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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to common questions about our physician-directed, medically guided weight management services.

  • How does this medically guided weight loss program work?

    Our telehealth weight management program is physician-directed and designed to support patients through medically appropriate care. After a comprehensive telehealth evaluation, a licensed medical provider determines whether prescription treatment is appropriate based on clinical guidelines and individual health factors.

    When indicated, providers may prescribe FDA-approved medications for chronic weight management. In certain situations, a provider may also prescribe a compounded medication when medically appropriate and legally permitted. Compounded medications are not FDA-approved.

    Ongoing care may include medical monitoring, education, and support to help patients safely engage in a structured weight management plan. Individual recommendations and treatment decisions vary by patient.

  • How is nutrition addressed during the program?

    Nutrition guidance is an important part of care for many patients. When appropriate, the program emphasizes education around meeting nutritional needs while using appetite-regulating medications.

    Patients may receive guidance related to protein intake, nutrient-dense food choices, and the appropriate use of supplements based on individual needs. Recommendations are tailored and may vary over time.

    The goal is to support informed, sustainable nutrition habits alongside medical treatment, recognizing that individual responses and needs differ.

  • How is care individualized in this program?

    Care is individualized based on a patient’s medical history, clinical considerations, and treatment goals. Following a telehealth evaluation, licensed providers determine appropriate treatment options and adjust care as clinically indicated over time.

    RN-led support may include education related to nutrition, lifestyle factors, and medication use, depending on individual needs. Treatment plans are reviewed periodically and may be modified based on patient response and provider judgment.

  • What influences weight management progress?

    Weight management responses vary and can be influenced by multiple factors. These may include medication use as prescribed, nutritional intake, sleep patterns, stress levels, physical activity, and underlying medical or metabolic conditions.

    Providers consider these factors when evaluating care and may offer education or adjustments as clinically appropriate. Individual responses differ, and progress is monitored over time.

  • How is progress evaluated during the program?

    Progress is evaluated through ongoing clinical review rather than guaranteed outcomes. Providers may consider a combination of factors such as changes in body weight over time, patient-reported symptoms or experiences, medication tolerance, and relevant clinical markers when available.

    Evaluation methods may vary by patient and can include review of medical history, follow-up visits, and discussion of how treatment is being tolerated. Not all patients will experience the same changes, and individual responses differ.

  • How is pricing structured for the program?

    The program is offered through a recurring telehealth membership. The membership fee is $129 every 28 days and includes access to physician oversight, RN-led support, and educational tools related to lifestyle and wellness.

    Prescription medications, when clinically appropriate, are prescribed through partner pharmacies. Medication costs are not included in the membership fee and vary based on the medication prescribed, pharmacy pricing, and availability. All medication charges are determined and billed separately by the dispensing pharmacy. Patients are provided with medication pricing information through the pharmacy before dispensing.

  • Are there any potential side effects I should know about?

    Yes. As with many prescription medications, semaglutide and tirzepatide may cause side effects. Commonly reported effects include gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea, constipation, or stomach discomfort, particularly during dose adjustments.

    Less common but more serious risks have been reported and may include conditions such as pancreatitis or gallbladder-related issues. Certain thyroid-related risks have been observed in animal studies; the clinical relevance to humans is still being studied.

    These medications are not appropriate for everyone. During your consultation, a licensed medical provider reviews your medical history, discusses potential risks and benefits, and determines whether treatment is appropriate for you.

  • Who can participate in this weight loss program?

    The program is intended for adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, or a BMI of 27 or higher with at least one weight-related health condition, such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or elevated cholesterol, in accordance with FDA prescribing guidelines.

    Final eligibility is determined following a medical evaluation by a licensed provider.

  • Are there any contraindications that would prevent me from qualifying for the weight loss treatment?

    Certain medical conditions may make these medications unsafe or not appropriate for some individuals. Known contraindications include:

    • A personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC)

    • A history of Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)

    • A previous serious allergic reaction (hypersensitivity) to semaglutide, tirzepatide, or any component of the medication

    • Pregnancy or breastfeeding, as these medications are not recommended during these periods

    Individuals with a history of pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, or significant gastrointestinal conditions may require additional evaluation and careful clinical consideration.

    During the telehealth consultation, a licensed provider reviews your medical history and current medications to determine whether treatment is clinically appropriate and safe based on your individual circumstances.

  • Is this program medically supervised?

    Yes. The program is physician-directed and delivered through a licensed medical team. All patients complete a telehealth evaluation with a licensed medical provider who determines whether treatment is appropriate based on clinical guidelines and individual health factors.

    Ongoing care is supported by RN-led follow-up and coordination, with medical oversight maintained throughout the course of treatment. Care decisions, including medication prescribing and adjustments, are made by licensed providers in accordance with applicable medical standards.

  • How are medications prescribed?

    Medications are prescribed only after a telehealth evaluation by a licensed medical provider. During the consultation, the provider reviews your medical history, current medications, and relevant health information to determine whether prescription treatment is clinically appropriate.

    When indicated, prescriptions are issued in accordance with applicable medical guidelines and sent to a licensed pharmacy for dispensing. Medication selection, dosing, and ongoing adjustments are determined by the prescribing provider based on clinical judgment and patient response.

  • Are compounded medications FDA-approved?

    No. Compounded medications are not FDA-approved. They are prepared by licensed compounding pharmacies to meet specific patient needs when an FDA-approved medication is not commercially available or when a provider determines a customized formulation is clinically appropriate.

    Compounded medications are regulated by state boards of pharmacy and, in certain cases, the FDA, but they do not undergo the same FDA approval process as commercially manufactured drugs.

    When compounded medications are prescribed, this decision is made by a licensed medical provider based on individual clinical considerations and in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

Medications such as semaglutide (Wegovy®) and tirzepatide (Zepbound®) are FDA-approved for chronic weight management in adults with obesity (BMI ≥30) or overweight (BMI ≥27) with at least one weight-related condition. Prescriptions are only provided after a telehealth evaluation and are subject to provider judgment and clinical appropriateness. Individual results vary. This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Suncoast Trim Clinic is not affiliated with or endorsed by Novo Nordisk or Eli Lilly.