2025 kicks off with more weight loss methods at your disposal than ever. But before you take the plunge, educate yourself on what will work best for your body, your health and your budget. Our experts weigh in to help you do just that.
t’s been a while since we first started being bombarded by those ads blaring “O..O..O..Ozempic!” into our living rooms. Now, there’s a range of weight loss injectables that work on the GLP-1 receptor to help battle excess weight (and elevated blood sugar) and the use of them for weight reduction is no longer a privilege reserved only for those with outsized budgets — although insurance still does not cover them for weight loss. As the new year kicks off, the influence of such drugs is expected to evolve significantly, driven by new developments, broader accessibility (there is an app — actually, there are many apps — for that) and an increased understanding of their benefits and risks.
As research continues, semaglutide (Ozempic) and tirzepatide (you may know it as Mounjaro or Zepbound) may see expanded indications beyond their current uses, leading to new groups of patients benefiting from them. Both are injectable, but there is strong potential for oral versions of both drugs to emerge, making them more convenient and less intimidating for patients with an aversion to needles. Research into extended-release versions both could reduce the injection frequency from once a week to once a month or even less, further improving patient compliance and convenience.
But while many patients find the ever-increasing availability of the drugs to be appealing, medical experts we spoke to emphasize the importance of using them as part of a holistic program overseen and managed by experts who can address any issues that might occur during a patient’s weight loss journey.
“We do a comprehensive consultation with our nurse practitioner or with me and ask all the right questions,” says Kevin Harrilal, chief operations officer at Medical Anti-Aging in Fort Lauderdale. “We start all of our patients on tirzepatide, so it is our No. 1 seller. We have introduced other products that have come out as well, so if someone plateaus, we might introduce them to a different product.”
Harrilal emphasizes that theirs is a concierge service and medically supervised, an important distinction from many new services that allow patients to purchase compounded GLP-1s simply by filling out a form online or in an app. “We are not a med spa or just a pharmacy where you get the medication, go home and use it. Our approach includes 30-day, six-week and 90-day check-ins to make sure you’re good to continue or to see if we need to make adjustments. If people lose weight too quickly, we lower the dose and back them up under medical supervision.”
Harrilal points out that while many med spas and even chiropractors and acupuncturists can prescribe weight loss medications because their license allows it, they don’t necessarily have the background or knowledge base to assist clients with side effects or issues that may occur. “Depending on where these professionals are getting the drug compounded, patients can end up with nausea, vomiting, welts at the injection site, various immune system responses and reactions,” he points out. “It’s significantly cheaper per vial to use synthetic products, but they don’t work. We work with two of the most reputable compounding pharmacies in the country. They’re a little more expensive because they aren’t generic or synthetic; they’re using a higher-grade chemical to compound. That’s something else many people aren’t aware of.
If your injections are costing less than $100 per shot, Harrilal advises, you should question where the product is coming from. “Our program costs $1,200 for three months, which is very fairly priced,” he says of Medical Anti-Aging Spa, “but we don’t sell it monthly. You can’t start this program for a month and then get off. It affects your entire body composition. In the first month, we’re getting you used to it. We start at a low dosage, then go up, and determine after that if you have lost what you want.”
Alternative methods: No needles necessary
If, regardless of the wave of success stories we’re bombarded with daily, you just can’t reconcile the idea of a needle-based regimen, there are other alternatives that can result in excellent outcomes.
Jamie Luu, RDN, LDN, is the nutrition and strategy manager for Almased USA, a natural, science-backed alternative to today’s most popular weight loss methods. Made from clean, high-quality ingredients, including 80 potent anti-aging bioactive peptides, Almased is scientifically proven to reduce weight after four weeks, optimize metabolism, detox the liver and support healthy blood sugar, allowing your body to function at its best.
“Whether used on its own or alongside weight loss injections, Almased addresses key challenges like hunger control and muscle preservation,” says Luu. “Many individuals using injections experience muscle loss, which slows metabolism, and struggle with intense hunger once they stop [the shots]. Almased’s complete protein provides all essential amino acids in the right ratios. This increases fat burning while preserving muscle, helping you lose weight and optimize your metabolism.”
The product is designed to be part of a structured, scientifically researched three-phase meal replacement plan that includes a combination of shakes and solid healthy meals. In the detox phase, all three of your daily meals are replaced with Almased shakes for three days to jumpstart your liver detox and set the stage for optimizing metabolic health. Then comes the weight reduction phase, which entails replacing two meals a day with Almased shakes and eating one healthy, balanced meal. This phase is where the core benefits of Almased take effect, supported by over 30 peer-reviewed studies showing that it helps unclog fat from the liver, optimizes metabolism, enhances calorie and fat burning, improves hunger control and satiety, supports healthy blood sugar levels and maintain healthy cholesterol levels. And finally, the health, youth and performance phase is when you’ll transition to a sustainable lifestyle, so your daily intake changes to include two solid meals and one Almased shake. This phase helps maintain weight loss and delivers additional health benefits, such as stronger hair and nails, glowing skin, improved mood and sustained energy.
