You've done the research. Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro—you know the names. You've read the Reddit threads and Facebook groups. You've watched the before-and-after videos. Now you're stuck wondering which option actually works for your body, your health situation, your life.
Here's the truth nobody's saying: the medication matters far less than the medical supervision behind it. What worked for your coworker who dropped 40 pounds might trigger side effects you can't tolerate. The "miracle drug" everyone's talking about might not address why you gained weight in the first place.
At Dr. Lara Weight Loss, our Tampa Bay clinic has spent 30 years watching weight loss trends come and go. Medications evolve. Science advances. But one thing never changes: sustainable weight loss requires addressing what's happening inside your body, not just suppressing your appetite.
Ready for answers instead of more confusion? Schedule your consultation at our St. Petersburg or Palm Harbor location.
Your Three Pathways to Weight Loss
When you walk into our Tampa area clinic, we don't start by asking which medication you want. We start by asking what's been stopping you from losing weight—despite trying everything. That conversation determines which of three approaches makes sense for your situation.
Phentermine: The Rapid Momentum Option
Phentermine has been helping people lose weight since 1959. That's 66 years of clinical use, making it one of the most studied weight loss medications available. It works by affecting neurotransmitters in your brain—dopamine, norepinephrine, serotonin—to reduce hunger signals and boost energy.
Most patients notice decreased appetite within days. The weight starts moving quickly. In our 12-week Awakening program, patients using Phentermine combined with our nutrition protocol typically release 35-40 pounds.
Phentermine works best when you need rapid results to build momentum. You have 30-50 pounds to lose. You respond well to appetite control. You don't have uncontrolled blood pressure or cardiovascular issues.
The catch? It requires cardiovascular screening before we prescribe it. Your heart health, blood pressure, and medical history all factor into whether Phentermine is safe for you. This is why working with a physician matters—FDA-approved doesn't mean appropriate for everyone.
GLP-1 Medications: Semaglutide and Tirzepatide
These are the medications everyone's talking about. Ozempic. Wegovy. Mounjaro. They work differently than traditional appetite suppressants by mimicking a natural hormone that tells your brain you're full, slows stomach emptying, and helps regulate blood sugar.
Semaglutide has extensive clinical backing. Research in the New England Journal of Medicine shows average weight loss of 15-20% over 68 weeks when combined with lifestyle changes. That's 30-40 pounds for someone starting at 200 pounds.
Tirzepatide targets both GLP-1 and GIP receptors. Studies in the SURMOUNT trials show even more robust results—20-25% average weight loss. Some patients lose more.
Unlike Phentermine's immediate appetite suppression, GLP-1s work gradually. You notice reduced hunger and better satiety within 2-4 weeks as we increase your dose slowly. The slower onset means fewer side effects and more sustainable results.
GLP-1s make sense when you have 50+ pounds to lose, type 2 diabetes or prediabetes, or need longer-term support beyond 12 weeks. At our Tampa Bay locations, we have both Semaglutide and Tirzepatide in stock—no shortages, no waiting lists.
The downside? GI side effects, especially when increasing doses. Nausea. Constipation. Sometimes vomiting. Medical supervision helps us adjust your protocol to minimize discomfort while maximizing results. We also monitor for rare but serious side effects and adjust your nutrition to prevent muscle loss—a real concern with rapid weight loss.
Natural Weight Loss: No Medication Required
Not everyone needs medication. Some patients prefer to avoid it entirely. Others have medical conditions that make weight loss medications inappropriate. That's where our natural approach comes in.
We address the root causes preventing weight loss: insulin resistance, hormonal imbalances, inflammation, nutritional deficiencies, metabolic dysfunction. Through detailed lab work, we identify exactly what's holding you back. Often it's thyroid dysfunction or hormonal imbalances that no amount of willpower can overcome.
Natural weight loss works best when you have 15-30 pounds to lose, prefer medication-free approaches, or have hormonal issues that need addressing first. The results can be equally impressive when we optimize your body's natural ability to release weight.
"Natural" doesn't mean unsupervised. We still conduct the same thorough medical evaluation, lab work, and regular monitoring to ensure you're losing weight safely.
Why Medical Supervision Changes Everything
Here's what most online prescribers and medical spas miss: the medication is just one piece. Without addressing nutrition, hormones, metabolic health, and the psychology of weight loss, medication alone rarely creates lasting change.
When you work with Dr. Lara, you get a complete medical evaluation—thorough lab work, EKG, health assessments that reveal root causes. Thyroid dysfunction. Insulin resistance. Hormonal imbalances. Inflammation. Nutritional deficiencies. We identify what's actually causing your weight gain, not just what might suppress your appetite.
You get personalized medication selection based on your medical history, current health status, goals, and lifestyle. Not every patient needs medication. Not every medication works for every patient.
You get ongoing monitoring as your body changes. Medications that worked at 200 pounds may need adjusting at 170 pounds. We see you regularly, track progress, monitor for side effects, and optimize continuously.
You get nutrition protocols designed to work with your medication—maximizing fat loss while preserving muscle and energy. Medication controls hunger. It doesn't teach you what to eat.
You get long-term maintenance support. The hardest part isn't losing weight—it's keeping it off. We help your body adjust to its new set point and teach you strategies that maintain results after medication ends.
You get 24/7 access to bariatric specialists. Questions don't just happen during office hours.
Your Questions Answered
"How do I know which medication is right for me?"
You don't have to figure this out alone. During your consultation, Dr. Lara reviews your complete medical history, discusses your goals, and recommends the approach most likely to succeed. The right medication depends on factors only a physician can evaluate.
"I've tried weight loss medications before and they didn't work."
Many patients come to our Tampa weight loss clinic after unsuccessful attempts elsewhere. Often the issue wasn't the medication—it was inadequate medical supervision, lack of nutrition support, or choosing the wrong medication for their situation.
"How much does medical weight loss cost in Tampa?"
Investment varies based on which program and medications are right for you. During your consultation, we discuss all costs upfront with no surprises. We provide all services at our office with no insurance needed, making the process straightforward and transparent.
"Will I gain the weight back when I stop?"
Honest answer: it depends on what you do during and after weight loss. Medication helps you lose weight. Maintaining that loss requires addressing the habits, hormones, and metabolic factors that caused weight gain. Our program sets you up for long-term success, not just rapid weight loss followed by regain.
"How are GLP-1 weight loss injections administered?"
Semaglutide and tirzepatide are administered via weekly subcutaneous injection. Unlike prefilled pens, we pull each dose from vials in our office, allowing us to customize your exact dosage for optimal results. This personalized approach means we can fine-tune your dose based on your response, tolerance, and progress—not just follow a one-size-fits-all protocol. Our medical team provides thorough instruction on proper injection technique and site rotation.
Start Here: Your Tampa Weight Loss Consultation
You've done enough research. You know the options exist. What you need now is a physician who can tell you which option makes sense for your specific situation.
Here's what happens when you schedule:
- You speak with our team about your goals, health history, and concerns
- We schedule your full medical evaluation with Dr. Lara at our St. Petersburg or Palm Harbor location
- We conduct all necessary testing to understand your unique situation
- You receive a personalized recommendation for the approach most likely to succeed
- You can start immediately—we have Semaglutide and Tirzepatide in stock
Stop wondering. Start succeeding.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
Serving patients throughout Tampa Bay at our St. Petersburg and Palm Harbor locations.