Frequently Asked Questions
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Frequently Asked Weight Loss Questions
What is a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO)?
A Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO), sometimes called an osteopathic physician or osteopathic doctor, is a fully licensed physician who can diagnose and treat medical conditions, prescribe medications, and provide comprehensive medical care. Osteopathic medicine emphasizes a whole-person approach to health, considering how lifestyle, nutrition, physical activity, and other factors can affect overall well-being.
As a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, Dr. Fortino applies this whole-person philosophy to medical weight loss and wellness, developing personalized treatment plans based on each patient’s health, goals, and individual needs.
How do I know if I’m overweight?
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a commonly used screening tool that uses your height and weight to determine whether you fall within a healthy weight, overweight, or obesity range. For adults, a BMI between 25 and 29.9 is classified as overweight, while a BMI of 30 or higher is classified as obesity.
BMI, however, does not provide a complete picture of your health or body composition. Dr. Fortino’s Philadelphia and Blackwood, NJ Weight Loss Centers, use SECA body composition analysis to measure factors such as body fat percentage, muscle mass, and body composition that BMI alone cannot assess.
Dr. Fortino and his clinical team considers these measurements along with your medical history, overall health, and weight loss goals to determine an appropriate, personalized weight loss treatment plan.
Are there contracts, hidden fees, or monthly subscriptions?
No. We do not lock you into long-term contracts or recurring subscription fees. Dr. Fortino believes in honest, transparent pricing where you pay for your personalized therapies as you receive care.
Your treatment plan is guided by your clinical progress—not an automated monthly billing cycle. Even better, routine follow-up visits and check-ins are included at no additional charge, whether you visit weekly or monthly.
Ready to take the nest step? Let’s get you started today on a path to better health!
Is phentermine weight loss medication a pill or capsule?
Phentermine is a prescription weight loss medication taken by mouth and is available in tablet and capsule forms. At Dr. Fortino’s Weight Loss Centers, phentermine may be prescribed when medically appropriate as part of a personalized, physician-supervised weight loss plan. Dr. Fortino determines the appropriate medication and dosage based on each patient’s health history, weight loss goals, and individual needs
What is vitamin B12 deficiency and what are the symptoms?
Vitamin B12 deficiency occurs when your body does not have enough vitamin B12, an essential nutrient needed for healthy red blood cell formation, normal nerve function, and DNA production. Low B12 levels may cause symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, dizziness, numbness or tingling, difficulty concentrating, or anemia, although some people may initially have few or no symptoms.
Vitamin B12 deficiency can result from inadequate dietary intake, certain medications, gastrointestinal conditions, or difficulty absorbing B12. A healthcare provider can evaluate symptoms and use blood testing when appropriate to determine whether a deficiency is present and whether dietary changes, oral supplementation, or Vitamin B12 injections may be appropriate.
Is Dr. Fortino a Board-Certified Weight Loss Doctor?
Dr. Fortino is a Board-Certified Internal Medicine Physician with more than 30 years of medical experience and an active member of the Obesity Medicine Association (OMA). While “weight loss doctor” is a commonly used term, his practice focuses on physician-supervised medical weight loss, metabolic health, lifestyle medicine, and long-term weight management.
Is L-Lysine good for my skin and bone health?
L-Lysine is an essential amino acid that plays an important role in collagen formation. Collagen helps provide structure, strength, and elasticity to the skin and is also an important component of bones, cartilage, and connective tissue.
Lysine may also support calcium absorption and utilization, contributing to overall bone health. Because the body cannot produce lysine on its own, it must be obtained through diet or supplementation.
What Are the Best Weight Loss Programs for Women Over 50?
The best weight loss programs for women over 50 address more than calories alone. As women age, changes in hormones, muscle mass, body composition, sleep, and metabolic health can make weight management more challenging.
An effective program should emphasize high-protein nutrition, strength training, sustainable lifestyle changes, and medical evaluation of factors that may affect weight. For appropriate patients, a physician may also consider medical weight loss treatments such as Semaglutide, Tirzepatide, or Phentermine.
Dr. Fortino develops physician-supervised weight loss plans for women in Philadelphia and South Jersey based on their health history, metabolic needs, body composition, and individual goals.
Interested in making an appointment with Dr. Fortino? Complete our contact form, and a member of our team will contact you.
Should I take probiotics for constipation while on GLP-1 medications?
Probiotics may help support digestive and gut health while taking GLP-1 medications, particularly for patients experiencing changes in digestion or bowel habits. However, probiotics are not necessary for everyone, and individual needs vary. Dr. Fortino can recommend probiotics, dietary changes, fiber, hydration, or other supportive strategies based on your treatment plan and symptoms.
Dr. Fortino’s Belly Buster Daily Probiotic with Digestive Enzymes is designed to support digestive health and a healthy, balanced gut. It can be used independently or as a complement to Dr. Fortino’s medical weight loss programs, including nutrition and lifestyle changes designed to support long-term weight management.
Will I need blood work before starting a weight loss program?
Blood work may be recommended before or during your medical weight loss program, depending on your health history, medications, symptoms, and treatment plan. As part of a comprehensive medical evaluation, laboratory testing can provide valuable information about your blood sugar, cholesterol, thyroid function, liver and kidney health, and other metabolic health markers that may affect your weight and overall health.
Dr. Fortino uses your medical history, physical evaluation, and laboratory results when appropriate to develop a personalized, physician-supervised weight loss plan and monitor your health and progress throughout treatment.
Where are Dr. Fortino’s offices located?
Dr. Robert Fortino has two medical weight loss offices serving Philadelphia and South Jersey, with convenient in-person care at both locations.
Philadelphia Office
1822 S. South Broad St
Philadelphia, PA 19145
Phone: 215-336-8000
South Jersey Office
129 Johnson Rd A3
Turnersville, NJ 08012
Phone: 856-318-4100
Both offices offer physician-supervised medical weight loss, Semaglutide and Tirzepatide treatment, Phentermine, men’s health and TRT, and lifestyle medicine services.
Interested in learning more? Complete our contact form, and a member of our team will contact you.
As an alternative to FDA-approved branded products, where appropriate, a provider may prescribe a compounded drug, which is prepared by a state-licensed sterile compounding pharmacy partner. Although compounded drugs are permitted to be prescribed under federal law, they are not FDA-approved and do not undergo safety, effectiveness, or manufacturing review.
