Consultation
Erin reviews your history, goals, and medications during a 30-45 minute new-patient visit.
Medical Weight Loss in Auburndale, FL
GLP-1 therapy, peptides and physician care
Visit Length:30 min monthly
First Signs:2-4 weeks
Full Effect:6-12 months
Format:In-person and telehealth
What it is
Why Physician-Directed Medical Weight Loss Works
Real results, real support
Most diet plans fail because they ignore biology. Hunger hormones, insulin resistance, sleep, stress, and thyroid function all influence whether your body holds onto fat or releases it. Generic meal plans, restrictive crash diets, and over-the-counter supplements rarely address the root causes of weight gain. The result is a frustrating cycle of short-term loss followed by rebound, lost confidence, and the belief that nothing will ever work.
A medically supervised program changes that. Erin Garza pairs FDA-cleared GLP-1 medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide with comprehensive labs, body composition tracking, and lifestyle coaching to address weight at the metabolic level. We also screen for thyroid issues, hormone imbalance, and insulin resistance, then layer in peptide therapy or hormone replacement therapy when indicated for a complete, sustainable result.
Treatment Timeline
Treatment Time
30 minute monthly check-in visits
First Signs
Appetite reduction within 2-4 weeks
Full Effect
15-21 percent body weight loss at 6-12 months
Recovery
No downtime, ongoing maintenance phase encouraged
What Is Medical Weight Loss with Semaglutide?
GLP-1 receptor agonist therapy
Medical weight loss is a physician-directed program that combines FDA-approved or compounded GLP-1 medications with comprehensive metabolic care to produce sustained, clinically significant fat loss. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, semaglutide and tirzepatide are approved for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or with overweight plus a related health condition.
Semaglutide (the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro and Zepbound) are GLP-1 receptor agonists. They mimic a natural gut hormone that slows stomach emptying, signals fullness to the brain, and improves insulin sensitivity. The National Institutes of Health reports that GLP-1 therapy produces an average of 15 to 21 percent total body weight loss when paired with lifestyle changes. The landmark STEP 1 trial documented an average 14.9 percent weight loss at 68 weeks with weekly semaglutide injections.
At Evolving Mind and Body, Erin Garza begins with comprehensive labs (CBC, CMP, lipids, A1C, thyroid panel, hormone screen), body composition analysis, and a 30-45 minute new-patient visit. Once cleared, she prescribes the right medication and dose, monitors response monthly, and adjusts as needed. We also offer adjunct peptides (AOD-9604, Tesamorelin), Phentermine, and Naltrexone-Bupropion combinations when GLP-1 is not the right fit. For patients ready to refine their results, we add Emsculpt Neo body contouring to refine results.
Benefits of Physician-Supervised Weight Loss
Why patients choose us
- 01
Clinically Significant Loss
Average 15-21 percent total body weight reduction in 6-12 months.
- 02
Reduced Cravings
GLP-1 medications quiet food noise and curb appetite naturally.
- 03
Better Metabolic Health
Improved A1C, blood pressure, lipids, and inflammation markers.
- 04
Personalized Dosing
Titration plans matched to your response, not a one-size-fits-all.
- 05
Whole-Person Care
Hormones, sleep, stress, and nutrition addressed alongside medication.
- 06
Sustainable Results
Maintenance protocols designed to prevent rebound weight gain.
Semaglutide GLP-1 vs Other Weight Loss Options
Compare your options
| Treatment | Mechanism | Time | Results | Duration | Downtime | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semaglutide GLP-1 | GLP-1 receptor agonist, slows gastric emptying and reduces appetite | 30 min monthly visits | 14-21 percent weight loss in 6-12 months | Ongoing with maintenance phase | None | Adults with BMI 27+ seeking sustained metabolic change |
| Phentermine | Stimulant appetite suppressant, central nervous system effect | Monthly visits | 5-10 percent weight loss in 12 weeks | Short-term (12 weeks typical) | None | Short-term jump-start in select patients without cardiac risk |
| Bariatric Surgery | Surgical reduction or rerouting of the stomach and intestines | 1-3 hours surgery, 6 week recovery | 25-35 percent weight loss in 12-18 months | Permanent anatomical change | 2-6 weeks | Severe obesity (BMI 40+) or BMI 35+ with comorbidities |
Who Is a Good Candidate for Medical Weight Loss?
See if this is right for you
Medical weight loss with GLP-1 therapy is appropriate for adults whose weight is affecting their health, energy, or quality of life and who have not achieved lasting results with diet and exercise alone. The FDA approves semaglutide and tirzepatide for chronic weight management in adults with a BMI of 30 or higher, or BMI 27+ with a weight-related health condition such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, or sleep apnea.
Ideal Candidates
- Adults with BMI 27 or higher with at least one weight-related condition (diabetes, prediabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, sleep apnea)
- Patients with BMI 30+ seeking sustainable, physician-supervised weight loss
- Individuals who have plateaued on diet and exercise alone
- Patients with insulin resistance, polycystic ovary syndrome, or metabolic syndrome
- Anyone interested in pairing GLP-1 with hormone replacement therapy or peptide therapy for whole-person results
Who Should Wait or Avoid This Service
- Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2
- Active pregnancy or breastfeeding
- History of pancreatitis or severe gastroparesis
- Known hypersensitivity to semaglutide, tirzepatide, or compounded ingredients
- Active eating disorder requiring specialty mental health care first
If you are unsure whether medical weight loss is right for you, contact our team to schedule a consultation and review your labs, history, and goals.
