Are GLP-1 medications like Wegovy and Zepbound actually safe?

They are FDA-approved and have been studied in large clinical trials. Like any medication they carry risks, which is exactly why they belong in a physician-supervised program with baseline labs, deliberate dose titration and scheduled monitoring, rather than a direct-to-consumer subscription with no examination.

What happens if I stop the medication?

Obesity is a chronic condition. For many patients weight returns after stopping, the same way blood pressure rises after stopping an antihypertensive. That is why the program is built around long-term partnership and durable lifestyle change rather than a short course of medication.

Do I have to have a certain BMI to qualify?

BMI is one data point, not the whole story. Eligibility depends on your full clinical picture, including metabolic labs, related conditions such as diabetes or sleep apnea, body composition and your history. That assessment happens at your intake visit.

How much does the program cost?

Most self-pay patients spend $300 to $400 per month. That covers physician consultations, prescription management, counseling and ongoing monitoring. Medication is billed separately through your pharmacy or a manufacturer cash-pay program.

Do you take insurance?

This is a self-pay practice. Prior authorizations are submitted when appropriate and manufacturer cash-pay programs are discussed at your visit. Medicare and Medicaid coverage for weight-loss treatment remains limited.

How long until I see results?

The evidence supports roughly 5 to 10 percent body-weight reduction over 3 to 6 months with lifestyle medicine and early treatment; 10 to 15 percent over 6 to 12 months with first-line medications; and 15 to 22 percent over 12 to 18 months with GLP-1 or GIP therapy.

I have tried everything and failed. Why would this be different?

Because most previous attempts were not medical. If nobody checked your thyroid, screened for insulin resistance, reviewed medications that cause weight gain, or treated the biology driving your appetite, then what failed was the approach and not you.

How often would I need to be seen?

An initial visit of about 45 minutes, a 15-minute follow-up at four weeks, then roughly every three months once you are stable. Obesity medicine visits are currently scheduled on Mondays at both locations.

Accessibility Statement

Last updated: June 1, 2026

Our goal is practical access for everyone. We are working to make this website usable by people with disabilities and by visitors using assistive technologies, different devices, and different communication needs.

1. Commitment to Accessibility

Essam Saad, MD and the affiliated weight management practice are committed to providing a website that is accessible and inclusive. We want patients, prospective patients, caregivers, and community members to be able to access information about our services, policies, and contact options regardless of disability, technology, language preference, or device type.

2. Accessibility Standard We Use as a Guide

We use the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) as a guiding framework for improving accessibility. Because accessibility depends on website content, third-party tools, user settings, browsers, devices, and assistive technologies, this statement should not be read as a guarantee that every page or feature fully conforms to a particular WCAG level at all times.

Our goal is to identify and correct barriers in a reasonable and timely manner and to provide alternative access when a barrier prevents someone from obtaining information or using a website feature.

3. Ongoing Accessibility Efforts

Accessibility is an ongoing process. As the website is updated, we aim to consider readable text, color contrast, keyboard navigation, headings, labels, alternative text, responsive layouts, meaningful links, form usability, and compatibility with common assistive technologies.

Some content may be provided by third-party services, such as scheduling platforms, maps, portals, embedded tools, review platforms, videos, or social media features. We encourage third-party vendors to support accessibility, but we may not control every aspect of those services.

4. Requesting Assistance or an Alternative Format

If you have difficulty accessing any part of this website, please contact us. We will make reasonable efforts to provide the information, service, or communication you need through an accessible alternative format or method.

Helpful details include the page or feature you were trying to use, the problem you experienced, the device and browser you used, whether you were using assistive technology, and your preferred way for us to respond.

5. Contact for Accessibility Issues

Phone: (352) 669-3175

Mail: Umatilla Family Practice, 390 S Central Ave, Umatilla, FL 32784

When contacting us, please specify that your message concerns website accessibility. We aim to review accessibility requests promptly and to respond within a reasonable timeframe based on the nature of the request.

6. No Retaliation

We welcome accessibility feedback. The practice will not retaliate against anyone for requesting accessibility assistance, reporting a barrier, or asking for information in an alternative format.

Other notices

Questions about this notice? Call Umatilla on (352) 669-3175 or Weirsdale on (352) 821-9797.