Weight Loss Medications
Doctor‑guided prescription treatments for safe, sustainable medical weight loss in Pennsylvania.
Doctor‑guided prescription treatments for safe, sustainable medical weight loss in Pennsylvania.
What is Zepbound?
Zepbound is the newest FDA-approved anti-obesity medication on the market. Zepbound (generic name Tirzepatide) is the first dual combination incretin peptide (GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist) to get FDA approval for obesity and weight loss. Zepbound is indicated for patients with a BMI of 27 or greater with a weight-related medical condition or for patients with a BMI of 30 and above.
What is Mounjaro?
Mounjaro (generic name Tirzepatide) is the first dual combination incretin peptide (GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist) to get FDA approval for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes. Mounjaro can also be used off-label for the treatment of overweight and obesity.
Operating as a dual receptor agonist drug, Zepbound and Mounjaro trigger the activation of GLP-1 and GIP hormone receptors. Activation of these receptors in the hunger center of the brain increases satiety and decreases hunger. Activation of these receptors in the gastrointestinal tract causes slowing of gastric emptying and slowing of food transit through the intestines. Zepbound and Mounjaro also improve the sensitivity of insulin, which helps to optimize blood sugars and decrease visceral fat stores.
Zepbound and Mounjaro are administered by injecting the medication from a prefilled pen, under the skin, one time per week. Zepbound is now also available in vials to be injected with a syringe, under the skin, one time per week.
What is Wegovy?
Wegovy (generic name Semaglutide) is a GLP-1 receptor agonist. Wegovy is indicated for patients with a BMI of 27 or greater with a weight-related medical condition or for patients with a BMI of 30 and above. Wegovy is now also indicated for secondary cardiovascular prevention in patients with overweight or obesity.
What is Ozempic?
Ozempic (generic name Semaglutide) is a GLP-1 receptor agonist. Ozempic is indicated for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes and to prevent the progression of chronic kidney disease in patients with Type 2 diabetes. Ozempic can also be used off-label for the treatment of overweight and obesity.
Operating as a GLP-1 receptor agonist drug, Wegovy and Ozempic trigger the activation of GLP-1 hormone receptors. Activation of these receptors in the hunger center of the brain increases satiety and decreases hunger. Activation of these receptors in the gastrointestinal tract causes slowing of gastric emptying and slowing of food transit through the intestines. Wegovy and Ozempic also improve the sensitivity of insulin, which helps to optimize blood sugars and decrease visceral fat stores.
Wegovy and Ozempic are administered by injecting the medication from a prefilled pen, under the skin, one time per week. Wegovy is now also available in a daily pill.
The most common side effects of these medications include decreased appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation and abdominal pain. These potential side effects can be minimized by starting at a low dose and titrating the dose as tolerated by the patient.
These medications start working within a few days of the first dose. Most patient feel appetite suppression within the first few days and can achieve notable weight loss within the first few weeks.
The cost of these medications depends on insurance coverage. Insurance companies require a prior-authorization to approve coverage. Insurance coverage qualifications for Wegovy and Zepbound include a BMI greater than / equal to 30 or greater than / equal to 27 with a weight-related medical condition. Some insurance companies will cover Wegovy for secondary cardiovascular protection. Some insurance companies will cover Zepbound for moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea. Mounjaro and Ozempic requires a diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes or for coverage. If you do not have coverage for any of these medications, your provider can help to find the least expensive way to pay out-of-pocket.
These medications have many health benefits including weight loss, treatment of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes, improvement of fatty liver, prevention of cardiovascular disease and slowing progression of chronic kidney disease. These medications are also being studied for memory / cognition and addiction.
Yes. GLP-1 and GLP-1/GIP medications are contraindicated for individuals with:
With so many companies claiming to have the “next best thing,” it can be hard to distinguish between what is legitimate and what is not. The rise of counterfeit GLP-1 and GLP-1/GIP drugs is a major concern. They may be marketed as authentic, but they may contain harmful or ineffective ingredients—sometimes too much, too little, or none of the active ingredient at all. At La Chelé, we prioritize your safety by only prescribing FDA-approved weight loss medications. If insurance does not cover weight loss medication, we will work with you to minimize the out-of-pocket cost.
We also offer several non-GLP weight loss medications that may be prescribed alone or in combination with a GLP-1 or GLP-1/GIP weight loss medication.
Phentermine – Increases metabolic rate and decreases appetite.
Qsymia (Phentermine + Topiramate) – Decreases appetite and cravings.
Contrave (Bupropion + Naltrexone) – Decreases cravings and reward eating.
Vyvanse – Indicated for Binge Eating Disorder.
Dr. Saltzman’s passion for Medical Weight Loss and Bariatric Medicine stems from her own life-long struggle with her weight. Despite trying many different diets and exercise programs, she would ultimately regain the weight she had worked so hard to lose. She understands the frustration of the seemingly endless cycle of weight loss and weight regain. During her medical training, Dr. Saltzman studied the physiology of weight gain and obesity. She feels strongly that uncontrolled weight gain and obesity are medical conditions in their own right. Weight gain does not occur only because of a lack of willpower but from a combination of genetics, hormonal imbalances, life stressors and environmental factors.
Losing weight can be extremely difficult when trying to overcome these factors, and then keeping the lost weight off can be even more challenging. Significant weight gain and obesity increase a person’s risk for developing weight-related conditions including: type 2 diabetes, hypertension, elevated cholesterol and polycystic ovarian syndrome.
As an endocrinologist, Dr. Saltzman has treated many patients with such medical conditions over the years. Her treatment approach has evolved to help patients lose weight in order to improve, and sometimes resolve, these medical conditions. Using her vast knowledge and experience, she has helped hundreds of patients successfully lose weight and maintain that healthier weight. Her patients’ weight loss success inspired her own weight loss journey. To pay it forward, Dr. Saltzman developed the La Chelé Lifestyle Medical Weight Loss Program with a mission to help patients to become the healthiest version of themselves.
Come and meet this knowledgeable expert and begin a weight loss journey to change your life!
Maureen McSorley is a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner with 25+ years of clinical experience and a refined focus in medical wellness, weight optimization, and hormone replacement therapy. She plays a key role in the development of the Wellness division at La Chele, where she delivers highly individualized, concierge-level care designed to optimize health, vitality, and longevity.
Maureen specializes in weight management and hormone optimization for women and men, with an emphasis on metabolic health, body composition, energy, and sustainable results. Her clinical philosophy reflects a shift away from reactive medicine toward a proactive, precision-based model that addresses root causes of hormonal imbalance and weight resistance.
Blending evidence-based medicine with advanced diagnostics and lifestyle optimization, Maureen partners closely with her patients to create customized treatment plans aligned with their individual physiology and goals. Her care is intentional, thoughtful, and results-driven—focused on long-term wellness rather than temporary solutions.
Known for her exceptional bedside manner and attention to detail, Maureen fosters trusted, long-term relationships with her patients. Her mission is to provide an elevated medical wellness experience that empowers individuals to feel confident, energized, and at their best—inside and out—through truly personalized, concierge-level care. Come meet Maureen and experience personalized medical wellness care designed exclusively around you.
