Navigating the World of Physicians Weight Loss Products: A Comprehensive Review

The pursuit of weight loss is a common goal, leading many to explore various avenues, including weight loss products and programs offered by physicians. This article delves into the landscape of these products, examining their effectiveness, safety, and the importance of professional guidance in achieving sustainable weight loss.

The Landscape of Weight Loss Programs

Physicians WEIGHT LOSS Centers® emphasize a holistic approach, combining professional supervision, support, and proper nutrition to facilitate effective weight loss. Their programs are designed to fit various lifestyles and cater to both men and women. An appealing option is the integration of the weight loss medication Semaglutide into their programs, available both in-center and online.

What Sets Physician-Supervised Programs Apart?

1. Physician Approval: A consulting physician is on staff at each center to conduct pre- and post-diet physicals, ensuring client safety and well-being. This built-in step addresses the common recommendation for physician approval in weight loss regimens.
2. Dietitian-Designed Diets: Licensed dietitians design each diet to provide the proper amounts of protein, carbohydrates, fat, fiber, essential vitamins, and minerals.
3. Individualized Approach: With multiple programs available, individuals can choose a strategy that aligns with their unique needs and goals, whether it's quick weight loss, moderate weight loss, fat burning, or retraining the body with whole foods.
4. Private-Label Products: Many products are made specifically to complement the Physicians WEIGHT LOSS Centers programs, with research involved in the development process to ensure they are effective and palatable.
5. Semaglutide Integration: The inclusion of Semaglutide GLP-1 weight loss medication enhances the programs, providing access to current weight loss tools under the supervision of licensed medical professionals.

These programs aim to develop healthy habits and a maintainable lifestyle, rather than just focusing on short-term weight loss.

The Role of Weight Loss Medications

The pharmacological treatment of obesity has evolved significantly. Before 2012, there were limited FDA-approved weight loss medications. However, the 2020s saw a surge in the popularity of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 receptor agonists). Medications like Mounjaro and Zepbound have also emerged, indicated for type 2 diabetes and obesity, respectively. It's estimated that millions of adults took a GLP-1 for weight loss in 2024.

Determining Candidacy for Weight Loss Medications

Determining whether someone is a candidate for weight loss medications begins with assessing their Body Mass Index (BMI). The doctor and patient should discuss the patient’s current health issues, other medications, and family medical history.

Read also: GLP-1 Injections for Weight Loss

A Range of Medications and Their Effects

The average weight loss with medication varies from 5% to 21%, but individual results can differ. It's important to note that most people regain weight if AOMs (Anti-Obesity Medications) are discontinued. Some weight loss medications, like semaglutide and liraglutide, are approved for children 12 and older with a BMI >/= 95th percentile.

First-Generation AOMs

It can be easy to overlook first-generation AOMs, but these may be appropriate for some patients, especially when cost is a factor.

