LeanDreams is not just a generic weight management program. It's a personalized journey designed to help you achieve your weight and health goals in a sustainable way. We understand that each individual is unique, so our approach involves highly customizable, high-quality services with support from multiple disciplines.

Our core values are:

People First

Community

Sustainability

We hope that you can achieve and maintain your goals by providing a toolbox of different things, education, accountability, and a supportive environment.

Medications are used as just one part of the treatment program, tailored to your specific needs.

LeanDreams is designed for adults 18 and older who are interested in evidence‑based support for weight and metabolic health and who live in a state where our clinicians are licensed to practice. Eligibility for specific treatments, including medications, depends on your medical history, current health status, and clinical guidelines, and is determined during your initial consultation with a LeanDreams provider.

We care for people from many different backgrounds and stages of their journey—those who are just beginning to address weight and metabolic concerns, individuals who have had bariatric surgery and need long‑term follow‑up, and those who have tried medical weight management before and are seeking ongoing, structured care.

Some patients working with LeanDreams have a history of bariatric surgery or are exploring whether a revision or conversion procedure may be appropriate. In addition to nonsurgical weight‑management care, Dr. Jorge offers separate bariatric surgical consultations through his surgical practice at Savannah River Surgery.

www.savannahriversurgery.com

Surgical consultations may be available via telehealth for patients located in states where Dr. Jorge is licensed, or in person at his Augusta, Georgia office.

Whether surgery or revision is appropriate can only be determined through a separate, dedicated surgical evaluation.

Skool private community membership starts at $29 monthly.

Individual consultations with our team range from $79-199 monthly.

Medication plans range from $150 on up, depending on the type of medication, the timeframe you select, and the tier (dosage).

Upon request, we can submit an insurance authorization request for medication (if medically indicated), and provide our patients with superbills for possible insurance reimbursement.

We also accept HSA and FSA.

Unfortunately, the vast majority of insurance plans don't offer either comprehensive medical weight management coverage, or access to the newest medications.

2024 statistics show that for obesity as a primary diagnosis, Medicare doesn’t cover, most Medicaid plans don’t cover, 18% of employer-sponsored plans cover, and about a third of commercial insurance plans cover GLP-1s.

If you have obstructive sleep apnea, diabetes, coronary artery disease, or chronic renal failure, your chances of getting GLP-1 medication may be better.

However, you still need to factor in out of pocket expenses. Additionally, medications are not everything. 70% of patients will regain some form of weight when they stop GLP-1 medication. Working at the same time on your habits (nutrition, movement, sleep quality, stress management, etc) is paramount to long-term success. That means that, even if your insurance covers GLP-1 medication, you need to see if they cover high-level coaching, such as visits with a dietitian, psychologist, or personal trainer.

The best way to find out all of this information is to call your insurance company and find out what they do cover.

LeanDreams programs are organized into several categories to match different needs and levels of support:

1. À la carte coaching

• Flexible, visit‑by‑visit access to our high‑level coaches for individualized 1:1 sessions.

• Sessions can focus on nutrition, movement, sleep, stress, or behavior change, and may include review of your current routines plus customized meal ideas, movement plans, and practical strategies.

2. Holistic (non‑medication) programs

• Lifestyle‑focused programs that emphasize nutrition, physical activity, sleep, and stress management without the routine use of weight‑management medications.

• Typically include monthly access to all three coaching disciplines (registered dietitian, fitness professional, and lifestyle/behavioral coach) and are designed for people who either prefer not to use medication or are not candidates for it.

3. Medication‑assisted programs

• Programs that combine medical evaluation and ongoing follow‑up with coaching and structured support, for patients who may benefit from prescription weight‑management medications.

• When you enroll in a medication‑assisted program, you are indicating interest in medication as a tool. However, any decision to prescribe a specific drug (including GLP‑1s) and dose is made solely by your clinician after a full evaluation, based on medical necessity, safety, and current clinical guidelines. Medication is never guaranteed and may not be appropriate for everyone.

Program duration options

• Month‑to‑month options typically include a comprehensive medical evaluation with an obesity‑trained clinician and access to coaching support. If you are medically eligible and it is appropriate, your clinician may prescribe a weight‑management medication; medication costs and coverage depend on the specific drug, your pharmacy, and your insurance plan.

• Multi‑month options (for example, 3‑ or 6‑month programs) are offered at discounted rates relative to month‑to‑month enrollment and are designed to make it easier to plan medical visits, coaching sessions, and medication management over time.

