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 or obese?
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.
How can a low-carb diet help with Type 2 diabetes?
Insulin resistance is a key feature of Type 2 diabetes. When the body becomes resistant to insulin, it has more difficulty moving glucose from the bloodstream into cells, which can contribute to elevated blood sugar and A1C levels.
A physician-guided low-carbohydrate nutrition plan may help reduce blood sugar spikes and the amount of insulin the body needs to manage glucose. When combined with weight loss and regular physical activity, reducing carbohydrate intake may help improve insulin sensitivity, blood sugar control, and overall metabolic health.
For some patients, significant and sustained weight loss and lifestyle changes may also reduce the need for certain diabetes medications and, in some cases, contribute to Type 2 diabetes remission. Medication changes should always be made under the supervision of a healthcare provider.
At Dr. Fortino’s Weight Loss Centers, we take an individualized approach that may include low-carbohydrate nutrition, metabolic and body composition assessment, weight management, and physician-supervised medical treatment based on each patient’s health and individual needs.
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What form does phentermine weight loss medication come in?
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.
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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.
This preserves the skin + collagen + bone + calcium story without making the stronger claim that lysine itself increases bone density or prevents bone loss.
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What injections or shots can help support energy and metabolism?
Depending on your individual needs, certain vitamin and amino acid injections may be used to support energy, nutrient metabolism, and overall wellness. Dr. Fortino offers options such as Vitamin B12, MIC (lipotropic), L-Carnitine, and other amino acid injections as part of a personalized weight loss and wellness plan. Recommendations vary based on your health, goals, and treatment needs.
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Should I take probiotics while using 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. Fortino’s Weight Loss Centers are conveniently located and easily accessible to patients throughout Philadelphia and South Jersey. Our clinics provide personalized, in-person medical care at two established locations: South Philadelphia along iconic South Broad Street, and South Jersey on Johnson Road behind the Whitman Diner in Blackwood, just off Route 168 and the Atlantic City Expressway.
For more than 25 years, Dr. Fortino has built a reputation as one of Philadelphia’s trusted and experienced medical weight loss physicians. His Philadelphia and South Jersey weight loss centers have become go-to destinations for patients seeking science-backed, medically supervised weight loss care delivered with experience, expertise, and a personalized approach.
We are accepting new patients. It’s easy to get started. Or call our Philadelphia weight loss center @ 215.336.8000 or call our South Jersey weight loss center @ 856.318.4100.
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.