Specific Weight Loss Medications

1. Semaglutide (Wegovy, Ozempic): Wegovy, a brand name for semaglutide, is a GLP-1 receptor agonist approved in 2021. It is administered as an injection and approved for use in adults and children aged 12 years or more with obesity (BMI ≥30 for adults, BMI ≥ 95th percentile for age and sex for children) or some adults with excess weight (BMI ≥27) who also have weight-related medical problems. The dose is gradually increased over 16 to 20 weeks to minimize side effects, such as gastrointestinal symptoms, headache, dizziness, and fatigue. It is intended for long-term use, combined with a healthy diet and exercise.
2. Tirzepatide (Zepbound, Mounjaro): Zepbound is approved to treat obesity in adults with a BMI of 30 or greater. It is both a GLP-1 and a GIP receptor agonist, reducing appetite and meant to be used in combination with diet and exercise to lose weight. In the SURMOUNT-1 trial, adults with obesity or overweight (without diabetes) taking tirzepatide achieved up to 22.5% average body weight reduction at 72 weeks. Studies show improvements in cardiovascular risk factors and metabolic markers.
3. Liraglutide (Saxenda, Victoza): Liraglutide is a daily injectable medication that acts on hormones that send signals from the gut to the brain to make the patient feel full quicker and decrease hunger signals. Doses start at 0.6 mg to 3 mg a day. Some patients may lose 5-10% of body weight. Liraglutide is also approved for Type 2 Diabetes, under the brand name Victoza. Side effects include nausea, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, headache, decreased appetite, dyspepsia, fatigue, dizziness, abdominal pain, increased lipase, and renal insufficiency.
4. Phentermine: Phentermine is the oldest and most widely used weight loss medication. It was originally used as a short-term medication to jump-start weight loss, but now newer medical guidelines have added it to long-term therapy. Side effects include headache, overstimulation, high blood pressure, insomnia, rapid or irregular heart rate, and tremor.
5. Phentermine-Topiramate (Qsymia): Topiramate can be combined with phentermine to decrease appetite and cravings. Adults with migraines and obesity are good candidates for this weight-loss medication. Some patients may lose an average of 5-10% of body weight. Daily doses with four strengths start at 3.75 mg/23 mg to 15 mg/92 mg. Side effects include abnormal sensations, dizziness, altered taste, insomnia, constipation, and dry mouth.
6. Naltrexone-Bupropion (Contrave): Naltrexone-bupropion combines an opioid receptor antagonist with an antidepressant to affect the pleasure-reward areas of the brain and thereby decrease cravings and appetite. Start with a daily dose of one 8/90 mg tablet and gradually increase to four tablets a day. The most common side effects include nausea, constipation, headache, vomiting, dizziness, insomnia, dry mouth, and diarrhea.
7. Orlistat (Xenical, Alli): Orlistat is a lipase inhibitor that comes in a capsule. Undigested fat is then passed through the body. Some patients may lose about 5% of their body weight. An over-the-counter formulation is available at 60 mg capsules with each fat-containing meal.
8. Setmelanotide: Setmelanotide is a melanocortin-4 receptor agonist indicated for chronic weight management in adult and pediatric patients six years and older, with obesity due to certain rare genetic disorders.
9. Plenity: A medical device rather than a medication, Plenity was FDA-cleared in 2019 for people with a BMI of 25 to 40. It consists of a capsule that releases a biodegradable, super-absorbent hydrogel into the stomach, increasing satiety and enabling the person to eat less.

Emerging Medications

With fervent consumer demand for weight loss medications, combined with rising obesity rates, more medications are bound for the market in the coming years. Pharmaceutical platform Ozmosi predicts one to two GLP-1 launches annually starting in 2026 specifically for obesity. Lilly is developing at least two new options. The first, orforglipron, is an oral GLP-1 inhibitor that completed a Phase 3 clinical trial in early 2025. It could provide a welcome alternative for people who do not want injections. Phase 3 results expected soon. at 36 weeks. The other, retatrutide, targets GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon. At this writing, it is in Phase 3 clinical trials. In Phase 2, participants lost up to 24.2% of body weight at 48 weeks. Amgen is developing MariTide, a monoclonal antibody designed to increase GLP-1 receptor activity while reducing GIP receptor activity. The once-monthly injection entered Phase 3 clinical trials in March 2025. Researchers continue to study hormones that play a role in appetite for other ways to target obesity with medication. Those of interest include not only GLP-1, but also peptide tyrosine-tyrosine (PYY) and cholecystokinin (CCK).

Personalizing Treatment

With more options available, doctors will be increasingly able to personalize treatments. FDA-approved anti-obesity medications (AOMs) are safe, evidence-based therapies that target specific physiology to improve the disease and are most effective when used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.

Administration and Forms

Some medications are administered orally, and others are given as subcutaneous injections. Some patients who are less comfortable with injections may ask about weight-loss pills.

Read also: A Guide to Carolina Physicians Weight Loss

The Broader Treatment Plan

A treatment plan for obesity can comprise multiple forms of treatment, including medications, diet, exercise, and/or surgery. All weight loss medications work best in the context of a healthy eating plan and exercise.