In addition to the categories above, LeanDreams also offers specialized pathways such as:

• An Executive Transformation track for high‑responsibility professionals who want a structured, physician‑led program.

• A Bariatric Readiness track for individuals preparing for bariatric surgery or needing optimization before surgical consultation.

• An Insurance Concierge service that, on request, helps check benefits and assist with prior authorization requests for FDA‑approved weight‑management medications, and provides superbills for possible out‑of‑network reimbursement when applicable.

All programs begin with a medical intake to determine which options are appropriate for your individual situation.

1. Explore programs and enroll

Choose a program that fits your goals and budget, then enroll through our website or with help from our team. If you’re unsure which option is right for you, you can take our brief online quiz, schedule a complimentary consultation to discuss your goals, or contact us by call or text at 202‑430‑5326.

2. Complete your medical intake

Fill out a detailed medical intake form covering your health history, current medications, prior weight‑management treatments, and relevant symptoms. This helps your clinician understand your baseline and identify potential risks or contraindications.

3. Provide or obtain recent lab work

Upload recent blood work (typically within the last year), or use the lab order generated for you to complete testing and then upload your results. Lab work helps screen for conditions that can affect weight and metabolic health (for example, thyroid disorders or insulin resistance) and informs safe treatment planning.

4. Have your virtual medical consultation

Meet with a board‑certified clinician via secure video visit in the Healthie app. During this visit, you’ll review your history, lab results, goals, and options. Your clinician will determine whether medication is appropriate and, if so, which options are medically indicated for you. Medication is never guaranteed and is only prescribed when it is safe and clinically appropriate.

5. Medication management (for medication‑assisted programs)

If you are prescribed a weight‑management medication, your prescription can be sent either to one of our partner pharmacies that ship directly to patients or to your local pharmacy for FDA‑approved products, depending on what is appropriate and your preferences. Doses are adjusted over time based on your response, tolerability, and clinical judgment.

6. Ongoing coaching and support

Most programs include monthly 1:1 sessions with a high‑level coach (dietitian, fitness professional, or lifestyle/behavioral coach), access to group sessions, and educational resources. You’ll also have secure messaging access to your care team for non‑urgent questions, plus optional community support through online groups and curriculum designed to help you build sustainable habits over time.

LeanDreams’ holistic and coaching‑based programs are available to adults located in many U.S. states. Medication‑assisted programs are offered only in states where our clinicians hold an active, unrestricted medical license and are permitted to practice telehealth.

Because licensure and program availability can change, please contact our team for the most up‑to‑date list of states we currently serve and to confirm whether specific services (including medication management) are available in your location.

Please call 9-1-1 or another emergency number.

After you complete your medical intake, any required lab work, and your initial virtual evaluation, your clinician will determine whether a prescription medication is appropriate for you. If a medication is prescribed, the prescription can be sent to one of our partner licensed pharmacies that ship directly to patients. In that case, your medication is mailed from the pharmacy to your address on file, typically in discreet packaging.

If you prefer, and when clinically appropriate, your clinician can instead send the prescription to a different licensed pharmacy you choose (for example, a local retail pharmacy for FDA‑approved products).

LeanDreams program fees cover your medical visits, coaching, and care coordination. In some programs, the fee also includes the cost of certain medications dispensed through our partner pharmacies when clinically appropriate and available. Medication is never guaranteed; whether you receive a prescription, and which medication is selected, depends on your individual evaluation and safety considerations.

If your prescription is sent to a local retail pharmacy or another pharmacy of your choice, any copays or out‑of‑pocket costs for that medication are determined by the pharmacy and your insurance plan and are separate from LeanDreams program fees.

We are transparent about pricing and what is and is not included in each program before you enroll. Month‑to‑month plans have no long‑term commitment, and 3‑ and 6‑month options are paid upfront, with the option to use third‑party payment services (such as installment providers) where available. Many patients are also able to use HSA/FSA funds for eligible expenses, depending on their plan.

Your clinician will recommend (or not recommend) specific medications based on your medical history, current health status, lab results, other medications, and established clinical guidelines. If there is a contraindication to a particular drug, your clinician may discuss alternative options that could be safer or more appropriate for you, which may or may not include other medications.

If the medication ultimately recommended by your clinician differs from the one you were initially interested in, we will work with you to adjust your program selection when possible (for example, by applying a credit toward a different program or structure that better fits your clinical situation and goals).

