Complete Weight Management

The "why" behind wanting to lose weight is different for everyone. We can help you meet your goals with a personalized approach that may include weight-loss medications and the behavioral and nutritional support you need for lasting weight loss.

What FDA-approved weight-loss medications are offered at Virtua?

Virtua offers multiple FDA-approved weight loss medications that, along with healthy eating and exercise, can be a powerful tool for reaching your weight loss goals.

Most weight-loss drugs work by either curbing your appetite or helping you feel fuller sooner. The newest medications (called GLP-1 or GLP-1/GIP drugs) mimic natural gut hormones that regulate blood sugar and tell your brain you're satisfied, so you eat less.

The medications offered at Virtua include:

• Zepbound (terzepatide): This GLP-1/GIP medication is given as one weekly injection. It helps suppress your appetite and decrease food intake, leading to an average weight loss of 16-20% of your body weight.
• Wegovy (semaglutide):This GLP-1 weekly injection helps suppress your appetite and decrease food intake, leading to an average weight loss of 10-15%.
• Saxenda (liraglutide): This GLP-1 daily injection helps suppress your appetite and decrease food intake. It offers an average weight loss of 10-15%.
• Phentermine: A trusted medication used since the 1960s, phentermine is a stimulant taken as a daily pill. It can only be used for a short time. It helps you feel less hungry, leading to an average weight loss of 10%.

Weight-loss medications are one tool offered in our comprehensive program. We'll work with you to find the best approach to meet your individual needs.

What are the side effects of prescription weight-loss medications?

Prescription weight-loss medications can have a variety of side effects. However, what you may experience is unique and depends on your prescribed medication. Here's a breakdown of the most common side effects:

GLP-1 and GLP-1/GIP medications (like Zepbound, Wegovy, and Saxenda):

• Gastrointestinal effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, stomach pain, heartburn, bloating, and gas. These symptoms tend to be more pronounced when you first start taking the medication and often improve over time.
• Headaches and fatigue are also relatively common.

Phentermine:

• Stimulant effects include increased heart rate, anxiety, insomnia, and restlessness.
• Dry mouth is a frequent side effect.

If you feel any side effects, it's important to discuss them with your health care provider.

What weight-loss option is right for me?

Long-term weight loss is different for everyone, and Virtua has options to meet your individual health needs.

• Medical weight loss: Medication might be an option if your body mass index (BMI) falls between 27 and 29.9 and you have a weight-related health condition like diabetes or high blood pressure. It's also an option if your BMI is 30 or higher, even without other health concerns.
• Bariatric weight-loss surgery: Surgery may be an option if your BMI is greater than 40, or between 30 and 39.9 and you have weight-related conditions. Our nationally accredited team includes board-certified bariatric surgeons that use minimally invasive, robotic-assisted technology whenever possible. 

The most important thing is that we find the best approach for you. This could include a personalized nutrition plan, education for healthy habits, exercise recommendations, and ongoing support and resources.

We'll work together to create a plan that sets you up for success.

Complete Weight Management at Virtua

Virtua's team is led by board-certified obesity medicine experts who deliver a personalized weight-loss approach backed by science.

We offer FDA-approved weight-loss medications and bariatric weight-loss surgery options as tools and combine them with proper support to help you take on the challenge of losing weight—and succeed!

Get started on your weight-loss journey today

Take the first step and schedule a consultation with a Virtua weight-loss specialist. We'll review your medical and behavioral health history and current medications. We also discuss your goals, lifestyle behaviors, and habits so that we can personalize a plan that meets your needs.

Additionally, our program provides these essential services to help you achieve lasting weight loss:

• Nutrition counseling: Our registered dietitians help you develop healthy eating habits that fit your lifestyle.
• Behavioral counseling: Our specialists help reveal the emotional and psychological factors that may affect your ability to lose weight and provide tools to help you overcome challenges.
• Fitness counseling: Fitness experts partner with you to develop an exercise plan that suits your fitness level and goals.
• Monthly support groups: Get support from experts and learn from other people on a weight-loss journey.
• Weight management navigation team: Our navigators offer personal, one-on-one navigation through every step of your weight loss experience—answering your questions, streamlining communications, and coordinating your appointments.

We’ll continue supporting your success once you've reached your weight-loss goal. We encourage you to check in with your weight management navigator, who can help you make adjustments when needed and connect you to support to help you get back on track.