Local Guide — Park Ridge, IL
GLP-1 MEDICAL WEIGHT LOSS IN PARK RIDGE
Semaglutide and tirzepatide with DEXA body composition tracking. Lose fat, not muscle. In-person medical oversight.
WHY IN-PERSON GLP-1 MATTERS
Anyone can prescribe semaglutide from a video call. But a prescription without monitoring is just chemical weight loss with no guardrails.
The Telehealth GLP-1 Problem
Online clinics prescribe GLP-1 medications based on BMI and a questionnaire. They don't test your metabolic health beforehand. They don't track what kind of weight you're losing. They don't adjust based on body composition data.
The result: You lose weight on the scale—but studies show 30-40% of that can be muscle. You end up lighter but metabolically worse off.
The Moonshot Approach
We start with comprehensive blood work (60+ biomarkers) and a DEXA scan. We prescribe based on your full metabolic profile. We track body composition every 3-6 months to ensure you're losing fat, not muscle.
The result: You lose fat, preserve muscle, and actually improve your metabolic health—not just your scale number.
YOUR MEDICATION OPTIONS
Semaglutide
GLP-1 Receptor Agonist
- • Targets the GLP-1 receptor
- • Average weight loss of 15-17% in trials
- • Weekly injection
- • Well-studied safety profile
- • Brand names: Ozempic, Wegovy
Tirzepatide
Dual GLP-1/GIP Agonist
- • Targets both GLP-1 and GIP receptors
- • Average weight loss of 20-22% in trials
- • Weekly injection
- • May have better insulin sensitization
- • Brand names: Mounjaro, Zepbound
THE DEXA DIFFERENCE
Why DEXA Changes Everything About Weight Loss
Here's what a typical GLP-1 patient looks like without DEXA tracking vs. with it:
Without DEXA (typical telehealth):
- • Lost 30 lbs on the scale
- • Looks "smaller" but still soft
- • Lost 18 lbs of fat + 12 lbs of muscle
- • Metabolism is now lower
- • Will regain faster if stops medication
With DEXA (Moonshot approach):
- • Lost 30 lbs on the scale
- • Looks leaner and more defined
- • Lost 27 lbs of fat + 3 lbs of muscle
- • Metabolism better preserved
- • More sustainable long-term results
The scale shows the same 30-lb loss. The DEXA shows a completely different outcome.
TRANSPARENT PRICING
Full Program
$405/mo
Medication + blood work + DEXA + oversight
Rx Only
$105/mo
Prescription + basic monitoring
No hidden fees. No contracts. No referral needed. HSA/FSA accepted.
LOCATION & ACCESS
Moonshot Medical and Performance
542 Busse Hwy
Park Ridge, IL 60068
- No referral needed — book directly online
- In-person medical oversight — not a telehealth mill
- On-site DEXA scanner — track real body composition
Serving the Northwest Suburbs
Patients come to Moonshot for medical weight loss from:
- Park Ridge, Des Plaines, Niles
- Edison Park, Norwood Park, Rosemont
- Morton Grove, Glenview, Skokie
- Mount Prospect, Arlington Heights
COMMON QUESTIONS
What are the common side effects of GLP-1 medications?
The most common side effects are GI-related: nausea, constipation, and decreased appetite (which is partly how they work). These are usually mild and improve as your body adjusts. Starting at low doses and titrating up gradually helps minimize side effects. Your clinician monitors and adjusts as needed.
Will I regain the weight if I stop the medication?
Studies show significant weight regain after stopping GLP-1 medications if nothing else changes. That's why our approach focuses on preserving muscle (via DEXA tracking), building sustainable habits, and addressing underlying metabolic issues. The goal is to eventually taper or discontinue with a strong metabolic foundation.
Am I a candidate for GLP-1 weight loss?
GLP-1 medications are appropriate for adults with a BMI of 30+ (or 27+ with weight-related health conditions). We evaluate each patient individually with comprehensive blood work and health history. Not everyone needs medication—sometimes optimizing hormones, thyroid, or metabolic function is the real fix.
Can I combine GLP-1 with hormone therapy?
Yes, and it's often beneficial. Optimizing testosterone or thyroid function alongside GLP-1 medication can improve muscle preservation and metabolic outcomes. We coordinate all treatments as a single integrated protocol based on your full lab picture.
References
- 1. Wilding JPH, et al. "Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity." N Engl J Med. 2021;384(11):989-1002.
- 2. Jastreboff AM, et al. "Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity." N Engl J Med. 2022;387(3):205-216.
- 3. Sargeant JA, et al. "The effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists on body composition in people with type 2 diabetes." Diabetes Obes Metab. 2019;21(8):1838-1848.
READY TO LOSE FAT, NOT MUSCLE?
Medically supervised GLP-1. DEXA-tracked body composition. Real results you can measure.
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