In limited circumstances where no clinically appropriate medication‑assisted or alternative program can be offered, we may provide a refund of certain fees in accordance with our written program policies. Any such accommodations are handled on a case‑by‑case basis and are not a guarantee of specific outcomes or access to a particular medication.

Are you wondering if there's an age limit for our program?
🎯 Minimum age: 18 years
🚫 Maximum age limit? None. Health knows no age!

We conduct a personalized assessment for every person starting our program to ensure we understand their background and goals and can tailor a plan for them.

Both the STEP and SURMOUNT trials studied patients over the age of 18, with no upper age limit.

At LeanDreams, we support your well-being at any stage of life. It's never too late to start feeling better!

References:

Wilding, J. P. H., Batterham, R. L., Calanna, S., Davies, M., Van Gaal, L. F., Lingvay, I., ... & Kushner, R. F. (2021). Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity. The New England Journal of Medicine, 384(11), 989-1002. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183

Jastreboff, A. M., Aronne, L. J., Ahmad, N. N., Wharton, S., Connery, L., Alves, B., ... & Wadden, T. A. (2022). Tirzepatide once weekly for the treatment of obesity. The New England Journal of Medicine, 387(3), 205-216. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2206038

Treating this as a lifestyle change is critical to long-term success with weight. Utilize our program and the time you're with us to work on sustainable, healthy behaviors.

While a subscription or 3 or 6-month plan is not obligatory, available evidence shows that it takes at least several months to achieve the results you want with a medical weight loss program. It can take several more months after that to start entering a ‘maintenance phase’ with your weight.

Remember, if you don’t change your habits, statistics show that two-thirds of patients will regain their weight when they stop medications.

Once you enroll in a LeanDreams program, you will be matched with a board‑certified clinician who is licensed in your state and experienced in medical weight management. Depending on your plan, you may also be connected with additional specialists, such as a dietitian, behavioral health clinician, or psychologist, to support your care.

All visits are virtual and conducted through secure, HIPAA‑compliant platforms, including our Healthie app, so you can meet with your care team from the comfort of your home using your phone, tablet, or computer. Before your first visit, you’ll complete a detailed intake form so your team understands your medical history, medications, lifestyle, and goals. Your provider will then schedule a two‑way audio‑video (telehealth) appointment with you on a HIPAA‑compliant system to review your history, discuss options, and create a personalized plan.

You can add extra support at any time, such as a 60‑minute consultation with a dietitian, personal trainer, or a more in‑depth medical or behavioral health visit, depending on availability and your specific needs. This structure allows you to build the level of support that fits your goals, schedule, and budget while keeping all care coordinated through your LeanDreams team.

With LeanDreams, you can choose the level of support you need.

The monthly plans come with a medical consultation. 3 and 6-month plans have, in addition to monthly medical consults, access to our team of dietitians, personal trainers, and psychologists.

This flexibility allows you to tailor your weight loss journey to your needs and goals.

Yes, depending on the state. We only work in states where it is legal.

Yes, it is. At LeanDreams, we believe in addressing the underlying reasons for increased weight rather than just looking for a quick fix.

A significant factor in this health journey involves a comprehensive dive into your current thought process on your health, eating, activity, and your behaviors and habits. While we offer medication-based programs, they are associated with a medical provider's initial consultation via two-way audiovisual communication (video call).

We recommend more than one month to capitalize on your gains and cement them in place when you eventually stop taking your medications.

If you feel the need to change your provider for any reason, we understand and respect your decision. Simply email our support team at customer@leandreamsweightloss.com, and we will do our best to match you with a provider who can help you achieve your health goals.

Compounded medications and brand‑name drugs are not the same.

Brand‑name drugs such as GLP‑1 receptor agonists approved for weight management are FDA‑approved medications. This means they have undergone formal FDA review of clinical trial data and manufacturing to evaluate safety, effectiveness, and consistency for broad use. These products are manufactured under strict federal quality‑control standards (Current Good Manufacturing Practices, or cGMP) and are dispensed exactly as approved in their FDA labeling.

In contrast, compounded medications are individualized formulations prepared by licensed compounding pharmacies for specific patients when an FDA‑approved product is not available or is not medically appropriate for that patient. Examples include patients who need a different strength or dosage form, or who cannot tolerate an ingredient in an approved product.

Compounded medications are not FDA‑approved. They are not individually reviewed or evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or quality before use, and they are not generic or equivalent versions of any brand‑name drug. Legitimate compounding pharmacies must follow applicable federal and state pharmacy laws and standards (such as U.S. Pharmacopeia requirements) intended to help ensure sterility, potency, and quality.