Long-Term vs. Short-Term Use

Some weight management medications are designed for short-term use and others for long-term use. Those approved by the FDA for long-term use include orlistat (Xenical, Alli), phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia), naltrexone-bupropion (Contrave), liraglutide (Saxenda), semaglutide (Wegovy, Ozempic), and tirzepatide (Zepbound, Mounjaro). GLP-1s are not meant to be stopped and restarted at will. The dosing for some of these includes a long ramp-up period-up to five months-to reach full dosage.

The Evolution of Weight Loss Medications

While GLP-1s have grabbed a lot of headlines, they are only the latest in a long history of evolving weight loss medications. As more physiological mechanisms for weight gain have been unearthed, drugs targeting newly discovered receptors and/or enzymes have been introduced with improved safety profiles and fewer psychological adverse events. Additionally, drugs targeting hunger or satiety signaling have been actively studied and have shown increased adoption by physicians.

Cost and Insurance Coverage

As with many medications, some weight loss drugs have been on the market longer, have generic alternatives, and tend to be more affordable. GLP-1s are notoriously costly. The Kaiser Family Foundation estimates the annual net price of Wegovy at $13,600. provides Zepbound (tirzepatide) single-dose vial access for the 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, and 15 mg doses-starting with refill eligibility within 45 days of delivery. and are not covered by insurance. Insurance coverage varies and will affect many patients’ choices about going on weight loss medications.

Counteracting Metabolic Adaptation

AOMs may counter the effects of metabolic adaptation and prevent weight regain. After weight reduction, the body metabolically adapts, often causing an increase in hunger hormones and a decrease in satiety hormones and resting metabolic rate, all of which can contribute to weight regain.

Read also: Weight Loss Solutions in Roseville

Over-the-Counter Options

The only over-the-counter medicine for weight loss currently approved by the FDA is Alli (orlistat). Other over-the-counter products are considered supplements. With prescription medications, a healthcare professional can weigh all factors affecting the patient’s lifestyle and BMI and monitor progress and side effects.

The Role of Vitamins and Supplements

While no specific vitamin or supplement is considered a “treatment” for obesity or overweight, certain ones help support metabolic health. For example, studies suggest that calcium and vitamin D may play a role in regulating belly fat. have been proposed for how this works.

Medications That Can Cause Weight Gain

There are many medications that can be obesogenic or cause weight gain. Antidepressants are broken down into categories: selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), tricyclic antidepressants, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAO inhibitors), and others. In the SSRI group, paroxetine shows the highest associated weight gain. Weight-positive medications in the tricyclic antidepressant category include amitriptyline, doxepin, and imipramine. Bupropion (Wellbutrin), an aminoketone, is considered weight-negative and is prescribed both to assist in weight loss and to treat depression.

Considerations and Contraindications

The guidelines for tirzepatide (Zepbound) and semaglutide (Wegovy) state that a patient should have a BMI of 30 or a BMI of 27 with weight-related health problems. They can also interfere with hormonal birth control. Older AOMs also have indications based on BMI and may be contraindicated for use with certain other medications.

The Dangers of Counterfeit Medications

Some online healthcare providers claim to sell Ozempic, Wegovy, or Zepbound at reduced prices. However, the FDA warns against buying medications from any source other than a state-licensed pharmacy. In April 2025, they banned the sale of “counterfeit” semaglutide and tirzepatide. These medications are not made or packaged by the original manufacturers; instead, they are compounded medications.

Compounded Medications

Compounded versions of medications are made by compounding pharmacies, often to tailor a medication to specific patient needs, like an allergy to an inactive ingredient. Compounded medications are not FDA-approved. due to shortages. Some patients have taken these alternatives, which are generally more affordable, without ill effects. has received reports of adverse events associated with compounded semaglutide and compounded tirzepatide.

