Healthy weight management starting with appetite control
What is medical weight loss?
Medical weight loss is a weight-management treatment that uses slimming-related medications under physician supervision. At our clinic, we use the GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist “Mounjaro® (generic name: tirzepatide).”
Mounjaro® works through two appetite-regulating hormones (GIP and GLP-1). It acts on the brain’s appetite center to ease hunger and slows gastric emptying, supporting an approach in which food intake is naturally reduced. Through once-weekly self-injection, this treatment aims at weight control without relying on harsh dietary restrictions or intense exercise.
*Mounjaro® is approved in Japan as a treatment for type 2 diabetes; use for obesity or weight-loss purposes is off-label. Please review the “Self-pay treatment / medication disclosure” section at the bottom of this page for details.
WORRIES — Recommended for those who
– Have not seen results from self-directed dieting
– Find appetite control difficult
– Have repeatedly experienced rebound weight gain
– Struggle to keep up with exercise
– Want to avoid harsh dietary restrictions
– Want to work on weight loss safely under physician supervision
– Are preparing body shape for an important life event
– Want to address overall health and lifestyle habits
FEATURE
Naturally regulates appetite
Mounjaro® acts on the brain’s appetite center, helping to ease hunger and supporting a natural reduction in food intake. Rather than relying on the difficulty of “willpower against hunger,” patients often describe a sense of “appetite settling on its own,” making weight management easier to engage with.
Once-weekly self-injection — easy to continue
Treatment involves a once-weekly subcutaneous self-injection. The needle is very fine, and pain is generally reported as limited. For patients who find daily skincare hard to keep up with, the once-weekly schedule is easier to integrate into routine.
Continued support under physician supervision
Mounjaro® is a medication that requires careful attention to administration, dose adjustment, and side-effect management. At our clinic, the physician handles examination, prescription, and follow-up, providing continuous support tailored to your condition. Consultations via LINE or telephone are also available.
Treatment design that anticipates rebound
Rebound weight gain after weight loss is a major challenge in dieting. After reaching the target weight, we recommend a continued maintenance period to support stability of the new weight. We also provide lifestyle guidance to help maintain results.
Important notes (risks, side effects, downtime)
| Consultation time | About 15–30 minutes for the first visit (including consultation, examination, and instructions on use) |
|---|---|
| Injection frequency | Once weekly (subcutaneous self-injection at home) |
| Injection sites | Abdomen, thighs, upper arms, etc. The site should be rotated each time. |
| Pain | A very fine needle is used, so strong pain is generally not felt. |
| Downtime | None in principle. The treatment can be continued without affecting daily life. |
| Side effects | Gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, decreased appetite, abdominal discomfort) are reported relatively frequently. They tend to occur at initiation or with dose escalation and often diminish gradually. Other reported effects include injection-site reactions (redness, bruising, itching), headache, fatigue, hypoglycemia (especially when combined with other diabetes medications), acute pancreatitis, gallbladder disorders, intestinal obstruction, and risk of medullary thyroid carcinoma (reported in animal studies). |
| Recommended duration | After reaching the target weight, continued treatment for about a month is recommended to support rebound prevention. |
| Patients who cannot receive treatment | Pregnant or breastfeeding women, those who may be pregnant; severe gastrointestinal disorders (gastroparesis, chronic gastrointestinal symptoms); history of acute or chronic pancreatitis; personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma; multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN2); diabetic ketoacidosis; severe renal or hepatic impairment; history of hypersensitivity to this drug; minors; those whose BMI is below the threshold; among others. |
*The above is a typical course; effects and side effects vary by individual.
*Please be sure to inform the physician of any medical history, current medications, or allergies during the consultation.
*If you notice any change in your condition, stop using the medication immediately and contact our clinic.
FLOW — Treatment process
We review your weight, height, BMI, medical history, and current medications, and propose a treatment plan tailored to your target weight and lifestyle. The physician carefully explains how Mounjaro® works, the off-label nature of this use, and the expected effects and risks.
The physician walks you through the self-injection procedure step by step. We support you so that you can continue safely at home, including how to choose injection sites, how to store the medication, how to manage side effects, and tips for staying consistent.
Mounjaro® is prescribed and provided in a cooler bag for take-home, since refrigerated storage is required. Mailing services can also be discussed if preferred.