Because compounded medications are used to address specific clinical needs when FDA‑approved options are unavailable or unsuitable, licensed clinicians prescribe them cautiously and only after evaluating an individual patient’s medical history, potential benefits, and risks.

Patients who have questions about whether a compounded medication is appropriate for their care should discuss this directly with their prescribing clinician or pharmacist.

Our current pharmacy partners for compounded medications include licensed compounding pharmacies such as FCC and Center City Pharmacies. Prescriptions for compounded medications are sent to one of these pharmacies based on clinical appropriateness, availability, and patient preference. LeanDreams does not manufacture or dispense medications; all compounded prescriptions are filled and dispensed solely by these independent, licensed pharmacies.

When appropriate, we can also check a patient’s insurance benefits for coverage of FDA‑approved medications on request. If coverage is confirmed and the medication is clinically indicated, prescriptions for FDA‑approved products are sent to the patient’s local or preferred pharmacy rather than to a compounding pharmacy.

LeanDreams partners with licensed compounding pharmacies such as FCC, Strive Pharmacy, and Center City Pharmacy to dispense compounded medications when clinically appropriate. Each pharmacy is independently licensed and is responsible for complying with all applicable federal and state laws, regulations, and professional standards governing compounding and dispensing.

Many compounding pharmacies seek additional voluntary accreditations (for example, from organizations such as the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Compounding Accreditation Board, or LegitScript) to demonstrate adherence to specific quality and safety standards. Patients who would like more information about the current licenses or accreditations held by a particular pharmacy can review that pharmacy’s website (for example, Strive Pharmacy) or request additional information directly from the pharmacy.

LeanDreams does not manufacture or dispense medications. All compounded prescriptions are filled and dispensed solely by these independent pharmacies.

Tirzepatide can result in 20-22% of total body weight loss. The average weight loss per month is around 7 lbs.

Semaglutide can results in around 15% total body weight loss. The average weight loss per month is around 5 lbs.

Phentermine/topiramate combination can results in 5-7% total body weight loss. The average weight loss per month is around 2-3 lbs.

The numbers are all averages. Some people lose more, and some lose less. Much of this has to do with your dosage, and most importantly, what you're doing in terms of lifestyle (nutrition, movement, sleep quality, stress management, etc…)

Weight‑management medications work through different mechanisms in the body. Some of the most commonly used options in modern obesity care include GLP‑1 receptor agonists (such as semaglutide or tirzepatide) and other appetite‑regulating medications (such as phentermine, in appropriate patients).

GLP‑1 receptor agonists act on hormone pathways involved in appetite, fullness, and blood sugar regulation. People taking these medications often notice that they feel full sooner and for longer after meals. Because these medications can also slow how quickly food moves through the stomach, they may cause side effects such as nausea, bloating, or constipation in some individuals.

Other medications, such as phentermine, primarily work by reducing appetite and food cravings through effects on the central nervous system and are only used in carefully selected patients and for limited durations.

During your medical consultation, your clinician will explain which medication options, if any, are appropriate for you, how they work, and how to use them safely. You’ll also review nutrition, movement, and behavioral strategies that can support effectiveness and help minimize side effects.

LeanDreams is a medical practice and does not manufacture or dispense medications. When a prescription is clinically appropriate after your evaluation, your clinician can send it to one of our partner licensed pharmacies that ships medications directly to patients, or to your local retail pharmacy for FDA‑approved products, based on your preference and coverage. All prescriptions are written only after a complete medical encounter and are filled and dispensed solely by the independent pharmacy.

You may request that your prescription be sent to any licensed pharmacy you prefer. If you choose a pharmacy outside of our usual partner pharmacies, medication pricing, insurance coverage, and any out‑of‑pocket costs will be determined by that pharmacy and your insurance plan, and will be separate from any program fees paid to LeanDreams.

Some side effects can be expected with any medication. Your medical provider will counsel you on these during your consultation.

Common side effects of semaglutide and tirzepatide include bloating, constipation, nausea, and abdominal discomfort.

Common side effects of phentermine include a fast heart rate, anxiety, and insomnia.

If the side effects are severe, you must stop the medication immediately and call 9-1-1 or another emergency number.

If the effects are minor, you should communicate with your medical provider.

These medications are administered via either subcutaneous injection or orally (tablet or sublingual). The injectable versions will be delivered with syringes, needles, and instructions.

