Semaglutide Weight Loss in Philadelphia

Getting approved starts with a 30-minute comprehensive medical evaluation with Dr. Fortino. If semaglutide is medically appropriate, you may be able to start at your first visit. If approved compounded semaglutide is self-pay, so no insurance approval is needed. Contact our office. Call 215-336-8000 or complete our online form. A Patient Care Coordinator will answer your questions and review pricing.

Unlike automated online apps and subscription services that ship generic medications through the mail with minimal follow-up, Dr. Robert Fortino provides comprehensive, physician-led clinical care directly from his permanent South Philadelphia and South Jersey offices.

Key reasons patients choose our practice include:

• Direct Physician Care (Not an App): Dr. Fortino is a board-certified internal medicine physician (DO) with nearly 30 years of medical weight-loss and metabolic health experience. Every protocol begins with a thorough in-person medical evaluation, metabolic review, and diagnostic baseline screening—not an automated online questionnaire.
• Proactive Side-Effect & Titration Management: Nausea, digestive slowdown, and fatigue are the top reasons patients discontinue GLP-1 therapies. Dr. Fortino uses individualized titration protocols to identify the lowest effective therapeutic dose.
• Focus on Muscle Preservation (Strong, Not Skinny™): Rapid weight reduction risks lean muscle loss, which can damage long-term metabolic rate. Dr. Fortino tracks body composition rather than scale weight alone, providing structured protein targets and nutritional strategies to ensure weight lost is primarily fat while protecting skeletal muscle.
• Award-Winning Local Accountability: Readers of The Philadelphia Inquirer voted our clinic the 2026 Philly Favorites Gold Winner for Weight Loss Center. Having a physical office on South Broad Street gives patients accessible, face-to-face appointments, direct clinical oversight, and ongoing accountability whenever dosage adjustments or questions arise.

Dr. Fortino provides physician-supervised medical weight loss protocols, including prescription Phentermine therapy, at our South Philadelphia office. Phentermine is an oral sympathomimetic amine (appetite suppressant) classified as a DEA Schedule IV controlled substance. It is FDA-approved as a short-term adjunct to lifestyle interventions, including a reduced-calorie diet and regular physical activity, for patients meeting clinical BMI criteria.

Because Phentermine stimulates the central nervous system, it is not appropriate for everyone. It is contraindicated in patients with a history of cardiovascular disease, uncontrolled hypertension, hyperthyroidism, glaucoma, or those who are pregnant. During your comprehensive in-person medical evaluation, Dr. Fortino assesses your blood pressure, cardiac health, and complete medical history to determine if Phentermine is clinically indicated, followed by routine in-office monitoring to evaluate your progress and safety

If you miss your weekly semaglutide dose, what to do depends on how much time has passed. Always follow Dr. Fortino’s instructions and your prescription label first.

• ✔ Less than 5 days since your missed dose: Take it as soon as you remember, then go back to your usual weekly schedule.
• ✔ More than 5 days since your missed dose: Skip it and take your next dose on your regular day. Never take two doses to make up for a missed one.
• ✔ Missed 2 weeks or more: Don’t restart on your own. Call our office before your next injection. After a longer break, Dr. Fortino may lower your dose to reduce side effects like nausea.

Tip: Take your injection on the same day each week and set a phone reminder so you stay on track.

Questions about your dose? Call our South Philadelphia office at 215-336-8000.

Dr. Fortino offers physician-supervised Semaglutide weight loss treatment at his South Philadelphia office, with a personalized plan and regular follow-up to support lasting results.

Start your weight loss journey with Dr. Robert Fortino, a board-certified Philadelphia weight loss doctor with nearly 30 years of medical weight loss experience.

Some individuals should not take semaglutide for weight loss due to potential risks.

You may NOT be a candidate if you:

• Have a personal or family history of Medullary Thyroid Cancer (MTC)
• Have Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)
• Are pregnant or planning to become pregnant
• Are breastfeeding
• Have a history of severe gastrointestinal disorders
• Have a history of pancreatitis
• Have an allergy to Semaglutide or its ingredients

Not sure if Semaglutide is right for you? Schedule a consultation with Dr. Robert Fortino, a board-certified Philadelphia weight loss doctor with nearly 30 years of medical weight loss experience. At your visit, he’ll review your health history and goals and help you decide whether Semaglutide, Tirzepatide or another option is the best fit.

