Phentermine Weight Loss Treatment in Philadelphia & South Jersey
Doctor-Supervised Phentermine for Weight Loss
Phentermine is an FDA-approved prescription appetite suppressant for short-term use in adults with obesity.
Here it is never a stand-alone prescription. It is one tool in a medically supervised weight loss program.
That’s why, at our practice, it’s one tool in a medically supervised weight loss program, started only after an in-person evaluation and monitored at every visit.
Nearly 30 years of physician-supervised medical weight loss in South Philadelphia and Turnersville, NJ · 2026 Philly Favorites Gold Winner
Medically reviewed by Robert Fortino, DO · September 2026
Phentermine Is Right for You?
Start with a complete in-person evaluation with Dr. Fortino.
Medical Weight Loss Before It Was Mainstream,
Serving Philadelphia and South Jersey since 1999.
A Phentermine Doctor Who Plans Past the Prescription
Many offices can write a phentermine prescription. However, few build a plan around it. As a phentermine doctor for nearly 30 years, Dr. Robert Fortino, DO, has practiced medical weight loss in Philadelphia, long before GLP-1 medications made it mainstream.
He and our nurse practitioners keep treatment short-term, closely monitored and paired with nutrition habits that protect lean muscle.
How Our Phentermine Program Works
- In-person evaluation. Every patient is evaluated before any prescription is considered.
- Lowest effective dose. We start low, adjust to your tolerance and dispense your medication in-office.
- Monitoring at every visit. Our team checks your blood pressure, heart rate, side effects and progress.
- A plan beyond the medication. You build the metabolic nutrition and lifestyle habits that carry you forward.
Every new patient starts with a complete evaluation, whether or not medication becomes part of the plan:
- Medical history, medication and supplement review
- Vital signs, including blood pressure and heart rate
- seca body composition scan
- Metabolic nutrition education and a discussion of treatment options, dosing and side effects
Program Pricing
Initial evaluation: $100, paid when you book to reserve your time. If a medication is medically appropriate, we’ll review your monthly program cost at your visit.
We do not accept insurance, We accept cash, major credit cards, debit, FSA and HSA.
How to Get Started
- Schedule. Call 215-336-8000 (PA) or 856-318-4100 (NJ), or book online.
- Complete your forms. We’ll email you our digital forms. Your medical history and consent forms must be completed before your visit.
- Come in. Bring a list of your medications and supplements.
Meet Dr. Robert Fortino and Our Team.
Book your evaluation with Dr. Fortino and our nurse practitioners.
A complete evaluation focused on you,
not a rushed appointment.
Who Qualifies for Phentermine?
We treat adults 18 and older only. FDA labeling indicates phentermine 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. Your evaluation looks at your full health picture, not BMI alone.
Who Should Not Take Phentermine?
Phentermine is not for people with heart disease, uncontrolled high blood pressure, an overactive thyroid, glaucoma, recent MAOI use or a history of drug misuse, or who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Your evaluation screens for all of these.
Strong, Not Skinny, Lose fat. Protect muscle. Keep your energy.
Questions?
We’re Here to Help.
Our team is happy to walk you through the evaluation.
Is Phentermine a Controlled Substance?
Yes. Phentermine is a Schedule IV controlled substance with potential for misuse and dependence, FDA-approved for short-term use only. Its labeling also warns about primary pulmonary hypertension and valvular heart disease. Take it only as prescribed, and never increase your dose on your own. See the full prescribing information on DailyMed.
Who Does Not Qualify for Phentermine?
Phentermine isn’t appropriate for everyone. According to its FDA labeling, it should not be used by people who:
- Have a history of heart disease, including coronary artery disease, stroke, irregular heart rhythms or heart failure
- Have uncontrolled high blood pressure
- Have an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)
- Have glaucoma
- Are taking, or have taken within the past 14 days, an MAOI antidepressant
- Are in an agitated state or have a history of drug misuse
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
Your evaluation screens for all of these before any prescription is considered. Like all prescription medications, Phentermine can cause side effects, and individual responses vary.
Commonly reported Phentermine side effects include dry mouth, constipation, headache, dizziness, restlessness, insomnia, increased heart rate, heart palpitations, and elevated blood pressure.
Phentermine also has important contraindications, warnings, and potential drug interactions.
