FDA-Approved · Physician-Prescribed · Michigan
Weight Loss Medications
MWLI offers a full range of FDA-approved weight loss medications — all prescribed and monitored by a double board-certified physician. Whether you prefer GLP-1 therapy or non-injection options, we match the right treatment to your medical profile.
6+
FDA-approved medications available at MWLI
10,000+
Patients treated — Sterling Heights & Bingham Farms
Board
Double board-certified physician on staff
FDA-approved medications only
·Double Board-Certified Physician & PA-C
·Insurance Verification Included
·Prior Authorization Assistance
·Michigan's Top-Rated Weight Loss Clinic
Medication Overview
The right medication for your medical profile
There is no single best weight loss medication — indeed, the right choice depends on your medical history, existing conditions, insurance coverage, and treatment goals. Therefore, at MWLI, your physician carefully evaluates all of these factors before making any recommendation.
Above all, MWLI prescribes FDA-approved medications only — and monitors every patient with regular follow-up to adjust dosing, manage side effects, and ensure sustained results. As a result, patients receive care that evolves alongside their progress. In addition, this ongoing oversight helps prevent plateaus before they occur.
Available Medications
What MWLI prescribes
Dual GLP-1 / GIP Agonist
Tirzepatide
Zepbound® · Mounjaro®
Highest EfficacyCurrently the most effective weight loss medication available, tirzepatide specifically activates both GLP-1 and GIP receptors, producing significantly greater weight loss than GLP-1-only therapies. As a result, it achieved an average 20.9% body weight loss in SURMOUNT-1 over 72 weeks.
Mechanism: Dual GIP + GLP-1
Dosing: Weekly injection, starting 2.5 mg
Avg. weight loss: 15–21%
GLP-1 Agonist
Semaglutide
Wegovy® · Ozempic®
Most StudiedThe most studied GLP-1 medication with extensive long-term safety data, semaglutide has achieved strong results in clinical research. In the STEP 1 trial, it achieved an average 15% body weight loss over 68 weeks. Moreover, it is FDA-approved specifically for chronic weight management.
Mechanism: GLP-1 receptor agonist
Dosing: Weekly injection, starting 0.25 mg
Avg. weight loss: 10–15%
Additional FDA-Approved Options
Sympathomimetic
Phentermine
Lomaira® · Adipex-P®
Widely CoveredPhentermine is one of the longest-prescribed weight loss medications and suppresses appetite via the central nervous system. Additionally, it is most frequently covered by insurance. However, it is often used short-term or in combination with other agents.
Mechanism: Appetite suppression (CNS stimulant)
Dosing: Daily oral tablet
Avg. weight loss: 5–9%
Combination Oral
Bupropion / Naltrexone
Contrave®
Contrave combines two medications to reduce food cravings and hunger signals in the brain. Furthermore, it works on different pathways than GLP-1 medications — a good option for patients who prefer oral therapy or do not respond to injections.
Mechanism: Dopamine & opioid receptor modulation
Dosing: Twice-daily oral tablet
Avg. weight loss: 5–9%
Combination Oral
Phentermine / Topiramate
Qsymia®
Combines phentermine (appetite suppression) with topiramate in a single extended-release capsule, and therefore produces greater weight loss than either drug alone. Indeed, it is an effective non-injection option for eligible patients.
Mechanism: Appetite suppression + CNS modulation
Dosing: Once-daily oral capsule
Avg. weight loss: 7–10%
GLP-1 Agonist (Daily)
Liraglutide
Saxenda®
An earlier GLP-1 agonist administered daily, liraglutide was the first GLP-1 medication approved specifically for weight loss. Despite being older, liraglutide remains a clinically valid option for certain patients with specific insurance situations. Therefore, your physician will consider it when appropriate.
Mechanism: GLP-1 receptor agonist
Dosing: Daily injection
Avg. weight loss: 5–8%
Side-by-Side
Medication comparison
Since the right medication is determined at your consultation, this overview is for general orientation only. Additionally, your physician will walk you through each option in detail.
| Medication | Type | Avg. Weight Loss | Dosing | Insurance Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tirzepatide | Dual GIP/GLP-1 | 15–21% | Weekly injection | Variable — prior auth often required |
| Semaglutide | GLP-1 | 10–15% | Weekly injection | Variable — prior auth often required |
| Qsymia® | Phentermine + Topiramate | 7–10% | Daily oral | Often covered |
| Contrave® | Bupropion + Naltrexone | 5–9% | Twice-daily oral | Often covered |
| Phentermine | Stimulant | 5–9% | Daily oral | Most frequently covered |
| Saxenda® | GLP-1 (daily) | 5–8% | Daily injection | Variable |
Note that average weight loss figures are approximate ranges from clinical trial data. Therefore, individual results vary. Additionally, insurance coverage information is general and may not reflect your specific plan.
Common Questions
Weight Loss Medication FAQs
What weight loss medications does MWLI prescribe?
In total, MWLI prescribes the full range of FDA-approved weight loss medications, including tirzepatide (Zepbound/Mounjaro), semaglutide (Wegovy/Ozempic), phentermine, bupropion/naltrexone (Contrave), phentermine/topiramate (Qsymia), and liraglutide (Saxenda). Ultimately, the right medication is determined by your medical history, insurance, and goals at your consultation.
Does insurance cover weight loss medications in Michigan?
Coverage varies significantly by medication and plan, so it is important to verify your benefits before beginning treatment. For example, GLP-1 medications like tirzepatide and semaglutide often require prior authorization. In contrast, older medications like phentermine are more frequently covered. Nevertheless, MWLI verifies your benefits and assists with prior authorization for all medications we prescribe.
Which weight loss medication is most effective?
Tirzepatide currently produces the greatest average weight loss in clinical trials — up to 20.9% of body weight. Similarly, semaglutide averages 15%. However, older medications produce only 5–10% on average. Therefore, the best medication depends on your individual medical profile, and your MWLI physician will make a personalized recommendation.
Are there weight loss medications that don’t require injections?
Yes. Phentermine, Contrave, and Qsymia are all oral medications that do not require injections. Moreover, they are effective options for patients who prefer non-injection therapy. As a result, your physician will discuss the tradeoffs in efficacy and coverage at your consultation.
What happens if a medication stops working?
Weight loss plateaus are common and manageable. In response, MWLI physicians adjust dosing, switch medications, or add adjunct therapies based on your response. For instance, patients who plateau on semaglutide frequently see renewed results after transitioning to tirzepatide. Consequently, regular follow-up is how we catch and respond to plateaus early.
Michigan Locations
Visit us in Sterling Heights or Bingham Farms
Sterling Heights
Sterling Heights
41400 Dequindre Rd #105
Sterling Heights, MI 48314
586-287-7330
Sterling Heights, MI 48314
586-287-7330
In-person & telehealth
Directions & Info →
Bingham Farms
Bingham Farms
32000 Telegraph Rd
Bingham Farms, MI 48025
248-573-3110
Bingham Farms, MI 48025
248-573-3110
In-person & telehealth
Directions & Info →
Telehealth
Telehealth
Limited telehealth availability — therefore, contact us to discuss your options.
In-person & telehealth
Contact Us →
Find the right medication for you.
Dr. Rita Kathawa will review your history, evaluate your options, and recommend the right treatment. Furthermore, consultations are billed to insurance.
