What is Mochi Health all about? 

Mochi Health is a healthcare service focused on obesity medicine, offering personalized treatment plans that include online medical consultations, science-backed medications, and dietary advice. The program is designed for individuals with a Body Mass Index (BMI) over 30 or over 27 with weight-related conditions.

Key Features of Mochi Health:

Personalized Treatment Plans: Patients receive tailored plans that may include prescription medications such as GLP-1 agonists (e.g., Ozempic and Mounjaro) and compounded alternatives for those without insurance.

Membership Options: The service operates on a subscription model, charging a monthly membership fee of $79, in addition to medication costs, which vary based on whether patients have insurance or opt for compounded medications.

Accessibility: Mochi Health aims to provide high-quality care with easy access to healthcare providers through virtual visits. The company emphasizes patient support, ensuring that individuals can reach out for assistance with side effects or concerns.

Holistic Approach: The program not only focuses on medication but also integrates dietary advice and lifestyle changes to support weight loss and overall health.

Mochi Health is available across all 50 states, making it accessible to a wide range of patients seeking assistance with obesity management.

List of Medications prescribed by Mochi

below are some of the medications that are prescribed by Mochi

Topamax / Qudexy XR / Trokendi XR

Topiramate, a medication initially developed for the treatment of epilepsy, received FDA approval in 1998. It is frequently used off-label for weight loss, often in combination with Phentermine. This medication can be utilized safely for both short- and long-term weight management.

Also Known As: Topiramate

Avoid When:

• There is a history of kidney stones
• During pregnancy
• While breastfeeding
• If trying to conceive
• With a history of anorexia or bulimia

Side Effects:

• Dizziness (<1%)
• Paresthesias (5%)
• Anxiety (1.1%)
• Headache (1.7%)

Mechanism of Action

Topiramate works by modifying various GABA and glutamate channels in the brain, which helps to suppress cravings and reduce appetite.

Expected Results

In meta-analyses, Topiramate has demonstrated an average weight loss of **5.34 kg** (95% CI 4.56-6.12 kg). When used in conjunction with Phentermine, the CONQUER and SEQUEL trials indicated weight losses of up to **10.7%** in low-dose groups and **14%** in high-dose groups, maintained over two years.

Zyban / Contrave / Aplenzin

Bupropion was originally approved as a treatment for anxiety and depression. Additionally, it is utilized as a smoking cessation aid due to its ability to reduce cravings and improve mood. For weight loss, it is prescribed off-label, either on its own or in combination with Naltrexone, and is also available as a combination medication under the brand name Contrave.

Also Known As:

• Wellbutrin XL
• Wellbutrin SR
• Forfivo XL
• Bupropion

Avoid When:

• There is a history of bipolar disorder
• Schizophrenia
• Hypertension
• Concurrent substance use disorder

Side Effects:

• Activation of mania in bipolar patients (<1%)
• Insomnia (11-40%)

Mechanism of Action

Bupropion functions by inhibiting the reuptake of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine. By maintaining higher levels of these neurotransmitters in the brain, it enhances neuronal signaling, which can influence hunger and mood.

Expected Results

Bupropion has been extensively researched, both alone and in combination with Naltrexone (Contrave). The COR-I, COR-II, COR-BMOD, and COR-Diabetes trials showed weight loss results ranging from **8.1% to 11.5%** over a two-year period.

Vivitrol / Apo-Naltrexone /ReVia

Naltrexone was originally developed as a treatment for alcohol and substance use disorders. However, due to its mechanism of action in blocking cravings, it has long been prescribed off-label for weight loss. Naltrexone is also a component of the combination medication Contrave.

Also Known As: Naltrexone

Avoid When:

• There is a history of anorexia or bulimia
• Concurrent substance use disorder
• Using opiates
• During pregnancy
• While breastfeeding
• If trying to conceive

Side Effects:

• Abdominal pain (11%)
• Anxiety (12%)
• Headache (25%)

Mechanism of Action

Naltrexone is a mu-receptor antagonist (blocker). It inhibits the effects on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis from this receptor, thereby suppressing appetite and cravings.

