Medical Weight Management Program

At Marielis Health and Wellness, our medical weight-loss program is designed to provide safe, effective, and personalized support for individuals seeking long-term weight reduction. Our approach combines evidence-based medication therapy, lifestyle guidance, and ongoing clinical monitoring to help you achieve sustainable results.

Comprehensive Health Evaluation

Before starting any weight-loss medication, including Contrave or GLP-1 therapies such as semaglutide (Ozempic®) or tirzepatide, we begin with a thorough medical assessment. This includes:

• A detailed personal and family health history

• Review of past weight-loss attempts

• Evaluation of current medications and medical conditions

• Screening for contraindications and safety concerns

• Review of recent laboratory work (drawn within the last 6 months)

If up-to-date labs are not available, we will order the necessary testing before any prescriptions are issued. This ensures that treatment is safe, medically appropriate, and tailored to your individual needs.

Safety Screening & Contraindications

Both Contrave and GLP-1 receptor agonists can be highly effective, but they are not suitable for everyone. During your screening, we will carefully assess for conditions in which these medications are contraindicated, including:

• Personal or family history of Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma (MTC)

• Personal or family history of Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN2)

• History of severe or recurrent pancreatitis

• Severe gastroparesis or significant gastrointestinal motility disorders

• Pregnancy or breastfeeding

• Severe kidney disease or significant renal impairment

• History of seizures

• Eating disorders

• Uncontrolled high blood pressure

If any of these conditions are present, we will discuss alternative weight-management strategies that are safe and appropriate for you.

Personalized Treatment Plan

If you are medically cleared to begin a therapy, we will develop an individualized treatment plan based on:

• Your goals

• Your health history

• Your baseline labs

• Expected tolerability

Medication dosing will be started at a low dose and gradually increased as tolerated, following current clinical guidelines. Follow-up visits are scheduled regularly to monitor progress, evaluate side effects, adjust dosing, and provide ongoing support.

Lifestyle Guidance and Long-Term Success

While these medications can significantly reduce appetite and support weight loss, they are not a magic bullet. Sustainable success requires ongoing commitment to healthy habits. As part of your program, we will help you develop:

• A balanced, nutrient-dense eating plan

• A realistic physical activity routine

• Strategies for emotional and behavioral support

• Long-term maintenance goals

Medication is a tool—not the entire solution. Lasting weight loss occurs when medication support is combined with meaningful lifestyle changes.

Ongoing Monitoring and Support

Throughout your weight-loss journey, we provide continuous clinical supervision, including:

• Follow-up visits for medication adjustments

• Review of side effects and treatment response

• Reinforcement of lifestyle and nutrition guidance

• Long-term weight maintenance support

Your safety, wellbeing, and success are our highest priorities.

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Medical Weight Loss – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is medical weight management?

Medical weight management is a comprehensive, supervised program that combines evidence-based treatments—including prescription weight-loss medications—with lifestyle guidance. Instead of fad diets or quick fixes, you receive ongoing care from a licensed medical provider who evaluates your health, prescribes safely, and monitors your progress over time.

2. What medications do you offer?

We offer the following:

• Semaglutide (Ozempic®)

• Tirzepatide

• Buproprion/Naltrexone (Contrave®)

These medications help regulate appetite, reduce cravings, and support gradual, meaningful weight loss when combined with healthy lifestyle changes.

3.What is Contrave® and how does it work?

Contrave® is an FDA-approved prescription medication for weight management. It combines two medications, naltrexone and bupropion, which work together on areas of the brain that control appetite, cravings, and reward. This helps reduce hunger and improve control over eating behaviors.

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4.Who may be a good candidate for Contrave®?

Contrave® may be appropriate for adults who are overweight or obese and have struggled with weight loss despite lifestyle changes. It may also be helpful for individuals who experience strong food cravings or emotional eating. A full medical history and evaluation are required to determine if it is safe and appropriate.

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5. How do GLP-1 medications work?

GLP-1 medications:

• Slow gastric emptying (help you feel full longer)

• Reduce appetite and cravings

• Improve blood sugar control

• Help create a calorie deficit without extreme dieting

They make it easier to follow a healthier eating pattern and reduce overeating.

6. Who qualifies for GLP-1 weight-loss treatment?

You may be a candidate if you:

• Are overweight or obese

• Struggle with weight despite diet and exercise

• Have weight-related medical conditions such as prediabetes, insulin resistance, or high cholesterol

All patients must undergo a full health history review and provide recent labs (within 6 months) or have labs drawn before starting treatment.

7. Who should NOT take GLP-1 medications?

GLP-1 medications are not appropriate for individuals with:

• Personal or family history of Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma (MTC)

• Personal or family history of Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN2)

• Severe gastroparesis or significant gastrointestinal motility disorders

• History of severe or recurrent pancreatitis

• Severe kidney disease

• Pregnancy or breastfeeding

If any apply, we can discuss alternative options.

8. What labs are required before starting treatment?

We require labs from the past 6 months including (at minimum):

• Complete metabolic panel (kidney & liver function)

• A1c

• Lipid panel

• Thyroid panel

• CBC

• Fasting Insulin level

If you do not have recent labs, we will order them before any prescription is issued.

9. How quickly will I lose weight?

Most patients begin noticing changes within 4–6 weeks.
Typical weight loss ranges from 1–4 pounds per week, depending on:

• Medication type

• Consistency

• Lifestyle habits

• Metabolism

Results are strongest when medication is paired with healthy food choices and regular activity.

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10.What benefits can I expect with Contrave®?

When combined with healthy eating and physical activity, Contrave® can help support gradual, sustainable weight loss. Many patients report reduced appetite, fewer cravings, and improved control around food choices over time.

11. Are these medications a “magic fix”?

No— these medications are powerful tools, but not magic bullets.
Lasting weight loss requires:

• Healthy eating habits

• Regular movement

• Mindful lifestyle choices

• Consistent follow-up

The medication helps make these changes easier, but it does not replace them.

12. What are the most common side effects?

Most side effects are mild and tend to improve over time. They may include:

• Nausea

• Constipation or diarrhea

• Decreased appetite

• Bloating

• Heartburn

• Fatigue

Rare but serious risks include pancreatitis and gallbladder issues. We monitor closely for your safety.

13. How often do I need follow-up visits?

Follow-up visits are typically scheduled:

• Every 4 weeks during dose adjustments

• Every 2–3 months once stable

Regular visits ensure safe dosing, lab monitoring, and ongoing support.

14. Can I continue the medication long-term?

Yes—these medications can be used long-term if tolerated and medically appropriate.
Stopping the medication often leads to a return of appetite and possible weight regain, so long-term maintenance strategies are discussed individually.

15. Do you accept insurance?

We operate on a self-pay model. This allows for transparent pricing and easier access without insurance restrictions.

16. What if I don’t tolerate the medication?

If you develop significant side effects, we will adjust your dose, slow titration, or explore alternative treatments. Your safety is always the priority.​