His Philadelphia office is at 1822 S. Broad Street in the heart of South Philly, minutes from Center City and the surrounding neighborhoods.

Schedule Your Consultation or call 215-336-8000.

Yes. Vitamin B12 injections can be used safely alongside semaglutide, and there’s no known interaction between the two. Many patients add a B12 (shot) injection to support energy while their appetite and food intake are lower.

Feeling tired on semaglutide is common, especially in the first weeks or after a dose increase. It’s often caused by:

• Eating fewer calories, especially too little protein
• Not drinking enough water
• Missing nutrients when you eat less overall
• Poor sleep or changes in your routine

B12 is most likely to help if your levels are low. Low B12 is more common if you take metformin or acid-reducing medications, follow a vegetarian or vegan diet, or are over 50.

Because B12 injections are a prescription treatment at our practice, Dr. Fortino reviews your health history and symptoms first and may check your labs. If your tiredness is ongoing or severe, let us know. It may mean your dose, your nutrition or another health issue needs attention.

Learn more about our Super B12 shot and other vitamin and amino acid injections, available at our South Philadelphia and Turnersville, NJ offices.

The most common side effects of semaglutide are nausea, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting and stomach discomfort. They’re usually mild and often improve as your body adjusts. Dr. Fortino starts at a low dose and increases it gradually to help reduce them. Less common but serious risks include pancreatitis, gallbladder problems and low blood sugar. Call our office at 215-336-8000 if you have severe or ongoing symptoms.

Research suggests that weight loss and improved blood sugar control with GLP-1 medications like Semaglutide may lower some markers of inflammation, such as C-reactive protein (CRP). Semaglutide is not FDA-approved to treat inflammation.

With widespread public attention around GLP-1 receptor agonists, patients frequently ask about the differences between commercial brand-name medications and pharmacy formulations:

• The Active Molecule (Semaglutide): Semaglutide is a synthetic GLP-1 receptor agonist that mimics the native incretin hormone. It binds to hypothalamic appetite centers in the brain and slows gastric emptying to enhance satiety, regulate caloric intake, and support metabolic health.
• FDA-Approved Commercial Products: Wegovy® and Ozempic® are proprietary, commercially manufactured brand-name medications produced exclusively by Novo Nordisk A/S. Wegovy® is FDA-approved for chronic weight management in qualifying patients and for reducing cardiovascular risk in patients with established cardiovascular disease and overweight/obesity. Ozempic® is FDA-approved for glycemic control in type 2 diabetes and for reducing major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in adults with type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease.
• Compounded Formulations: Compounded medications are customized preparations prescribed by a licensed physician and prepared by state-licensed 503A compounding pharmacies or federally registered 503B outsourcing facilities. Compounded semaglutide is prepared to meet specific, individualized clinical needs (such as tailored micro-titration or excipient sensitivities). Compounded semaglutide is not manufactured by Novo Nordisk, is not an FDA-approved drug, is not a generic equivalent of Wegovy® or Ozempic®, and does not undergo FDA pre-market review for safety, quality, or efficacy.

Dr. Fortino conducts a comprehensive, in-person clinical evaluation to review your medical history and clinical indications before determining which treatment or clinically appropriate individualized pathway aligns with your care plan.

Regulatory & Trademark Disclosure:

Ozempic® and Wegovy® are registered trademarks of Novo Nordisk A/S. Dr. Fortino and this medical practice are independent healthcare entities and have no affiliation with, endorsement from, or sponsorship by Novo Nordisk A/S. References to these trade names are strictly for educational and comparative identification. Prescriptions are provided solely at the physician’s medical discretion following a formal diagnostic evaluation. Compounded medications are not evaluated or approved by the FDA for safety or clinical effectiveness.

