Medical Weight Loss in Chandler, AZ — Lose The Weight. Keep It Off.
Stop fighting your body. Start understanding it. Our physician-led weight loss programs identify and address the factors that may be making weight loss harder — then fix them.
Most weight loss programs fail because they focus only on excess weight without looking at the factors that may be making progress difficult. Hormonal changes. Insulin resistance. Metabolic health. Medications. Lifestyle. These are some of the factors that may need a closer medical look.
At New Viva MD, Dr. Surkunte begins with a comprehensive evaluation to understand what is actually happening in your body. Then she builds a treatment plan around your biology, your lifestyle, and your goals. Not someone else’s plan. Yours.








GLP-1 Medications — What They Are and How They Work
New Viva MD is LegitScript Certified. When medically appropriate, Dr. Surkunte can prescribe and monitor FDA-approved medications such as Wegovy, Zepbound, Ozempic, and Mounjaro as part of a physician-supervised weight loss program.
Dependent
You’re terrified to stop the medication because you’re worried the weight will come back. You need a long-term strategy, not just another prescription.
Priced Out
$900 a month. No insurance. No end date. You need a physician who can build a real plan, not just keep auto charging your card.
Compounded Out
The compounded semaglutide you were taking got pulled by the FDA. Now your supply is gone and no one from the app has called you back.
Overwhelmed
Ozempic. Mounjaro. Wegovy. Zepbound. Everyone's talking about them, and you have no idea which one is right for you, or if any of them are.
Unsupervised
You got your prescription from an app in 10 minutes. No labs. No follow up. No one checking if it's actually working, or hurting you.
Rebounding
You stopped the medication and watched the weight start coming back. What was missing wasn’t effort — it was a plan for what comes next.
Medication Options
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy)
Semaglutide is a once-weekly injection that reduces appetite, slows gastric emptying, and improves insulin response. It is FDA-approved for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or weight-related conditions.
Average 15 to 20 percent body weight reduction in clinical trials. Reduces cardiovascular risk in addition to promoting weight loss. Physician-monitored dosing progression — never a set-and-forget prescription
Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound)
Tirzepatide is a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist that acts on two pathways involved in appetite and metabolic health. Clinical trials have shown substantial weight loss in eligible patients.
Up to 22 percent body weight reduction in clinical studies. Improves blood sugar, blood pressure, and triglyceride levels. Available now at New Viva MD under physician supervision.
YOUR WEIGHT LOSS JOURNEY
What to Expect on Your Weight Loss Journey at New Viva MD
We do not hand you a prescription and send you home. Every patient at New Viva MD follows a structured, physician-monitored program from day one.
Step 1
Comprehensive Medical Evaluation
Labs, relevant testing, your full health history, and an in-depth consultation with Dr. Surkunte help us understand the factors that may be affecting your weight before we build a plan.
Step 2
Personalized Treatment Plan
Dr. Surkunte designs your plan — medications, nutrition guidance, and lifestyle adjustments when appropriate — around your individual needs. Not a template. A plan built around you.
Step 3
Ongoing Monitoring and Adjustment
Regular follow-ups to track progress, adjust dosing, and address any concerns. You are never on your own. You always have a physician in your corner.
Step 4
Aesthetic Support After Weight Loss (Optional)
As weight comes off, some patients choose to add skin tightening treatments — including Morpheus8 by InMode or InMode QuantumRF — to address loose skin or other changes that remain a concern. These treatments are completely optional and can be discussed based on your goals.
You Do Not Need Another Diet.
You Need A Doctor Who Understands Your Body.
Book your medical weight loss consultation with Dr. Surkunte in Chandler, AZ. Many major insurance plans are accepted, and telemedicine is available throughout Arizona for eligible services.
PATIENT VIDEO TESTIMONIALS
Real Patient Success Stories
— Robert managing chronic disease through weight loss
— Mark lost 83 pounds
— Janet lost 102 pounds
— Diane’s improved daily life
Medical Weight Loss FAQs
Why do most diets fail and what actually works for long-term weight loss?
