LifeStyle Health Services

GLP-1/GIP Dual Agonist
Weight Loss Injections

In Agoura Hills

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When you need significant weight loss to manage type 2 diabetes and other health conditions, look no further than dual agonist injectables.
At Lifestyle Med Spa’s Agoura Hills, CA clinic, we use the latest GLP-1/GIP dual receptor agonists to promote weight loss and manage chronic health conditions. Whether you need to stimulate insulin secretion or regulate body weight, GLP-1/GIP dual agonists are a safe and effective way to address diet-induced obesity.
All of our treatments fall under the supervision of board-certified Physician Dr. Michael Rankin MD, who specializes in internal medicine. While we recommend in-person visits when possible, we also offer remote appointments for chronic weight management and can ship GLP-1/GIP injections for those who are a qualified candidate.

What Are Dual GIP/GLP-1 Receptor Agonists, and How Do They Work?

GLP-1 and GIP medications are one of the latest and most effective obesity treatments. They mimic naturally occurring glucose dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) hormones. Both play essential roles in glucose-stimulated insulin secretion and other vital components of metabolic health.
By activating both the GIP and GLP-1 receptors—as well as influencing the glucagon receptor—these medications improve insulin sensitivity and energy balance in multiple ways. For example, they stimulate the pancreas to release insulin in response to glucose, reduce excess glucagon secretion, slow gastric emptying, and decrease appetite.
The result: A noticeable body weight reduction and lower blood sugar levels.
Our GLP-1/GIP Dual Agonist Injectable Medications
When deciding whether GLP-1/GIP injection is right for you, it’s important to consider different brand names and their effects. Both medications are injected directly into adipose tissue (fat cells), typically in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Tirzepatide is the most commonly-used brand, and falls under two different subcategories:
  • Mounjaro: A once-weekly injection with a half-life of approximately 5 days that’s FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes, but also supports weight loss.
  • Zepbound: Also a once-weekly injection with a half-life of approximately 5 days, but specifically FDA-approved for chronic weight management.
GLP-1/GIP Vs. GLP-1 Receptor Agonists
The primary difference between GLP-1 agonists and GLP-1/GIP dual agonists is the ability to target more than one metabolic pathway. This ability generally makes GLP-1/GIP options cause more blood sugar control and weight loss compared to GLP-1 options. However, GLP-1s also offer well-established research with fewer gastrointestinal side effects.
GLP-1/GIP
  • How it works: Dual Agonist that activates both GIP and GLP-1 receptors.
  • Results: In studies, patients experienced a 15-22% reduction in body weight, exceeding what is typically seen with GLP-1 agonists alone.
  • Brand Names: Available as Mounjaro and Zepbound.
GLP-1
  • How it works: GLP-1 receptor agonist that only targets the GLP-1 receptor, without the added effects of GIP receptor activation.
  • Results: Studies show patients losing an average of around 14.9% of their body weight in clinical trials.
  • Brand Names: Available as Ozempic and Wegovy.
During our initial consultation, we will conduct a comprehensive medical review and decide the best medicine for your body and weight-related comorbidities.

Are GLP-1/GIP Medications FDA approved?

YES – GLP-1/GIP medications like Mounjaro and Zepbound are both FDA approved. Mounjaro was approved in May 2022 for improved glycemic control for patients with type 2 diabetes.
Meanwhile, Zepbound was approved in November 2023 for chronic weight management in adults with obesity, or overweight with one co-morbid condition.

GLP-1/GIP Clinical Trial Weight Loss Results

  • Across multiple trials, GLP-1/GIP injections consistently led to substantial weight reduction, in the range of 15-26% depending on the dosage and trial conditions.
  • Comparison to Placebo: the weight loss results were significantly greater than those achieved by placebo groups, underscoring its efficacy in managing obesity and overweight conditions​ (Lilly Investor Relations)​.
Potential Side Effects of GLP-1_GIP Injectables

GLP-1/GIP Clinical Trial Weight Loss Results

While GLP-1/GIP injections are approved by both the FDA and the American Diabetes Association, it’s important to understand potential adverse events and effects before you start treatment. Mounjaro and Zepbound have similar mild to moderate side effects that often improve over time. Serious allergic reactions are rare but possible.
Prior to starting treatment, Dr. Michael Rankin will review your medical history to ensure the safest and most effective approach for your weight management plan. Please let us know about any history of diabetes, fatty liver disease, cardiovascular disease, kidney failure, cancer, or any other serious or chronic health conditions.
Common Side Effects:
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Redness or bruising around the injection site

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Nausea

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Vomiting

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Diarrhea

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Abdominal pain

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Constipation

GLP-1/GIP Clinical Trial Weight Loss Results

To mitigate potential side effects while treating obesity—including the possibility of decreased muscle mass or bone mineral density as the result of significant weight loss—we recommend:
  • Starting with a Lower Dose: Dual GIP and GLP-1 medications are powerful, so starting with a lower dose is not only a part of therapeutic efficacy, but can also help your body adjust to gradual effects and increases.
  • Dietary Adjustments: Eating smaller, more frequent meals and avoiding high-fat or spicy foods can help reduce gastrointestinal discomfort and insulin resistance.​
  • Hydration: Staying hydrated during your treatment is essential, especially if you experience gastrointestinal adverse events like vomiting or diarrhea.​​
  • Daily Exercise: Consistent activity like walking, jogging, or resistance training can strengthen bones and counteract both fat accumulation and bone density loss.

