Medical Weight Loss in Tampa: A Physician-Guided Approach to Sustainable Results

Nov 25, 2025

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Quick Answers

What is medical weight loss?
Evidence-based care delivered by a physician, built on metabolic assessment, nutrition counseling, and (when appropriate) FDA-approved medications such as tirzepatide or semaglutide. It treats obesity as a chronic, relapsing disease and requires ongoing follow-up—not fad diets.

Why choose a concierge physician for medical weight loss in Tampa?
You receive direct access to your doctor, extended visits, and continuity of care that coordinates nutrition, labs, medication titration, and side-effect management under a single, accountable clinician. (Practice positioning per company bio.)

Tirzepatide vs. semaglutide: which is better?
Tirzepatide (Zepbound®) produces greater average weight loss (~20% vs. ~14% in head-to-head trials), while semaglutide (Wegovy®) holds the only FDA cardiovascular risk-reduction indication for weight loss medications. Your physician chooses based on your cardiometabolic profile, comorbidities, and treatment goals.

Does tirzepatide really work?
In the SURMOUNT-5 head-to-head trial, participants on tirzepatide achieved ~20% average body-weight reduction at 72 weeks versus ~14% with semaglutide, with physician-guided dose escalation and monitoring. The SURMOUNT-1 trial showed ~22% weight loss with the 15mg dose.

Any heart benefits?
Semaglutide’s SELECT trial showed it lowered major adverse cardiovascular events in adults with overweight/obesity and established cardiovascular disease, leading to an FDA label expansion (Mar 8, 2024) for cardiovascular risk reduction—the first and only such approval for a weight loss medication. Tirzepatide’s SURPASS-CVOT demonstrated cardiovascular safety with 8% fewer MACE events versus dulaglutide, with full results pending publication.

Are they safe?
Both medications have well-characterized risks (e.g., GI effects during titration; boxed warning re: thyroid C-cell tumors in rodents; contraindicated with personal/family history of MTC or MEN2). That’s why physician supervision is non-negotiable.

Our Promise as a Concierge Medicine Practice in Tampa Bay

Tampa Bay Concierge Doctor is a membership-based concierge medicine practice led by Dr. Khalid Saeed, D.O., with more than 30 years in emergency and internal medicine. We deliver premium, personalized care with:

24/7 direct access
Priority scheduling
Extended visits
House calls
Dedicated physician relationship

We are not a direct primary care (DPC), integrative, or functional medicine clinic; our identity and model are concierge medicine, full stop. (Practice positioning per company bio.)

When you choose medical weight loss in Tampa with our team, you’re selecting physician-guided care inside a concierge framework where access, thoroughness, and accountability come standard. That combination—concierge access plus evidence-based obesity care—is what helps sustain results.

What “Medical Weight Loss in Tampa” Means Clinically

A disease-model approach, not a diet product

Obesity is recognized as a chronic, relapsing disease. Guidelines emphasize a comprehensive plan: nutrition quality, physical activity, sleep, behavioral strategies, and when indicated anti-obesity medications (AOMs) under medical supervision. This is management, not willpower theater.

Baseline assessment and risk stratification

Your first visit includes a physician consultation and targeted labs (e.g., A1c, fasting lipids, thyroid panel as indicated) and an assessment of cardiometabolic risk and medication interactions. This enables safe pharmacotherapy when clinically appropriate and focuses the plan on measurable outcomes.

Individualized nutrition that fits real Tampa life

We’ll define protein targets, fiber goals, satiety strategies, hydration, sleep hygiene, and an activity roadmap (including progressive resistance training or low-impact alternatives). Standards of care call for ongoing follow-up, not “set and forget.”

Where Medications Fit: GLP-1 and Dual-Agonist Therapies

As a concierge practice, we don’t default to “newest” or “most marketed”—we match medication to patient. For someone with established cardiovascular disease, semaglutide’s proven CV risk reduction may be decisive. For someone prioritizing maximum weight reduction without CV disease, tirzepatide’s superior efficacy profile becomes compelling. Both are first-line, evidence-based options; neither is universally “best.”

Tirzepatide (Zepbound®): Dual GIP/GLP-1 Receptor Agonist

How tirzepatide works

Tirzepatide is the first dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. By activating both incretin hormone pathways, it enhances satiety, reduces appetite, and slows gastric emptying more effectively than GLP-1 agonism alone. The FDA-approved dose for chronic weight management is titrated up to a maximum of 15 mg weekly (Zepbound®) alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.

