Obesity Clinic to Launch at Hiyoshi Diabetes and Internal Medicine Clinic (Yokohama City) from May 2026 | Medical Treatment by Diabetes Specialists | Self-Pay Service Using Weekly Self-Injectable "Zepbound"

Confronting the "Lifestyle Disease Risk" Caused by Obesity | Comprehensive Systemic Management by Diabetes Specialists, Unique to Our Clinic

Obesity is not merely a cosmetic issue; it is a major factor that causes many lifestyle-related diseases, including diabetes, high blood pressure, and dyslipidemia. Our clinic's true goal is not just to lose weight, but to reduce future health risks through weight loss. Our diabetes specialists provide "obesity treatment to extend overall healthy lifespan," which is only possible at a clinic, by medically evaluating and managing the burden on the heart, blood vessels, and internal organs. Should other diseases be found during the consultation process, we have a system in place to transition smoothly to specialized treatment.

Introducing the Next-Generation Drug "Zepbound" | An Approach to Two Hormones that Suppress Appetite and Improve Metabolism

"Zepbound" (generic name: Tirzepatide) is a therapeutic drug that acts on two hormone receptors in the body, GIP and GLP-1. This medication is self-administered once a week using a single-use pen-type injector. Specifically, it supports weight loss through the following three mechanisms:

Appetite Suppression: Acts on the appetite center in the brain to naturally reduce calorie intake. Maintaining Satiety: Slows stomach emptying, allowing a feeling of fullness to last even with smaller meals. Promoting Fat Reduction: Regulates the body's metabolism to support efficient weight loss.

In an international clinical trial (SURMOUNT-1 study), an average weight loss of 22.5% was reported after 72 weeks of administration. *Effects may vary among individuals and must be combined with appropriate diet and exercise therapy. A specialist will manage side effects (nausea, constipation, etc.) to support treatment continuation.

What's the Difference Between Mounjaro and Zepbound? — Why Our Clinic Only Prescribes Officially Approved Obesity Drugs

We often receive the question, "What's the difference from the popular Mounjaro?" In conclusion, both Zepbound and Mounjaro are made with the exact same active ingredient, "Tirzepatide." This means their function as a medication is no different from the currently popular Mounjaro.

So why the different names? It's because their officially approved "purpose of use (indication)" by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare is distinctly different. Mounjaro: A drug primarily for "lowering blood sugar levels (type 2 diabetes treatment)." Zepbound: A drug developed and approved for "reducing weight (obesity treatment)."

In recent years, the "off-label use" of drugs like Mounjaro, originally intended for diabetes treatment, for dieting purposes has become a social issue. While off-label prescription in self-pay practice is not illegal, relevant academic societies have issued strong warnings for its proper use.

As diabetes specialists, we are committed to the appropriate use of medications based on their approved indications. We are sincerely dedicated to supporting our patients' health through a medical approach to obesity treatment. Therefore, even though the medication is the same, we do not prescribe the popular Mounjaro. Instead, our obesity clinic exclusively prescribes "Zepbound," which has official approval for this purpose.

This active ingredient, which acts on the two hormones GIP and GLP-1, signals satiety to the brain and regulates metabolism. However, to draw out its effects, medical management by a specialist is essential. Our clinic does not simply prescribe medication; our specialists assess each patient's constitution and blood data, consider side effects, and provide support for healthy weight management.

About the Cost of Self-Pay Treatment with Zepbound

Here is the drug cost for Zepbound at our obesity clinic (self-pay). We start with 2.5mg and gradually adjust the dosage based on the doctor's careful judgment and the patient's condition and weight changes. *The above prices are the drug cost per pen (tax included). *For the first prescription and regular check-ups, a first-visit/re-visit fee and various testing fees (blood tests, etc.) will be charged separately from the drug cost. *From a quality and safety perspective, we cannot accept returns or exchanges of prescribed medications. Please check our clinic's website for the detailed fee structure.

