Meet Dr. Robert Fortino
Good care starts with a doctor who knows you and considers your whole health, not just your weight. Dr. Robert Fortino, Founder and Medical Director, is a board-certified internal medicine physician who has spent nearly 30 years focused on medical weight loss and metabolic health for patients across Philadelphia and South Jersey.
At one of the region’s first medical weight loss practices, Dr. Fortino takes the time to hear your story, answer your questions without judgment, and build a plan around your health, your goals, and the life you actually live. Call to book your first visit and take a step toward becoming a healthier, stronger version of yourself.
Board-Certified Internal Medicine Physician | Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) | Obesity Medicine Association (OMA) Member | 30 Years of Medical Experience | Lt. Col. & Flight Surgeon, 177th Fighter Wing, NJ Air National Guard
Dr. Robert Fortino, is a board-certified internal medicine physician and medical weight loss doctor caring for patients throughout Philadelphia and South Jersey.
A Physician Dedicated to Medical Weight Loss Since 1999
Dr. Fortino earned his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine on City Avenue, where he trained to treat the whole person and consider the many factors that influence health.
That philosophy grew stronger as he made house calls to underserved patients across Philadelphia and, later, hospice home visits. It continues to guide him today as a Lt. Col. and flight surgeon with the 177th Fighter Wing of the NJ Air National Guard, where he has served since 2001.
Dr. Fortino prioritizes metabolic health and treating obesity as a complex chronic disease that affects your whole body. When you visit Dr. Fortino, he looks at the full picture: your medical history, nutrition, body composition, lifestyle, and medications to better support your health and goals for years to come.
“Medicine has changed tremendously, but people haven’t. Patients still want a doctor who listens, knows them, and cares about what happens to them. That relationship has always been at the center of how I practice medicine.”— Robert Fortino, D.O.
Care as It Was Always Meant to Be
A lot has changed since Dr. Fortino started in this field. New medications have arrived, practices have evolved, and guidelines have shifted. What hasn’t changed, however, is Dr. Fortino’s belief that you deserve a doctor who listens and remains by your side over the course of your treatment and the years that follow.
A Carefully Built Doctor-Patient Relationship
There’s real comfort in walking into an office where your doctor already knows your story. Dr. Fortino listens to and connects with every patient, treating them as individuals with goals and dreams. It’s part of why some families have trusted him with their care for decades.
Tailored Care
Not everyone comes in to lose weight. Some want more strength or energy, and others want to understand their metabolism. Your plan is tailored to you, and if a GLP-1, like semaglutide or tirzepatide, or phentermine is medically appropriate after your evaluation, Dr. Fortino considers it only one piece of the process. The rest is guidance, accountability, and support for building habits that last, all without judgment.
A “Strong, Not Skinny” Mindset
Maintaining your health shouldn’t mean living on bland food or counting every calorie. Dr. Fortino teaches you how food affects your hunger, blood sugar, and insulin resistance, so you can eat smarter for life instead of eating less forever. He also helps you establish habits that work toward preserving lean muscle, reducing excess body fat, building strength, and improving health and function as you age.
“The goal isn’t simply to help you lose weight. It’s to help you become healthier, stronger, and better equipped to maintain your results for life.” – Robert Fortino, DO
Credentials & Accolades
Choosing a doctor for something as personal as your weight and metabolic health comes down to trust. Dr. Fortino’s training gives you a physician who understands how your whole body works together, and the recognition his practice has earned shows that his approach means something to the people he cares for.
Board-Certified in Internal Medicine
Obesity is often tied to blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and the medications you already take. As a board-certified internal medicine physician, Dr. Fortino is trained to see how it all connects.
Member of the Obesity Medicine Association and The Obesity Society
As a member of the Obesity Medicine Association (OMA) and The Obesity Society, Dr. Fortino keeps up with the latest updates, so your care reflects current research.
Inquirer 2026 Philly Favorites Gold Winner
In 2026, readers of The Philadelphia Inquirer named Dr. Fortino’s practice the Philly Favorites Gold Winner for Weight Loss Center.
