Weight Loss Management

Personalized support for safe, sustainable weight loss

At Appalachian Health of Ohio, we understand that weight loss is not simply about willpower. Medical conditions, metabolism, medications, stress, lifestyle, and access to care can all affect weight. Our weight loss management program provides personalized evaluation, ongoing support, and evidence-informed treatment options to help patients work toward healthier, sustainable results.

For patients who qualify, treatment may include prescription weight loss medications, including GLP-1 medication options like Semaglutide when clinically appropriate.

A medically supervised approach

Our program begins with a comprehensive visit to better understand your health history, current weight concerns, previous weight loss efforts, medications, lifestyle, and goals. From there, we create an individualized care plan that may include:

• Health history review and risk assessment

• Weight, BMI, and vital sign monitoring

• Nutrition and lifestyle counseling

• Review of medication options

• Ongoing follow-up visits

• Dose monitoring and side effect management when medication is prescribed

• Support with realistic, sustainable goal setting

Our goal is to provide structured medical guidance rather than a one-size-fits-all diet or exercise plan.

Who may be a candidate?

You may be a candidate for medical weight loss management if you:

• Have struggled to lose weight with lifestyle changes alone

• Have obesity or are overweight with weight-related health concerns

• Want medical guidance and accountability

• Are interested in discussing prescription weight loss options

• Are willing to participate in follow-up visits and lifestyle changes

A consultation is required to determine whether treatment is appropriate.

Who may not be a candidate?

GLP-1 medications may not be appropriate for patients with certain medical histories. You should tell your provider if you:

• Are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding

• Have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma

• Have Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2

• Have a history of pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, kidney problems, or severe gastrointestinal disease

• Take insulin or medications that may lower blood sugar

• Have had a serious allergic reaction to semaglutide or a similar medication

FDA-approved semaglutide labeling includes a warning about thyroid C-cell tumors and advises against use in patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or MEN 2. The labeling also states that Wegovy should be used with reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.

What to expect

1. Initial consultation 

We review your health history, weight history, medications, goals, and risk factors.

2. Individualized plan

Your provider discusses nutrition, activity, behavioral strategies, and possible medication options.

3. Medication review, if appropriate

If a prescription is clinically appropriate, your provider will discuss expected benefits, possible risks, side effects, cost, availability, and alternatives.

4. Ongoing monitoring

Follow-up visits help monitor progress, adjust the treatment plan, review side effects, and support long-term success.

*In-person visits may be required at the Athens Family Practice Office for initial consultation and as determined by the provider

Common side effects

Possible side effects of GLP-1 medications may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal discomfort, decreased appetite, reflux, fatigue, or headache. Serious side effects are less common but can occur. You should seek medical care for severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, signs of dehydration, allergic reaction, or symptoms that concern you.

Our focus

We believe weight loss care should be safe, respectful, and medically guided. Our approach focuses on improving health, reducing risk factors, and helping patients build habits that can be maintained over time.

We do not promise a specific amount of weight loss. Results vary by patient, medication tolerance, adherence, lifestyle changes, and underlying health conditions.

Schedule a consultation

Take the first step toward a personalized weight loss plan.

Request an appointment online to schedule your medical weight loss consultation.

Website disclaimer

Medical weight loss treatment requires an individualized evaluation. Prescription medications are provided only when clinically appropriate. Compounded medications are not FDA-approved and may not be appropriate or available for every patient. This website is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a licensed health care provider.

Pharmacy 

Compounded Medications are currently sent to TheDrugStore on East State in Athens, Ohio. 

Brand name medications are subject to insurance approval. Not all insurance plans cover weight loss medication. Please check with your prescription drug plan for coverage information.