Most diets fail because they treat weight gain as a willpower problem when factors such as hormonal imbalances, insulin resistance, GLP-1 activity, and metabolic dysfunction can also make weight loss harder. When calories are reduced, the body may respond by slowing energy use and increasing hunger, which can make a restrictive diet harder to maintain over time. Physician-supervised medical weight loss looks at these factors and uses an individualized treatment plan rather than relying on calorie restriction alone.
What is physician-supervised medical weight loss and how is it different from a regular diet program?
Physician-supervised medical weight loss starts with your medical history, relevant lab testing, current medications, previous weight loss efforts, and other factors that may be affecting your progress. Instead of giving everyone the same meal plan or prescription, treatment is built around your individual needs and may include FDA-approved medications, nutrition guidance, lifestyle changes, and ongoing monitoring.
What is obesity medicine and why does it matter who prescribes my weight loss medication?
Obesity Medicine is a board-certified medical specialty focused on the causes, treatment, and prevention of obesity and related health conditions. This matters with medications such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound because treatment can involve metabolic evaluation, gradual dose changes, monitoring for side effects, and considering other health conditions or medications at the same time.
How do I know if I qualify for a medical weight loss program?
Many adults with a BMI of 30 or higher, or a BMI of 27 or higher with a weight-related condition such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol, may meet the criteria for prescription weight loss treatment. Qualification also depends on your health history, current medications, lab results, and other individual factors, so meeting the BMI criteria does not automatically mean every medication is appropriate for you.
What happens at my first medical weight loss consultation at New Viva MD?
Your first consultation includes a review of your health history, current symptoms, previous weight loss attempts, medications, and health goals. Relevant labs may also be ordered to look at metabolic health, thyroid function, hormones, and other markers when appropriate, and the findings are then used to build an individualized treatment plan that may include medication, nutrition guidance, and lifestyle support.
How much weight can I realistically lose with a physician-supervised program?
Clinical trial data for GLP-1-based weight loss treatments shows average reductions of about 15% to 22% of starting body weight depending on the medication and study. Semaglutide has produced average weight loss of around 15% to 17%, while tirzepatide has produced results of up to about 22% in clinical trials. Individual results vary based on starting weight, health, treatment adherence, nutrition, activity, and other factors.
Does New Viva MD accept insurance for medical weight loss?
Many insurance plans may cover medical weight loss visits or GLP-1 medications, although coverage varies by plan and some medications require prior authorization. With qualifying coverage, some GLP-1 medications may be available for as little as $25 per month, while cash-pay options may also be available for patients without medication coverage.
Can I do medical weight loss via telemedicine in Arizona?
Yes. Eligible medical weight loss consultations and follow-up care may be completed through telemedicine, including reviewing lab results, discussing treatment progress, managing medications, and making appropriate adjustments. Some evaluations or services may still require an in-person visit depending on your individual needs.
What labs are ordered for a medical weight loss evaluation?
A medical weight loss evaluation may include a complete metabolic panel, fasting glucose and HbA1c, lipid panel, thyroid tests such as TSH, free T3 and free T4, a complete blood count, hormone testing, and other markers relevant to your health history. The exact tests can vary because not every patient needs the same lab evaluation.
How long does a medical weight loss program take?
Medical weight loss is generally a long-term process rather than a quick fix. The current program information notes that patients using GLP-1 medications may reach their maximum weight loss effect over roughly 12 to 18 months of treatment, although the timeline varies by medication, goals, response, and overall health. Some patients may also continue treatment at a maintenance dose after reaching their goal weight.
Is medical weight loss safe if I have diabetes, high blood pressure, or other health conditions?
People with type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, fatty liver disease, and other health conditions may still be candidates for medical weight loss. Because GLP-1 medications such as semaglutide and tirzepatide also affect blood sugar and other metabolic markers, your existing conditions, medications, and lab results should be considered and monitored throughout treatment.
Why is New Viva MD LegitScript Certified and why does that matter?
LegitScript Certification is an independent verification process that reviews healthcare businesses for areas such as licensing, credentials, transparency, and compliance. For patients considering prescription weight loss medications, the certification provides an additional trust signal that the practice has gone through an external review process.