So, with so many shake-based weight loss programs on the market, what makes Almased stand out as a sustainable option? “Most other meal replacements and dietary supplements contain an inferior source of protein, which can lead to muscle loss and a slower metabolism-—an all-too-common frustration with other programs,” Luu says. “Almased uses a superior protein source, which is easy to digest and absorb.”
The product’s clean and natural ingredients prevent it from causing unpleasant side effects, and its high-quality protein helps preserve muscle and increase fat burning, keeping your metabolism running efficiently.
THE SEXES ARE NOT ALWAYS EQUAL (WHEN IT COMES TO WEIGHT LOSS PROGRAMS, THAT IS)
With 20 years in private practice South Florida as a gynecologist and for about 13 years specializing in the arena of anti-aging and esthetic medicine, Fort Lauderdale-based physician Dr. Jabal Uffelman’s primary focus is treating hormone imbalances with natural hormone pellet therapy. “Weight loss is a natural byproduct of hormone imbalance — especially in women, who make up the biggest part of our practice,” he says. “For the past two years since the GLP-1 medications hit the scene, we have had great successes and outcomes by combining the two therapies and using a comprehensive multidisciplinary approach with our patients on their weight loss journey.”
Dr. Uffelman points out that it is fundamental to understand how women and men differ when it comes to weight control — primarily hormonally. “Men, of course, have much higher levels of testosterone than women, and it’s common sense that testosterone is a hormone involved in the production of energy, formation of muscle mass and reduction in body fat,” he explains. “Women, on the other hand, have higher levels of estrogen than men, and, of course, estrogen is associated with fat deposition, primarily in the belly and hips — hence the difference in the typical masculine versus feminine body types.”
Add to this, the “hormonal rollercoaster” that can affect women because of their menstrual cycles, perimenopause and menopause, and you have a recipe for anxiety-inspired cravings. “It’s a vicious cycle, because where in the body is the majority of estrogen produced? In the body fat,” he continues. “Therefore, simple calorie restriction in women isn’t usually enough. We have to address the underlying hormone imbalance. A combination of subcutaneous testosterone therapy with select botanical supplementation has been giving remarkable results.”
His process with patients begins with a review of their history and a comprehensive physical exam, including labs, to evaluate any risk factors and deficiencies. All patients are advised to see a nutritionist for meal plans and consult with Dr. Uffelman’s colleague, Dr. Ronald Moore, a bariatric surgeon. Only after risks are assessed and/or ruled out will patients be put on a plan that is appropriate for them.
The initial process is similar at Total Weight and Wellness Solutions in Plantation. There, board-certified anesthesiologist Dr. Faisal Huda and nurse anesthetist Jeremy Mendez, CRNA, APRN, work together to create a personalized and comprehensive plan tailored to each patient.
“Each patient begins their journey with us by completing a comprehensive intake form, which gathers information about their medical history and personal experiences with weight management,” Dr. Huda says. “Following this, we conduct a thorough physical examination, including an advanced body composition analysis using our state-of-the-art InBody scale. This technology provides detailed metrics such as body weight, body fat percentage, muscle mass, and visceral fat levels.”
After reviewing the results with the patient, a collaborative discussion about weight loss goals follows, along with an exploration of various treatment options and identifying the approach that best aligns with a given patient’s needs and preferences. “We emphasize patient participation in developing their treatment plan, as research shows that active involvement significantly improves success in achieving and maintaining weight loss,” Dr. Huda says.
Ongoing, personalized support is a major part of the weight loss journey here. “We conduct weekly check-ins via our innovative telehealth app to monitor progress, ensuring patients are consistently achieving their weight loss goals,” Dr. Huda points out. “These check-ins also help us verify adherence to the customized nutrition plan, as our ultimate aim is not just weight loss but fostering overall health and well-being.
Additionally, our patients have direct access to our team whenever they encounter challenges or require guidance. We are committed to being readily available, equipping them with the tools, resources, and encouragement they need for long-term success.”
As we enter 2025, Total Weight and Wellness is expanding its telehealth services to make them accessible throughout the entire state of Florida, allowing them to provide high-quality support to more patients than ever before.
“Additionally,” Dr. Huda adds, “we are eagerly anticipating the outcomes of clinical trials for new weight loss medications currently in development, which are expected to become available in the near future. These advancements represent exciting opportunities to further support our patients in achieving their health and wellness goals.”
