Medical Weight Loss in Chesapeake, VA

Medical Weight Loss That Actually Works

If you've spent years cycling through diets that don't stick, you're not alone. And it's probably not your fault.

For many people, diet and exercise alone aren't enough to achieve lasting weight loss. That's not a failure of willpower — it's biology. Hormones, metabolism, and genetics all play a role, and sometimes the body needs medical support to respond differently.

That's what medical weight loss is: a physician-supervised approach that combines FDA-approved medications with nutrition guidance and ongoing accountability. It's not a quick fix. It's not a fad. It's medicine.

At PEAK Wellness & Aesthetics in Chesapeake, we've helped more than 5,000 patients work toward a healthier weight — and we'd like to help you too.

Here's what makes our program different from what you'll find at telehealth startups and other clinics in the area: your care is managed by physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants — not a chatbot or a telehealth script mill. We do in-person visits because your health is worth more than a five-minute video call.

We also have a Registered Dietitian on staff. Medication helps, but nutrition is the foundation. Our RD works with every patient to build eating habits that actually stick. And we handle prior authorizations so you don't have to fight with your insurance company — that's our job.

Who This Program Is For

Our medical weight loss program is designed for adults who have a BMI of 30 or higher, or a BMI of 27 or higher with a weight-related health condition such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or sleep apnea. It's also for people who have tried traditional diet and exercise without lasting results and want medical supervision — not another app or meal plan.

If that sounds like you, this program may be a good fit. If you're not sure whether you qualify, that's exactly what your first consultation is for.

How the Program Works

This is a 12-month program — not because we want to keep you coming back, but because sustainable weight loss takes time. Quick fixes don't work. Building new habits does.

Between visits, our team is available to answer questions about medications, side effects, or any concerns that come up. You're not doing this alone.

Medications We Prescribe

We prescribe FDA-approved weight loss medications based on your health history, goals, and insurance coverage. Your provider will recommend the best option for you.

The most common medications we prescribe are GLP-1 receptor agonists. These medications mimic a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which plays a key role in regulating appetite and blood sugar. When you take a GLP-1 medication, it signals your brain to feel full sooner, reduces cravings between meals, and slows gastric emptying — so you feel satisfied with less food. GLP-1 medications are often covered by insurance with prior authorization, and we handle the paperwork for you.

Wegovy (semaglutide)

Wegovy is an FDA-approved GLP-1 receptor agonist for chronic weight management. In clinical trials, patients using Wegovy alongside lifestyle changes lost an average of 14.9% of their body weight over 68 weeks. Wegovy is administered as a once-weekly subcutaneous injection, with dosing that gradually increases over the first several months. As of December 2025, an oral formulation of semaglutide has also received FDA approval.

Wegovy is not appropriate for everyone. It is contraindicated in patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). Patients with a history of severe gastrointestinal disease, pancreatitis, or gallbladder problems should discuss these conditions with their provider.

Zepbound (tirzepatide)

Zepbound is an FDA-approved dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist for chronic weight management. Unlike single-action GLP-1 drugs, Zepbound activates two receptors: the GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) receptor and the GLP-1 receptor. Because it works through two hormonal pathways rather than one, some patients experience greater appetite reduction and more sustained weight loss. In the SURMOUNT-1 clinical trial, participants receiving the highest dose of tirzepatide lost an average of approximately 22.5% of their body weight over 72 weeks. Zepbound is also administered as a once-weekly injection with gradual dose titration.

Zepbound is not appropriate for everyone. It is contraindicated in patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). Patients with a history of severe gastrointestinal disease, pancreatitis, or gallbladder problems should discuss these conditions with their provider.

Other Medications

GLP-1s aren't the only option — and they're not right for everyone. Depending on your situation, your provider may recommend phentermine, Contrave (naltrexone/bupropion), orlistat, or other medications as clinically appropriate. We'll figure out what makes sense for your body, your health history, and your goals. That's what the consultation is for.

We do not prescribe compounded semaglutide or compounded tirzepatide. These are not FDA-approved, and we have concerns about quality control, dosing accuracy, and safety. Compounded versions may vary in purity, potency, and sterility. You can read our full position on why we only prescribe brand-name medications.

Insurance & Payment

One of the most common questions we hear from Chesapeake patients is whether medical weight loss is covered by insurance. In many cases, the answer is yes — though the details depend on your specific plan.

We accept most major insurance plans, including Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, Sentara Health Plans, Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, and TRICARE. We do not accept Medicare or Medicaid. Many plans cover weight loss visits and medications, though coverage varies by plan type and employer group.

Prior Authorization Process

If your medication requires prior authorization, we handle that process for you. You don't have to fight with your insurance company — that's our job. Our process includes benefits verification, clinical documentation (BMI, comorbidities, previous weight loss attempts), PA submission, and follow-up tracking. Typical PA turnaround times range from 3 to 14 business days.

If your coverage determination depends on factors like BMI requirements, comorbidity documentation, or step therapy requirements, we know how to handle these and will work through the process on your behalf.

Cardiovascular Coverage Pathway

Wegovy (semaglutide) received an expanded FDA indication for cardiovascular risk reduction in patients with established cardiovascular disease. If you have a history of heart attack, stroke, or peripheral arterial disease, your provider may be able to submit a prior authorization under the cardiovascular indication. Some insurers that deny coverage for obesity may approve it for cardiovascular risk reduction.

If Coverage Is Denied

If your insurance denies coverage, we don't stop there. Our team can initiate a peer-to-peer review with your insurance company's medical director, submit supplemental clinical documentation, or explore alternative coverage pathways. We work with you to explore manufacturer discount programs (including savings cards from Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly), copay assistance programs, and alternative treatment options. Our goal is to find a path that's both clinically effective and financially sustainable — because a treatment plan only works if you can stay on it.

Self-pay options are also available for patients who prefer not to use insurance or whose plans don't cover weight loss services. PEAK offers transparent self-pay pricing. For a full breakdown, visit our insurance & pricing page.

Why In-Person Care Matters

Telehealth weight loss clinics can get you a prescription quickly, but that's often where the support ends. Many prescribe compounded medications that are not FDA-approved and may vary in purity, potency, and sterility. Most don't accept insurance, don't provide dietitian support, and don't offer consistent provider relationships.

At PEAK, your first visit is a thorough 45–60 minute clinical evaluation — not a five-minute video call. GLP-1 medications require dose titration and ongoing clinical oversight that's difficult to do well through a screen. Your provider sees you monthly, tracks your progress in person, and adjusts your plan based on how your body is responding.

We only prescribe FDA-approved medications, have a Registered Dietitian on staff (dietitian visits are required for the first three months; most insurance covers them, or $75 per visit self-pay), handle insurance verification and prior authorization, and provide the kind of accountability and continuity that telehealth platforms simply cannot match. When your clinic is right here in Chesapeake, you have a team you can walk in and talk to.