If you've tried to lose weight on your own and it hasn't stuck, you're not alone. Weight is shaped by much more than willpower: sleep, stress, hormones, medications, and health conditions all play a part. At Primary Care and Wellness Clinic of Arlington, medical weight loss is run by Derek Harpole, FNP, APRN, a family nurse practitioner. It starts with a real medical evaluation, not a one-size-fits-all program.
Request an Appointment Call (817) 653-4406
Medical weight loss is a weight-management plan supervised by a licensed healthcare provider. Your plan is based on your health history, a physical exam, and lab work when needed. It focuses on things that are known to help: eating patterns, physical activity, sleep, and, for some patients, prescription medication. The goal is to improve your health safely over time, not just to see a lower number on the scale.
Prescription weight-loss medications aren't right for everyone. Your provider will review your history to decide what is safe and appropriate for you.
For some adults, providers may consider GLP-1–based medications such as semaglutide or tirzepatide. These medicines act on hormones involved in appetite and blood sugar. After a full evaluation, your nurse practitioner will discuss whether a medication like these is appropriate for you, based on your health history, labs, and goals.
These medications are not for everyone. They are usually not used in people with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN2), or during pregnancy. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation, and serious side effects can occur. Your provider will go over the benefits, risks, and alternatives with you before you start, and will monitor you while you take them. Results vary from person to person, and no specific amount of weight loss is guaranteed.
Weight affects your whole health, so it helps to work with a provider who sees the whole picture. Here, your weight-loss care can be connected to your primary care, including blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, and preventive screenings, instead of being handled by an online-only service. Our office is at 3825 W Green Oaks Blvd, Suite 750, in Arlington, convenient for patients across Arlington and the Dallas–Fort Worth area.
We accept Blue Cross Blue Shield and UnitedHealthcare commercial plans for office visits. Coverage for weight-loss medications varies by plan, and many plans don't cover them. We'll help you understand your options. Prefer not to use insurance? Ask about self-pay and our Direct Primary Care membership.
Request an appointment online. We'll only ask for your name, contact information, and the service you're interested in, and our team will reach out to schedule. Please don't include medical details in the form.
Request an Appointment Call (817) 653-4406
No referral is needed to request a medical weight loss visit.
Your nurse practitioner decides after reviewing your health history, exam, and lab results. Medication is prescribed only when it's appropriate and safe for you.
It varies. Results depend on your health, your plan, and how your body responds. We don't promise a specific amount. We focus on steady, healthy progress and on improving health markers.
We accept BCBS and UnitedHealthcare commercial plans for office visits. Many plans don't cover weight-loss medications, so check your plan's pharmacy benefits. Self-pay and Direct Primary Care options are available.
The most common are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation, especially when starting or increasing the dose. Your provider will explain what to watch for and how to reach the clinic with concerns.
Derek Harpole, FNP, APRN, a family nurse practitioner.
This page is for general information and is not medical advice. See our Medical Disclaimer.