In recent years, we’ve seen an exciting wave of new research and treatment options for weight management. New medications are making headlines, but some of the tried-and-true options still play an important role in helping patients achieve their health goals. At Jacksonville Concierge Medicine, we take a balanced, personalized approach — looking at both established and cutting-edge treatments — to find what works best for you.
Tried-and-True Options: Qsymia
While newer medications often get the spotlight, older treatments like Qsymia (which contains phentermine) can still be excellent choices.
- For patients with ADHD, Qsymia may provide added benefit by addressing both weight and focus.
- It’s often more affordable than newer medications and is still covered by some insurance plans.
- Weight loss tends to be more gradual, which can actually be a positive — slower loss gives your skin and body more time to adjust.
Injectable Medications: GLP-1s
Among injectable medications, Zepbound currently leads the pack in terms of results.
- A recent study showed an average of 50 lbs of weight loss with the highest dose, compared to about 30 lbs with Wegovy.
- Zepbound is also available directly from the manufacturer for $350 per month (vial version) — making it one of the most cost-effective GLP-1 options.
- With many insurance companies no longer covering these medications, trying an option like Qsymia first may be worthwhile before moving on to GLP-1s.
What About Ozempic and Mounjaro?
You’ve likely heard of Ozempic and Mounjaro. These are versions of GLP-1 medications that are primarily used for patients with diabetes.
- They can be great options if you also have diabetes, since they are more likely to be covered by insurance.
- However, the doses don’t go as high as the versions specifically approved for weight loss.
Why We Avoid Compounded Versions
Compounded versions of these medications may seem tempting, but they come with real risks. Fraudulent or unregulated products are unfortunately common, making it an unsafe option. With supply issues improving directly from pharmaceutical companies, we recommend sticking to FDA-approved sources.
What’s on the Horizon
The future of weight loss medications looks promising, with new pill-based options in development:
- Oral Semaglutide: Higher-dose pill versions (25mg and 50mg) are showing about 15% weight loss in studies. FDA approval is expected in late 2025 or early 2026.
- Orforglipron: Another oral option currently in clinical trials, with early results showing around 11% weight loss, though questions remain about study results among some experts.
These new options could make treatment more accessible — especially if manufacturers are able to reduce costs.
The Most Important Piece: Lifestyle Support
While medications can be powerful tools, they are just one part of the picture. One of the biggest challenges is maintaining weight loss after stopping the medication.
At Jacksonville Concierge Medicine, Dr. Mikals practices Lifestyle Medicine, focusing on long-term, sustainable changes:
- We start with a detailed assessment of your nutrition and habits.
- We work closely with you to make realistic dietary and lifestyle adjustments.
- Our goal is to help you achieve lasting results — not keep you on medications forever.
All of this is included in your membership — with no extra fees or add-ons. And when you call, you’ll speak directly to Dr. Mikals, not a phone tree.
Call us today at 904-925-8540 to learn more and get started.