up for your body. These shots combine vitamin B12 with three fat-burning ingredients (Methionine, Inositol, and Choline) that help your body break down fat more efficiently. They’re great if you need an energy boost or want to speed up your weight loss. You can get these injections weekly at our office or learn how to give them at home for convenience.

Key Benefits of B12 + MIC Injections:

Boosts your energy levels, so you feel less tired
It helps your liver process fat more effectively
Supports faster metabolism and weight loss
Safe, natural ingredients that support your wellness goals

Real Results, Real Confidence

Benefits of Medical Weight Loss

Choosing Medical Weight Loss in Santa Monica at Self Care LA means you’re getting a safe, personalized plan that fits your needs. Here’s what you can expect:

Real, Long-Lasting Results: Our program is based on proven treatments that help you lose weight steadily and keep it off.
No Surgery Needed: All of our options are non-surgical, with little to no downtime.
Personalized Plans: We design a plan just for you based on your body and your goals.
Support Every Step of the Way: We’re here to answer questions and adjust your plan as needed.
More Energy and Better Health: You’ll feel better, have more energy, and see improvements in your overall health.

Ready for a Healthier You?

Are You a Good Candidate for Medical Weight Loss?

If you’re ready to lose weight but need some extra help, our Medical Weight Loss program could be a great fit. It’s designed for adults who have tried to lose weight on their own without much success. It’s especially helpful if you have a BMI of 27 or higher or if weight loss would help with conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure. We’ll review your health history during a consultation to ensure this program is safe and right for you.

A Personalized Path

What to Expect on Your Medical Weight Loss Journey

Starting your weight loss journey with us is easy. You’ll begin with a consultation where we talk about your goals and health history. Then, we’ll create a weight loss plan that’s personalized just for you, using a combination of our injections and lifestyle advice. We’ll show you how to use the injections, whether you choose to come into the office or do them at home. Our team is here to support you, cheer you on, and make adjustments as needed to keep you on track.

Sustainable Weight Loss

Expect Real Results

At Self Care LA, our Medical Weight Loss program delivers results you can see and feel. Most Santa Monica medical weight loss patients notice changes within the first few weeks, including reduced cravings, increased energy, and gradual weight loss. By the three-month mark, you can expect significant progress, with steady fat loss and improved overall health. The best part? These results aren’t just about the numbers on the scale—they’re about feeling better, moving easier, and gaining confidence in your daily life. We tailor your plan to keep you on track for sustainable, long-term success.

Typical Results Timeline:

Weeks 1-4: Noticeable decrease in appetite and food cravings
Weeks 5-8: Visible changes in body composition and increased energy
Weeks 9-12: Significant weight loss and continued progress towards your goals

Santa Monica medical weight loss model with brown hair

Caring for Your Body

The Key to Lasting Results

To get the most out of your Medical Weight Loss treatments, it’s important to take good care of your body during the process. Our team at Self Care LA will provide you with a personalized aftercare plan to support your journey. This includes staying hydrated, following a balanced diet, and incorporating regular physical activity that fits your lifestyle. We also recommend using high-quality supplements and vitamins, such as B12, to maintain energy and support metabolism. Remember, consistency is key—small, healthy habits make a big impact over time. We’re here to guide you every step of the way, offering tips and adjustments to help you maintain your progress and feel your best.

Aftercare Tips:

Stay hydrated and drink plenty of water throughout the day
Follow a balanced diet rich in whole foods and lean proteins
Incorporate daily movement, even if it’s just a walk around the neighborhood
Stick to your regular injection schedule for continued results
Use recommended supplements to support your metabolism and energy levels

The Final Polish

What Happens After I Lose the Weight?

Losing the weight is a massive win. But often, when the scale stops moving, you’re left with the "aftermath" of a major transformation. Rapid weight loss can leave behind sagging skin or stubborn pockets of fat that simply won't retract on their own. This is where we shift from weight loss to body sculpting.