What the evidence shows—weight loss

SURMOUNT-1 (NEJM, 2021): Adults with overweight or obesity who received tirzepatide 15 mg weekly plus lifestyle intervention lost ~22% of their body weight at 72 weeks on average. The 10 mg dose achieved ~20% weight loss. Both significantly exceeded placebo (~3%).

SURMOUNT-5 (NEJM, 2025): The first head-to-head trial directly comparing tirzepatide to semaglutide in adults with obesity (without diabetes), tirzepatide achieved mean weight loss of ~20% versus ~14% with semaglutide at 72 weeks—a statistically and clinically significant difference. Participants on tirzepatide were more likely to achieve weight reductions of 10%, 15%, 20%, and 25% compared to those on semaglutide.

Real-world data (JAMA Internal Medicine, 2024): Study of over 18,000 propensity-matched patients showed that those receiving tirzepatide were significantly more likely to achieve clinically meaningful weight loss:

76% more likely to achieve ≥5% loss
154% more likely to achieve ≥10% loss
224% more likely to achieve ≥15% loss

What the evidence shows—cardiovascular outcomes

SURPASS-CVOT (results announced July 2025, full publication pending): Enrolled over 13,000 participants with type 2 diabetes and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Tirzepatide demonstrated noninferiority to dulaglutide (a GLP-1 agonist with established CV benefit) with 8% fewer major adverse cardiovascular events (HR 0.92; 95% CI 0.83-1.01). All-cause mortality and kidney function outcomes favored tirzepatide.

Important: Tirzepatide does not yet have an FDA indication for cardiovascular risk reduction in obesity—that remains unique to semaglutide. Additional cardiovascular outcomes trials are ongoing, including SURMOUNT-MMO in people with overweight/obesity and established cardiovascular disease.

FDA approval and safety

Tirzepatide (Zepbound®) was FDA-approved on November 8, 2023, for chronic weight management in adults with BMI ≥30 kg/m² or ≥27 kg/m² with at least one weight-related comorbidity. In December 2024, the FDA expanded the indication to include moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea in adults with obesity—the first medication approved for this indication.

Common side effects: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation—typically during dose escalation and often manageable with physician guidance.

Boxed Warning: Thyroid C-cell tumors in rodents; Zepbound® is contraindicated in patients with a personal/family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN2), or with prior serious hypersensitivity to tirzepatide. Evaluate for gallbladder disease and pancreatitis if symptoms arise; avoid use in pregnancy.

Semaglutide (Wegovy®): GLP-1 Receptor Agonist with Cardiovascular Indication

How semaglutide works

Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that enhances satiety and reduces appetite, enabling sustained caloric deficit with better adherence. The FDA-approved chronic weight-management dose is titrated up to 2.4 mg weekly (Wegovy®) alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.

What the evidence shows—weight loss

STEP-1 (NEJM, 2021): Adults with overweight or obesity who received semaglutide 2.4 mg weekly plus lifestyle intervention lost ~15% of their body weight at 68 weeks on average, vs. ~2–3% with placebo—one of the most robust results seen in a pivotal AOM trial at the time.

SURMOUNT-5 head-to-head: Semaglutide achieved ~14% mean weight loss, which, while lower than tirzepatide’s ~20%, still represents substantial and clinically meaningful weight reduction.

What the evidence shows—cardiovascular outcomes

SELECT trial (NEJM, 2023): In adults with established cardiovascular disease and overweight/obesity (without diabetes), semaglutide reduced major adverse cardiovascular events versus placebo. On March 8, 2024, the FDA expanded the Wegovy® label to include cardiovascular risk reduction in this population—the first approval of its kind for any weight loss medication.

This cardiovascular indication is what distinguishes semaglutide in our clinical decision-making. For patients with documented atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, prior MI, stroke, or peripheral artery disease, semaglutide may be the preferred first-line agent based on this proven risk reduction.

FDA approval and safety

Semaglutide (Wegovy®) was FDA-approved in June 2021 for chronic weight management, with the cardiovascular risk reduction indication added in March 2024.

Common side effects: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation—typically during dose escalation and often manageable with physician guidance.

