Frequently Asked
Questions

Premier Physicians Weight Loss & Wellness was founded by Dr. Dana Trippi, MD, a dual board-certified physician in both Emergency Medicine and Obesity Medicine with nearly 20 years of specialized experience. The full clinical team specializes in obesity medicine and metabolic health.

Premier Physicians Weight Loss & Wellness is a licensed medical practice staffed by board-certified physicians, not a commercial diet program. Treatment addresses the biological, hormonal, and genetic factors behind weight gain and includes access to FDA-approved prescription medications, FibroScan liver screening, and genetic obesity testing.

Premier Physicians Weight Loss & Wellness has clinic locations in Las Vegas and Reno, Nevada. Virtual telehealth appointments are available for patients anywhere in Nevada.

Yes. Premier Physicians Weight Loss & Wellness works with many insurance providers. Patients are encouraged to contact the office before their first appointment to verify coverage. Membership programs and private pay options are available for uninsured patients.

New patients can request an appointment online at premierweightloss.com/request-appointment or by contacting the Las Vegas or Reno office directly. Both in-person and telehealth appointments are available.

Medical weight loss is appropriate for adults and adolescents who have not achieved lasting results through diet and exercise alone, or who have obesity-related conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol. Your provider will determine the best approach during your initial consultation.

Programs at Premier Physicians Weight Loss & Wellness may include a medical evaluation and lab work, FDA-approved prescription medications, nutrition and exercise counseling, behavioral support, and regular follow-up appointments. Treatment plans are individualized and adjusted over time based on patient progress.

Coverage varies by insurance plan. Premier Physicians Weight Loss & Wellness works with many insurers and can help patients verify coverage before beginning treatment. Membership programs and private pay options are available for patients whose insurance does not cover weight loss services.

GLP-1 receptor agonists are FDA-approved medications that reduce appetite, slow digestion, and improve blood sugar regulation. In clinical trials, GLP-1 medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide have produced average weight loss of 15 to 22 percent of body weight when combined with lifestyle changes.

Semaglutide activates one hormone pathway to reduce appetite and regulate blood sugar. Tirzepatide activates two pathways simultaneously and has shown greater average weight loss in clinical trials. Your physician at Premier Physicians Weight Loss & Wellness will determine which medication is the best fit for your health history and goals.

The most common side effects are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation, which typically decrease as the body adjusts to the medication. Your provider will review your health history before prescribing and monitor you throughout treatment to manage any side effects.

Yes. Both medications require a physician evaluation and prescription. Premier Physicians Weight Loss & Wellness offers in-person and telehealth consultations for Nevada patients and prescribes only FDA-approved formulations.

For many patients, GLP-1 medications are a long-term tool for chronic weight management, similar to medications used for blood pressure or cholesterol. Your provider will work with you to build a long-term plan that balances medication with behavioral and nutritional support.

Fatty liver disease is directly linked to obesity, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome — conditions that commonly affect patients seeking weight loss care. Premier Physicians Weight Loss & Wellness offers FibroScan to detect liver damage early, before symptoms appear, so treatment can be adjusted accordingly.

FibroScan is recommended for patients with obesity, type 2 diabetes or prediabetes, metabolic syndrome, elevated liver enzymes, a history of hepatitis B or C, or a family history of liver disease. Because fatty liver disease often develops without symptoms, screening is recommended even when patients feel well.

FibroScan measures liver fat (CAP score) and liver stiffness in kilopascals. Your provider will review the results with you and recommend next steps, which may include dietary changes, medication adjustments, or specialist referral if needed.

Yes. FibroScan liver screening is available at Premier Physicians Weight Loss & Wellness locations in both Las Vegas and Reno.

Coverage depends on your insurance plan and clinical diagnosis. Premier Physicians can help patients determine coverage before scheduling. Private pay options are available.

Most weight loss program services can be handled virtually, including initial consultations, GLP-1 prescriptions and refills, lab result reviews, and treatment plan adjustments. Services that require in-person visits, such as FibroScan, will be scheduled at one of our clinic locations.

No. Telehealth patients can be located anywhere in Nevada. You will need a smartphone, tablet, or computer with a camera and microphone to attend your virtual appointment.

Some GLP-1 medications have received FDA approval for use in adolescents with obesity. Medication is only prescribed after a thorough clinical evaluation, and parental consent is required for all minor patients.

Yes. A parent or legal guardian is required to consent to care for minor patients, and family participation is strongly encouraged throughout the program. Research consistently shows better outcomes when families are actively involved in adolescent weight management.

Yes. GLP-1 medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide were originally developed for type 2 diabetes and are now FDA-approved for weight management as well. They improve insulin sensitivity, lower blood sugar, and reduce appetite simultaneously, making them highly effective for patients managing both conditions.

Yes. Premier Physicians Weight Loss & Wellness works with prediabetic patients to reduce insulin resistance and prevent or delay progression to type 2 diabetes through medically supervised weight loss and dietary support.

Genetic testing is recommended for patients with a strong family history of obesity, patients who have not responded to standard treatments, and adolescents with significant obesity. It is available for both adult and pediatric patients at Premier Physicians Weight Loss & Wellness.

Yes, in some cases. Certain genetic variants may qualify patients for specialized medications not available through standard treatment pathways. Results can also inform GLP-1 medication selection, as some genetic profiles respond better to certain drug classes.

Yes. Premier Physicians Weight Loss & Wellness provides post-operative care for bariatric patients experiencing weight regain or metabolic complications. GLP-1 medications have shown strong results in post-bariatric patients and may be an appropriate part of your recovery plan.

Contact the Premier Physicians Weight Loss & Wellness office directly to request current membership options. A care coordinator can help you compare membership costs against your insurance coverage to identify the best option for your situation.

Obesity and metabolic conditions are among the leading drivers of healthcare costs and lost productivity. Employers who invest in medically supervised weight management programs typically see reductions in insurance claims, fewer sick days, and improved employee performance. Contact the office to request a corporate program consultation.

Visit the Wake Research Las Vegas page linked on the Premier Physicians website, or ask your provider at your next appointment. Eligibility is determined by specific criteria that vary by study.