Answers To Common Questions
Below, you’ll find answers to some of the most common questions we get. If you don’t see an answer to a question you have, or if you’d like clarification on something you see, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Call us at (877)241-3596 ,We’d love to hear from you!
What medications are available to treat overweight and obesity?
There are several FDA-approved prescription medications that can treat obesity and overweight; they all work through different mechanisms of action. Some medications, for example, will help your brain suppress your hunger and make you feel less hungry.
Other medications may make you feel hungry or full sooner, and they may make it more difficult for your body to absorb fat from foods. Five of these drugs have been approved by the FDA for long-term use: orlistat (Xenical, Alli), phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia), naltrexone-bupropion (Contrave), liraglutide (Saxenda), and semaglutide (Wegovy). Other appetite suppressant medications approved by the FDA for short-term use of up to 12 weeks are listed below.
Can children or teenagers take weight management medications?
Yes, There are two prescription medications, orlistat NIH external link (Xenical)2 and liraglutide (Saxenda),3 which are approved by the FDA for children ages 12 and older.
Can medications replace physical activity and healthy eating habits as a way to lose weight?
As a means of losing weight, medications do not replace physical activity or healthy eating habits. According to research, weight loss medications work best when combined with a healthy lifestyle program. The team at our practice will create personalized lifestyle treatment programs for weight loss that are right for you.
What are the benefits of using prescription medications to lose weight?
When combined with changes to behavior, including healthy eating and increased physical activity, prescription medications help some people lose weight and maintain weight loss. People who use prescription medications as part of a lifestyle program lose 3% to 12% more of their starting body weight after one year than people who do not use medication as part of a lifestyle program.
According to research, some people who take prescription weight management medications lose 10% or more of their starting weight. The outcomes differ depending on the medication and the individual.
A 5% to 10% weight loss from your starting body weight may help improve your health by lowering blood sugar, blood pressure, and triglyceride levels. Losing weight can also help with some of the other health issues associated with being overweight or obesity such as joint pain and sleep apnea. Most weight loss takes place within the first 6 months of starting the medication.
Which weight management medication might work for me?
Choosing a medication to treat overweight or obesity is a collective decision between you and your doctor. The likely benefits of weight loss are important factors to consider.
- the likely benefits of weight loss
- the medication’s possible side effects
- your current health issues and other medications
- your family’s medical history
- cost
How long will I need to take weight management medication?
The length of time you must take weight management medication is determined by whether the drug helps you lose weight and keep it off, as well as whether you experience serious side effects.
If you have lost enough weight to improve your health and are not experiencing serious side effects, your doctor may recommend that you continue taking the medication indefinitely. If you have not lost at least 5% of your starting weight after 12 weeks on the full dose of your medication, your doctor will most likely advise you to discontinue use. Your health care professional may also
- change your treatment plan or consider using a different weight
management medication - have you try different lifestyle, physical activity, or eating programs
- change your other medications that might be causing weight gain
- refer you to a bariatric surgeon to see if weight-loss (bariatric) surgery
might be an option for you
Because obesity is a chronic disease, you may need to maintain your new eating and physical activity habits, as well as other behaviors, for years, if not a lifetime, in order to improve your health and maintain a healthier weight.
Will I regain some weight after I stop taking weight management medication?
Some people who are unable to maintain their healthy eating and exercise lifestyle changes may gain weight after discontinuing their weight management medication.
Developing and maintaining healthy eating habits, as well as increasing physical activity, aid in weight loss. Because obesity is a chronic disease, you may need to maintain your new eating and physical activity habits, as well as other behaviors, for years, if not a lifetime, to improve your health and maintain a healthier weight. We recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week and at least two days of muscle-strengthening activities per week. To reach or maintain your weight-loss goal, you may need to engage in more than 300 minutes of moderate-intensity activity per week.
Will insurance cover the cost of weight management medication?
Currently, we are not accepting any insurance.