Boxed Warning: Thyroid C-cell tumors in rodents; Wegovy® is contraindicated in patients with a personal/family history of MTC or MEN2 or with prior serious hypersensitivity to semaglutide. Evaluate for gallbladder disease and pancreatitis if symptoms arise; avoid use in pregnancy. Titration, monitoring, and education are core to safe, effective treatment.

How We Select Between Tirzepatide and Semaglutide

Our clinical decision framework considers:

Cardiovascular disease status: Documented atherosclerotic CVD, prior MI, stroke, or PAD may favor semaglutide due to its FDA-approved cardiovascular risk reduction indication.

Weight loss goals and baseline BMI: Higher starting BMI or ambitious weight reduction targets may favor tirzepatide given its superior average weight loss in head-to-head trials.

Comorbidity profile: Type 2 diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea, metabolic syndrome components all influence medication selection.

Prior GLP-1 experience: If a patient has used semaglutide with suboptimal weight loss, tirzepatide may offer additional benefit through its dual-agonist mechanism.

Tolerability and side effect profile: While GI side effects are similar, individual patient response varies. Some tolerate one medication better than the other.

Patient preference and treatment goals: After reviewing evidence and discussing risk-benefit profiles, patient values and preferences guide final selection.

Precision note: We follow FDA labeling and the latest medical standards; any off-label doses or non-approved combinations are not part of our protocol. For patients needing alternatives, we discuss other FDA-approved options within a physician-guided risk-benefit framework.

Medication Comparison: Clinical Profiles

Feature	Tirzepatide (Zepbound®)	Semaglutide (Wegovy®)
Mechanism	Dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist	GLP-1 receptor agonist
FDA Approval	November 8, 2023	June 4, 2021; CV expansion March 8, 2024
Mean Weight Loss	~20–22% (SURMOUNT trials, 72 wks)	~15% (STEP-1, 68 wks); ~14% (SURMOUNT-5 head-to-head)
Head-to-Head Data	Superior to semaglutide by ~6 percentage points (SURMOUNT-5)	Reference comparator
CV Outcomes Evidence	SURPASS-CVOT: noninferiority vs. dulaglutide, 8% fewer MACE	SELECT: reduced MACE vs. placebo; FDA-approved CV risk reduction indication
FDA CV Indication	Not yet; trials ongoing	Yes—first and only for weight loss medication
Dosing	2.5 mg → 15 mg weekly	0.25 mg → 2.4 mg weekly
Titration Schedule	4 weeks per dose increase	4 weeks per dose increase
Additional Indications	Moderate-to-severe OSA with obesity (Dec 2024)	None beyond weight management and CV risk reduction
Contraindications	Personal/family history of MTC or MEN2; serious hypersensitivity to tirzepatide	Personal/family history of MTC or MEN2; serious hypersensitivity to semaglutide
Boxed Warning	Thyroid C-cell tumors (rodent data)	Thyroid C-cell tumors (rodent data)

Medical Weight Loss in Tampa vs. Commercial Weight-Loss Programs

Feature	Physician-Guided Medical Weight Loss (Our Model)	Commercial Programs
Clinical evaluation & labs	Yes—baseline risk, medication safety, and comorbidity screening	Rarely
Evidence-based medications	Yes—AOMs (tirzepatide, semaglutide) when indicated and monitored	No prescription management
Personalized nutrition & behavior care	Yes—tailored to A1c, BP, lipid profile, sleep, activity, preferences	Often generic
Cardiovascular risk reduction	Possible with FDA-labeled therapy in the right population (Wegovy® label, 2024)	Not applicable
Medication selection based on individual profile	Standard—we match medication to patient comorbidities and goals	Not applicable
Follow-up and dose optimization	Standard of care with scheduled physician check-ins	Often short-term focus

Guidelines emphasize chronic disease management with continuous follow-up—precisely the kind of longitudinal partnership a concierge practice is built to deliver.

