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Weight Loss Specialist in NJ

Weight Loss Doctors | Medications & Injections | Customized Meal Plans
Medical Weight Loss in New Jersey

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Ajay Goyal, FACS

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Healthiest Weight with
Medical Weight Loss

Victoria + Janet's Medical Weight Loss Story*
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Weight Loss Specialists | FDA-Approved Medications & Injections | Customized Meal Plans

Weight Loss Injections in NJ: FDA-Approved Prescription Medications for Effective Results

Prescription weight loss medications and injections such as Wegovy® and Zepbound™ support weight loss by decreasing hunger while simultaneously increasing feelings of satiety, leading to reduced food intake and overall absorption of calories.

When deciding which weight loss medication or injection is right for you, it's important to consider the average weight loss, side effects, whether or not you prefer injections or capsules, and obesity-related conditions. On average, patients lose between 10-20% of their body weight as early as 6 months with prescription weight loss medications.

Enter your information to calculate your BMI and potential weight loss.
Calculate Your BMI and Potential Weight Loss with Prescription Weight Loss Medication
lbs.
ft.
in.
Calculate your potential weight loss.
Your Personalized Report
Your BMI is .
Morbidly Obese
40 and above
Severely Obese
35 - 39.9
Obese
30 - 34.9
Overweight
25 - 29.9
Healthy
18.6 - 24.9
Underweight
18.5 and below
Speaking with a Weight Loss Specialist in NJ: How to Ask Your Doctor for Weight Loss Medications 
Have a BMI of 30 or greater
01
Have a BMI of 27 or more with at least one weight-related medical condition
02
If you meet the criteria, our clinical team will review your individual medical history to help determine which FDA-approved weight loss medication is best for you.
Zepbound® vs Wegovy® vs Saxenda® vs Qsymia® Comparison
Medications
Zepbound®
(Tirzepatide)
Wegovy®
(Semaglutide)
Saxenda®
(Liraglutide)
Qsymia®
(Phentermine & Topiramate)
What to Expect
Once weekly injection
Once weekly injection
Once daily injection
One tablet daily
How it helps you lose weight
Reduce appetite, food intake, body fat and body weight
Increase satiety and control portions
Increase satiety and control portions
Suppress appetite and control cravings
Weight loss
16-20% of body weight
15-18% of body weight
15-18% of body weight
10% of body weight
Prescription Medication Comparison
What to Expect
Zepbound™
(Tirzepatide)
  • Once weekly injection
Wegovy®
(Semaglutide)
  • Once weekly injection
Saxenda®
(Liraglutide)
  • Once weekly injection
Qsymia®
(Phentermine & Topiramate)
  • One tablet daily
How you lose weight
Zepbound™
  • Reduce appetite, food intake, body fat and body weight
Wegovy®
  • Increase satiety and control portions
Saxenda®
  • Increase satiety and control portions
Qsymia®
  • Suppress appetite and control cravings
Weight loss
Zepbound™
  • 16-20% of body weight
Wegovy®
  • 15-18% of body weight
Saxenda®
  • 15-18% of body weight
Qsymia®
  • 10% of body weight

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Weight Loss Nutrition Planning

What to Eat While Taking Weight Loss Medications

At your first appointment, you will meet with one of our registered dietitians who will get to know you as an individual, learn about your personal weight goals and review your current dietary habits.
devise a program unique to your needs and lifestyle
Our RDs will devise a program that is unique to your needs and lifestyle. Our team evaluates your medical history, nutritional status, vitals and metabolic profile and then works with you to develop a whole-foods-based, nutrient-dense meal plan that won’t leave you feeling deprived.
Many of our patients like using meal replacements because they relieve them of some of the work of meal planning while still providing balanced nutrition and hunger control. Our dietitians evaluate the products currently on the market to recommend only the ones that promote safe and sustainable weight loss. Products are sold at each of our offices for your convenience and include meal replacement protein shakes, protein bars and snacks.