The Allure and Risks of Weight Loss Supplements

The wide world of weight loss products ranges from legitimate medications, to compounded drugs offered by telehealth companies, to the gray market of online peptides, and supplements.

GLP-1 Agonists vs. Supplements

“The marketing seems to suggest that you could get with these natural products, these natural ingredients, the same effect that you can get with GLP-1 agonists, which is simply not the case. And in that way, they are being misleading to people,” said C. “Some of them don’t even tell you what ingredients are in it at all.

The Supplement Industry and Regulation

Ogle comes from a family of nurses, and prides herself on remaining honest, sticking to the facts and caring about the well-being of her viewers. She values their trust, which has helped her account and business thrive. GLP-1 is a hormone the body produces naturally that, among other roles, helps communicate satiety to the brain. Two of the major prescription weight loss medications, semaglutide sold by Novo Nordisk as Wegovy and tirzepatide sold by Eli Lilly as Zepbound, are typically injected once a week. That leaves a hole in the consumer market. Many people know about these drugs and how they affect weight loss, appetite control and “food noise.” But many can’t afford them, don’t like the idea of injecting drugs, or can’t tolerate the side effects, said Bryn Austin, professor of social and behavioral sciences at the Harvard T.H.

Enter supplements. Austin said that “from Day One,” supplement companies have tried to capitalize on the GLP-1 craze, putting the phrase in their product names. The supplements, however, do not perform nearly as well as GLP-1 agonists, White said. One ingredient often used in supplements is berberine, which researchers have found can aid in weight loss. But a meta-analysis by the European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism found that patients taking berberine lose a little over 4 pounds on average. Nonetheless, those who promote the alternative products online often refer to them in the same context as the injectable medications, sometimes calling them “‘Zempic patches” or “natural” versions of the GLP-1 agonists. Some seem excited about the ingredients, the price or the lack of side effects. But Ogle wasn’t sure. She’d felt deceived in the past, promoting a nutritional powder she later learned was ineffective, and which she later disavowed.

In 1994, Congress passed the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act, which defined dietary supplements and created a regulatory framework that largely bypasses the FDA. “The FDA cannot require rigorous pre-screening for safety and certainly not for effectiveness because by law, these supplements cannot claim to be treating or curing or preventing disease.

Risks of Adulteration and Misleading Marketing

Compared to other supplements, experts say products marketed for weight loss have a long history of being adulterated, sometimes including extreme levels of stimulants. Companies do have to tell the FDA that they have evidence, said Jensen Jose, regulatory counsel for the Center for Science in the Public Interest. Compared to other supplements, experts say products marketed for weight loss have a long history of being adulterated. WATCH: Cleanses? Supplements? The Federal Trade Commission’s guidelines for health-related products require manufacturers to comply with a set of rules when using studies to market their products. The company that reached out to Ogle, for example, references studies supporting the use of berberine, glutamine and chromium for weight loss, food intake and satiety. But the company’s patches are applied to the skin, while the studies for glutamine and chromium involved oral intake. White said the science is not clear on how effectively a patch could administer these ingredients. “What we don’t have, at least not in the literature, is anybody that studied these products in humans in a transdermal patch formulation in order to be able to show that what they’re seeing in animals is actually being replicated in humans,” White said.

Many companies also don’t cite any studies where all the major ingredients found in “GLP-1 Patches” are tested together, an important step in proving efficacy since certain ingredients can work against one another, Dow said. Some ingredients could also interfere with others users might be taking for problems like diabetes or heart disease. Patches are a particularly thorny delivery method, because supplements by the FDA’s definition must be swallowed. The FTC can also step in if it believes companies have crossed an advertising line.

The Influencer Economy and Product Promotion

Affiliates can see a range of details about a product, including the product’s net weight, quantity per pack, shelf life and whether it needs a dietary supplement disclaimer. According to screenshots Ogle shared with PBS News, the product she was asked to promote was the top-selling item in its category on July 25, and creators could earn $2.97 for every sale of a 30-pack.