How do healthcare professionals use prescription medications “off-label” to treat overweight and obesity?e
Sometimes healthcare professionals use medications in a way that’s different from what the FDA has approved. This is known as “off-label” use. Your health care professional may prescribe
- a drug approved for treating a different medical problem
- two or more drugs at the same time
- a drug for a longer time period than approved by the FDA
Many obese and overweight patients are diabetic, and there are several FDA-approved medications for treating diabetes; many of these medications not only help with diabetes but also with weight loss.
What’s included in my first appointment?
- Consultation about your Medical History
- Blood Pressure
- Weight and Body Fat Analysis
- Blood Chemistry
- Comprehensive Chemistry
- CBC without differential
- TSH Test
- Lipid Panel Test
- Evaluation of your Health History and Medication
- Based on our findings, you may be prescribed an appetite suppressant and receive detailed instructions on diet content and exercise procedures. We
have everything you need to make the difference.
Wegovy (semaglutide) is a medication that belongs to a class of drugs known as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists. It is used to treat type 2 diabetes and to help with weight management.
GLP-1 agonists work by increasing the release of a hormone called GLP-1, which is produced by cells in the small intestine. GLP-1 has several effects on the body, including:
- Stimulating the release of insulin: GLP-1 activates cells in the pancreas called beta cells to release insulin. Insulin is a hormone that helps to regulate blood sugar levels by promoting the uptake of glucose from the bloodstream into cells.
- Inhibiting the release of glucagon: GLP-1 also activates cells in the pancreas called alpha cells to reduce the release of glucagon. Glucagon is a hormone that promotes the breakdown of glycogen (a form of stored glucose) in the liver, leading to an increase in blood sugar levels.
- Reducing appetite and increasing feelings of fullness: GLP-1 also acts on the brain to reduce appetite and increase feelings of fullness, which can help with weight management.
Wegovy and other GLP-1 agonists are typically given as injections and are used to help lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. They may also be used as an adjunct to lifestyle changes (such as diet and exercise) to help with weight loss in people who are obese or have obesity-related conditions, such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol.
It's important to note that GLP-1 agonists should be used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes a healthy diet and regular physical activity. They should not be used as a replacement for lifestyle changes.
Within one year of beginning the program, eligible customers can expect to lose up an average of 20% of body weight.
There are several reasons why a healthcare provider might recommend lab testing as part of a weight loss program. These can include:
To identify any underlying medical conditions that may be contributing to weight gain. Some medical conditions, such as hypothyroidism or insulin resistance, can cause weight gain and may need to be treated in order for a person to lose weight effectively. Lab tests can help to diagnose these conditions and guide treatment.
To monitor the effectiveness of a weight loss program. Lab tests can be used to track changes in body weight and composition, as well as markers of health such as blood pressure and cholesterol levels. This can help to ensure that a weight loss program is safe and effective.
To identify any nutrient deficiencies or imbalances that may be contributing to weight gain. Lab tests can be used to check for deficiencies in nutrients such as iron, vitamin D, and B vitamins, which can affect energy levels and metabolism.
Overall, lab testing can be an important part of a weight loss program because it can help to identify and address any underlying medical conditions or nutritional imbalances that may be contributing to weight gain. It can also help to monitor the effectiveness of a weight loss program and ensure that it is safe and appropriate for an individual's needs.
The process for joining a weight loss program can vary depending on the specific program and an individual's needs and preferences. However, there are some general steps that are typically involved:
Consult with a healthcare provider: It is generally a good idea to consult with a healthcare provider, such as a doctor or a registered dietitian, before starting a weight loss program. They can help to determine if a weight loss program is appropriate for you and advise you on the best course of action based on your individual needs and medical history.
Evaluate your current diet and physical activity: A healthcare provider or a weight loss specialist may ask about your current diet and physical activity habits in order to get a sense of what changes might be needed to help you lose weight. They may also recommend that you keep a food diary or record your physical activity in order to better understand your current habits.
Set goals: It can be helpful to set specific and achievable goals for weight loss and overall health. A healthcare provider or weight loss specialist can help you to set realistic goals and develop a plan to reach them.
Start the weight loss program: Depending on the specific program, this may involve making changes to your diet, increasing your physical activity, or both. You may also receive support and guidance from a healthcare provider or other weight loss specialist during this process.