Prescription Weight Loss FAQs

Currently, New Jersey Bariatric Center® prescribes Wegovy®, Zepbound®,  Saxenda® and Qsymia® depending on availability.
Each insurance plan has different coverage for medical weight loss. To find out if you have coverage for prescription weight loss medications and injections, contact your insurance provider and ask if you have coverage for branded anti-obesity drugs. If you do not have coverage, you have the option to pay out of pocket if you meet the prescription medical weight loss criteria outlined above.
Patients in our New Jersey Bariatric Center® weight loss program will meet with a weight loss specialist  - a doctor or PA once per month to review their progress and adjust their treatment plan if necessary.
As with all weight loss medications and injections, there are side effects. It’s important to discuss the side effects of any medication you are taking with your healthcare provider. The side effects of the most common medications include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, stomach pain, headache, tiredness/fatigue, upset stomach, dizziness, bloating, belching, gas, stomach flu, heartburn, runny nose and sore throat.

Potentially severe side effects of taking weight loss medications include inflammation of your pancreas/pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, thyroid tumors, increased heart rate, increased risk of hypoglycemia/low blood sugar, kidney infections, allergic reaction, change in vision and depression or thoughts of suicide.

Risks of weight loss medications include injection site pain, infection or bruising.
The length of time for taking weight loss medications vary based on your goals and response. Some patients take weight loss medications until they reach their goal weight and some patients take the medications long-term to maintain their results. Your care team including your doctor or physician assistant will meet with you to create a personalized plan and adjust based on your progress based on your progress. 

Weight loss with medication will happen gradually. Injections like Wegovy® and Zepbound® are often started at a lower dose to help your body get used to the active ingredients and limit side effects. Most patients start losing weight at around 2-3 weeks but individual results may vary.

Ozempic® and Wegovy® contain the same active ingredient, semaglutide but are approved for different purposes. Ozempic is FDA-approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and Wegovy is FDA-approved for weight loss.

Ozempic® and Wegovy® contain the same active ingredient (semaglutide) but are approved for different purposes and prescribed at different doses.

FeatureOzempic®Wegovy®
Active IngredientSemaglutideSemaglutide
FDA ApprovalType 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease reductionChronic weight management, cardiovascular disease reduction
Dosing Range0.25 mg - 2 mg weekly0.25 mg - 2.4 mg weekly
Maximum Dose2 mg2.4 mg
Injection FrequencyOnce weeklyOnce weekly
Average Weight Loss5-10% (not primary purpose)15-16%


The same pattern applies to Mounjaro® and Zepbound®, which both contain tirzepatide. Mounjaro is FDA-approved for type-2 diabetes and Zepbound is FDA-approved for weight loss.

FeatureMounjaro®Zepbound®
Active IngredientTirzepatideTirzepatide
FDA ApprovalType 2 diabetesChronic weight management
Dosing Range2.5 mg - 15 mg weekly2.5 mg - 15 mg weekly
Maximum Dose15 mg15 mg
Injection FrequencyOnce weeklyOnce weekly
Average Weight Loss10-15% (not primary purpose)18-22%


Key Takeaway
: While the medications contain identical ingredients, the weight loss formulations (Wegovy® and Zepbound®) are prescribed at higher doses specifically for obesity treatment, resulting in more weight loss than their diabetes counterparts.

Yes, but you won’t have to follow a restrictive diet. Optimal results with weight loss medications are achieved when combined with balanced eating habits, lifestyle changes and exercise. The medications work by reducing your appetite so you eat smaller portions but what you eat still matters in order to achieve your weight loss goals. As a part of our weight loss program, you’ll work closely with a registered dietitian who will help you formulate a meal plan that works best for you. Our program also offers monthly nutritional support groups where you’ll be able to get new meal ideas, find solutions to common nutritional problems and ask our dietitians any questions that you may have.

What changes to expect:

What you'll focus onWhy it matters
Smaller portionsMedications reduce appetite, so you'll naturally eat less -- focus on nutrient-dense foods
Higher protein intakeHelps preserve muscle mass during weight loss and keeps you satisfied longer
More fiber-rich foodsVegetables, fruits, whole grains support digestive health and reduce GI side effects
Limiting high-fat/greasy foodsCan worsen nausea and digestive discomfort common with GLP-1 medications
Staying hydratedImportant for managing side effects and supporting metabolism

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