Question 1

What is medical weight loss?

Accepted Answer

Medical weight loss is physician-supervised treatment for overweight or obesity using prescription medications, laboratory monitoring, nutritional counseling, and individualized follow-up care. It is distinct from commercial programs in that a licensed physician directs treatment, manages medication safety, and adjusts the plan based on clinical response over time.

Question 2

How is medical weight loss different from a diet program?

Accepted Answer

Diet programs focus primarily on caloric restriction through meal plans, portion control, or proprietary food products — without addressing the underlying hormonal and neurological mechanisms that drive overeating and weight regain. Medical weight loss uses FDA-reviewed medications that act directly on appetite-regulating pathways in the brain, alongside dietary guidance. The result is typically more significant and more sustained weight reduction than diet programs alone achieve.

Question 3

What is the average weight loss with GLP-1 medications?

Accepted Answer

In randomized controlled trials, participants achieved mean body weight reductions of approximately 14.9% with semaglutide 2.4 mg/week over 68 weeks (STEP-1, NEJM 2021) and up to 20.9% with tirzepatide 15 mg/week over 72 weeks (SURMOUNT-1, NEJM 2022). Individual results vary based on starting weight, adherence, dose achieved, and concurrent lifestyle changes. These figures represent averages from controlled trials and should not be interpreted as guaranteed outcomes.

Question 4

How long do I need to stay on GLP-1 medications?

Accepted Answer

GLP-1 medications treat obesity as an ongoing condition, similar to how antihypertensives treat high blood pressure. Clinical trial data consistently show that discontinuing medication leads to weight recurrence in the majority of patients. The decision about duration is individualized and depends on treatment response, side effect tolerance, insurance coverage, and the patient's long-term health goals. Dr. Gates discusses long-term management planning at every stage of care.

Question 5

Is medical weight loss covered by insurance in Georgia?

Accepted Answer

Coverage varies by plan and employer. Wegovy (semaglutide for weight management) and Zepbound (tirzepatide for weight management) are covered by some commercial insurance plans, but not universally. Medicare Part D historically has not covered anti-obesity medications, though this is an area of active legislative debate. Medicaid coverage in Georgia is limited. Scale Solutions performs insurance verification during the intake process. See our Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Program page for Medicare-specific options.

Question 6

Do you offer telehealth?

Accepted Answer

Telehealth follow-up visits are available for established patients in certain circumstances. However, the initial consultation and any visit requiring physical examination or laboratory review is conducted in person at one of our three Coastal Georgia offices. Dr. Gates believes that effective physician-patient relationships in weight management require in-person engagement, particularly at the start of treatment.

Question 7

How quickly can I get an appointment?

Accepted Answer

Appointment availability varies by office and demand. We encourage prospective patients to call or email to inquire about current wait times. In most cases, new patient consultations can be scheduled within a few weeks. Call (912) 352-7546 or email info@scale-solutions.com to check availability.

Question 8

Do you accept Medicare?

Accepted Answer

Scale Solutions accepts Medicare for physician evaluation and management services. Medicare Part B covers office visits; however, Medicare Part D drug coverage for anti-obesity medications remains limited as of the date of this writing. Our Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Program page explains the current coverage landscape and alternative access pathways for Medicare-enrolled patients.

LASTING WEIGHT LOSS RESULTS

Medical Weight Loss