Tirzepatide Weight Loss Treatment
Medically reviewed by Robert Fortino, DO · Updated September 2026
Tirzepatide works best when a doctor manages the dose, the side effects and the plan for coming off it, not just the prescription.
Dr. Robert Fortino, a board-certified internal medicine physician and Obesity Medicine Association member, provides physician-supervised tirzepatide weight loss treatment at his offices in South Philadelphia and Turnersville, NJ. He has practiced medical weight loss since 1999.
- New patients usually seen within 2 business days
- 2026 Philly Favorites Gold Winner for Weight Loss Center
Already on tirzepatide through an online program? We can take over your care and aim to avoid a gap in treatment.
“True success is not losing 10 pounds. It is the process that you create to keep the 10 pounds off.” — Robert Fortino, DO
Compounded medications are not FDA-approved. Individual results vary.
Not ready to book? Call for a free phone consultation with our patient care coordinators.
Where can I find a weight loss program near me?
Dr. Robert Fortino offices are located at 1822 S. Broad Street in South Philadelphia and 129 Johnson Road, A3, in Turnersville, NJ. Most new patients can be seen within two business days.
What Is Tirzepatide and How Does It Work?
Tirzepatide is a once-weekly prescription injection option for weight management that acts on two natural nutrient-sensing pathways: GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) and GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide). These pathways help regulate appetite, post-meal fullness, and blood sugar efficiency. As a dual-acting receptor agonist, it represents an advanced approach to metabolic health. Dr. Robert Fortino prescribes Tirzepatide for qualifying adults as part of a comprehensive, physician-supervised weight loss plan.
How Tirzepatide Supports Weight Management:
- Addresses Central Appetite Signals: Assists in calming persistent hunger cues and silencing central “food noise.”
- Promotes Extended Fullness: Works to delay gastric emptying so smaller, nutritious portions feel satisfying.
- Supports Glycemic Management: Helps the body manage insulin pathways efficiently, encouraging steady blood sugar baselines.
Clinical Trial Data and Outcomes:
In the SURMOUNT-1 clinical trial, adults with obesity or overweight tracking an evidence-based regimen achieved an average body weight reduction of:
- 15.0% at the 5 mg dose over 72 weeks
- 19.5% at the 10 mg dose over 72 weeks
- 20.9% at the 15 mg dose over 72 weeks
(Compared with an average 3.1% reduction in the placebo control group; SURMOUNT-1, New England Journal of Medicine).
These published data endpoints reflect outcomes from the FDA-approved branded product studied alongside structured diet and physical activity modifications. Individual clinical results will vary.
Our Dosing Philosophy
Dr. Fortino does not utilize a rigid, maximum-dose escalation schedule. Our clinical team prioritizes finding your personal lowest effective dose, advancing gradually only when medically indicated to maximize your comfort and minimize gastrointestinal side effects.
Questions About Tirzepatide?
We’re Here To Help.
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.
Patients say Dr. Fortino is a great listener. See for yourself.
Tirzepatide Benefits for Weight Loss & Metabolic Support
Tirzepatide is a once-weekly prescription injection option that acts on two natural, nutrient-sensing pathways: GLP-1 and GIP. These dual pathways work synergistically to regulate appetite, post-meal fullness, and blood sugar efficiency. For qualifying adults, Dr. Robert Fortino prescribes Tirzepatide as a foundational tool within a comprehensive, physician-supervised weight loss plan.
Key Clinical Benefits & Advantages:
- Dual-Pathway Synergy: Tirzepatide acts on both the GIP and GLP-1 receptors simultaneously, whereas Semaglutide targets the GLP-1 receptor alone.
- Advanced Appetite Management: Targeting both biological pathways works collectively to calm central hunger signals, reduce persistent cravings, and assist in silencing “food noise.”
- Glycemic Stabilization: Supports natural insulin efficiency when medically indicated, providing critical metabolic support for individuals managing baseline insulin resistance.
- Demonstrated Clinical Outcomes: In a head-to-head clinical trial, adults utilized Tirzepatide achieved greater average body weight reduction compared to those utilizing Semaglutide over the study duration (SURMOUNT-5, New England Journal of Medicine).
- Cardiometabolic Tracking Markers: Published clinical trials reported favorable secondary improvements in waist circumference, blood pressure, triglycerides, and overall cholesterol baselines alongside weight reduction (SURMOUNT-1, New England Journal of Medicine).
- Convenient Weekly Routine: A single, once-weekly injection fits seamlessly into a demanding personal or professional schedule.
Note: Clinical trial data endpoints cited above refer specifically to outcomes achieved by the FDA-approved branded product studied alongside structured diet and physical activity modifications, not compounded formulations. Individual clinical results will vary.
Getting More From Tirzepatide: Our Clinical Approach
Advanced medication requires a personalized plan to deliver safe, sustainable results. Dr. Fortino and his expert clinical team do not use aggressive, maximum-dose escalation schedules.
Instead, we focus on a comprehensive care model:
- The Lowest Effective Dose: We start your routine low and adjust your dosage gradually, prioritizing patient comfort to minimize gastrointestinal side effects.
