Doctors in the tri-state are are using a new treatment to help patients lose weight. 

The self-inject pen is called Wegovy and doctors say it’s getting patients’ weight under control and helping with other issues that go along with it.

Endocrinologist at Stamford Health’s Cardio Metabolic Clinic Dr. Maria Asnis says it helps with weight-related medical problems including high blood pressure, cardiac disease, liver dysfunction, kidney dysfunction and sugar dysfunction.

She says it also makes them feel full faster.

Dr. Asnis says the medication boosts production of a hormone produced naturally in the small intestine.

“It improves how the body’s processing of carbs by improving insulin sensitivity,” Asnis says.

Asnis says the drug makes people feel full faster, but comes with several side effects, including acid reflux and nausea.

The doctor says payment will have to be negotiated with major carriers - Medicare and Medicaid.

A lower dose version of the treatment, Ozempic, is typically covered as a diabetes treatment.

Research shows that patients on Wegovy, along with strategic eating and exercise planning, lose nearly 15% of their body weight in a little over a year.

Dr. Asnis says the patients are grateful when they get help with their struggle.

“Some of the things they say are ‘this has changed my life, I feel like me again, I’m proud to go out,’” Asnis says. “’I feel healthier, I feel good, I have so much energy.’”