Expected Results

Naltrexone has been studied both independently and as a component of Contrave. When used in combination with Bupropion in the Contrave formulation, it has demonstrated weight loss results ranging from **8.1% to 11.5%**.

Xenical / Alli

Orlistat is a pancreatic lipase inhibitor designed to block the intestinal absorption of fat. It was developed specifically for weight loss and received FDA approval in 1999.

Also Known As: Orlistat

Avoid When:

• There is chronic malabsorption
• During pregnancy
• In cases of cholestasis or a history of gallbladder disease

Side Effects:

• Oily spotting (26%)
• Flatus with discharge (23.9%)
• Fecal urgency (22.1%)
• Fatty or oily stool (20.0%)
• Oily evacuation (11.9%)
• Increased risk of deficiencies in vitamins D, E, A, and K

Mechanism of Action

Orlistat functions as a lipase inhibitor, preventing the breakdown of fats in the intestines. As a result, fats are not absorbed and are instead excreted in the stool.

Expected Results

Orlistat is associated with a modest weight reduction. A meta-analysis of 11 randomized controlled trials using 120 mg of Orlistat three times daily indicated a weight loss that was **2.9% greater** than that achieved with a placebo.

Wegovy / Ozempic / Rybelsus

Semaglutide is a GLP-1 agonist developed for the treatment of Type 2 Diabetes, receiving FDA approval in 2019. It was later approved for weight loss under the brand name Wegovy in June 2021.

Also Known As: Semaglutide

Avoid When:

• There is a history of thyroid C-cell tumors
• During pregnancy
• While breastfeeding
• If trying to conceive
• With a history of anorexia or bulimia

Side Effects:

• Nausea (44%)
• Vomiting (25%)
• Diarrhea/GI distress (30%)

Mechanism of Action

Semaglutide increases insulin levels by activating pancreatic cells. It also stimulates hormone release that delays gastric emptying, which can sometimes lead to nausea.

Expected Results

When combined with a robust lifestyle management plan—including 200 minutes of exercise per week, a structured diet, and bi-monthly visits with a nutritionist—patients have experienced weight loss ranging from **10% to 14%**, maintained over two years, as demonstrated in the STEP3 Trial conducted by Novo Nordisk.

Saxenda / Victoza

Liraglutide is a GLP-1 agonist medication that is very similar to semaglutide. Initially developed for the treatment of Type 2 Diabetes, it has also been found effective in promoting weight loss. By activating GLP-1 receptors, liraglutide slows gastric emptying and sends signals to the brain to reduce appetite.

Also Known As: Liraglutide

Avoid When:

• There is a history of pancreatitis or gallstones
• There is a family history of thyroid cancer
• There are thyroid disorders

Side Effects:

• Nausea (44%)
• Vomiting (25%)
• Diarrhea/GI distress (30%)

Mechanism of Action

Liraglutide increases insulin levels by activating pancreatic cells. It also stimulates the release of hormones that delay stomach emptying, which can sometimes lead to nausea.

Expected Results

The SCALE Trial demonstrated that patients can achieve an average weight loss of **6.2%** over 52 weeks (CI 7.5 to 4.6%).

Mounjaro / Zepbound

Tirzepatide is the latest weight loss medication to gain approval. Recently approved for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes, it functions by activating both GLP-1 and GIP receptors. This dual action helps to slow gastric emptying and reduce appetite.

Also Known As: Tirzepatide

Avoid When:

• There is chronic malabsorption
• During pregnancy
• In cases of cholestasis or a history of gallbladder disease
• With pancreatitis
• If there is a family history of thyroid cancer
• With thyroid disorders

Side Effects:

• Nausea (44%)
• Vomiting (25%)
• Diarrhea/GI distress (30%)

Mechanism of Action

Tirzepatide works by activating both GLP-1 and GIP receptors, which decrease the rate at which the stomach empties, helping you feel full longer. Additionally, it helps to reduce appetite and cravings.

Expected Results

The SURMOUNT-1 trial indicated an expected weight loss of **22.5%**. Other studies have shown that this medication is twice as effective as semaglutide at a dosage of 1.0 mg.