Expert Endocrinology-Based Weight Management in Fairfield, Connecticut

Are you struggling with weight loss despite diet and exercise? Have you heard about GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, or Zepbound but don’t know where to start? You deserve expert guidance from a physician who truly understands metabolism, hormones, and sustainable weight loss.

Dr. Michael Duben is a board-certified endocrinologist with over 20 years of experience in medical weight management. Unlike wellness clinics or telemedicine-only services, Dr. Duben brings the precision of endocrinology training combined with a functional medicine approach to help you achieve lasting results.

Call 203-760-5544 to schedule your comprehensive weight loss consultation.

Why See an Endocrinologist for Weight Loss?

Weight management is complex. It involves hormones (thyroid, insulin, cortisol, sex hormones), metabolism, body composition, nutrition, exercise, sleep, stress, and more. Endocrinologists are the physicians specially trained in hormones and metabolism—the very systems that control your weight.

Most weight loss clinics are run by practitioners without endocrinology training. They may prescribe medications without fully evaluating your:

Thyroid function (hypothyroidism causes weight gain and makes weight loss difficult)
Insulin resistance (the root cause of metabolic dysfunction)
Other hormonal imbalances (low testosterone in men, PCOS in women, cortisol dysregulation)
Body composition (muscle mass vs. fat mass)
Metabolic rate (how many calories your body actually burns)

As a board-certified endocrinologist, Dr. Duben evaluates your complete metabolic and hormonal picture to create a truly personalized weight loss plan.

Dr. Duben’s Comprehensive Approach to Medical Weight Loss

Two Decades of Experience with Weight Loss Medications

For weight management, Dr. Duben combines his training and experience in endocrinology, diabetes, and metabolism (which included a weight loss trial with metabolic measurements by indirect calorimetry) with the knowledge of functional medicine to give patients the best hybrid approach to improve their health.

For endocrinologists, GLP-1 medications have been known since the introduction of the first one, Byetta, in 2005. Multiple other medications in the same category were introduced since then, but the public only became aware of them when the class was popularized by Hollywood celebrities specifically for weight loss.

Dr. Duben has used these medications for diabetes and weight management for 20 years. He is intimately familiar with their mechanism of action, side effects, and strategies to diminish or mitigate side effects.

While weight loss medications are powerful tools, Dr. Duben’s approach is comprehensive and starts with foundational elements like proper nutrition and exercise—without which no long-lasting positive changes can be achieved.

Your Personalized Weight Loss Plan

Dr. Duben’s comprehensive approach includes:

1. Nutritional Education & Optimization

Dr. Duben educates patients regarding:

Quality and quantity of food
Food composition and macronutrient balance
Thermic effect of food (how different foods affect metabolism)
Proper food consumption strategies
Timing of food intake and time-restricted feeding
Adequate protein intake to preserve muscle mass (especially important with weight loss medications)

2. Exercise & Body Composition Optimization

Exercise recommendations to preserve and improve muscle mass and function
Strength training guidance to prevent muscle wasting
Body composition tracking (if requested) to monitor fat loss vs. muscle loss
Metabolic assessments

3. Medical Weight Loss Medications (When Appropriate)

Dr. Duben has extensive experience with all FDA-approved weight loss medications and will recommend the best option based on your medical history, goals, and budget.

GLP-1 Medications:

Ozempic (semaglutide for diabetes, used for weight loss)
Wegovy (semaglutide FDA-approved for weight loss)
Zepbound (tirzepatide FDA-approved for weight loss)
Mounjaro (tirzepatide for diabetes)

Non-GLP-1 Medications:

Adipex (phentermine) – appetite suppressant, often more affordable
Topamax (topiramate) – reduces appetite and cravings
Contrave (naltrexone/bupropion) – reduces cravings
Qsymia (phentermine/topiramate) – combination therapy

Dr. Duben will discuss which medication is right for you, manage dosing, monitor for side effects, and adjust treatment as needed.