Self-inject once a week at home on the same day each week. Doses are adjusted and additional prescriptions provided at our clinic according to your progress. After reaching the target weight, we recommend continuing for about a month to support rebound prevention.
Physician’s comment
About medical weight loss
Weight management is a topic that affects not only appearance but also health, future medical costs, and quality of life. For example, when BMI exceeds 25, the risk of lifestyle-related disease is known to rise; obesity and smoking are also factors in stroke and myocardial infarction in younger adults.
Mounjaro® (tirzepatide) used at our clinic is an injectable medication that acts on two hormone receptors — GIP and GLP-1. It is approved in Japan as a treatment for type 2 diabetes, and use for weight-loss purposes is off-label. For this reason, careful use under physician supervision after fully understanding the risks and benefits is essential.
While Mounjaro® can support reduced appetite, it also tends to cause gastrointestinal side effects. Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are common at initiation and dose escalation, but most patients gradually adapt. Rare but serious side effects such as pancreatitis and gallbladder disorders have been reported, so we maintain a system that allows you to contact us promptly if your condition changes.
Dieting is not just about losing weight in the short term — being able to “maintain” the new weight is what truly changes your life. We provide ongoing support not only during the weight-loss phase but also during the maintenance phase, with lifestyle guidance. If you feel that you cannot manage on your own, please feel free to come in for a consultation.
Together Menu — Recommended combinations
Many patients combine medical weight loss with treatments such as masseter Botox, hyaluronic acid filler, or thread lift to address facial contour as their body shape changes.
Q&A (FAQ)
- How soon can I expect to notice an effect?
-
Results vary by individual, but many patients notice changes in appetite within several weeks of starting. Changes in body weight are typically noticed over 1–3 months. Outcomes also depend on dose and lifestyle, so please discuss this at consultation.
- Does the injection hurt? Can I do it myself?
-
Mounjaro® uses a very fine needle, so pain is generally limited. The physician walks you through the procedure carefully so that even first-time users can continue at home. Most patients become comfortable with it after some practice.
- What should I do if I have side effects?
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Gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea may occur at initiation, but most patients adapt over time. If symptoms are severe or persistent, please contact our clinic. We can suggest dose adjustment or symptom relief. If you experience sudden severe abdominal pain or persistent vomiting — possible signs of pancreatitis — please contact us or visit a medical facility immediately.
- Can I use other medications at the same time?
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Some medications — such as diabetes drugs, antihypertensives, or anticoagulants — require caution when combined. If you take medications regularly, please bring your medication notebook or list all your medications at consultation.
- Will I rebound after stopping?
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Appetite is known to return when the medication is stopped. For this reason, rather than abruptly stopping after reaching the target weight, gradual tapering is helpful. We recommend continuing for about a month along with maintenance-phase lifestyle guidance.
- Are exercise and dietary restrictions necessary?
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Strict dietary restrictions or intense exercise are not required, but combining a balanced diet with moderate exercise can support more efficient weight management. We also offer practical lifestyle guidance that fits within your daily life.
- How should I store the medication?
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Mounjaro® must be refrigerated (2–8°C). We provide a cooler bag for take-home. Store in the refrigerator at home, taking care not to freeze it. If you prefer mailing, separate refrigerated shipping fees apply.
- Can I use it while pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to conceive?
-
Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding is contraindicated. Those trying to conceive should also refrain from use during periods when pregnancy is possible. After stopping the medication, it can take several weeks for the drug to clear from the body, so please consult the physician in advance if you are planning to conceive.
- From what age can I receive treatment?
-
As a rule, our clinic treats patients aged 20 and over. Eligibility may be limited based on BMI or health status, so please discuss this at consultation.
Why patients choose us
I’m interested in medical weight loss, but I’m worried about side effects and risks.
At our clinic, the physician carefully explains the risks and benefits, and prescribes only after the patient has given informed consent. After treatment begins, we provide ongoing support — handling side effects, adjusting doses, and so on. If you are unsure whether you can keep up with the treatment, please feel free to come in for a consultation.
Self-pay treatment / medication disclosure (details)
– About self-pay treatment
This treatment is not covered by Japanese national health insurance. All listed prices are tax-included. For pricing details, please refer to the “Pricing” page.