- Proactive Symptom Mitigation: A custom comfort plan is established during your very first consultation to manage potential side effects before they start.
- Lean Muscle Preservation: We utilize advanced seca® body composition scans at our offices to ensure your weight reduction comes directly from visceral body fat, not valuable skeletal muscle tissue.
- The Structured Exit Strategy: To ensure you are never left on your own, a step-down titration and metabolic maintenance plan begins on day one, helping your body protect its long-term results.
Tirzepatide weight loss treatment is available at our offices in Philadelphia and South Jersey.
Physician-Supervised Medical Weight Loss Since 1999.
Tirzepatide Side Effects and Safety Disclosures
The most common side effects associated with Tirzepatide treatment include nausea, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, indigestion, and generalized stomach discomfort. These gastrointestinal effects are typically mild to moderate in intensity and are most likely to occur when initiating treatment or following a dosage escalation schedule.
To mitigate these risks, Dr. Fortino and his clinical team implement a personalized care model: we initiate your routine at a low introductory dose, titrate the medication gradually based on your unique tolerance, and establish a proactive side effect mitigation plan during your very first consultation.
Core Contraindications & Patient Exclusions
Tirzepatide is a prescription-grade therapy and is not medically indicated for everyone. It appears to be contraindicated, and is not recommended, if you:
- Have a personal or family history of Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma (MTC) or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
- Are currently pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or breastfeeding.
- Have a documented history of severe hypersensitivity or serious allergic reactions to Tirzepatide.
Mandatory Pre-Treatment Disclosures
You must provide Dr. Fortino and his clinical staff with your comprehensive medical history prior to evaluation. Please disclose if you have any history of pancreatitis, gallbladder complications, or diabetic retinopathy (diabetic eye disease).
Ensure you list every prescription, over-the-counter medication, and supplement you currently take—particularly insulin or other oral diabetes medications. Additionally, be aware that Tirzepatide can alter the absorption of oral contraceptives, potentially making birth control pills less effective, especially during the initiation phase and following subsequent dosage increases.
Emergency Clinical Guidance
Patients must seek immediate medical care or contact our offices right away if they experience severe, persistent abdominal pain, intractable vomiting, or any signs of an acute systemic allergic reaction.
📘 For a detailed, official pharmaceutical breakdown, explore the National Library of Medicine’s Tirzepatide Guide to review complete safety profiles.
Tirzepatide, Mounjaro, and Zepbound: What’s the Difference?
Mounjaro® and Zepbound® are distinct brand-name formulations of the active drug Tirzepatide, both manufactured by Eli Lilly and Company. While they share the exact same active molecular ingredient and function via identical dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor pathways, they are FDA-approved for entirely different clinical indications:
- Mounjaro®: Specifically FDA-approved to improve glycemic control in adults managing Type 2 Diabetes.
- Zepbound®: Specifically FDA-approved for Chronic Weight Management in adults with obesity, or those classified as overweight who present with at least one weight-related health condition (such as hypertension or high cholesterol).
As an independent, physician-led practice, Dr. Robert Fortino prescribes custom weight management treatments featuring Compounded Tirzepatide for qualifying adults when clinically appropriate. Our medical weight loss protocols ensure that your care is entirely tailored to your unique metabolic profile, budget, and long-term health tracking goals under direct face-to-face oversight.
How to Start Tirzepatide
Starting Tirzepatide with Dr. Fortino begins with a comprehensive, in-person medical evaluation, never an automated or rushed prescription. We prioritize your long-term safety, metabolic health tracking, and clinical accountability from your very first interaction.
Your Step-by-Step Process:
Step 1: Request Your Initial Consultation
Call our office directly or submit a request online. A dedicated patient care coordinator will answer your preliminary questions on a complimentary call and schedule your initial visit at our Philadelphia or South Jersey medical centers.
Step 2: Complete Your Pre-Evaluation Intake
Completing your medical history, current medication disclosures, and clinical consent forms prior to your visit ensures our medical team can review your profile thoroughly.
Step 3: Meet Face-to-Face with Dr. Fortino
Your initial 30-minute evaluation includes an in-depth review of your health history, medical goals, and current prescriptions. We also perform a comprehensive vital signs check and an advanced seca® body composition scan to map your structural muscle-to-fat baseline.
Step 4: Receive Your Personalized Dosing Routine
If Tirzepatide is determined to be medically appropriate for your biological profile, you may begin your treatment program during your first visit. Your custom protocol always starts at a low introductory dose, which is adjusted only when medically indicated.
Questions about tirzepatide?
We’re here to help.
Tirzepatide FAQ
Is tirzepatide a GLP-1?
Yes, and more. Tirzepatide acts on GLP-1 like semaglutide does, and also on a second hormone, GIP. That’s why it’s often called a dual GLP-1/GIP medication.
What’s the difference between semaglutide and tirzepatide?
Semaglutide works on one hormone, GLP-1. Tirzepatide works on two, GLP-1 and GIP. When the brand-name versions were compared head to head in a study, people on tirzepatide lost more weight on average. But the right choice isn’t the same for everyone. Dr. Fortino picks the one that fits you best based on your health, how your body handles it, and your budget. See how he decides in Semaglutide or Tirzepatide: How I Make the Call for Each Patient.