Why Choose Lifestyle for Your Weight Loss Journey

At Lifestyle Med Spa, we take obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular risk factors seriously. Our licensed medical professionals provide comprehensive, personalized injectable treatments that go beyond the spa, providing you with the ongoing support and wellness services you need to reduce food intake, manage physical and mental health, and reach your goals.

01

Expert Medical Care

Our qualified physicians and nurses conduct thorough medical evaluations that analyze the rate of weight loss, glucose tolerance/production, and more. This ensures the safety and effectiveness of your treatments. We even offer 24/7 emergency support for peace of mind.
02

Convenient & Personalized Service

Weight loss is an extremely personal journey, and we’re here for you every step of the way. Whether you need specialized diet advice, answers to questions, or additional guidance, our team is dedicated to your success. We’re always on-time, eager, and ready to help, making your visits smooth and stress-free.
03

Added Health & Wellness Benefits

Our services go beyond weight loss. Enjoy our complimentary B12 skinny injections to boost energy and metabolism, or look into our other wellness services. We can help with anything from Vitamin IV Drips to Personal Training.
04

Advanced Body Composition Analysis

We include an Evolt 360 Body Composition Scan which provides detailed data about your body through more than 40 measurements. The sophisticated analysis of your body mass and other vital indexes ensures healthy weight loss, and preservation of lean muscle.
05

Lifestyle Changes for Lasting Results

In addition to GLP-1/GIP treatments, we carefully review your diet and exercise habits to help you maintain weight loss and healthy blood glucose levels. Learn how to incorporate simple, enjoyable lifestyle changes and natural remedies that accelerate weight loss and enhance insulin secretion.

Lifestyle Med Spa - Our Story

Dr. Kim Barrus, our chief of operations, took Ozempic/Wegovy and lost 22 pounds in four months. He felt more energetic, confident, and healthier.
As he dived into the research, it supported his own experience that these medicines are powerful for looking and feeling better and improving health.
He opened the medical spa to provide these treatments, whether for obesity management or high blood pressure, to his clients from Ventura and Los Angeles counties and throughout Southern California.
As the medical spa has grown, we offer other services to support your health and wellness.

Lifestyle Med Spa - Our Story

Jaime took GLP-1 Injections and lost 47 lbs in 5 months.

When To Consider Natural Remedies For Weight Loss

Natural remedies may not be as fast or effective as GLP-1/GIP dual injectables, but whether deployed separately or in tandem with weight loss medications, they can help you make progress toward your goals. Some of the most effective natural remedies with can help with include:
Yerba Mate Tea icon

Yerba Mate Tea

Effective for boosting metabolism and fat oxidation, this tea helps increase energy levels and reduce cravings.

Allulose Sweetener icon

Allulose Sweetener

This tasty low-calorie sugar alternative doesn’t spike blood sugar, supporting metabolic health and reducing symptoms of type 2 diabetes.

Optimizing Sleep

Optimizing Sleep

Prioritizing a restorative 7–9 hours sleep aids in regulating hormones and controlling appetite, both crucial elements of weight loss.

Keto Diet

Nutritional Guidance
(Keto Diet)

A low-carb (20g or less per day), high-protein, and high-fat diet helps to promote ketosis, a process of efficient fat burning and stable blood-sugar levels. This increased energy intake also supports amino acid balance, helping to preserve lean muscle.

Collagen Peptides

Collagen Peptides

These proteins support muscle maintenance during weight loss, as well as post-weight loss skin elasticity and joint health.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple Cider Vinegar

A fantastic natural remedy for improving digestion and reducing appetite, this vinegar helps regulate blood sugar.

GLP-1/GIP Medication: Frequently Asked Questions

GLP-1/GIP medications help you lose weight faster and more effectively because they target two hormone pathways instead of one. By activating both the GLP-1 and GIP receptors, they improve insulin secretion and other metabolic functions further than GLP-1 alone. The result is greater blood sugar control and appetite reduction.


In particular, the GIP receptor is known to boost glucose-stimulated insulin secretion and helps balance glucagon secretion, improving how the body handles both high and low blood sugar levels.

Yes, GLP-1/GIP medications are generally safe and well-tolerated. However, like any medication, there may be potential side effects, and it’s important to discuss the risks and benefits with your healthcare provider.

GLP-1/GIP medications are FDA-approved to treat type 2 diabetes and chronic weight management. Some formulations have also been shown to reduce cardiovascular risk and slow the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD).


You should be a good candidate for treatment if you have any of these concerns, so long as you don’t have any allergies or conditions that would cause a conflict. We’ll discuss potential conflicts further during your initial consultation.

While GLP-1/GIP medications have shown promise in regulating insulin secretion, it’s hard to separate this metabolic benefit from the associated weight loss. If you don’t need to or intend to lose weight, certain natural remedies may be a better option. We’ll work together to find the best possible treatment plan.
Results can vary, but most individuals see some weight loss within the first few weeks of starting GLP-1/GIP therapy. The full effects may take several months to achieve, but are generally faster than other weight loss injections.
A balanced diet (healthy fats, protein, fiber, etc.) and regular exercise are important components of any weight management plan. Your healthcare provider may also recommend additional lifestyle changes or other medications to support weight loss.
No, you do not need to come into our office at all. Our doctor can do a remote consultation with you and mail the medicines to you. They are simple to inject yourself. We do follow-up consultations via phone. If your schedule allows, we recommend doing the injections in the clinic because we can accelerate your weight loss based on your tolerance to the medication.

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