Medical Weight Loss
Non-surgical, physician-supervised weight management for patients throughout Fairfax, Herndon, Reston, Arlington, Alexandria, and the greater DC metro area. Dr. Fitzer has more than two decades of experience prescribing weight-loss medications — individually and in combination — alongside nutrition and long-term follow-up.
Weight-Loss Medications (GLP-1s)
Semaglutide (Wegovy), tirzepatide (Zepbound), and other FDA-approved anti-obesity medications, prescribed and monitored by Dr. Fitzer.
Learn about weight-loss medicationsDo I Qualify?
BMI thresholds, weight-related conditions, and how candidacy for medical and surgical weight loss is determined.
Check the requirementsInsurance & Coverage
What Anthem BCBS, Aetna, Medicare, and other major plans typically cover for weight-management medication.
Review insurance coverageRelated articles
Dr. Fitzer’s analysis of medical weight-loss research, medication outcomes, and long-term considerations.
Weight Regain After Wegovy/Zepbound Treatment?—Part 3
There is a huge amount of interest among medical researchers in finding a way to maintain weight loss after stopping injectable weight-loss medications. It’s worth noting that similar interest doesn’t exist for any medications we prescribe for other chronic health problems. High cholesterol, for instance. For four decades, we’ve been relying on Lipitor to lower
Read articleMay 17, 2026Weight Regain After Wegovy/Zepbound Treatment?—Part 2
A few posts ago, I discussed the fact that—absent a change—complete weight regain is the usual expectation for those who discontinue treatment with injectable weight-loss medicines. There is huge interest in finding a way to maintain weight loss from Zepbound and Wegovy after the drugs are stopped. Personally, I think maintaining long-term weight loss after stopping the meds will prove impossible.
Read articleMay 17, 2026Weight Regain After Wegovy/Zepbound Treatment?—Part 1
A few posts ago, I discussed the fact that—absent a change— complete weight regain is the usual expectation for those who discontinue treatment with injectable weight-loss medicines. Only a small number of clinical trials involving these meds put in the effort to track patients after the treatment phase ended. The few that did failed to
Read articleMay 3, 2026Will I Regain when I stop Wegovy/Zepbound?
I am asked this question by my patients all the time. The simple, unvarnished truth is that—in the absence of another medical or surgical intervention—people who quit injectables can expect to regain 100% of what they lost. It usually takes eighteen months or so. I don’t blame people for being confused, because you can’t really
Read articleMay 2, 2026Wegovy vs. Surgery Outcomes
Does max-dose Wegovy (semaglutide) work as well as weight-loss surgery? In a word: no. Wegovy is a wonderfully effective weight-loss medication — patients who tolerate the max dose lose about 12.5% of body weight on average over a year — but sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass patients in Dr. Fitzer’s practice lose 2.6 to 3 times more weight at two years.
Read articleMedical weight loss FAQs
Answers to common questions about non-surgical weight management at Virginia Bariatric Center.
What is physician-supervised medical weight loss?
Medical weight loss is a non-surgical, clinician-guided approach to obesity care. At Virginia Bariatric Center, Dr. Fitzer evaluates your health history, weight-related conditions, and goals, then recommends evidence-based treatments—often FDA-approved weight-loss medications such as Wegovy or Zepbound—combined with nutrition counseling and long-term follow-up.
How do GLP-1 medications like Wegovy and Zepbound work?
GLP-1 receptor agonists (semaglutide/Wegovy) and dual GIP/GLP-1 agonists (tirzepatide/Zepbound) mimic natural gut hormones that regulate appetite and satiety. They reduce hunger, slow stomach emptying, and help patients feel satisfied with smaller portions, leading to average weight losses of 15% to 21% while treatment continues.
Who qualifies for medical weight loss treatment?
Weight-loss medications are generally indicated for adults with a BMI of 30 or higher, or 27 or higher with a weight-related condition such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnea. Dr. Fitzer reviews each patient's full medical history to determine candidacy safely. See our qualifications page for detailed BMI and comorbidity criteria.
Will I regain weight if I stop taking Wegovy or Zepbound?
Research and clinical experience show that weight regain is expected when injectable weight-loss medications are stopped without another intervention. Dr. Fitzer's blog series on Wegovy/Zepbound discontinuation explains why this happens and how ongoing treatment, combination therapy, or a surgical option can help maintain results.
Are weight-loss medications covered by insurance?
Coverage for GLP-1 and other anti-obesity medications varies widely by plan and changes frequently. Some commercial insurers cover them for eligible patients; others require prior authorization or exclude them entirely. Our Virginia coverage guide breaks down what Medicaid, COVA state employee plans, Sentara, UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, Anthem, Aetna, Medicare, TRICARE, and FEHB require for Zepbound, Wegovy, and Saxenda.
How is medical weight loss different from bariatric surgery?
Medical weight loss uses prescription medication, nutrition, and behavioral support rather than a procedure. It typically produces 15% to 21% total body weight loss and works only while treatment continues. Bariatric surgery such as sleeve gastrectomy or gastric bypass produces larger, more durable weight loss for appropriate candidates. Dr. Fitzer discusses both paths during consultation so patients can compare them honestly.
Can I combine weight-loss medication with surgery?
Yes. Medications can be used before surgery to reduce operative risk, after surgery to enhance or maintain weight loss, or as an alternative for patients who are not surgical candidates. The right sequence depends on your goals, health status, and response to treatment.
When medication alone isn’t enough
Medications typically produce 15–21% total body weight loss and work only while treatment continues. Patients who need larger or more durable results often do better with a procedure. Dr. Fitzer reviews both paths in a single consultation so you can compare them honestly. Learn more about weight-loss medications, qualification criteria, and insurance coverage.