For some patients, an FDA-approved appetite suppressant like phentermine — combined with close physician supervision — is a more appropriate starting point than a GLP-1 medication. Because phentermine is a controlled substance, treatment requires an in-person evaluation with Dr. Jenn; this program is not available through telemedicine.
Physician-assisted weight loss pairs prescription medication with real measurement, accountability, and a tailored plan — not a one-size-fits-all pill. Below is what to expect at each stage of the program.
1. MEDICAL ANALYSIS
Starting a weight loss program with a physician can feel intimidating — many patients worry about not qualifying, about extensive testing, or about a rigid schedule they won’t be able to keep up with. We understand those concerns, and our approach is built to address them directly. Weight loss is genuinely difficult for most people, which is exactly why a tailored medical program can make a meaningful difference where diet and exercise alone haven’t been enough.
Medical analysis helps identify your body composition — how much of your weight is made up of fat, muscle, and water. This breakdown matters because it lets us target actual fat loss specifically, rather than risking the loss of muscle mass along with it. The nutrition guidance we discuss during your visit takes your individual body composition into account, rather than applying a generic diet plan to everyone.
2. Meetings With The Doctor
Your program begins with an initial evaluation and exam. At each visit to our West Palm Beach office, you’ll discuss your progress with your provider, review what’s working, and adjust your plan as needed. Being open and honest about your results — including setbacks — helps your provider make the right adjustments to support your progress.
Your provider is also a resource for practical guidance tailored to your specific situation, and can help pace your weight loss at a safe, sustainable rate rather than pursuing rapid results.
A note on thyroid concerns: It’s common for patients to wonder whether an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) is contributing to their weight. This is a reasonable question to ask, and it’s one your provider can help answer — a simple TSH and T4 blood panel can determine whether thyroid function is playing a role. For most patients, thyroid levels turn out to be within normal range, but for those where it is a factor, that’s valuable information for your provider to have, and may involve coordinating care with an endocrinologist.
3. Measuring Water Weight
In the early months of your program, we’ll track and account for water weight changes — a normal part of the process, especially in the first few weeks. Understanding your starting point helps set an accurate baseline before transitioning into a steady, sustainable fat-loss phase.
Weight loss is rarely just about the physical side — it’s often connected to habits, mindset, and even how we relate to food. Recognizing this is often part of building a healthier long-term relationship with eating.
Understanding Your Relationship with Food
Many people eat in response to stress, anxiety, boredom, or emotional difficulty rather than physical hunger, and this pattern is extremely common — not a personal failing. Late-night snacking, eating during periods of poor sleep, and overeating in the evening after under-eating earlier in the day are all patterns we frequently see and can help you work through as part of your program.