Here’s a safer, clearer version you can use:

> How should I eat while taking weight‑management medication?‍ ‍

>

> There are no specific “forbidden” foods, but most people do best with a simple, balanced approach that emphasizes hydration, adequate protein, and fiber‑rich complex carbohydrates. Your clinician or dietitian can help you tailor this to your preferences and medical history.

>

> Because some medications can slow how quickly food moves through the stomach, large or very rich meals may feel uncomfortable for some people. Many patients find that smaller, more frequent meals, eating slowly, and limiting very heavy or greasy foods help reduce nausea, bloating, or fullness.

Contraindications for semaglutide and tirzepatide include a history of medullary thyroid carcinoma, pancreatitis, and chronic kidney disease. Also, care should be taken if you are a diabetic and already on a similar-acting medication.

Contraindications for phentermine usage include a history of cardiac arrhythmia or other heart problems, glaucoma, and certain anti-depressants.

You should not take these medications while pregnant, trying to conceive, or breastfeeding.

Pick a day and time of the week that’s convenient for you to remember and administer your weekly injection. If you miss a dose, it’s ok! Get back on track with the following week’s dose.

If you're taking an oral version of semaglutide (tablet or sublingual), missing a dosage should not effect your routine; simply take the medication the following day.

You will notice the medication working within the first 1-2 days of an injection! Initial weight loss results typically occur around 1-2 weeks after beginning the medication.

Not a problem! Many primary care providers prescribe these medications. However, many do not have the experience or the backing of an extensive team of specialists who can help educate and implement the lifestyle changes crucial for keeping weight off.

The most crucial qualifying (or disqualifying) lab we check is your kidney function before starting medication.

If you choose to do a comprehensive medical evaluation (add-on service), your provider will check other bloodwork to evaluate things such as endocrine function.

Current studies have followed patients out to two years on these medications.

The most important thing that can rebound after stopping medication is appetite. Patients on the medicines for three months or longer are typically advised to taper their dosage back to reduce the risk of rebound appetite.

To prevent your weight from rebounding, it would be best to focus on the behavioral changes you learned in the program.

GLP‑1 and other weight‑management medications are usually started at a low dose and increased gradually, often no more frequently than every four weeks, to balance benefit and tolerability. Any dose change should be decided together with your clinician based on how you are feeling, side effects, medical history, and your overall progress—not just the number on the scale.

If you have questions about your current dose or feel it may not be meeting your needs, discuss this directly with your provider. In some cases, a dose increase may be appropriate; in others, staying at the current dose or focusing on nutrition, movement, sleep, and stress strategies may be safer and more effective for you.

The existing evidence does NOT support a concerning cancer risk in patients who take GLP-1 agonist medications (semaglutide, tirzepatide).

A particular thyroid cancer (medullary thyroid cancer) can sometimes increase the expression of GLP-1 receptors by specific cells in the thyroid gland. Using a GLP-1 agonist is contraindicated for patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer. For patients with a genetic risk for thyroid cancer in general, caution should be demonstrated.

For the rest of the public, there is no evidence that GLP-1 agonist medication increases cancer risk.

https://www.ccjm.org/content/ccjom/82/3/142.full.pdf

All program fees are listed on the webpage and available for your review before payment. While you can purchase additional services in addition to the main program, these are entirely optional. There are no additional or ‘hidden’ fees outside of what is posted.

LeanDreams does not bill or participate with commercial or public insurance plans for program fees. Patients are responsible for the full cost of services at the time of enrollment.

When requested, our team can provide insurance concierge support, including checking your benefits and assisting with prior authorization requests for FDA‑approved weight‑management medications. Any coverage decisions and out‑of‑pocket costs for prescriptions are determined by your insurance plan and pharmacy, and are separate from LeanDreams program fees.

We can also provide a superbill for medical visits that you may submit to your insurer for possible out‑of‑network reimbursement, depending on your individual plan benefits.

No. What you see is what you get. All program fees are posted prominently on the website. If you decide to fill your medication outside of our preferred pharmacies, however, you may pay additional out-of-pocket expenses.

No long-term contract is required. You can choose to do a simple monthly plan or pay for a 3-month or 6-month plan. However, you can cancel at any time without future obligations.

For your peace of mind, our programs include a 30-day money-back guarantee. Contact LeanDreams via the website, email, or phone and let our team know.

Contact LeanDreams via website, email, or phone; our team will assist you.