Weight Loss Medications in Washington, DC

Medically Supervised Weight Loss Programs.
Availability: Washington, DC & telehealth
Medication options: Oral and injectable prescriptions
Average weight loss: 5–25% of body weight
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Gastric Balloon

How Do Weight Loss Medications
Fit Into the Membership Program?

At Gut Theory Total Digestive Care, Dr. Janese Laster-Butler offers medically supervised weight loss treatment in conjuction with membership programs in Washington, DC, with online access also available through the practice. Your plan is built around your body, your health history, and the barriers that may be making weight loss harder than it should be.

Prescription weight loss medications work in different ways. Some help you feel less hungry or full sooner, while others support appetite regulation, blood sugar control, food noise, cravings, and energy balance. GLP-1–based medications work on hormone pathways involved in appetite and digestion, and they delay gastric emptying as part of their effect profile. These medications are meant to work alongside reduced-calorie eating and increased physical activity, not replace them.

Once Dr. Laster-Butler decides that medication is appropriate, she works with you to select the option and dosing plan that best fit your needs and monitors your response over time. If needed, your dose can be adjusted or your medication can be changed to help you keep moving toward your goals safely and steadily.

Medication Options We May Discuss

These are some of the FDA-approved prescription options that may be discussed during your consultation. The right medication depends on your health history, weight-related conditions, treatment goals, and how you respond over time under medical supervision.

Oral Weight Loss Medications

Qsymia® / Phentermine

Qsymia combines phentermine and topiramate to support weight loss through complementary actions. Phentermine reduces appetite by increasing norepinephrine in the brain, while topiramate enhances satiety, alters taste, and helps reduce food cravings. Together, they decrease calorie intake and promote a greater feeling of fullness. 

Contrave® (naltrexone and bupropion)

Contrave is a blend of naltrexone and bupropion that helps control cravings by affecting the part of the brain involved in appetite and metabolism. It may be especially helpful for patients who struggle with cravings or emotional eating and can be used long term for weight management.

Oral Wegovy® pill

Oral Wegovy pill  is a once-daily pill that mimics the GLP-1 hormone to reduce appetite, increase fullness, slow digestion, and reduces food noise. It also helps regulate blood sugar and uses absorption technology that requires taking it on an empty stomach with a short fasting period after.
Coming soon

Orforglipron from Eli lilly

Orforglipron is an investigational oral weight loss medication from Eli Lilly that is designed to reduce appetite and help people feel full longer without the need for injections by targeting the GLP-1 pathway. Unlike many other GLP-1 medications, it is a non-peptide, once-daily pill that can be taken without food or water restrictions.

Injectable Weight Loss Medications

Wegovy® (Semaglutide)

Wegovy is a once-weekly weight loss injection that helps improve blood sugar regulation, curb appetite, and help you feel full longer so you eat less. It is part of a group of medications that mimic GLP-1, a natural hormone involved in hunger, digestion, and blood sugar control.

Zepbound® (Tirzepatide)

Zepbound is a weight loss injection that mimics both GLP-1 and GIP, two hormones involved in appetite and blood sugar regulation. Together, these hormones help suppress appetite, improve fullness, and help the body process calories more efficiently.

In Clinical Trials

Retatrutide

Retatrutide is an investigational once-weekly weight loss injection designed to activate three hormone pathways, GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon, instead of one or two, which may give it a broader metabolic effect. It is still in clinical trials and is not yet approved.

CagriSema

CagriSema is an investigational once-weekly weight loss injection that combines semaglutide with cagrilintide, an amylin-based medicine, instead of relying on GLP-1 alone. It is still in clinical trials and is not yet approved.

MariTide

MariTide is an investigational weight loss injection designed to help lower appetite and support long-lasting weight loss, with dosing being studied monthly or even less frequently than current weekly options. It is still in clinical trials and is not yet approved.

Meet Dr. Janese Laster-Butler

Dr. Janese Laster-Butler is a highly qualified specialist, certified in internal medicine, gastroenterology, obesity medicine, and nutrition. As a leading weight loss expert based in Washington, DC—and one of only two providers within 25 miles offering endoscopic weight loss procedures—she offers gastric balloon treatments and develops personalized plans tailored to each patient. She is dedicated to helping patients achieve their weight loss goals and improve their quality of life.
Learn more
Dr. Janese Laster-Butler
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Testimonials

I am incredibly grateful for the care and expertise of Dr. Janese Laster at Gut Theory Health. Through her intentional, thoughtful approach and deep knowledge, she has helped me lose weight, get off blood pressure medication, and feel healthier and more confident than I have in a long time.

Dr. Laster is not only highly skilled, but also incredibly personable and truly invested in her patients and their outcomes. You can feel that she genuinely cares, listens, and tailors her guidance to support lasting, real-life change. I highly recommend her to anyone looking to improve their health with a physician who combines expertise with compassion.

N.K.

Honestly, could not ask for better care. Dr. Laster and her team are knowledgeable, warm, caring, and genuinely invested helping their patients become healthier versions of themselves. I came in with lots of questions and preconceived notions about weight loss, weight-loss medication and weight loss procedures. Dr. Laster answered every one of my questions and then some, but also empowered me throughout the process. This isn’t a quick fix, it’s not the easy way out, but truly a lifestyle change, as I have been equipped with the tools to become the healthiest version of myself.

R.H.

Gut Theory has changed my life!