– About the medication used
Our clinic uses Mounjaro® (generic name: tirzepatide / Eli Lilly Japan). Mounjaro® is a GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist approved in Japan in 2023 as a treatment for type 2 diabetes.
– About off-label use
Use of this drug for obesity or weight-loss purposes is off-label. Rather than insurance-covered treatment for diabetes, this is self-pay treatment. In Japan, the GLP-1 receptor agonist “Wegovy® (semaglutide)” is approved as a treatment for obesity.
– Main risks / side effects
Gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, decreased appetite, abdominal discomfort) are reported relatively frequently. They tend to occur at initiation or with dose escalation and often diminish gradually. Other reported effects include injection-site reactions (redness, bruising, itching), headache, fatigue, hypoglycemia (especially when combined with other diabetes medications), acute pancreatitis, gallbladder disorders (cholecystitis, cholelithiasis), intestinal obstruction, risk of medullary thyroid carcinoma (reported in animal studies), and acute kidney injury. If you experience symptoms suggesting a serious adverse event (severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, yellowing of skin or eyes, etc.), stop use immediately and visit a medical facility.
– Patients who cannot receive treatment
Pregnant or breastfeeding women, those who may be pregnant; severe gastrointestinal disorders (gastroparesis, chronic gastrointestinal symptoms); history of acute or chronic pancreatitis; personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma; multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN2); diabetic ketoacidosis; severe renal or hepatic impairment; history of hypersensitivity to this drug; minors; those whose BMI is below the threshold; or anyone the physician judges unsuitable.
– Notice on the use of GLP-1 products for weight loss
The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, the Japan Medical Association, the Japan Diabetes Society and others have issued cautions regarding the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists and GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonists — diabetes medications — for non-diabetic purposes such as weight loss. Please fully understand the risks and benefits before receiving this treatment.
<Reference link>
– Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, “Cautions regarding personally imported medicines”
https://www.yakubutsu.mhlw.go.jp/individualimport/healthhazard/
Medical Weight Loss
PRICE
| Medical Weight Loss | Price |
|---|---|
| 1 month | Regular price JPY 30,000 Campaign price: from JPY 21,000 |
*All treatments are self-pay (not covered by Japanese national health insurance)
*All prices include tax
– A separate shipping fee applies for those who wish to receive medication by mail.
*The medical weight-loss medications used at our clinic include some non-Japan-approved drugs obtained via personal-import by the physician. Details will be explained during consultation.
*Information about the risks of personal-import drugs:
https://www.yakubutsu.mhlw.go.jp/individualimport/healthhazard/
Our Doctors
Chief Medical Director / Aesthetic Surgeon
Yuki Takamido, MD
Specialties
Aesthetic surgery / Oculoplastic surgery
Career
2014: Graduated from Mie University School of Medicine
2015: Meitetsu Hospital
2017: Fujita Health University Hospital — Assistant Professor
2020: Founded Flamingo Aesthetic Clinic
2021: Branch director, Shiromoto Clinic Aesthetic Surgery
2021: Co-founded Viviage Clinic (Kokoukai Medical Corporation)
2022: Ace Clinic (Ichibikai Medical Corporation)
2023: Director, Sakae Aesthetic Clinic — Sakae branch
Currently: VIVIAGE ZONNE CLINIC (Kokoukai Medical Corporation)
Areas of expertise
Hyaluronic acid filler, thread lift
Eyelid surgery (lower-eyelid fat removal for dark circles, transcutaneous & transconjunctival Hamra technique, midface lift, double-eyelid surgery, blepharoptosis surgery)
Aesthetic dermatology procedures
Society memberships
Japanese Society of Oculoplastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Japan Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
Japanese Society of Aesthetic Dermatology
Japanese Society of Anti-Aging Medicine
Days available
Wednesday, Friday (10:00–17:30)
Every other Saturday (please call to confirm)
Director
Minoru Horisawa, MD
Book a Consultation / Contact Us
If you have any concerns, please feel free to reach out.
Our consultation, including the doctor’s examination, is available free of charge.
Hours: Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat 10:00–17:30 (Closed Thu, Sun)
T.O Building 4F, 3-33-30 Sakae, Naka-ku, Nagoya — about a 4-minute walk from Yabacho Station