4. Hormone Optimization

Many patients have underlying hormonal imbalances that sabotage weight loss efforts:

Thyroid optimization (not just “normal” labs)
Testosterone optimization (for men with low T)
Insulin resistance treatment (the root cause of metabolic dysfunction)

5. Functional Medicine Strategies

From the functional medicine viewpoint, Dr. Duben may recommend:

Supplements to improve mitochondrial health and metabolism (when appropriate and necessary)
Nutritional deficiency correction
Gut health optimization
Sleep and stress management strategies

6. Surgical Referrals When Appropriate

For patients with severe obesity or those who haven’t responded to medical management, Dr. Duben provides referrals to experienced bariatric surgeons.

7. Cost-Conscious Care

Even the costs of various preparations are discussed and taken into consideration. Dr. Duben will help you navigate manufacturer savings programs and choose the most cost-effective medication option for your situation.

What Are GLP-1 Medications?

GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) medications are a class of drugs that mimic a natural hormone in your body. They work by:

Slowing gastric emptying (you feel full longer)
Reducing appetite (less hunger and fewer cravings)
Improving insulin sensitivity (better blood sugar control)
Promoting weight loss (average 15-20% body weight loss in clinical trials)

These medications are given as once-weekly injections.

Non-GLP-1 Medication Options

Not everyone needs or wants GLP-1 medications. Dr. Duben has extensive experience with alternative weight loss medications:

Adipex (Phentermine):

Appetite suppressant
Daily oral medication
Short-term use (typically 3-6 months)
Often more affordable than GLP-1s
Effective for jumpstarting weight loss

Topamax (Topiramate):

Reduces appetite and cravings
Daily oral medication
Can be used longer-term
May help with migraines as well

Dr. Duben will determine which medication (or combination) is most appropriate based on your medical history, goals, and preferences.

Who Is a Candidate for Medical Weight Loss?

You may be a candidate if you:

Have a BMI ≥30 (obesity) OR BMI ≥27 with weight-related health conditions (diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, fatty liver)
Have tried diet and exercise without sustained success
Are committed to making lifestyle changes alongside medication
Do not have contraindications based on your medical history

Dr. Duben will determine if weight loss medication is appropriate for you during your consultation.

Managing Side Effects

GLP-1 Common Side Effects:

Nausea, vomiting
Diarrhea or constipation
Decreased appetite (sometimes excessive)
Fatigue

Non-GLP-1 Common Side Effects:

Adipex: increased heart rate, dry mouth, insomnia, jitteriness
Topamax: tingling in hands/feet, taste changes, cognitive effects
Contrave: nausea, headache, constipation
Qsymia: combination of phentermine and topiramate effects

Dr. Duben knows strategies to diminish and mitigate side effects, including:

Careful dose titration (starting low and increasing slowly)
Dietary modifications
Timing of doses
Supportive interventions when needed

Most side effects improve within 2-4 weeks as your body adjusts.

Why Choose Restore Health LLC for Weight Loss?

1. Board-Certified Endocrinologist

Dr. Duben is a board-certified endocrinologist with 20+ years of experience managing metabolism, hormones, and weight. He has been using weight loss medications since the early 2000s—long before they became popularized.

2. Comprehensive Metabolic Evaluation

Your weight loss plan begins with a thorough evaluation of thyroid function, insulin resistance, other hormonal imbalances, and metabolic health. Dr. Duben doesn’t just prescribe medication—he investigates root causes.

3. Functional Medicine + Endocrinology

Dr. Duben combines the precision of endocrinology with the whole-body approach of functional medicine, addressing nutrition, exercise, sleep, stress, supplements, and more.

4. Multiple Medication Options

Dr. Duben offers both GLP-1 medications (Ozempic, Wegovy, Zepbound) and non-GLP-1 options (Adipex, Topamax). He’ll help you choose the best option based on your needs and budget.

5. Personalized, Not Protocol-Based

Every patient is unique. Dr. Duben tailors your plan to your specific metabolism, hormones, lifestyle, and goals.