Your Program, Step-by-Step (What to Expect)

Weeks 0–4: Foundation & Baseline

Physician intake and comprehensive history
Targeted labs: A1c, lipids; thyroid panel as indicated
Cardiovascular risk assessment to inform medication selection
Nutrition plan with satiety-first strategies; activity plan that matches your starting point
If clinically appropriate, initiate tirzepatide or semaglutide with conservative titration and side-effect counseling
Shared decision-making: review evidence, discuss medication options, align on goals

Months 2–6: Titration & Momentum

Gradual dose uptitration per tolerance, with symptom check-ins
Protein and fiber targets refined; hydration and sleep support
Progressive resistance training (or alternatives) to protect lean mass
Monitoring of weight, waist circumference, blood pressure, and relevant labs
Medication adjustment if needed based on efficacy, tolerability, and emerging data

Months 6–12: Consolidation & Maintenance

Address plateaus with behavior and nutrition tweaks; evaluate physical activity periodization
Reassess cardiometabolic markers and treatment goals
Determine long-term maintenance: continue pharmacotherapy where indicated (obesity is chronic; discontinuation often leads to regain)
Consider medication switch if weight loss trajectory suboptimal or tolerability issues arise

What We Track (and Why It Matters)

% Total Body Weight Loss (TBWL): Primary outcome in clinical trials and real-world care. SURMOUNT-5 showed ~20% mean TBWL with tirzepatide and ~14% with semaglutide at 72 weeks. STEP-1 showed ~15% mean TBWL with semaglutide at 68 weeks.

Waist circumference & body composition: Central adiposity drives risk; we aim to reduce visceral fat while preserving lean mass via resistance training and adequate protein. (Standards emphasize comprehensive risk reduction.)

Cardiometabolic markers: A1c, triglycerides, LDL/HDL, BP. SELECT confirms event-level cardiovascular risk reduction with semaglutide in the right population. SURPASS-CVOT demonstrated cardiovascular safety with tirzepatide.

Function & quality of life: Energy, mobility, sleep—because maintaining loss requires a life you can actually live. (Standards call for ongoing follow-up and behavior support.)

Who Qualifies for Tirzepatide or Semaglutide?

Per FDA labeling, both tirzepatide (Zepbound®) and semaglutide (Wegovy®) for chronic weight management are considered for adults with:

BMI ≥30 kg/m², or
BMI ≥27 kg/m² with at least one weight-related comorbidity (e.g., hypertension, dyslipidemia, type 2 diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea, cardiovascular disease) when lifestyle intervention alone is insufficient.

Physician evaluation screens for contraindications and drug interactions before initiation. Medication selection between tirzepatide and semaglutide is based on your individual cardiometabolic profile, treatment goals, comorbidities, and shared decision-making with your physician.

Side-Effect Management: How We Help You Succeed

Gradual titration to minimize GI symptoms (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation)
Dietary strategies: smaller, protein-forward meals; adequate fiber and hydration
Symptom prompts: what to do and when to contact us (e.g., symptoms of gallbladder disease or pancreatitis)
Medication reviews: avoid interactions and duplications; coordinate other chronic conditions
Clear stop rules & follow-up cadence so no one “disappears between doses”
Medication switching: if tolerability or efficacy issues arise with one agent, we can transition to the alternative with proper titration

The Tampa Bay Concierge Doctor Difference

Concierge first: Our primary identity is concierge medicine, not DPC, integrative, or functional medicine. That means 24/7 access, house calls, extended visits, and a dedicated physician relationship—the backbone of our medical weight loss in Tampa program. (Practice positioning per company bio.)

Evidence-based always: We adhere to current ADA Standards of Care and FDA labeling for safety and efficacy. We do not make claims that extend beyond peer-reviewed evidence or product labels.

Personalized medication selection: We don’t prescribe based on marketing or trends. We evaluate your cardiovascular disease status, weight loss goals, comorbidity profile, and preferences to select between tirzepatide and semaglutide—or other FDA-approved agents—within a physician-guided risk-benefit framework.

Continuity & privacy: All coaching, labs, titrations, and follow-ups stay within a single physician-led team focused on your long-term health.

Transparent Membership & Pricing

Membership Plans:

Luxe Care: $200/month per person
Premier Care: $400/month per person
Elite Care: $800/month per person
Student VIP: $150/month per person
Business VIP: $150/month per person
Weight Loss Program: $200/month per person

The practice operates on a membership basis and does not accept health insurance. This supports access, time, and continuity that reinforce sustainable outcomes in medical weight loss in Tampa. (Practice details per company bio.)