While both Wegovy® and Ozempic® contain the active molecule semaglutide, they are FDA-approved manufactured brand-name medications indicated for distinct primary health objectives and administered under separate dosing regimens:

• Wegovy® (Up to 2.4 mg Weekly): FDA-approved for chronic weight management in adults with a qualifying BMI (alongside reduced caloric intake and increased physical activity), as well as to reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (such as cardiovascular death, heart attack, or stroke) in adults with established cardiovascular disease and obesity or overweight. In the 68-week STEP 1 clinical trial, adults taking 2.4 mg alongside lifestyle interventions achieved an average weight loss of approximately 15%. Gastrointestinal side effects—including nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and constipation—were the most frequently reported adverse events. Individual clinical results vary.
• Ozempic® (Up to 2.0 mg Weekly): FDA-approved to improve glycemic control (lowering blood glucose and HbA1c) in adults with type 2 diabetes, and to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events in adults with type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease. While weight reduction is a frequently observed secondary outcome in clinical trials, it is not an FDA-approved standalone indication for Ozempic®.

Mandatory Trademark & Regulatory Disclosure:

Wegovy® and Ozempic® are registered trademarks of Novo Nordisk A/S. Dr. Fortino and this medical practice are independent healthcare providers with no corporate affiliation, endorsement, or sponsorship from Novo Nordisk A/S. Mention of these commercial trademarks is strictly for factual, educational identification of FDA-approved prescription therapies. Prescriptions for any medication are issued solely at the physician’s medical discretion following a formal clinical evaluation. Compounded medications (where clinically indicated for specialized patient needs) are prepared by licensed 503A compounding pharmacies; they are not approved by the FDA for safety or effectiveness and are not generic versions of Wegovy® or Ozempic®.

During an in-person clinical evaluation in Philadelphia, Dr. Fortino evaluates your medical history and health goals to determine whether a GLP-1 medication is medically appropriate for you.

Alcohol isn’t strictly off-limits with Semaglutide, but it’s best to limit it. Alcohol can:

• Make side effects worse, including nausea, vomiting and stomach upset
• Raise the risk of low blood sugar, especially if you also take diabetes medications like insulin or sulfonylureas
• Add to dehydration, particularly when you’re eating less
• Raise the risk of pancreatitis with heavy drinking
• Add empty calories that can slow your progress

If you do drink, have small amounts, drink with food and water, and pay attention to how you feel. You may notice alcohol affects you more than it used to.

Dr. Fortino’s medical weight loss office at 1822 S. Broad Street in South Philadelphia sees patients from across the city and the surrounding suburbs, including:

Philadelphia Neighborhoods Served:

• South Philadelphia: East Passyunk, Girard Estate, Packer Park, Point Breeze, Pennsport and Queen Village Center City: Rittenhouse, Washington Square West, Graduate Hospital and Old City, just minutes up Broad Street Northeast Philadelphia: Mayfair, Fox Chase, Bustleton, Somerton and nearby neighborhoods
• Other Philadelphia neighborhoods: Fishtown, Manayunk, Roxborough and West Philadelphia

The office is easy to reach from I-76 and I-95 and is along the Broad Street Line, with convenient access from anywhere in the Greater Philadelphia area. South Jersey patients can also visit our Turnersville, NJ office.

Philadelphia Suburbs Served:

• Main Line & Montgomery County: Ardmore, Bala Cynwyd, Bryn Mawr, Conshohocken, Haverford, King of Prussia, Narberth, Villanova, Wayne, Wynnewood
• Delaware County: Chester, Upper Darby, Lansdowne, Havertown, Springfield, Drexel Hill, Ridley Township, Brookhaven, Swarthmore, Aston, Glen Mills, Concordville, Chadds Ford, Marple Township, Yeadon, Newtown Square
• Chester County: West Chester, Downingtown, Coatesville, Exton, Devon, Paoli, Phoenixville, Kennett Square, Malvern
• Bucks County: Bensalem, Levittown, Doylestown, Warminster, Newtown, Yardley, Langhorne, Bristol

At Dr. Fortino’s South Philadelphia office there are no contracts or subscription fees. Visits are self-pay, and you may be able to use FSA or HSA funds.