I cannot recommend Dr. Laster and her team enough, especially Ms. Lucretia! Before my first consultation, I didn’t even know weight loss specialist doctor’s existed, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. From the moment my appointment began, I felt completely at ease. Dr. Laster took the time to really listen to me—my goals, struggles, likes, dislikes, and even my concerns. It was clear from the start that her approach is truly individualized, designed to meet each patient’s unique needs…

E.T.
I had the pleasure of working with Dr. Laster during a challenging time with chronic illness (Crohn’s) and weight management. Upon meeting with Dr. Laster, I shared my concerns and how I had been committed to tracking weight challenges and my diet. It was then that I knew that she was skilled at not only understanding her patient’s needs, but developing a plan of action that was comprehensive and individually based. She evaluated my medical history and connected with my current GI (who actually recommended Dr. Laster as she agreed with my weight concerns) to insure that we were all on the same page with how to proceed…
M.N.
I cannot express enough how amazing the ladies at GT are! When I first met them a few years ago, I was at my wit’s end, looking for one last attempt to lose weight. I walked into my appointment filled with negative thoughts and doubts. However, the team was incredibly patient and reassuring, emphasizing that my goals were achievable as long as I was willing to put in the effort. They promised to support me every step of the way, which was exactly what I needed to hear.
N.K.

FAQs

Who Is a Candidate for Weight Loss Medication?

You may be a good candidate for prescription weight loss medication if you:

  • Have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, or a BMI of 27 or higher with weight-related health conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or type 2 diabetes;
  • Have tried to lose weight through diet and exercise but have not had any success;
  • Are committed to making permanent lifestyle changes and following a doctor-supervised weight loss plan;
  • Do not have any medical conditions that would prevent you from safely using the medication.

Can I Take Weight Loss Medication without Diet or Exercise?

Prescription medications are meant to work together with healthy lifestyle habits but not to replace them. When used alongside a balanced diet, regular exercise, and under Dr. Laster-Butler’s ongoing supervision, you will get optimal results.

Are These Medications Safe?

Yes, weight loss medications are considered safe for most people to use when prescribed and monitored by a board-certified weight loss doctor. Like any type of medication, there are side effects that are possible, but Dr. Laster-Butler will help you understand the potential side effects of any medication being considered and ensure the treatment is safe for you.

What Happens if The Medication Stops Working?

If you hit a long weight loss plateau or stop seeing any progress, Dr. Laster-Butler can adjust your dose or change your medication to get your weight loss journey back on track.

How easy is it to get to Gut Theory Total Digestive Care office?

Gut Theory Total Digestive Care office is located in Friendship Heights, right next to Friendship Heights Metro Station on the Red Line, making it easy to reach from many parts of Washington, DC, including Chevy Chase, Tenleytown, the American University area, and other Northwest DC neighborhoods.

Nutrition Memberships

Gut Essentials

Foundational support to improve gut health and support healthy weight loss.

$350 /month
  • 6 Monthly visits
  • Response within 2-3 business days
  • Monthly check-ins to review and adjust plan
  • Scheduled follow-up with your care team
  • Standard medication initiation
Get started
Included
  • Comprehensive initial assessment
  • Lab review
  • Body composition analysis (BioImpedance)
  • Personalized nutrition plan & daily intake targets
  • Grocery shopping list
  • Lifestyle change guidance
  • Anti-obesity medication management (if indicated)
  • Detailed visit summaries & recipes
  • Telehealth visit options

Community & Membership Perks

  • Supportive patient chat community
  • Virtual cooking classes
  • Virtual meditation sessions
  • Monthly newsletter
  • Early access to events

Gut Rehab

Enhanced support to restore gut health and more accountability for weight loss.

$425 /month
  • Bi-weekly (months 1–3) then monthly (months 4–6)
  • Response within 1 business day
  • Bi-weekly plan reviews
  • More direct access to Dr. Laster-Butler
  • Faster medication initiation and titration when needed
Get started
Included
  • Comprehensive initial assessment
  • Lab review
  • Body composition analysis (BioImpedance)
  • Personalized nutrition plan & daily intake targets
  • Grocery shopping list
  • Lifestyle change guidance
  • Anti-obesity medication management (if indicated)
  • Detailed visit summaries & recipes
  • Telehealth visit options

Community & Membership Perks

  • Supportive patient chat community
  • Virtual cooking classes
  • Virtual meditation sessions
  • Monthly newsletter
  • Early access to events

Gut Overhaul

Greatest value

Optimal support to transform gut health and maintain lasting weight loss.

$475 /month
  • Weekly (month 1) Bi-weekly (months 2–6)
  • Response the same or next business day 
  • Rapid plan reviews and adjustments
  • Maximum access to Dr. Laster-Butler
  • Fastest medication initiation and titration based on your progress
Get started
Included
  • Comprehensive initial assessment
  • Lab review
  • Body composition analysis (BioImpedance)
  • Personalized nutrition plan & daily intake targets
  • Grocery shopping list
  • Lifestyle change guidance
  • Anti-obesity medication management (if indicated)
  • Detailed visit summaries & recipes
  • Telehealth visit options

Community & Membership Perks

  • Supportive patient chat community
  • Virtual cooking classes
  • Virtual meditation sessions
  • Monthly newsletter
  • Early access to events
Pricing is based on a 6-month commitment. There is an option for renewal at the end of the plan period.

Insurance rebate

Your insurance may reimburse part of your membership cost. We provide a CMS superbill after each visit for possible out-of-network reimbursement.
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