Contact: 813-773-6715 • info@tampabayconciergedoctor.com • 201 E Kennedy Blvd, Suite 415, Tampa, FL 33602

Frequently Asked Questions

How many visits will I have?

A concierge relationship means responsive access and scheduled touchpoints. We see you more frequently early on (for titration and coaching), then space visits as you stabilize. That cadence is consistent with standards calling for ongoing follow-up to prevent regain.

Can I stop medication once I hit my goal?

Obesity is chronic; stopping medication often results in weight regain. Long-term management is part of the model, tailored to your risk profile and preferences. We revisit benefits/risks regularly and never “lock” you into a therapy without re-evaluation.

Is tirzepatide or semaglutide the only option?

No. They are two tools in a comprehensive plan. We assess candidacy for FDA-approved agents and align choices with your labs, comorbidities, cardiovascular disease status, and preferences—all within label guidance and the latest standards. Other FDA-approved weight loss medications may be appropriate for some patients.

Which medication is right for me—tirzepatide or semaglutide?

The choice depends on your individual profile. If you have established cardiovascular disease (prior MI, stroke, PAD, or documented atherosclerotic CVD), semaglutide’s FDA-approved cardiovascular risk reduction indication may make it the preferred choice. If your primary goal is maximum weight reduction and you don’t have established CVD, tirzepatide’s superior weight loss efficacy (~20% vs. ~14% in head-to-head trials) may be compelling. We review the evidence with you and make a shared decision based on your complete cardiometabolic picture.

What about heart health?

If you have established cardiovascular disease, semaglutide now carries an FDA-approved indication to reduce the risk of cardiovascular death, heart attack, and stroke when combined with lifestyle measures—the first and only such approval for a weight loss medication. Tirzepatide has demonstrated cardiovascular safety in the SURPASS-CVOT trial with 8% fewer major adverse cardiovascular events compared to dulaglutide, though it does not yet have an FDA cardiovascular indication. We’ll discuss whether either medication’s cardiovascular profile applies to your situation.

Are there serious risks?

Serious adverse events are uncommon but can include gallbladder problems and rare pancreatitis. Both Zepbound® and Wegovy® have a boxed warning regarding thyroid C-cell tumors (rodent data); both are contraindicated with MTC/MEN2 and not recommended in pregnancy. We educate you on symptom prompts and maintain close follow-up. Side effect profiles are similar between the two medications, though individual tolerability varies.

What if the first medication I try doesn’t work well for me?

If you experience suboptimal weight loss, tolerability issues, or side effects with one medication, we can transition to the alternative agent with proper dose titration. Having both tirzepatide and semaglutide in our formulary gives us flexibility to optimize your treatment based on real-world response.

I’ve heard tirzepatide is more effective. Should I take that instead of semaglutide?

In head-to-head trials, tirzepatide produces approximately 6 percentage points more weight loss on average at 72 weeks (~20% vs. ~14%). However, semaglutide holds the only FDA cardiovascular risk-reduction indication for obesity pharmacotherapy. We evaluate your complete cardiometabolic profile—not just BMI—before recommending either agent. Neither medication is universally “best”; the right choice depends on your individual clinical picture.

Why “Medical Weight Loss Tampa” Belongs Inside Concierge Care

If you’re searching for medical weight loss Tampa, you’re not just looking for a number on a scale—you’re investing in healthspan. Concierge medicine strengthens every pillar of the plan: rapid access for symptom questions, time for thoughtful medication selection and dose adjustments, and a physician who knows your history across years, not weeks. That continuity is how weight loss becomes sustainable.

Our practice offers both tirzepatide and semaglutide, matched to your individual needs. We don’t chase trends or marketing; we follow evidence and FDA labeling to select the medication most likely to help you achieve your goals safely.

Conclusion & Next Steps

Tampa Bay Concierge Doctor delivers medical weight loss in Tampa through a concierge lens: physician-guided plans, evidence-based therapies like tirzepatide and semaglutide matched to your cardiometabolic profile, and a commitment to your long-term health. If you’re ready to move beyond quick fixes to a program that respects your biology, your schedule, and your goals, we’re here.

Call 813-773-6715 or schedule your consultation now:

Citations

FDA – Zepbound Approval – U.S. Food and Drug Administration (Zepbound approval)
FDA – Wegovy Cardiovascular Indication – U.S. Food and Drug Administration (Wegovy cardiovascular indication)