Is Mounjaro or Zepbound the same as tirzepatide?
Yes. Mounjaro and Zepbound are brand-name versions of tirzepatide. Dr. Fortino prescribes compounded tirzepatide, which is not FDA-approved and isn’t the same product. Learn more in Zepbound vs. Tirzepatide: Understanding the Difference.
How long does it take for tirzepatide to work?
Many people notice less hunger within the first few weeks. Weight loss builds gradually over months as the dose is adjusted. Dr. Fortino starts low and increases the dose only when needed, so results build steadily with fewer side effects.
Is tirzepatide safe?
In clinical trials, tirzepatide was generally well tolerated in people who qualified. The most common side effects are stomach-related, like nausea and constipation, and are usually mild. It isn’t right for everyone, which is why Dr. Fortino reviews your full health history before prescribing and monitors you throughout treatment.
Is compounded tirzepatide safe?
Compounded tirzepatide is prepared by a state-licensed compounding pharmacy, but it isn’t FDA-approved, and the FDA doesn’t review compounded drugs for safety, effectiveness or quality. That’s why medical supervision matters: Dr. Fortino reviews your health before prescribing, starts at a low dose and monitors you at every follow-up visit.
Does tirzepatide cause hair loss?
Hair thinning was reported by a small percentage of people in clinical trials. It’s often linked to rapid weight loss and eating too little protein, and it’s usually temporary. Dr. Fortino’s plans focus on adequate protein and steady progress to help reduce the risk.
Does tirzepatide make you tired?
Some people feel tired, especially in the first weeks or after a dose increase. It’s often related to eating less, not drinking enough water or not getting enough protein. Let the office know if it continues, since your dose or eating plan can be adjusted. See how Dr. Fortino manages side effects in his GLP-1 weight loss approach.
Will I lose muscle on tirzepatide?
Some muscle loss can happen with any weight loss, including on tirzepatide. Dr. Fortino’s plans are built to protect it, with high-protein nutrition, strength training guidance and seca body composition scans that show whether you’re losing fat or muscle.
What is the starting dose of tirzepatide?
Tirzepatide is usually started at 2.5 mg once a week for the first four weeks. The dose is then increased gradually only if needed. Dr. Fortino sets your starting dose and schedule based on your health and how you respond.
How many units is 2.5 mg of tirzepatide?
The number of units depends on the strength of your vial, so it isn’t the same for everyone. Just follow the exact units on the instructions our clinical team gives you, and please don’t try to convert or adjust a dose on your own. If you’re ever unsure, give us a call before you inject. We’re always happy to help.
Where do you inject tirzepatide?
Tirzepatide is just one shot a week. You give it yourself, just under the skin of your stomach, thigh, or upper arm, and you’ll switch spots each week. Don’t worry if you’ve never done an injection before. We’ll walk you through it step by step at your visit, so you’ll feel confident before you leave. The needle is tiny, and most patients say they barely feel it.
Does tirzepatide need to be refrigerated?
Yes, keep tirzepatide in the refrigerator unless your instructions say otherwise. Don’t freeze it, and keep it away from heat and direct light.
How long does tirzepatide stay in your system?
Tirzepatide has a half-life of about five days, so it takes roughly a month to clear your body after your last dose. If you miss a dose, don’t double up or try to catch up on your own. Just give our office a call, and our clinical team can advise you on what to do next.
How do I get tirzepatide?
Tirzepatide requires a prescription after a medical evaluation. At Dr. Fortino’s offices, a patient care coordinator schedules your first visit, and if tirzepatide is medically appropriate, you may be able to start that day. Visit our South Philadelphia or Turnersville tirzepatide page to get started.
Can I use insurance for tirzepatide?
No, Dr. Fortino’s practice is self-pay, so we don’t bill insurance for compounded tirzepatide. The good news is you can use your FSA or HSA card for eligible expenses. If you’re asking about brand-name tirzepatide, coverage really depends on your insurance plan, and it often needs prior authorization first. It’s worth checking with your insurance company to see what they’ll cover.
Can I switch to Dr. Fortino if I’m already on tirzepatide?
Yes. Bring your current dose, the date of your last injection and your prescription label or pharmacy information. Dr. Fortino will review your history and aim to avoid a gap in your treatment.
What happens when I stop taking tirzepatide?
It’s really common to regain weight if you stop suddenly without a maintenance plan. That’s why every plan at Dr. Fortino’s offices includes a step-down. As you get closer to your goal, we slowly lower your dose while you build the eating and activity habits that help you keep the weight off for good. Want to learn more? Read about Dr. Fortino’s GLP-1 approach.
Where are Dr. Fortino’s offices located?
Dr. Fortino has two offices: South Philadelphia and Turnersville, NJ. The Philadelphia office is at 1822 S Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19145. The South Jersey office is at 129 Johnson Rd, A3, Turnersville, NJ 08012, in Gloucester County, New Jersey. Learn about tirzepatide at our Philadelphia office or South Jersey office.
