What it is

Medical weight loss at Blue Harbor Medical & Aesthetics is a physician-supervised program that combines body composition testing, nutrition and strength planning, and prescription medication when it is appropriate.

  • InBody scan. An in-office scan that separates your weight into muscle, fat and water.
  • Hume scale. A smart scale you use at home so we can follow body composition between visits.
  • Medical evaluation. History, medications and lab work to find what is driving the weight.
  • Medication when appropriate. For good candidates this may include GLP-1 medications such as semaglutide or tirzepatide.

Why it helps

Obesity is a chronic medical condition driven by hormones, genetics and metabolism, which is why willpower and dieting alone fail most people over time. GLP-1 medications lower appetite and slow stomach emptying, so eating less stops feeling like a fight.

Tracking body composition matters as much as the medication. The scale alone cannot tell you whether you lost fat or muscle, and losing muscle makes weight harder to keep off.

Benefits

  • Meaningful weight loss. In large clinical trials, average loss was about 15% of body weight with semaglutide and up to about 20% with tirzepatide at the highest doses. Individual results vary.
  • Improvements in blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol for many patients.
  • Less strain on joints, and often better sleep and energy.
  • A plan built to protect muscle, with data to show whether it is working.
  • Fewer trips to the office, because home tracking fills the gaps between visits.

Risks and side effects

  • Common: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, reflux and fatigue, mostly when starting or raising a dose.
  • Muscle loss if protein and strength training are neglected.
  • Temporary hair shedding with rapid weight loss.
  • Gallstones, which are more likely with any rapid weight loss.
  • Uncommon but serious: pancreatitis, kidney problems from dehydration, and low blood sugar when combined with certain diabetes medications.
  • Weight regain is common if medication is stopped without a maintenance plan.

Who should not take GLP-1 medications

These medications are not for people with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or MEN2, or for anyone who is pregnant, trying to conceive or breastfeeding. Tell us about any history of pancreatitis, and tell your surgical team you take one before any procedure with anesthesia.

Book a consultation

Looking for your weight loss solution? Book your consult today.

Call 207-264-8128 or email info@blueharbormedical.com. We are at 79 Elm Street, Camden, Maine, and see weight loss patients from Maine including Augusta, Bangor, Waldoboro, Boothbay, Camden, Belfast, and surrounding communities.

This page is general information, not medical advice. Treatment is offered only after an evaluation determines it is appropriate for you. Individual results vary.