What is semaglutide and how does it work for weight loss?
Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that mimics glucagon-like peptide-1, a hormone released after eating. It helps signal fullness to the brain, slows gastric emptying, reduces appetite, and improves insulin sensitivity, which can lead to lower calorie intake and meaningful weight loss. Clinical trials cited on the page report average body weight reductions of about 15% to 17%.
What is the difference between Ozempic and Wegovy?
Ozempic and Wegovy both contain semaglutide, but they have different FDA-approved indications and dosing. Ozempic is approved for type 2 diabetes and is used at doses up to 2 mg weekly, while Wegovy is approved for chronic weight management and has a maximum dose of 2.4 mg weekly. Both are once-weekly subcutaneous injections.
How is semaglutide administered?
Semaglutide products such as Ozempic and Wegovy are given as a once-weekly subcutaneous injection, usually in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Treatment generally starts at a lower dose and increases gradually over several weeks to help reduce side effects and improve tolerability.
How long does it take for semaglutide to work?
Some patients begin noticing reduced appetite within the first one to two weeks, while measurable weight loss may begin during the first month. The full effect develops gradually as the dose is increased, and the current page notes that maximum weight loss may develop over about 12 to 18 months of continuous treatment.
What are the most common side effects of semaglutide?
The most common side effects are gastrointestinal and include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and stomach discomfort. These effects tend to be more noticeable during dose increases and may improve as the body adjusts. More serious risks can include pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, and specific thyroid-related warnings, which is why health history and contraindications should be reviewed before treatment.
Is semaglutide the same as compounded semaglutide sold online?
No. Ozempic and Wegovy are FDA-approved semaglutide products manufactured under standardized quality and dosing requirements, while compounded semaglutide is not FDA-approved. Compounded medications do not go through the same FDA review process for safety, effectiveness, manufacturing, and labeling as approved brand-name products.
Who should not take semaglutide?
Semaglutide is contraindicated for people with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2), and it should not be used during pregnancy. A history of pancreatitis, severe gastrointestinal problems, kidney concerns, current medications, and other health factors may also need to be considered before treatment.
Can I take semaglutide if I have type 2 diabetes?
Yes. Semaglutide was originally developed for diabetes treatment, and Ozempic is used to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes. For someone who also wants to lose weight, the appropriate semaglutide product and treatment plan depend on blood sugar control, current medications, health history, and individual goals.
How much does semaglutide cost without insurance in Chandler, AZ?
The cost of semaglutide without insurance varies depending on whether Ozempic or Wegovy is prescribed, the dose, pharmacy pricing, and available savings programs. With qualifying insurance coverage, some patients may pay as little as $25 per month, but actual costs vary and should be checked based on the specific insurance plan and medication.
Does semaglutide cause muscle loss?
Semaglutide promotes weight loss mainly by helping reduce calorie intake, but some lean mass can also be lost during significant weight loss, as can happen with other weight loss methods. Adequate nutrition, protein intake, physical activity, resistance exercise when appropriate, and body composition monitoring can help support lean muscle while losing fat.
What happens when I stop taking semaglutide?
Clinical studies show that some people regain a significant portion of the weight they lost after stopping semaglutide as appetite and other biological signals return. This does not mean everyone needs semaglutide for life, but it does make long-term planning important, including nutrition, activity, follow-up, and whether a maintenance dose or another treatment strategy may be appropriate.
What is tirzepatide and how is it different from semaglutide?
Tirzepatide is a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist, meaning it works on two metabolic pathways instead of primarily targeting GLP-1 alone. GLP-1 helps reduce appetite and slow gastric emptying, while GIP is involved in insulin secretion and other metabolic effects. The page cites clinical results of up to about 22% body weight loss with tirzepatide compared with average reductions of around 15% to 17% with semaglutide.
What is the difference between Mounjaro and Zepbound?
Mounjaro and Zepbound contain the same active ingredient, tirzepatide, but they have different FDA-approved indications and labeling. Mounjaro is approved for type 2 diabetes, while Zepbound is approved for chronic weight management in eligible adults.