Because it is a sympathomimetic prescription medication, Dr. Fortino reviews each patient’s medical history and current medications before determining whether treatment may be appropriate. Learn more in the DailyMed.
Learn more about physician-supervised Phentermine weight loss treatment and whether it may be appropriate for your health and weight management goals.
Questions?
We’re Here to Help.
Call our South Philadelphia 215-336-8000
or Turnersville, NJ 856-318-4100 office.
Our team is happy to walk you through the evaluation.
Phentermine FAQs
How do I get phentermine from a doctor near me?
Phentermine requires a prescription and an in-person evaluation with a licensed provider. Dr. Fortino and his nurse practitioners prescribe phentermine at our South Philadelphia weight loss clinic and Turnersville, NJ weight loss clinic after a complete evaluation.
Where are your phentermine offices located?
We offer in-person phentermine treatment at two offices:
- South Philadelphia: 1822 S Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19145 · 215-336-8000. Located on S Broad Street between Moore and Mifflin. Free street parking is available on the block, and paid garage parking is across Mifflin Street at Constitution Health Plaza.
- South Jersey: 129 Johnson Rd, A3, Turnersville, NJ 08012 · 856-318-4100
Both offices see patients by appointment for evaluations and follow-up visits.
Can I get phentermine online?
No. Phentermine is a controlled substance, and we prescribe it only after an in-person evaluation. Your medication is dispensed in-office.
How does phentermine work, and does it burn fat?
Phentermine is a prescription appetite suppressant that acts on the central nervous system to reduce hunger. It doesn’t burn fat directly. Instead, eating less creates the calorie deficit that leads to fat loss. As a result, adequate protein and strength-focused activity matter, because they help make sure the weight you lose is fat, not muscle.
How much weight can you lose on phentermine?
Results vary. In a 12-week clinical trial, adults taking phentermine lost significantly more weight than those taking a placebo, but no specific amount can be promised. Individual results vary.
How long can you take phentermine?
Phentermine is FDA-approved for short-term use. We reassess your response and tolerance at every visit.
How much is phentermine without insurance?
We don’t accept insurance. Every new patient starts with a $100 complete evaluation. If a medication is appropriate, we’ll review your monthly program cost at your visit. We accept cash, major credit cards, debit, FSA and HSA, with no long-term contracts.
How long does it take for phentermine to work?
Many patients notice a change in appetite early in treatment, although response varies. We review how you’re doing at every follow-up. If the effect fades over time, don’t raise your dose. We’ll reassess and adjust your plan.
Is phentermine a GLP-1?
No. Phentermine is a short-term appetite suppressant that acts on the central nervous system. Semaglutide and tirzepatide are GLP-1-based medications that work through appetite, digestion and blood sugar pathways, usually over a longer course.
Can you take phentermine and semaglutide together?
Don’t combine weight loss medications on your own. Combining phentermine with semaglutide, tirzepatide or other GLP-1 medications isn’t part of its FDA-approved labeling, and your provider dec
What is the difference between phentermine and phendimetrazine?
Both are short-term prescription appetite suppressants. Phentermine is Schedule IV and phendimetrazine is Schedule III. Dr. Fortino prescribes both, and your evaluation determines which, if either, fits you.
Is phentermine the same as Adipex-P?
Adipex-P is one brand name for phentermine. We prescribe generic phentermine when it’s medically appropriate.
What is the lowest dose of phentermine?
Phentermine comes in several strengths, including lower-dose options. We start at the lowest effective dose, the smallest amount that controls your appetite, and adjust based on how you tolerate it. Your dose is set by Dr. Fortino and our nurse practitioners at your evaluation and reviewed at every visit.
See If Phentermine Is Right for You
Start with a complete evaluation in South Philadelphia or Turnersville, NJ.
Important safety information: Phentermine is a prescription, DEA-controlled medication. Tell your provider about all medications, supplements, stimulants (including decongestants and caffeine) and any personal or family history of substance misuse. Phentermine is contraindicated in pregnancy. Sharing or transferring phentermine is illegal. This page is educational and not a substitute for a medical evaluation.
Medical Disclaimer:
Please inform Dr. Fortino and his staff of all medications you are currently taking, including those prescribed by your primary care provider and any over-the-counter products or supplements.If you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or are planning to breastfeed, consult your physician before starting any weight loss service or treatment. Avoid stimulant-containing products—such as decongestants or caffeine—that may elevate your heart rate.