Recognized by Three Best Rated Philadelphia in 2026
Three Best Rated, an independent review site, named Dr. Fortino’s practice one of the best weight loss centers in Philadelphia for 2026.
WebMD 2026 Patients’ Choice Award
Dr. Fortino earned the 2026 WebMD Patients’ Choice Award for Philadelphia in the Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism category. He was also named a Preferred Provider for his responsiveness, transparency, and high patient satisfaction.
What Does Weight Loss Management With Dr. Fortino Look Like?
Walking into a new doctor’s office can feel a little nerve-racking, but from your very first visit, Dr. Fortino and his team work to put you at ease. We take the time to learn your name, your story, and what matters most to you, so you feel understood and supported. Here’s a closer look at what you can expect when partnering with Dr. Fortino.
To help you understand the process of treatment, we’ve broken down care into four phases:
- Evaluation: Your in-person visit starts with a seca body composition scan, a review of your medical history and medications, and a real conversation about your goals.
- Active Weight Loss: If medication is appropriate, your dose starts low and is adjusted gradually toward the lowest effective dose, with proactive side effect management along the way.
- Transition & Taper: As you near your goals, your clinician adjusts your dose in stages while helping you strengthen your nutrition and habits.
- GLP-1 Maintenance: Dr. Fortino and his clinical team support you with regular check-ins and body composition tracking.
It’s easier to open up to people who already know you. At Dr. Fortino’s practice, you’ll see the same doctor and clinical team over time, not a new face every visit.
Questions about a new medication or meal plan don’t always come up during the appointment, with some hitting you on the drive home down Route 42 or while you’re creating your grocery list. When you work with Dr. Fortino and his team, you can reach out with what’s on your mind between visits.
Sometimes, the best sign of progress has nothing to do with a number on the scale but how you feel from one day to the next. That might mean having more energy after work, feeling stronger, or climbing to your seats at the Linc without stopping halfway. Moments like these are a reminder that your plan is helping you live a fuller life, not just weigh less.
FAQs About Dr. Fortino
Have a few questions? Here are answers to the ones patients in Philadelphia and South Jersey ask most often, from what happens at your first visit to the care Dr. Fortino offers beyond weight loss.
How Long Is a First Visit With Dr. Fortino?
Your first visit with Dr. Fortino takes about 30 minutes. In that time, he and his medical team review your health history, goals, and body composition and talk through your options.
Does Dr. Fortino Only Prescribe GLP-1 Medications?
No. Depending on your evaluation, your plan might include compounded semaglutide or tirzepatide, phentermine, vitamin and amino acid injections, or no medication at all. Every option is weighed against your health history and goals, and when a GLP-1 fits, he’ll walk you through how he chooses between semaglutide and tirzepatide.
What Else Does Dr. Fortino Help With Besides Weight Loss?
Quite a bit. Dr. Fortino helps women with weight and metabolic concerns tied to hormones and life stages like menopause. Many men also come to Dr. Fortino for low testosterone testing and testosterone replacement therapy.
Does Dr. Fortino Accept HSA and FSA Cards?
Dr. Fortino’s offices do accept HSA and FSA cards. Treatment may be eligible when it’s prescribed for a diagnosed condition like obesity, diabetes, or high blood pressure, though rules vary by plan. The team can help you understand what applies to you before you get started.
What Makes Dr. Fortino a Trusted Weight Loss Doctor in Philadelphia and South Jersey?
Dr. Fortino is a trusted weight loss doctor in Philadelphia and South Jersey because he has spent nearly 30 years treating the whole person. He considers your medical history, nutrition, sleep, stress, medications, and daily routine, so your plan fits both your health and your life.
“We are an overfed and undernourished nation addicted to processed food sugar” he says.“This can be a game-changer,” he says. “These medications allow patients to finally break-free from the cycle of hunger and weight gain. Seeing my patients regain energy, improve their health and feel good about themselves again is incredibly rewarding.”-Robert Fortino, DO
Book Your First Visit With Dr. Fortino
Taking the first step toward better health is often the hardest part, but you don’t have to take it alone. Dr. Fortino and his team are ready to listen, answer your questions, and help you find a path that feels doable. Call or book online to start your journey in this next chapter of life.
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.