Losing weight is not just about willpower. It is about chemistry, behavior, structure, accountability, and real guidance. At our Philadelphia and South Jersey medical weight-loss clinics, patients quickly discover something different: we do not rush visits, we do not hand out quick-fix plans, and we do not take a one-size-fits-all approach.
Instead, you receive longer visits, deeper discussions, detailed food journal reviews, and personalized strategies tailored to your lifestyle. Every step of your plan is guided by Dr. Robert Fortino, a physician with more than 25 years of experience in medical weight loss and hormone therapy, supported by a team that practices the same healthy lifestyle they teach.
Appetite suppressant medications can be an effective and safe tool when used under proper supervision. But at our practice, they are only one part of a comprehensive, concierge-style, highly supportive program designed to help you regain control of your hunger, habits, and health.
What Are Appetite Suppressant Medications and How Do They Work?
Appetite suppressants help reduce hunger, improve portion control, and stabilize eating patterns. When prescribed appropriately, they support:
- Reduced cravings
- Decreased emotional eating
- Better appetite control
- Fewer binge-eating episodes
- Improved portion awareness
- Increased energy and focus
Most overeating behaviour occurs due to environmental triggers: stress, boredom, nighttime snacking, unstructured meals, and emotional eating. Many patients describe appetite suppressants as a “quieting of the constant food noise.” For the first time in years, the urge to snack or graze throughout the day significantly decreases, allowing a more structured relationship with food.
Common FDA-approved prescription appetite suppressants include:
- Phentermine
- Phentermine/Topiramate (Qsymia)
- Diethylpropion
- Bupropion/Naltrexone (Contrave – not a stimulant; modulates brain reward circuits to control cravings)
“These medications work by influencing neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine or dopamine to reduce hunger signals and improve focus and mood around eating behaviors.”
A Personalized Medical Weight-Loss Plan
Every patient receives a customized plan based on:
- Medical history
- Metabolic needs
- Appetite patterns
- Emotional triggers
- Work schedule
- Family and lifestyle responsibilities
- Past dieting challenges
- Personal comfort level with medication
- Specific weight-loss goals
At each follow-up visit, Dr. Robert Fortino and his licensed medical providers review:
- Weight trends
- Food journals
- Hunger patterns
- Sleep quality
- Stress levels
- Medication response
- Behavioral triggers
- Progress toward goals
Your dosage, frequency, and follow-up schedule are always individualized, never standardized. Research shows that medically supervised weight-loss programs with structured follow-ups lead to greater weight loss and long term maintenance compared to unsupervised dieting.
Follow-Up Visits: Every 2–4 Weeks (Some Weekly)
Patients are typically seen:
- Every 2 weeks during early treatment
- Every 3–4 weeks once stable
- Weekly if they need closer support or motivation
Frequent follow-up provides:
- Increased safety
- Ongoing accountability
- Early detection of side effects
- Improved motivation
- Behavioral support
- Timely dosage adjustments
This consistency is one of the reasons patients describe their experience as “nothing like other weight-loss clinics.” “Regular follow-up reduces the risk of side effects and improves long-term weight maintenance, according to obesity medicine guidelines.”
Food Journals and Accountability
Food journals are a core part of your success. They help identify:
- Eating patterns
- Emotional triggers
- Hidden calories
- Grazing or boredom eating
- Portion sizes
- Times of day when hunger spikes
Many patients text meal photos daily. This provides real-time accountability and allows us to guide you between visits, not only during scheduled appointments. Studies show that people who track their food intake lose around 40 to 60% more weight compared to those who do not track their food..
Meal Prepping for Busy Patients
Life is unpredictable. Long workdays, late evenings, kids’ activities, and family obligations can make healthy eating difficult. Meal prepping is one of the most effective strategies for staying consistent.
Meal prepping helps:
- Reduce stress
- Prevent last-minute takeout
- Improve portion control
- Avoid emotional nighttime snacking
- Reduce decision fatigue
- Provide ready-to-eat options
Even simple preparation makes a difference, such as pre-cooking protein or assembling ready-to-go containers.
The Double-Meal Strategy
One of the most effective tools for busy patients is cooking double meals once or twice per week.
Benefits include:
- Automatic leftovers for lunches
- Nutritious dinners on nights with no time to cook
- Better portion control
- Less snacking
- Saved time and money
- Fewer excuses to eat out
This strategy works especially well for patients with demanding schedules or busy family lives.
Medication Use During Maintenance
As patients reach their goals, some transition into a maintenance plan. These patients may use medication only during:
- Weddings
- Vacations
- Holidays
- Stressful periods
- Work events
- Times when overeating feels likely
Medication can be flexible and tailored to your lifestyle.
Transitioning To or From GLP-1 Medications
Some patients transition from GLP-1 therapy (Semaglutide or Tirzepatide) to appetite suppressants, while others move in the opposite direction. Both are appropriate when monitored correctly.
We manage transitions carefully to ensure:
- Stable hunger control
- Smooth tapering
- No rebound appetite
- Safe and personalized timing
There is no single “correct” path — only the one that works for you. When transitioning off GLP-1 medications, appetite often returns quickly. Appetitive suppressants can help ease the transition and reduce the risk of rebound weight gain. This response will vary from patient to patient.
Who Should Not Use Appetite Suppressants
These medications may not be appropriate for individuals with:
- Uncontrolled hypertension
- Heart disease or arrhythmias
- Hyperthyroidism
- Glaucoma
- Severe anxiety disorders
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- A history of stimulant misuse
- Recent MAOI use
Your provider will review all medical history before prescribing.
What Makes Our Practice Unique
Patients repeatedly share that they feel seen, heard, and supported—not rushed or judged. Our uniqueness includes:
- A doctor and staff who live the healthy lifestyle they teach
- Longer, more personal appointments
- Real accountability and motivation
- Food journal review at every visit
- Ongoing support between visits
- A true partnership built on trust
This is concierge-style medical weight management. Many patients report losing more weight—and keeping it off longer—when they feel truly supported and held accountable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are appetite suppressants safe?
Yes, when used under medical supervision.
Will I be hungry?
Most patients report significantly reduced cravings.
Do I need to take them daily?
No. Many take them only as needed.
Will I regain weight after stopping?
Not if you follow your individualized plan.
How much weight can I expect to lose?
Weight loss does vary by person and by medication types. In medically supervised programs, many patients average better weight reductions. Most patients lose between 1–2 pounds per week when following their personalized plan.
Can GLP-1 medications be combined with appetite suppressants?
In some cases, yes, with medical clearance and supervision.
How often will I be seen?
Every 2–4 weeks, and some patients weekly.
Are they addictive?
They are safe under medical supervision. Patients with a history of substance misuse receive close monitoring or alternative options.
