Medical Weight Loss FAQs
Medically reviewed by Robert Fortino, DO | Board-certified internal medicine physician
These are the questions patients ask most about medical weight loss with Dr. Robert Fortino. For questions about a specific treatment or office, visit our Philadelphia or South Jersey pages, or call us. Our Patient Care Coordinators answer the phone live during business hours.
Medical Weight Loss FAQs
What happens at the first weight loss doctor visit?
Your first visit is paid ($100) at the time of scheduling to reserve your appointment , and it’s packed with value.
Here’s what you get:
- 30 minutes of private time with Dr. Robert Fortino and his clinical team
- A full review of your medical history and medications
- A seca body composition scan that shows your fat and muscle, not just your weight
- Personal nutrition counseling and lifestyle guidance
- A clear talk about your medication options, dosing and side effects
After your first visit, follow-up visits and blood work orders are at no charge, with no long-term contracts.
How much does medical weight loss cost?
Your first visit is $100 prepaid to reserve your appointment. You get 30 minutes of private time with Dr. Robert Fortino and his clinical team, a review of your medical history and medications, lifestyle questions, nutrition counseling, a seca body composition scan, and a discussion of medication options, dosing and side effects. Follow-up visits and orders for blood work are at no charge, with no membership fees or contracts.
Your first medical exam and consultation is $100, and follow-up visits are included at no charge. Compounded Semaglutide starts at $150 per month and compounded Tirzepatide starts at $250 per month. There are no contracts, membership fees or subscriptions.
Insurance coverage for brand-name GLP-1 medications varies and often requires prior authorization. FSA and HSA funds may be used for eligible expenses. To learn more or to get started concact us online.
Why see a weight loss doctor instead of getting a GLP-1 online?
An online program can ship medication. Here, you get real human support: personal time and a relationship with an experienced doctor and a well-trained clinical team who genuinely care about your success. We celebrate your milestones, help you through stumbling blocks, manage your side effects and adjust your dose as you progress, all to help you regain your health and your passion for life. Follow-up visits are at no charge.
What makes in person weight loss visits better than a commercial weight loss program?
Dr. Fortino’s practice is a medical practice, not a commercial diet program. It’s led by Dr. Robert Fortino, DO, a board-certified internal medicine physician. Treatment addresses the medical, hormonal and lifestyle factors behind weight gain. It may include prescription medication, seca body composition analysis and nutrition counseling, with personal support from a doctor and clinical team who know you.
Ready to take the nest step? Let’s get you started today
Who will I see for my follow up visits?
You’ll see Dr. Fortino. He’s in the office every day at both locations and is personally involved in every patient’s care. His nurse practitioners and nurses work alongside him, so you get a doctor-led team that knows you and your goals.
Is Dr. Fortino a Board-Certified Weight Loss Doctor?
Dr. Fortino is a Board-Certified Internal Medicine Physician with nearly 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.
What’s included in a medically supervised weight loss program?
Every plan starts with a full medical evaluation and includes four parts:
- Medical evaluation: your health history, medications, lifestyle and a seca body composition scan
- Tailored prescriptions: medication chosen and dosed for you, when medically appropriateWhat’s included in a medically supervised weight loss program?
- Ongoing monitoring: follow-up visits at no charge to track your progress and adjust your dose
- Education and support: nutrition counseling, habit coaching and encouragement at every stage
Can I get my weight loss medication at the office?
In most cases, yes. Most medications prescribed at your visit can be dispensed right in the office by our clinical staff, so you can start treatment the same day without a trip to the pharmacy. Our team will show you how to take it and what to expect.
Do I need a certain BMI to get semaglutide or tirzepatide?
Usually, yes. GLP-1 medications are generally prescribed for adults with a BMI of 30 or higher, or 27 or higher with a weight-related condition such as high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes. Dr. Fortino reviews your full health picture to decide. The same BMI guidelines apply to phentermine for weight loss.
Can I switch to Dr. Fortino if I’m already on semaglutide or tirzepatide?
Yes. Many patients switch to Dr. Fortino for in-person care. Bring your medication, dose, last injection date and any recent labs to your first visit. He’ll review your treatment and work to keep you from missing doses. Complete our contact form, and a member of our team will contact you.
What if I miss a GLP-1 dose?
Call our medical team for guidance. A missed weekly dose can often be taken within a few days, but if your next dose is close, you may need to skip it. If you miss two weeks or more, you may need to restart at a lower dose to limit side effects.
Phone: 215-336-8000
Phone: 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.