We offer a suite of tactical tools to help you cross the finish line:

Morpheus8 Body: To tighten skin and improve skin texture in areas like the abdomen or thighs where the skin might feel "deflated."
CoolSculpting: To delete the final stubborn pockets of unwanted fat that didn't respond to the medication.
EvolveX: To tone muscle and further address skin laxity, ensuring your appearance finally matches the hard work you’ve put in.

We don't just help you lose the weight; we help you refine the silhouette that’s been hiding underneath.

The Investment in You

What Does It Cost?

We don’t do one-size-fits-all pricing because we don’t do one-size-fits-all medicine. Your medical weight loss journey is a strategic investment in your long-term health, and the cost reflects the level of supervision and personalization you get at our Santa Monica office.

Typically, our programs are priced on a monthly basis, covering your medication, regular check-ins, and the metabolic monitoring required to keep you safe. During your initial consultation, we’ll give you a full, transparent breakdown of the costs. This isn't just a prescription; it’s a high-performance plan designed to get you to your goal safely and keep you there.

Why Choose Self Care LA for Medical Weight Loss?

At Self Care LA, we know that losing weight isn’t easy, but you don’t have to do it alone. Our program is led by Dr. Kothakota, a board-certified physician who cares about your well-being and success. We use only safe, treatments and create personalized plans for every patient. Plus, our friendly team is here to make sure you feel supported every step of the way. We want you to leave our office feeling confident, motivated, and excited about your progress.

Medical Weight Loss Frequently Asked Questions

What are the risks of Medical Weight Loss?

Side effects are usually mild but can include nausea or digestive discomfort. We’ll discuss all risks during your consultation.

How long do results last?

Results can last as long as you maintain a healthy lifestyle. Ongoing maintenance treatments may help keep the weight off.

How soon will I see the results?

You may notice changes in appetite within a few weeks, with more visible weight loss in three to four months.

What if I stop treatment?

If you stop treatment, you may regain some weight. We’ll work with you on long-term strategies to help maintain your progress.

How much does it cost?

Medical weight loss program costs vary based on your personalized plan. We’ll give you a detailed quote during your consultation.

Do I have to give myself the injections?

Yes, but don't let that stop you. Most patients find that it's much easier than they expected. The needles are tiny (similar to what a diabetic would use) and we’ll walk you through the first one in the office so you feel 100% confident. It takes about 30 seconds once a week.

What about "Ozempic Face" or losing muscle?

This is exactly why medical supervision is non-negotiable. If you lose weight too fast or without enough protein, you risk losing muscle mass and "hollowing out" your facial features. We monitor your skin quality and nutritional intake throughout the process. If we see volume loss in the cheeks, we can address it with dermal fillers or biostimulators like Sculptra to keep you looking healthy and refreshed, not gaunt.

Find Your Self Care

Providing Exceptional Aesthetics & Wellness Treatments in Los Angeles

Los Angeles Culver City El Segundo Marina del Rey

At Self Care LA, we are a premier medical spa dedicated to providing comprehensive, expert-led treatments delivered by a highly skilled team of aesthetic and wellness professionals. From your very first inquiry through your tailored procedures and follow-up care, our experienced staff ensures you feel welcomed, supported, and valued. We offer a diverse suite of advanced services—including body contouring, injectables, skin rejuvenation, and hormone therapy—all designed to help you achieve your personal health and beauty goals. The Self Care LA team is honored to guide you on your journey toward lasting confidence, offering inclusive and unparalleled care to clients throughout the region.

Take The Time To Invest In Yourself

Schedule your appointment at Self Care LA today!

Ready to offer your skin a second chance? Our aesthetic specialists have years of experience delivering stunning outcomes. Schedule your consultation in Santa Monica today. We can’t wait to treat you to the self-care you deserve.

1426 Montana Avenue, Suite 2, Santa Monica, CA 90403

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(323) 337-3445

Medical Weight Loss