Monitor progress: It is important to regularly monitor your progress and make adjustments to your weight loss plan as needed. This may involve tracking your weight and other health markers, such as blood pressure and cholesterol levels. A healthcare provider or weight loss specialist can help you to interpret these results and make any necessary changes to your plan.
Process in our clinic
- Register to the program
- Lab work
- Doctor’s consultation / Doctor’s Prescription
- Prior Authorization
- Get medication to your chosen pharmacy
*Patients need to complete and submit the intake form correctly before proceeding.
Costs vary depending on the medical weight loss program, the amount of weight loss involved, your medical diagnosis, and your insurance coverage. We will be happy to check your insurance coverage prior to your consultation. We will cover subsequent program costs and other critical program facts during our consultation.
Our weight loss programs are not simply for people who are extremely overweight but are for anyone who is unhappy or feels unhealthy due to their weight. We will tell you if you shouldn’t, or don’t need to lose weight, or if you are not the right candidate for one of our weight loss programs for any reason. Our goal is your overall health.
Our Medical Weight Loss programs are not only safe for people with diabetes, hypertension, and other medical problems; they also aid in the control of any further complications that may arise as a result of these diseases. More than that, our weight loss programs can help with a variety of other obesity-related conditions, such as arthritis, coronary artery disease, sleep apnea, lower extremity edema, hypertension, and high cholesterol.
No matter what program or combo programs you chose, one-on-one behavioral modification counseling and accountability are best served by weekly visits.
When you reach your goal weight on The Center for Medical Weight Loss plan, you will enter the program's Maintenance Phase. You'll continue to see your provider as needed to help you maintain your weight loss and make sure you're using the best healthy eating, exercise, and behavioral strategies to keep the weight off for good.
Patients must commit to the program for a period of 12 months. You may cancel only for one of the three reasons listed below:
- Lack of insurance coverage for a glp1 at any time. In other words, if you have 6 months of coverage and your insurance company refuses to cover any weight loss medication in the future, you can cancel. You can cancel your insurance if you lose it. Anything that implies that your insurance will not pay is a valid reason to cancel.
- Customers lose more than 5% of their body weight by month 6. This only applies after month 6, when their drug's dose is fully increased. If they haven't lost weight by then, they can cancel.
Severe medical side effects or advice from our care team based on a medical review. Our care team will have to determine why they are unable to take the medication physically.
This policy was created in response to a one-year medical weight loss commitment to success. Drugs are only studied for a minimum of one year. These are not forgeries of over-the-counter diet pills. To be successful, medical weight loss requires a one-year commitment.
If you've had A1c, TSH, or Creatinine labs done in the last 30 days, you can submit those instead of being retested. If you would like to substitute, please contact our team. Please keep in mind that more recent testing is more likely to result in prior authorization for coverage, so lab testing is strongly recommended.
The majority of the shortages reported in late 2021 were caused by supply chain issues. The majority of these issues have been resolved, and supplies will be fully replenished by the second half of 2022.
- Ozempic (injectible) is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonist which aids your body to release more insulin, prevents from releasing more sugar, and slows down your digestion. Originally intended to assist Type II diabetics with blood sugar and lower A1c, it also has fantastic effects on weight loss. This product has been linked to patients' losing up to 20% of their body weight during the course of treatment.
- Saxenda (injectible)has been a revolutionary drug for weight loss since its FDA approval in 2014. It has been linked to patients' losing up to 20% of their body weight and has been a staple in weight loss treatment. Your journey officially begins now, and we're excited to be a part of it.
- Rybelsus (tablet)is used for type 2 diabetes; contains glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists. It tells your body to release more insulin, stops your body from releasing more sugar, and slows down your digestion.
- Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) (injectible) is a new medication recently approved for the treatment of diabetes. Even though the approved indication is only for diabetes, newly released research has shown that tirzepatide is the most effective weight loss medication that has ever been available. Weight loss numbers are double or triple that of other weight loss medications and approach the results seen with bariatric surgery. Mounjaro is a dual incretin agonist or a 'twincreatin' working on two hunger hormone receptors: GIP and GLP-1. The average weight loss with tirzepatide is an astonishing 22.5%
- Naltrexone and Buproprion, (tablet)a generic combination similar to Contrave, which is FDA approved for weight loss. Naltrexone & Bupropion are not injection medications, but oral medication, so it is a bit more convenient for patients as well.