What Your Weight Loss Program Looks Like
Comprehensive Labs
Erin orders CBC, CMP, lipids, A1C, thyroid, and hormone panels to identify barriers.
Personalized Protocol
Erin selects semaglutide, tirzepatide, or an adjunct based on your labs and history.
Monthly Follow-Up
Erin tracks weight, body composition, side effects, and titrates the dose each month.
Maintenance Phase
Erin transitions you to a lower-dose, sustainable plan once goal weight is reached.
Safety, Risks and Side Effects
What to know
GLP-1 medications have a well-studied safety profile, but side effects are common, especially during dose titration. According to the FDA prescribing information, the most common side effects of semaglutide and tirzepatide include nausea, diarrhea, constipation, fatigue, and abdominal discomfort. These are typically mild to moderate, peak in the first 1-2 weeks of each dose increase, and improve with hydration, smaller meals, and slower titration.
Serious but rare risks include pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, severe gastroparesis, and an FDA boxed warning for medullary thyroid carcinoma in patients with personal or family history of MTC or MEN-2. Erin Garza screens for these contraindications during your initial visit, reviews drug interactions, and starts every patient on the lowest effective dose. We monitor symptoms, weight, and labs at every visit and adjust quickly if anything is off. If you experience persistent vomiting, severe abdominal pain, or signs of low blood sugar, call our office at (863) 797-6544 immediately.
Cost in Auburndale, FL
Transparent pricing
Medical weight loss should be predictable and transparent. At Evolving Mind and Body, our self-pay program pricing reflects typical Florida medical weight loss rates and includes provider visits and ongoing support.
- New Patient Consultation and Initial Labs: $150 to $300
- Compounded Semaglutide Monthly Program: $300 to $450
- Compounded Tirzepatide Monthly Program: $400 to $600
- Branded Wegovy or Zepbound (insurance dependent): variable, contact our team
- Phentermine or Naltrexone-Bupropion Programs: $100 to $200 per month
- Adjunct Peptides (AOD-9604, Tesamorelin): quoted at consultation
We offer flexible scheduling and accept HSA and FSA payments. Insurance sometimes covers branded GLP-1 medications, contact our team to verify benefits before your visit. We will provide a superbill for out-of-network reimbursement when applicable.
Why Choose Evolving Mind and Body for Medical Weight Loss in Auburndale, FL
Board-Certified Provider
20+ years in emergency and primary care, deep metabolic expertise.
Lab-Driven Protocols
Comprehensive labs guide every prescription, dose, and adjustment.
Body Composition Focus
We track fat loss, lean mass, and waist circumference, not only weight.
Integrative Care Under One Roof
Pair GLP-1 with HRT, peptides, IV therapy, and Emsculpt Neo.
Explore More
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common patient questions
01 What is GLP-1 and how does it help with weight loss?
GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) is a natural gut hormone that signals fullness, slows stomach emptying, and improves insulin sensitivity. GLP-1 receptor agonist medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide mimic this hormone, reducing appetite and producing an average of 15 to 21 percent total body weight loss over 6 to 12 months when paired with lifestyle support.
02 How much does semaglutide cost near me?
At Evolving Mind and Body in Auburndale, FL, our compounded semaglutide programs are typically $300 to $450 per month, and compounded tirzepatide is $400 to $600 per month. Initial labs run $150 to $300. Branded Wegovy or Zepbound pricing depends on insurance coverage. Contact our team at (863) 797-6544 for a personalized quote.
03 Am I a candidate for medical weight loss with semaglutide?
Most adults with a BMI of 27 or higher who have a weight-related health condition (diabetes, prediabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea) or a BMI of 30+ are candidates. Patients with personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer, MEN-2 syndrome, pancreatitis, or active pregnancy should not use GLP-1 medications. Erin Garza confirms candidacy at your consultation.
04 How quickly does semaglutide start working?
Most patients notice reduced appetite and food cravings within 2 to 4 weeks of starting semaglutide. Visible weight loss typically begins by week 4 to 6, with average loss of 5 to 8 percent at 3 months and 14 to 21 percent at 6 to 12 months. The SURMOUNT trials for tirzepatide showed similar or higher percentages.
05 What are the side effects of semaglutide and tirzepatide?
The most common side effects are nausea, constipation, diarrhea, fatigue, and abdominal discomfort, especially during dose increases. These usually resolve within 1 to 2 weeks. Serious but rare risks include pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, and a boxed warning for medullary thyroid cancer in at-risk patients. Erin Garza screens for all contraindications before prescribing.
06 What happens when I stop taking semaglutide?
Appetite typically returns within a few weeks of stopping GLP-1 medication, and some weight regain is common without continued lifestyle support. That is why we transition patients to a maintenance phase, often a lower dose plus nutrition coaching, hormone optimization, and movement habits, to protect long-term results.
Schedule Your Medical Weight Loss Consultation
References
- PubMed PMID: 33567185 - STEP 1 trial: weekly semaglutide 2.4 mg produced an average 14.9 percent body weight loss versus 2.4 percent placebo at 68 weeks in adults with overweight or obesity.
- PubMed PMID: 35658024 - SURMOUNT-1 trial: tirzepatide produced 15 to 21 percent mean weight reduction at 72 weeks across dose tiers in adults with obesity.
- PubMed PMID: 34170647 - Review of GLP-1 receptor agonist therapy showing improved cardiometabolic markers and sustained weight loss with physician-supervised programs.