“The way the influencer economy works is they need to follow certain kinds of rules that will get the algorithm to pick them up, to get more amplified, to get more engagement, and to attract the attention and approval of these companies. And for many of them, it’s just about trying to get by. So the brands recognize that, and they can manipulate people who don’t really know how it works yet,” Ogle said. Years ago, consumers wanting to buy weight loss supplements had to seek out ads in magazines or physically find one of these products, Austin said.

The Importance of Professional Guidance

“If somebody needs extra help losing weight, and that’s something they actually need, they should be talking to a doctor in a clinical setting. I love the ability to be able to sell and to be able to buy on there,” Ogle said. If you’ve taken a GLP-1 branded supplement, or purchased a weight loss supplement on social media, and would like to share your experience, PBS News wants to hear from you. A free press is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. Support trusted journalism and civil dialogue.

FDA Public Notifications of tainted weight loss products

The FDA has issued numerous public notifications regarding weight loss products found to contain hidden drug ingredients. These notifications serve as warnings to consumers about the potential dangers associated with these products. Here's a list of some of the products that have been subject to these notifications:

• FATZorb
• Toki Slimming Candy
• LipoFit Turbo
• THERMO SHOCK
• ITCHA XS
• Body Shape Weight Loss System
• Govvi WOW!
• Phentamene XT
• NORF 20
• Alfia Weight Loss Capsules
• Lipopastilla + Gold Max
• Dr. Reade Slim Sense
• Hydro Pinapple [sic] Burn
• Cholestene
• Genesis Ultra Slim Gold
• 365 SKINNY High Intensity
• Miss Slim
• Tummy Tuck Max
• Vy & Tea
• Super Slim
• Lishou Slimming Coffee
• Li Da Daidaihua Plus
• Imperla Elita Vitaccino
• Fruta Planta
• Fruta Bio
• Burn 7
• Livtone
• Detox Plus
• CholesLo
• Skinny Pill
• Lanugar
• JaDera PLUS
• Sheaya Lender
• Love in S
• Reduktis Max
• Lipro Dietary Capsule
• Adelgasin Plus
• Super Slimming Herb
• Lishou Fuling Jiaonang
• Detoxi Slim
• Absolute Nine Slim
• GoLean Detox
• Ultra Fit
• Slimmer Extreme Thermogenic Formula
• Slim Bio Capsules
• Slimina
• Pink Granada
• Green Lean Body Capsule
• Shengan Natural Model
• Like Slim Coffee
• In Shape
• Baschi Quick Slimming Capsule
• BodySlim Herbal
• Easy 2 Slim
• Slimming Capsule
• Nuvitra
• Asunsa
• Lyn DTOX FS3
• Adipotrim XT
• Body Shape Weight Loss System
• Row of Antibody Pil
• Adriana Balance S
• AB Slim
• PAYA Dietary Supplement Product
• Asia Slim Capsules
• Adipessum Miracle Slimming Capsules
• Fruta Planta Life (Garcinia Cambogia Premium)
• A1 Slim
• Physic Candy - Define
• Physic Candy - Curve
• Slimming Plus Advanced
• Platinum Weight Loss Solution - Fat Loss Metabolizer
• Platinum Max Strength Blue Pill Version
• Lean Extreme Max
• X-treme Beauty Slim
• Queen Slimming Soft Gel
• ABX Weight Loss
• Supreme Slim 5.7
• Ultimate Body Tox
• Zi Su Body Fat Health II
• Skinny Bee Diet
• Results
• Accelerator Boost
• Natural Eruption
• Citrus' Fit
• Adelganzantes R-II
• Zi Xiu Tang Beauty Face and Figure Capsule
• Ultimate Lean
• Slim Fit X
• Maxx Easy
• Mang Luk Power Slim
• Mang Luk Power Slim Detox
• Xcelerated Weight Loss Ultra Max
• Xcelerated Weight Loss Turbo Charge
• Xcelerated Weight Loss Charged Up
