Weight Loss Medications

Here at Physicians Premiere Weight & Wellness Center, we treat excess weight and obesity as a chronic disease.  For most individuals, it goes beyond just diet and exercising.  Weight loss medications are often needed to treat the internal disease process.  Incorporating weight loss medications is not a sign of weakness or lack of will-power. Rather, they play an important role in a comprehensive weight loss program.  We have several FDA-approved weight loss medications that you can choose from.

• Phentermine, Lomaira, Diethylproprion, Qsymia (phentermine/topirimate) – These are a group of oral medications that are very effective for hunger and cravings control. They are also a good option for someone who is a “slow burner” metabolically.
• Contrave (buproprion/naltrexone):  This in another oral medication that is very effective for hunger and especially cravings control.  It is also a good option for those who struggle emotional and stress eating.
• Ozempic (semaglutide), Trulicity (dulaglutide), Wegovy (semaglutide), Saxenda (liraglutide), Mounjaro (tirzepetide), Zepbound (Tirzepatide):
  • These are all weekly injectible medications (except Saxenda which is a daily injectable).
  • Ozempic, Trulicity, and Mounjaro are approved for treatment for Diabetes Type II.  When prescribed in this setting, it also aids in weight loss.
  • Wegovy, Saxenda, and Zepbound are approved for weight loss.
  • We also have several off-label medication options for weight loss including metformin and topamax (topirimate).
  • Please Note:  Ozempic and Wegovy are identical and Mounjaro and Zepbound are identical.  Ozempic and Mounjaro are ONLY approved for Type II Diabetes and Wegovy and Zepbound are ONLY approved for weight loss.

Weight Loss Medication Coverage:  

Most weight loss medications need a Prior Authorization (PA) done by our office.  To expedite the process, we recommend you do the following:

• Call the number on the back of your insurance card.

• Ask the following questions
  1. Does your insurance company cover this medication?  If yes, ask the following:
  2. Has the employer whom you get your insurance through OPTED in for medication coverage?
     • If both of the above are yes, then you should have coverage for the specific medication.
     • Go one step further and ask how much the coverage is – find out how much your portion is in care deductible and copays apply.

• If the medication is covered, you will still most likely need a PA done. Note that this process can take 3-5 business days to complete.
• If the medication is NOT covered, then we can discuss other highly effective and affordable medication options.