Hiyoshi Diabetes and Internal Medicine Clinic | Eligibility for Zepbound

Our self-pay treatment is for individuals aged 18 and over with a pre-treatment BMI of 22 or higher. Those with a BMI below 22 are not eligible. If a patient's BMI drops below 22 during treatment, we will adjust the plan to maintain that level. Individuals with type 1 diabetes, a history of severe hypoglycemia, severe gastrointestinal disorders, a history of pancreatitis, or who are pregnant or breastfeeding are not eligible. Those currently using other GLP-1 preparations are also ineligible. As excessive weight loss can be harmful, the doctor may suggest discontinuing or reducing the treatment.

First, a Check for Diabetes | The Obesity Treatment Process at Hiyoshi Diabetes and Internal Medicine Clinic

For those wishing to undergo treatment, we first perform a blood test to check for diabetes and its complications. If diabetes is diagnosed, we will promptly start treatment under health insurance (with Mounjaro, etc.). Only those confirmed not to have diabetes are eligible for self-pay treatment. The starting dose is 2.5mg/week, with potential gradual increases after 4 weeks while monitoring the patient's condition. Through weekly self-injections and regular weight measurements, our specialists will closely follow each individual's progress and support them in preventing rebound weight gain. We emphasize helping patients develop healthy, sustainable lifestyle habits rather than relying solely on medication. If you have concerns like "Am I eligible for the obesity clinic?" or "I'm worried about side effects," please feel free to consult with us. Let's build a healthy lifestyle together that is resistant to rebound, without over-relying on medication.

[Clinic Information] Facility Name: Shiloam-kai Medical Corporation, Hiyoshi Diabetes and Internal Medicine Clinic Director: Tadamasa Ohashi Qualifications/Affiliations: Specialist, Japanese Society of Internal Medicine; Certified Physician, Japanese Society of Internal Medicine; Supervising Physician, The Japan Diabetes Society; Certified Physician for Diabetes Care Instruction, Japan Association for Diabetes Education and Care; Specialist in Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Japan Endocrine Society. *Note: Zepbound is approved in Japan as a treatment for obesity, but the treatment at this clinic is not covered by health insurance (self-pay).

[Overview] <Group History and Scale> Starting with the opening of "Furugaki Diabetes and Internal Medicine Clinic" in Togane City, Chiba Prefecture in June 2013, as of April 2025, we operate a total of six clinics in Togane City, Oamishirasato City, and Sanmu City in Chiba, Ota Ward in Tokyo, and Yokohama City in Kanagawa. Over 7,500 registered patients visit our group clinics regularly. <Specialized System and Community Contribution> Chairman: Narihiro Furugaki Our medical system is supported by approximately 120 staff members, including 10 full-time doctors (9 of whom are diabetes specialists). Our group emphasizes the management of diabetes, especially its complications. By having specialists in both diabetes and cardiology, we have established a system where patients with diabetes can be treated by specialists from multiple fields. Looking ahead to a super-aged society, we operate a free shuttle bus service between homes and the clinic in the Sanmu District of Chiba and also provide home visit medical care. We strive to provide treatment tailored to each patient in cooperation with local medical institutions. Related site: https://furugaki.jp/

Furugaki Medical Group Clinic List ・Hiyoshi Diabetes and Internal Medicine Clinic (Obesity clinic provider) Location: Hiyoshi-honcho, Kohoku-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa Related site: https://furugaki.jp/hiyoshi/ ・Furugaki Diabetes and Internal Medicine Clinic Location: 2-22-7 Tama, Togane, Chiba Related site: https://furugaki.jp/togane/ ・Furugaki Diabetes and Cardiovascular Clinic Location: 3-1-2 Midorigaoka, Oamishirasato, Chiba Related site: https://furugaki-oami.jp/ ・Kamata Internal Medicine and Diabetes Clinic Location: 4-29-2 Kamata, Ota-ku, Tokyo Related site: https://kamata-ccl.com/ ・Sanmu Internal Medicine and Diabetes Clinic Location: 1354-2 Shiizaki, Sanmu, Chiba Related site: https://www.furugaki.jp/sammu/ ・Togane Central Diabetes and Kidney Clinic Location: 24-7 Higashiiwasaki, Togane, Chiba Related site: https://furugaki-clinic.jp/ *The "Obesity Clinic (Zepbound self-pay service)" mentioned in this release is conducted at the Hiyoshi Diabetes and Internal Medicine Clinic.