• Dream Body Advanced Acai Weight Loss
• Dream Body Extreme Gold
• Dream Body Original Formula
• Extra Slim Plus Acai Berry Weight Loss Formula
• Exhilarate
• Step 2
• Black Label X
• Black Gold X Advanced
• 3rd Degree
• Propell Platinum
• ENVY BP
• ZlimXter Capsules
• Xerophagy Capsules
• Eradicate Capsules
• Dynamizm Capsules
• La'Trim Plus
• Evolve Bee Pollen
• Jenesis
• Oasis Bee Pollen
• Prime Bee Pollen
• Thirty Plus
• Lipo Escultura
• Zero Fat
• SPCARET Princess Diet
• Slyn Both
• Perfect Slim Fast Track Slim
• Super Herbs
• Xtreme Fat Burner Capsules
• Tip-Top Shape
• Lishou Slimming Coffee
• Basha Nut 100% Fruit Soft Gel Capsules
• Ultimate Herbal Slimcap
• NATUREAL
• Meizi Super Power Fruits Herbal Slimming Formula
• Achieving Zero
• Zero Xtreme Capsules
• Akttive Capsules
• Slim Forte Slimming Capsule
• Li Da Dai Dai Hua Slimming Capsule
• Fatloss Slimming Beauty
• Superior
• Green Algae Combination by Crane Beauty
• Xcel Advanced
• Xcel
• Ultimate Boost
• L-Carnitine Sob Strengthening Version Slimming Miracle Capsule
• Black Mamba Hyperrush
• Natural Max Slimming
• Diablos Eca Fire Caps
• Elimulating Weight
• Oxy ELITE Pro Super Thermogenic
• Nine Slim
• Seven Slim
• Botanical Slimming (Red)
• Lean Body Extreme
• Yanhee Slim
• Slim-K
• Slim-Vie
• Super Extreme Accelerator
• Japan Hokkaido Slimming Weight Loss Pills
• Mix Fruit Slimming
• Lingzhi Cleansed Slim Tea
• 24 Ince
• Lipo 8 Burn Slim Capsules
• Sliming (sic) Diet By Pretty White
• Trim-Fast Slimming Softgel
• Sport Burner
• Toxin Discharged Tea
• Sliming Diet
• La Jiao Shou Shen
• B-Perfect
• Asset Bold
• Asset Bee Pollen
• Natural Body Solution
• Slim Trim U
• Lite Fit USA
• Infinity
• New You
• Vitaccino Coffee
• Citrus Fit Gold
• Tonic Life BP
• Thinogenics
• Dream Body Slimming Capsule
• Meizitang Citrus
• Asset Extreme Plus
• 7 Days Herbal Slim
• Dr. Ming's Chinese Capsule
• SlimEasy Herbs Capsule
• Sliming (sic) Diet Berry Plus
• Asset Extreme
• "SlimExtra Herbal Capsules"

This list is not exhaustive, and consumers should remain vigilant and consult with healthcare professionals before using any weight loss products.

Embracing a Holistic Approach to Weight Loss

You may have tried various diets, and while they initially showed results, they eventually lost their effectiveness. You may have experimented with online weight loss remedies, only to find their promises fading. You may have begun to doubt your ability to achieve your goals. But here's the uplifting truth: the solution is within reach. By stepping into a weight loss clinic, you enter a sanctuary equipped with every tool, prescription, and technology imaginable. You'll find resources, a supportive community, and expert guidance to help you conquer your aspirations here. Your journey towards a healthier, happier you begins now, with boundless possibilities awaiting your discovery. Don't wait any longer-take the first step towards SERIOUS WEIGHT LOSS today!

Finding Support and Guidance

Seeking the advice of a family physician or an obesity medicine physician can provide a holistic approach that connects obesity to health issues, including mental health. Professionals like Raghuveer Vedala, MD, FAAFP, Dipl. ABOM, promote wellness through lifestyle changes, emphasizing exercise, healthy eating, and supportive relationships in addition to traditional metric goals.

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