How much weight can I lose on Mounjaro or Zepbound?
In the SURMOUNT-1 trial cited on the page, tirzepatide produced up to 22.5% body weight reduction in adults with obesity, and patients receiving the highest dose lost an average of about 52 pounds over 72 weeks. Individual results vary depending on starting weight, dose, treatment adherence, nutrition, activity, and other personal factors.
Is Mounjaro or Ozempic better for weight loss?
Clinical trial data cited on the page shows that tirzepatide has produced greater average weight loss than semaglutide in some comparisons, with tirzepatide reaching around 22% body weight reduction compared with roughly 15% for semaglutide. That does not mean one medication is automatically better for everyone, since medical history, previous treatment, side effects, insurance coverage, and individual response also matter.
How is tirzepatide injected?
Tirzepatide products such as Mounjaro and Zepbound are given as a once-weekly subcutaneous injection in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. The medication comes in an injection device designed for self-administration, and patients are typically shown how to use it correctly before starting treatment.
What are the side effects of Mounjaro and Zepbound?
The most common side effects of tirzepatide are nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, and decreased appetite. These are often more noticeable while the dose is being increased and may improve as the body adjusts. More serious risks can include pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, and thyroid-related warnings, so contraindications and health history should be reviewed before treatment.
Does tirzepatide help with blood sugar in addition to weight loss?
Yes. Tirzepatide was developed as a diabetes treatment and works through both GIP and GLP-1 pathways to improve blood sugar control. In people with type 2 diabetes it can reduce HbA1c, while improvements in insulin sensitivity and insulin resistance may also occur alongside weight loss and other metabolic changes.
Is tirzepatide covered by insurance?
Coverage depends on the insurance plan and the product being prescribed. Zepbound may be covered for weight management with prior authorization under some commercial plans, while Mounjaro coverage is generally associated with a type 2 diabetes diagnosis. Coverage requirements can vary significantly from one plan to another.
Can I switch from Ozempic to Mounjaro?
Switching from semaglutide products such as Ozempic or Wegovy to tirzepatide products such as Mounjaro or Zepbound may be considered for some patients, including those who have plateaued or are not getting the desired response. The transition should be medically supervised because the starting dose and timing depend on your current medication, dose, response, side effects, and health history.
Why is tirzepatide considered the most effective weight loss medication available?
Tirzepatide works on both GIP and GLP-1 receptors, producing combined effects on appetite, insulin sensitivity, and metabolism. The current page cites the SURMOUNT-1 trial, where tirzepatide produced up to 22.5% body weight reduction, which is higher than the results reported for many earlier FDA-approved weight loss medications. Individual response still varies, so treatment choice should not be based on the percentage alone.
Is there a pill version of semaglutide for weight loss?
Yes. Oral semaglutide is a daily tablet form of semaglutide, the same active ingredient used in injectable products such as Ozempic and Wegovy. It uses an absorption-enhancing technology to allow semaglutide to be absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract and may appeal to patients who prefer taking a tablet instead of an injection.
How effective is oral semaglutide compared to the injection?
Oral semaglutide can produce meaningful weight loss, although the current page describes it as generally less potent than injectable semaglutide at equivalent doses because less of the medication is absorbed when taken orally. The best option depends on factors such as treatment goals, tolerance, preference for a daily tablet or weekly injection, and individual response.
How do you take oral semaglutide correctly?
Oral semaglutide should be taken on an empty stomach first thing in the morning with no more than 4 ounces of plain water, followed by a wait of at least 30 minutes before eating, drinking anything other than water, or taking other oral medications. Following these instructions matters because food, other beverages, and medications can reduce how much semaglutide is absorbed.
Who is a good candidate for oral semaglutide?
Oral semaglutide may be an option for patients who meet the clinical criteria for GLP-1 treatment, such as a BMI of 30 or higher or a BMI of 27 or higher with a weight-related health condition, and who prefer a daily tablet instead of a weekly injection. It may also appeal to people with needle anxiety, while those comfortable with injections may want to compare oral semaglutide with injectable semaglutide or tirzepatide before choosing an option.