Our Services
Medical Weight Management in Buffalo, NY
Kura Health offers evidence-informed medical weight management for patients in Buffalo and Western New York, including lifestyle counseling, metabolic risk assessment, lab review, and medication options when clinically appropriate.
For eligible patients, treatment may include discussion of prescription weight management medications such as Wegovy, Zepbound, Saxenda, Contrave, Qsymia, orlistat, phentermine, and other options based on medical history, risks, benefits, insurance coverage, and availability.
A Medical Approach to Weight Management
Weight management is medical care. At Kura Health, we approach weight with respect, evidence-informed treatment, and attention to the health conditions that often travel with obesity, including high blood pressure, prediabetes, diabetes, cholesterol problems, sleep concerns, joint pain, and metabolic risk.
Every patient's plan is individualized based on their health history, goals, medical needs, medications, lab results when appropriate, insurance coverage, and what is clinically appropriate for their situation.
The goal is not simply a number on the scale. Medical weight management is about improving health, reducing risk, supporting sustainable habits, and choosing treatment options safely.
Weight management should be respectful, individualized, and medically appropriate.
Who Medical Weight Management May Help
Medical weight management may be appropriate for patients who are concerned about weight, metabolic health, or weight-related medical conditions.
Medication is not appropriate for everyone. Kura Health will review your medical history, current medications, risks, benefits, and treatment goals before making recommendations.
What Medical Weight Management Includes
Weight management at Kura Health is built on a comprehensive approach that considers the whole patient.
Health History Review
Review of medical history, weight history, prior treatments, medications, and weight-related health conditions.
Metabolic Risk Assessment
Assessment of factors such as blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, family history, sleep concerns, and other health risks.
Lab Review and Testing
Lab work may be ordered or reviewed to assess metabolic health, thyroid function, kidney and liver function, diabetes risk, cholesterol, and other markers when appropriate.
Lifestyle Counseling
Practical guidance on nutrition, physical activity, sleep, behavior change, and sustainable habits.
Medication Review
Review of current medications that may affect weight, appetite, metabolism, or treatment safety.
Ongoing Monitoring
Follow-up visits to monitor progress, adjust treatment, review side effects, and support long-term health.
Medication Options for Weight Management
Prescription weight management medications may be considered when clinically appropriate. Medication decisions depend on medical history, body mass index, weight-related conditions, contraindications, medication interactions, pregnancy status, insurance coverage, medication availability, side effects, and shared decision-making.
Some patients may be candidates for GLP-1 or GIP/GLP-1 medications such as semaglutide or tirzepatide. Others may be better suited for non-GLP-1 options, lifestyle-focused treatment, or management of related medical conditions first.
Not everyone is a candidate for weight-loss medication. A prescription is not guaranteed. Kura Health reviews risks, benefits, contraindications, alternatives, and follow-up needs before making medication recommendations.
GLP-1 and GIP/GLP-1 Medications
Many patients search for GLP-1 medications by brand name. Kura Health can discuss these medications when clinically appropriate, but whether a medication is appropriate depends on your medical history, insurance coverage, medication availability, contraindications, and shared decision-making.
Wegovy
(semaglutide)FDA-approved for chronic weight management in eligible patients.
Coverage and availability vary. Not everyone is a candidate.
Zepbound
(tirzepatide)FDA-approved for chronic weight management in eligible patients.
Coverage and availability vary. Not everyone is a candidate.
Ozempic
(semaglutide)FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes; sometimes discussed by patients because of weight-related effects.
Use for weight loss alone is different from its FDA-approved diabetes indication. Kura Health will discuss appropriate options based on diagnosis, insurance, and clinical need.
Mounjaro
(tirzepatide)FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes; sometimes discussed by patients because of weight-related effects.
Use for weight loss alone is different from its FDA-approved diabetes indication. Kura Health will discuss appropriate options based on diagnosis, insurance, and clinical need.
Saxenda
(liraglutide)FDA-approved for chronic weight management in eligible patients.
Daily injection; appropriateness depends on individual factors.
GLP-1 and GIP/GLP-1 medications can have side effects and may not be appropriate for patients with certain medical histories. Kura Health reviews risks, benefits, contraindications, dosing, monitoring, and alternatives before making treatment recommendations.
Compounded medications: Kura Health does not present compounded GLP-1 medications as identical to FDA-approved products. The FDA has raised concerns about unapproved GLP-1 drugs, including products marketed online or from unverified sources. Patients should only use medications prescribed by a licensed clinician and obtained through appropriate channels.
Other Prescription Weight Management Medications
GLP-1 medications are not the only medical options. Depending on your health history and goals, other medications may be discussed.
Contrave
(naltrexone/bupropion)An oral medication that may be used for chronic weight management in eligible patients.
Qsymia
(phentermine/topiramate)An oral medication that may be used for chronic weight management in eligible patients.