Although we are in favor of a plant-based diet, the protein in our plan comes from meat, fish, and eggs. Although eating meat is not necessary, if you are a strict vegan or are unable to eat fish or eggs as well, this strategy will not work for you.
The Glp1 drugs are only being studied for one year to sixteen months, and patients who are approved should expect to be on them for that length of time. These are not forgeries of over-the-counter diet pills. To be successful, medical weight loss requires a one-year commitment.
If you've had labs done in the last 14 - 30 days for A1c, TSH, Creatinine, and Lipid Panel, you can submit those instead of being retested. Please keep in mind that more recent testing is more likely to result in prior authorization for coverage, so lab testing with is strongly recommended.
If my A1c laboratory results are normal.
Your A1c level is one of several indicators used by your insurance company to determine eligibility. Other indicators include your BMI and whether you've previously used weight-loss medication.
Wegovy's request
While the Wegovy shortage should be resolved within the next few months, we offer alternative GLP-1 medications that you can easily pursue. Our staff can obtain prior authorization for Saxenda, a popular weight loss medication that is administered once daily rather than weekly. We can also see if you are eligible for Ozempic, which is the same compound as Wegovy but marketed differently.
Refill prescriptions
Refill requests are typically generated automatically; however, if you notify us at least 7 days before the start of your new month, we will ensure that a fill request is generated on your behalf.
Request for Cancellation
You have 24 hours after purchasing a subscription to cancel it. After the cancellation period, you have the option of continuing with the program at a later date based on your weight loss goals.
Change pharmacy.
To ensure that your prescriptions are delivered to your pharmacy, you may update your current pharmacy selection by contacting our expert representatives via email or phone if your registered pharmacy is out of stock or you change your residency.
Change payment options
To ensure that your prescriptions are delivered to your pharmacy, you can update your payment information by contacting our expert representatives via email or phone if your registered card is not available.
Service availability outside of the United States
Currently, our services are only available to labs and pharmacies in the United States.
Fasting necessities
For tests under our weight loss plans, partner labs may require an 8-hour fast.
Side effects of medication
While the side effects of weight loss medications are listed on the formulary label and product website, it is recommended that you consult with a doctor through your online portal if symptoms persist.
Medication substitution
If you want to try out alternative weight loss medications, it is recommended that you consult with your doctor via your online portal to ensure proper eligibility.
You may cancel your purchase within 24 hours of purchase if bought in error and receive a full refund. Refunds may take up to 30 days to process. If you are eligible and would like to cancel your weight loss order, please email us.
Great! We'll assist you reach your goal by explaining how to lose weight.
This is usually not an issue! This diet does not necessarily require the consumption of dairy, nuts, or gluten. If you are concerned, we recommend sending an email to discuss your specific concerns before signing up so that we can ensure your needs are met.
During the program's weight loss phase, we don't offer an exercise schedule. Naturally, we don't advise living a sedentary lifestyle, but vigorous exercise is also not advised. When you reach your ideal weight, we add exercise to support toning and sustaining a healthy lifestyle. This program is not suitable for you if you are not willing to gradually reduce your exercise routine.
This is certainly possible! Our programs will get you started quickly and keep you going for as long as you need to reach your goal. You will also learn how to examine the causes of your weight gain by identifying emotional triggers and foods that may be harmful to your specific body. We'll give you a formula that you can use over and over to reach and maintain your goal weight. You will be in good company, with plenty of support from others who have already lost 100 pounds or more.
Definitely not! Our program includes fresh fruits and vegetables that you may buy wherever you like, along with natural proteins like meat, fish, and eggs. This is an easy approach that can be incorporated into most hectic schedules.
Exercise is not necessary, but research repeatedly demonstrates that it increases the likelihood of keeping a healthy weight. The program will provide activity recommendations based on your body composition and physical abilities and you can choose to pursue an exercise plan with your doctor's approval.