Obesity & Weight Management in St. Petersburg, FL
A physician-supervised plan built around your health, your labs and the way you actually live.
What Is Obesity?
Obesity is a long-term health condition where extra body fat raises the risk of other health problems. Doctors often start with body mass index, or BMI, but it is only one measure. Where you carry weight, your muscle mass and your lab results also matter.
Weight is shaped by metabolism, hormones, sleep, stress, medicines and genes, not just willpower. That is why diets alone often fail. Losing even a modest amount of weight can improve blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol and joint pain. A medical approach looks at the whole picture and adjusts as your body changes.
Health Effects of Excess Weight
Extra weight often shows up through its effects on the rest of your health.
Joint pain
Knees, hips and the lower back carry the extra load and can ache.
Low energy
Feeling tired or short of breath with everyday activity.
Poor sleep and snoring
Extra weight is linked to sleep apnea, which can leave you tired during the day.
Rising blood pressure
Weight gain often pushes blood pressure up.
Higher blood sugar
Prediabetes and type 2 diabetes are closely tied to excess weight.
Abnormal cholesterol
Higher triglycerides and lower HDL are common.
What Contributes to Weight Gain
Weight gain usually comes from several factors working together.
- Metabolic and hormonal changes
- Family history and genetics
- Certain medicines
- Poor sleep and ongoing stress
- Low physical activity
- Eating patterns shaped by a busy schedule
How We Treat Obesity and Weight Management
Our medical weight loss program is physician-supervised and starts with a full evaluation of your health, history and goals. Lab work is done when medically indicated. Every visit includes body composition analysis, so you see fat loss and lean mass changes, not just the number on the scale, plus a personalized diet plan that fits how you live.
When appropriate, your provider may prescribe GLP-1 medications such as tirzepatide, titrated under supervision, or an appetite suppressant like phentermine. Our Lipo-Mino-Mix-C lipotropic injection can complement your plan. You choose weekly, bi-weekly or monthly follow-up, and we adjust dosing and review labs as you progress.
- Physician-supervised weight loss program
- Body composition analysis at every visit
- GLP-1 and appetite suppressant prescriptions when medically indicated
- Lipotropic injections and flexible follow-up visits
When to See a Doctor
Book a visit if your weight is affecting your health or daily life, or if you have tried on your own without lasting results.
- Your weight is rising along with blood pressure, sugar or cholesterol
- Joint pain or tiredness is limiting your activity
- You have tried diets that did not last
- You want to know whether a GLP-1 medication is right for you
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you prescribe GLP-1 medications for weight loss?
Yes. When medically appropriate, our providers prescribe weekly GLP-1 medications and titrate the dose under supervision. Some medications are in limited supply, so call (727) 322-4227 to confirm availability before your visit.
What happens at my first weight loss visit?
Your first visit includes a consultation, body composition analysis, a personalized diet plan, lab work if medically indicated, and a Lipo-Mino-Mix-C injection. Your provider will also discuss whether medication makes sense for you.
What kind of doctor manages weight loss?
A primary care or family medicine doctor is a good place to start. Our providers check the health issues that often come with extra weight, such as blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol, and can prescribe weight loss medication when it fits. If you need a specialist or surgery, we refer you and stay in touch with your care.
Does insurance cover medical weight loss?
Insurance coverage varies by plan. Our program uses transparent visit pricing, and our team can walk you through costs and any coverage before you start.
Can I get care in Spanish?
Yes. You can have your visits in English or Spanish. Dr. Kathryn Syed is fluent in both and also sees patients for weight loss.
Related Conditions
Treatments for Obesity & Weight Management
We Accept Most Major Insurance Plans
Most major insurances accepted, please call our office to verify
More than a doctor's office, we are your partners in health and more than a patient, you are part of our community.