Obesity and overweight affect more than 70% of American adults and are among the most significant drivers of preventable chronic disease — including type 2 diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, sleep apnea, joint disease, and several cancers. Despite this, weight management has historically been under-medicalized, with many patients receiving little more than generic advice to 'eat less and exercise more.' The medical landscape for weight management has changed dramatically. GLP-1 receptor agonists — semaglutide (Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Zepbound) — have produced clinical trial results approaching those of bariatric surgery, with average body weight reductions of 13–20% in trials. These medications, combined with nutritional guidance and behavioral support, represent a genuine paradigm shift. At Viva Medical Center in Doral, FL, our medical weight loss program is comprehensive, evidence-based, and supervised by board-certified physicians. We treat weight as the medical condition it is — not a matter of willpower — and build personalized plans that account for your health history, metabolic profile, lifestyle, and goals.
GLP-1 Medications Available at Viva Medical Center
We prescribe and manage the full range of GLP-1 and dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist medications when clinically appropriate:
- Semaglutide (Wegovy) — FDA-approved for chronic weight management; 68-week trials show ~13–15% average body weight loss
- Tirzepatide (Zepbound) — dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist; SURMOUNT-5 trial shows ~20.2% average body weight loss — superior to semaglutide
- Semaglutide (Ozempic) — for patients with type 2 diabetes; provides dual benefit of A1C reduction and weight loss
- Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) — for patients with type 2 diabetes; most effective glucose-lowering agent with significant weight benefit
- All medications started at low dose with gradual titration to minimize side effects
Who Qualifies for Medical Weight Loss Treatment
Medical weight loss at Viva Medical Center is appropriate for adults who meet the following criteria:
- BMI ≥ 30 (obesity) — eligible for GLP-1 weight loss medications per FDA approval
- BMI ≥ 27 (overweight) with at least one weight-related comorbidity — diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, or sleep apnea
- Patients who have tried lifestyle modifications without achieving adequate results
- Patients with diabetes seeking both glycemic control and weight loss
- Patients looking to avoid or delay bariatric surgery
Our Comprehensive Weight Management Program
Our program goes far beyond prescribing a medication. Each patient receives:
- Complete medical evaluation — health history, physical exam, BMI, metabolic assessment
- Lab work — thyroid function, fasting insulin, A1C, lipids, liver function, CBC
- Personalized nutrition plan — realistic, culturally appropriate dietary guidance without extreme restriction
- Physical activity programming — individualized exercise recommendations based on current fitness level and physical limitations
- Behavioral coaching — strategies for sustainable habit change
- Medication management — prescription, titration, side effect management, and dose optimization
- Regular follow-up — monthly check-ins during active weight loss phase; quarterly once stable
- Insurance and cost navigation — prior authorization assistance and manufacturer savings program information
Expected Outcomes
With our medically supervised program, patients can expect:
- Meaningful weight loss within 4–8 weeks of starting GLP-1 therapy
- Average 13–20% total body weight loss at 12–18 months with consistent use and lifestyle support
- Significant improvement in A1C, blood pressure, and lipid levels
- Reduced cardiovascular risk — semaglutide reduced MACE by 20% in SELECT trial
- Improved energy, sleep quality, and physical function
- Reduction or elimination of weight-related medications (antihypertensives, diabetes medications) as weight improves