Weight is not just about willpower. Hormones, insulin resistance, thyroid problems, sleep, stress, genes and some medicines all affect how your body stores fat. That is why the best weight loss doctor for many people is an endocrinologist, a doctor trained in hormones and metabolism.
Dr. Siddiqui is board certified in Obesity Medicine by the American Board of Obesity Medicine, and in Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism and Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. She is Division Head of Endocrinology at Sinai Chicago, where she leads the Medical Weight Wellness Program.
What makes this weight loss program different
- A hormone-first workup. We look for thyroid problems, insulin resistance, PCOS, high cortisol and medicines that cause weight gain.
- FDA-approved medicine only. We prescribe brand medicines such as Wegovy, Zepbound and the new GLP-1 pills when they are right for you.
- Care for the whole picture. Weight loss is planned together with your blood sugar, blood pressure, cholesterol and liver health.
- Real follow-up. Doses are adjusted slowly, side effects are managed and your progress is checked over time.
- No judgment. Obesity is a medical condition. You are treated with respect, in English or Urdu.
How the program works
- First visit. Review of your weight history, past diets, medicines, sleep and goals.
- Lab work. Tests may include A1C, fasting glucose, thyroid levels, cholesterol, liver and kidney tests.
- Your plan. A plan that may include medicine, a simple eating pattern you can keep, and activity that protects muscle.
- Slow, safe dose increases. Most medicines start low and go up every few weeks to limit side effects.
- Follow-up. Regular check-ins to track weight, labs and how you feel, then a long-term maintenance plan.
Weight loss medications we prescribe
| Medicine | How it is taken | Average weight loss in trials |
|---|---|---|
| Tirzepatide (Zepbound) | Weekly injection | About 21 percent at the highest dose (SURMOUNT-1) |
| Semaglutide (Wegovy) | Weekly injection | About 15 percent (STEP 1) |
| Semaglutide pill (Wegovy pill) | Daily pill on an empty stomach | About 14 percent (OASIS 4) |
| Orforglipron (Foundayo) | Daily pill, no food or water rules | Up to about 12 percent at the highest dose (ATTAIN-1) |
| Liraglutide (Saxenda) | Daily injection | About 8 percent (SCALE) |
These numbers are averages from large clinical trials over about 15 to 18 months. Your results may be higher or lower. The right choice depends on your health, your goals, your insurance and how you feel on the medicine. Learn more about semaglutide, tirzepatide and the new weight loss pills.
Who is a good fit for medical weight loss?
FDA-approved weight loss medicines are generally for 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, prediabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, fatty liver or heart disease.
These medicines are not right for everyone. People with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or MEN 2, or who are pregnant or planning pregnancy, need a different plan. Dr. Siddiqui reviews your full history before prescribing.
The FDA has ended the shortage of semaglutide and tirzepatide and has warned about dosing errors with compounded versions. Dr. Siddiqui focuses on FDA-approved medicines and can help you move from a compounded product to an approved one.
Keeping the weight off
Obesity is a long-term condition. In studies, many people regained much of their weight within a year of stopping medicine. A good program plans for this from day one, with protein-rich eating, strength training to protect muscle, steady follow-up and, for many people, a maintenance dose.