6. Time & Attention

As a cash-pay practice, Dr. Duben is not constrained by insurance limitations. Your initial consultation is 60-90 minutes, giving you time to discuss your history, goals, and treatment options in depth.

7. Long-Term Support

Weight loss is a journey, not a quick fix. Dr. Duben provides ongoing monitoring, dose adjustments, side effect management, and accountability.

Pricing & What to Expect

Initial Consultation: $495 (60-90 minutes)

Comprehensive medical history review
Physical examination
Discussion of weight loss goals and challenges
Review of previous lab work (or order new labs if needed)
Metabolic and hormonal assessment
Personalized weight loss plan development
Prescription for weight loss medication (if appropriate)

Follow-Up Visits: $250 (30 minutes)

Weight and body composition tracking
Side effect management
Medication dose adjustments
Nutritional and exercise guidance
Lab review (if applicable)
Ongoing support and accountability

Thyroid Ultrasound (if needed): $150

Lab work: Ordered through Quest or Labcorp (you pay the lab directly or submit to insurance)

Medication costs: Weight loss medications are prescribed separately. You fill prescriptions at your pharmacy. Costs vary widely:

GLP-1 medications: $900-$1,300/month without insurance (manufacturer savings programs may reduce cost)
Non-GLP-1 medications: Often $30-$100/month (generally much more affordable)

Dr. Duben will help you navigate the most cost-effective option for your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much weight can I expect to lose?

Results vary based on medication type, starting weight, adherence to lifestyle changes, and metabolic factors:

GLP-1 medications: Average 15-20% body weight loss over 6-12 months
Non-GLP-1 medications: Average 5-10% body weight loss over 3-6 months
Combined with lifestyle changes: Best results

How long do I need to stay on medication?

This varies by individual and medication type:

Adipex: Typically 3-6 months (FDA-approved for short-term use)
Other medications: May be used longer-term depending on response and tolerance
Maintenance: Some patients transition to lifestyle-only maintenance; others benefit from longer-term use

Dr. Duben will create a plan tailored to your needs.

Will I gain the weight back when I stop?

Weight regain is possible if you return to old eating habits. Dr. Duben emphasizes sustainable lifestyle changes—proper nutrition, exercise, and metabolic health—to help you maintain weight loss long-term.

Does insurance cover weight loss medications?

Coverage varies widely:

GLP-1 medications: Sometimes covered for diabetes, rarely for weight loss alone
Non-GLP-1 medications: Often better coverage, especially generics
Cash-pay options: Non-GLP-1 medications are often affordable even without insurance

Dr. Duben will help you navigate insurance coverage and manufacturer savings programs.

Which medication is best for me?

This depends on your:

Medical history (heart conditions, migraines, anxiety, etc.)
Budget (GLP-1s are expensive; non-GLP-1s are often more affordable)
Goals (how much weight you need to lose)
Preferences (injections vs. pills)
Tolerance (some patients tolerate certain medications better than others)

Dr. Duben will discuss all options with you and recommend the best fit.

What if I don’t want to use medication?

That’s perfectly fine. Dr. Duben offers comprehensive metabolic and nutritional guidance even without medication. Medication is one tool—not the only tool—for weight loss.

Convenient Fairfield Location

Restore Health LLC
501 Kings Highway East, Suite 103
Fairfield, CT 06825

Serving patients throughout Fairfield County, including Westport, Southport, Darien, Greenwich, Norwalk, Stamford, Trumbull, Milford, Stratford, Bridgeport, and beyond.

HIPAA-compliant telehealth available for patients across Connecticut and select states.

Take the First Step Toward Sustainable Weight Loss

You don’t have to struggle alone. With expert endocrinology guidance, comprehensive metabolic optimization, and personalized support, you can achieve lasting weight loss and improved health.

Call 203-760-5544 to schedule your weight loss consultation today.

Dr. Michael Duben, MD
Board-Certified Endocrinologist | Functional Medicine
Restore Health LLC | Fairfield, Connecticut

Ready to start your weight loss journey? Call 203-760-5544.

Restore Health LLC

Medical Weight Loss & Metabolic Optimization