Orlistat
(Xenical, Alli)A medication that reduces absorption of some dietary fat and may be used for weight management in selected patients.
Phentermine
A short-term appetite suppressant that may be considered for some patients when appropriate.
Medication selection depends on medical history, blood pressure, heart history, mental health history, seizure risk, pregnancy potential, medication interactions, side effects, insurance coverage, and follow-up needs.
What to Expect at Your Weight Management Visit
Your visit is designed to understand your health, not just your weight.
Review Your Health History
Your provider will review your weight history, medical conditions, medications, prior treatments, family history, and goals.
Assess Metabolic Risk
Blood pressure, lab history, cholesterol, blood sugar, sleep concerns, and other risk factors may be reviewed.
Discuss Treatment Options
Your plan may include lifestyle counseling, lab work, follow-up planning, medication options when appropriate, or management of related conditions first.
Plan Follow-Up
If medication is prescribed, follow-up is important to monitor progress, side effects, access issues, and treatment response.
Insurance, Prior Authorizations, and Medication Availability
Coverage for weight management visits and medications varies widely by insurance plan. Some medications require prior authorization, step therapy, documentation of medical necessity, or proof of weight-related conditions. Some plans do not cover weight-loss medications even when a medication is clinically appropriate.
Kura Health can help patients understand the information that may be needed for prior authorization, but approval is determined by the insurance plan. Medication availability and pharmacy stock can also change.
A prescription does not guarantee insurance approval, pharmacy availability, or out-of-pocket affordability.
Safety, Monitoring, and Follow-Up
Medical weight management requires follow-up. If medication is prescribed, Kura Health monitors for side effects, treatment response, medication access issues, and changes in health status.
Patients should contact Kura Health if they experience concerning symptoms or side effects. Severe symptoms or emergencies should be evaluated urgently or by calling 911.
Common Questions
Do you prescribe GLP-1 medications?
Some patients may be candidates for GLP-1 or GIP/GLP-1 medications depending on clinical appropriateness, insurance coverage, medication availability, contraindications, and shared decision-making. A prescription is not guaranteed and decisions are made on an individual basis.
Do you prescribe Wegovy or Zepbound?
Wegovy and Zepbound are FDA-approved options for chronic weight management in eligible patients. Kura Health can discuss whether these or other medications may be appropriate based on your health history, medical needs, insurance coverage, and medication availability.
Do you prescribe Ozempic or Mounjaro for weight loss?
Ozempic and Mounjaro are FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes and are often searched because of their weight-related effects. Kura Health will discuss medication options based on your diagnosis, clinical needs, insurance rules, and what is medically appropriate. If your goal is weight management without diabetes, FDA-approved weight management options such as Wegovy or Zepbound may be discussed when appropriate.
Will insurance cover weight management medication?
Coverage varies by insurance plan. Some plans cover weight management medications with prior authorization, while others exclude them. Kura Health can help identify what information may be needed, but insurance approval is determined by your plan.
Do I need lab work?
Lab work may be ordered or reviewed to assess metabolic health, diabetes risk, cholesterol, thyroid function, kidney and liver function, and medication safety when clinically appropriate.
What if medication is not appropriate for me?
Medication is not the only option. Kura Health can provide lifestyle counseling, metabolic risk assessment, chronic disease management, lab review, and support for weight management even when medication is not appropriate.
Is this only virtual, or can I be seen in person?
Both in-person and virtual visits may be available when clinically appropriate. Some concerns, exams, measurements, or testing may require an in-person visit.
Are results guaranteed?
No. Individual results vary. Weight management is a process that depends on many factors, including medical history, treatment plan, medication response, lifestyle, genetics, access to medication, and underlying health conditions.
Do you offer compounded semaglutide or compounded tirzepatide?
Kura Health approaches compounded GLP-1 medications cautiously. Compounded products are not the same as FDA-approved medications, and the FDA has raised concerns about unapproved GLP-1 drugs marketed for weight loss. Medication decisions should be made with a licensed clinician and filled through appropriate channels.
Can a nurse practitioner provide medical weight management?
Yes. Nurse practitioners can provide primary care services that include evaluation, diagnosis, medication management when appropriate, lab review, chronic disease management, preventive care, and referrals within their scope of practice. Kura Health is transparent about nurse practitioner-led care and coordinates additional care when appropriate.
Medical Disclaimer
Weight-loss medications are not appropriate for everyone. Medication decisions are based on medical history, risks, benefits, contraindications, medication interactions, pregnancy status, insurance coverage, availability, and shared decision-making. Results vary.
This page is for general educational purposes and does not replace medical advice. If you have questions about whether medical weight management is appropriate for you, schedule a visit with Kura Health or speak with your healthcare professional.
Schedule a Weight Management Visit
Begin your medical weight management journey with a comprehensive evaluation at Kura Health.