Semaglutide weight loss in Tampa
Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that many patients find helpful for reducing appetite and supporting steady, sustainable weight loss. At Lavena Health in Temple Terrace, our board-certified physicians guide each step personally, from your first labs and dosing to monthly check-ins. It is one part of our broader medical weight loss program, and the medication itself is included in your monthly price.
Physician-supervised semaglutide from $175/mo — weekly in-clinic visits and your medication included.How semaglutide works
Semaglutide belongs to a class of medications called GLP-1 receptor agonists. GLP-1 is a hormone your gut naturally releases after eating. Semaglutide mimics that signal, which can increase feelings of fullness, slow gastric emptying so food stays in the stomach longer, and help regulate blood sugar by supporting insulin release. For many patients, the practical effect is a quieter appetite and less "food noise" between meals.
Because it works on the body's own satiety pathways rather than acting as a stimulant, semaglutide is typically paired with nutrition and activity changes to protect long-term results.
Who is a good candidate
Semaglutide is generally considered for adults with a BMI of 30 or higher, or a BMI of 27 or higher when accompanied by a weight-related condition such as prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnea. Many of our patients have tried diet and exercise on their own and want structured, physician-led support.
Candidacy is always individual. During your visit we review your health history, current medications, and goals, and order baseline labs before recommending any treatment. You can also explore our /transformation projection tool to visualize a realiztic trajectory.
What to expect on the program
Semaglutide is typically started at a low weekly dose and titrated upward gradually over several weeks to help your body adjust and limit side effects. You will have monthly visits with your physician to review progress, adjust dosing, and address any concerns. In clinical studies, many patients lost roughly 15% of their body weight over about a year, though individual results vary and are not guaranteed.
We emphasize adequate protein and resistance training throughout to help preserve muscle while you lose fat, and we help coordinate monthly payment options through /financing if that is useful.
Safety, side effects & who should avoid it
The most common side effects are gastrointestinal, including nausea, reduced appetite, constipation, or diarrhea, which often ease as your dose is titrated. Semaglutide should be avoided by anyone with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN2). It is not used during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and it is used with caution in patients with a history of pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, or diabetic retinopathy.
Your physician reviews these factors before prescribing and monitors you throughout treatment. Tell us right away about severe abdominal pain or persistent vomiting.
Common questions
How much does semaglutide cost in Tampa?
At Lavena Health, physician-supervised semaglutide starts from $175/mo, and that price includes the medication and a weekly in-clinic visit with a clinician, four times a month. We are a cash-pay clinic and do not bill insurance, so there are no surprise charges.
Semaglutide vs tirzepatide — which is right for me?
Both are injectable medications used for weight loss, but they act on different receptors. Tirzepatide targets two hormone pathways and, in head-to-head style comparisons, has been associated with greater average weight loss for some patients. Semaglutide is often a strong, more established starting point. Your physician helps you weigh cost, tolerance, and goals to choose the better fit.
How much weight can I expect to lose?
It varies from person to person and cannot be guaranteed. In clinical studies, many patients on semaglutide lost around 15% of their body weight over roughly a year when combined with lifestyle changes. Your individual results depend on dose, consistency, nutrition, and activity.
Is the medication included in the price?
Yes. Your monthly price of $175/mo and up includes the semaglutide itself, plus four weekly in-clinic visits a month — each one a weigh-in, a clinician review and your medication handed to you — and dose titration along the way. There is no separate pharmacy bill and no per-visit charge.
Do I need labs first?
Yes. We order baseline labs and review your full health history before recommending semaglutide. This helps us confirm the medication is appropriate for you and gives us a starting point to monitor safely over time.
Is compounded semaglutide safe?
When compounded semaglutide is used, it is sourced from US-based, state-licensed 503A pharmacies and dispensed under physician supervision. Your physician discusses the specific product, its sourcing, and any current availability with you so you can make an informed decision.
How often will I be seen on semaglutide?
Every week. Your monthly price covers four in-clinic visits a month, not one — you are weighed, reviewed by a clinician and given your medication at each. Your first month is $175 instead of the regular $200, and you can message your care team between visits at no extra cost.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Adeeb Saleh, DO · Last reviewed July 6, 2026
This page is for general education and isn't medical advice. Semaglutide is prescribed only after a physician assessment, and your plan is personalized to you. Individual results vary. Call (813) 805-8917 or book a consultation to see what's right for you.
