By Jaime Joshi Elder
Curiosity and the desire to push the limits of knowledge further are the bedrock of medical advancement.
Hair-growth treatment Minoxidil started as a drug created to help reduce high blood pressure, Valium originated in the Victorian-era as a fabric dye and most recently, Ozempic which was initially approved for Type 2 diabetes is now being used for weight loss.
Wellington-based medical practice Advanced Surgical Physicians launched a weight loss program in June 2024 and it has blossomed into a successful program which is changing lives for Palm Beach County residents.
“I started the program because of my own experience with compounded Tirzepatide,” said Ilene Shapiro, office manager at Advanced Surgical Physicians.
Tirzepatide, commonly known by the brand names Mounjaro and ZepBound, is a GLP-1 receptor agonist known for its effectiveness in weight management and improving related health conditions.
“I’ve used Tirzepatide and the results have been amazing,” Ilene said. “It’s not just about the weight loss—my inflammation markers improved, and many symptoms of my autoimmune disorder disappeared.”
Seeing these results, practice partner Andrew Shapiro, MD started to research and discovered the medication could also help his breast cancer patients struggling with the side effects of hormonal therapy.
In addition to weight gain, side effects also include fatigue, joint pain and difficulty maintaining weight loss despite lifestyle changes.
“We wanted to ensure our patients could access the benefits of GLP-1 medications, receive proper support, and trust the quality of their prescriptions,” Ilene says.
“It is magical,” said program participant Emily (not her real name), a breast cancer survivor on hormonal therapy for nine years who has been on the program for about three months. “I have started to feel normal again”
The ASP weight loss program isn’t just for patients of the practice and is open to anyone without a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or personal history of gastroparesis.
“Our initial goal was to enroll 20 patients by the end of 2024,” Ilene said. “We surpassed that goal and now have 51 patients enrolled and thriving!”
The program has been particularly beneficial for breast cancer patients dealing with weight-related issues caused by hormonal therapy. “This medication and program give patients a way to regain control of their health,” Ilene emphasizes.
By partnering with a trusted pharmacy for compounded Tirzepatide, the Advanced Surgical Physicians program ensures patients receive effective, high-quality treatment. The program’s comprehensive support is designed to help patients succeed in their weight loss journey while improving their overall well-being.
If you have any further questions, please feel free to connect with Advanced Surgical Physicians by calling (561) 333-1335 or via their website: https://www.toplinemd.com/advanced-surgical-physicians/