Key West Medical Weight Loss & GLP-1 Medications

Medical weight management in Key West from Dr. Shannon Smeltzer, DNP, APRN — the Keys' first dedicated medical weight loss clinic. Dr. Smeltzer pioneered medical weight loss care in the Florida Keys, combining metabolic evaluation, prescription medication management when clinically appropriate, and the kind of ongoing, in-person follow-up that keeps you accountable and on track. Weight management isn't a quick fix — it's a medical process, and it works best with a provider who knows your health, not a website that ships you a syringe.

Why Keywest.Health for Medical Weight Loss?

With more than 30 years of experience in medicine, Dr. Smeltzer brings clinical depth to weight management that goes far beyond prescribing a medication. She evaluates the full picture — your metabolic health, thyroid function, hormonal status, medications, and lifestyle — before recommending a treatment plan. Every decision is made by the same provider who follows your progress month after month.

• The Keys' original weight loss clinic: Dr. Smeltzer pioneered the first medical weight loss clinic in the Keys — this isn't a side offering bolted onto a med spa menu.
• Assessment first, medication second: labs, history, and metabolic evaluation before any prescription is written.
• In-person monitoring: monthly face-to-face visits to track progress, adjust dosing, and address side effects — not a one-time telehealth consult followed by mail-order refills.
• Lifestyle support included: nutritional guidance, meal planning resources, and behavioral strategies tailored to your routine and preferences.

How Medical Weight Management Works

Your first visit is a comprehensive medical evaluation. Dr. Smeltzer reviews your health history, metabolic health, current medications, and weight-management goals. Blood work — including thyroid function, metabolic panels, and other relevant markers — is drawn in-office to identify factors that may affect your results.

Based on your evaluation, Dr. Smeltzer develops a personalized plan that may include prescription GLP-1 medications, lifestyle and nutrition support, and ongoing monitoring. There's no one-size-fits-all protocol — your plan is built around your body, your health, and your life.

GLP-1 Medications

Prescription GLP-1 receptor agonists — including semaglutide (the active ingredient in Wegovy® and Ozempic®) and tirzepatide (the active ingredient in Zepbound® and Mounjaro®) — may be part of your plan when clinically appropriate. These once-weekly injections work by regulating appetite, slowing gastric emptying, and helping you feel fuller longer. They are not appropriate for everyone, and Dr. Smeltzer will discuss whether they're a fit for you based on your medical history and evaluation.

Lifestyle & Nutrition Support

Medication works best when paired with sustainable habits. Keywest.Health provides nutritional guidance tailored to your daily routine, meal planning resources — including structured meal replacement options through the Robard Corporation's Numetra program for patients who want a more structured approach — and behavioral strategies to help you maintain your progress long-term.

Monthly Follow-Up & Monitoring

Regular face-to-face visits are the backbone of medical weight management. During monthly check-ins, Dr. Smeltzer reviews your progress, monitors labs, adjusts medication dosing based on your response and tolerability, and ensures you're staying healthy throughout your journey. This ongoing oversight is what distinguishes a medical program from a subscription box.

Results & Expectations

Weight loss with GLP-1 medications varies by individual — factors like starting weight, metabolic health, adherence, and lifestyle all play a role. Most patients begin to see meaningful changes within the first few months, with continued progress as their plan is refined over time. Weight management is a long-term process, and the goal is sustainable results, not rapid loss that's impossible to maintain.

Maintenance is a critical phase. Once you've reached your goal, Dr. Smeltzer works with you on a long-term plan — whether that means continuing medication at a maintenance dose, transitioning to lifestyle-only strategies, or adjusting your approach as your body and circumstances change. There's no arbitrary endpoint; your plan evolves with you.

What Does Medical Weight Loss Cost?

Costs vary based on your plan and may include consultation, lab work, medications, and follow-up visits. Keywest.Health does not bill insurance; this is a self-pay practice. Prescription medication costs vary by drug and dose; ask the dispensing pharmacy to confirm its price. Ask us about consultation, lab, and follow-up costs before you agree to those services. We accept major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover), Venmo, Apple Pay, Cash App, Zelle, cash, debit cards, and CareCredit financing (subject to approval); ask about available coupon discounts. Call (305) 514-0482 or schedule online for current pricing details.

Visitor & Seasonal Resident Care

Many patients begin their weight management journey while spending extended time in the Keys. If you're a snowbird, seasonal resident, or visitor planning to stay in Key West for several weeks or months, you can establish care with Dr. Smeltzer and continue your program with in-person visits during your stay. For patients who return to the mainland, Dr. Smeltzer can coordinate follow-up and provide guidance for continuing your plan with a local provider.

Medical Weight Loss in Key West — Frequently Asked Questions

Who provides medical weight loss care at Keywest.Health?

Dr. Shannon Smeltzer, DNP, APRN — founder of Keywest.Health — pioneered the first dedicated medical weight loss clinic in the Keys. She personally handles your evaluation, prescribes and monitors any medications, and follows your progress through monthly visits. You see the same provider every time.

How do GLP-1 medications work for weight loss?

GLP-1 receptor agonists are a class of prescription medications originally developed for type 2 diabetes that have been shown to support weight management. They work by regulating appetite, slowing gastric emptying, and helping you feel fuller longer. Semaglutide (the active ingredient in Wegovy® and Ozempic®) and tirzepatide (the active ingredient in Zepbound® and Mounjaro®) are the most commonly prescribed options. Whether GLP-1 medications are appropriate for you depends on your medical history, metabolic health, and treatment goals — all determined during your consultation.

Do I need to lose weight to qualify for treatment?

Treatment eligibility is based on a medical evaluation, not a number on the scale. Dr. Smeltzer reviews your health history, metabolic profile, BMI, and personal goals to determine whether a medical weight management program — with or without medication — is the right fit. Some patients benefit from lifestyle and nutrition support alone.

How much does medical weight loss cost?

Costs vary based on your plan and may include consultation, lab work, medications, and follow-up visits. Keywest.Health does not bill insurance. Ask for current consultation pricing before your visit — we discuss the costs of your proposed plan before you begin. Call (305) 514-0482 for current pricing and payment options.

How often will I need follow-up visits?

Monthly follow-up visits are standard during active treatment. These in-person check-ins allow Dr. Smeltzer to monitor your progress, review labs, adjust medication dosing, and address any concerns. Regular follow-up is a key part of what distinguishes medically supervised weight management from mail-order programs.

Is medical weight loss safe?

Medical weight management is prescribed and monitored by a licensed provider who evaluates your health before and during treatment. Like all prescription medications, GLP-1 drugs have potential side effects — most commonly nausea, which typically improves over time. Dr. Smeltzer monitors for side effects and adjusts your plan to keep you safe and comfortable.

Can I use telehealth for weight loss appointments?

Initial consultations and many follow-up visits can be conducted in-person at our Key West clinic. Some follow-up visits may be available via telehealth depending on your treatment plan. Dr. Smeltzer will discuss the best visit format for your situation during your first appointment.

Related Services

Medical weight management is part of primary care at Keywest.Health — many patients address weight alongside chronic disease management, hormone therapy, and preventive wellness. Learn more about Dr. Shannon Smeltzer, DNP, APRN and her 30+ years in medicine.