At Beltre Bariatrics, we’re proud to be a trusted source of expertise in the fields of bariatric surgery, obesity medicine, and long-term weight management. Dr Wiljon Beltre, a board-certified bariatric surgeon with over 25 years of experience, is regularly featured in leading publications, sharing insights on weight loss surgery, obesity treatment, and the future of metabolic health.
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Browse our latest press features, expert commentary, and media appearances below.
“For faster weight loss results, combining vegetables with high-protein foods, such as lean meats, chicken, or following a short-term protein-focused diet, can help sustain energy and promote faster results,” adds Wiljon Beltre, M.D., a board-certified, fellowship-trained bariatric and metabolic surgeon and founder of Beltre Bariatrics in Orlando. This strategy will help reduce calorie intake without leaving you hungry.
Who should be taking weight-loss drugs? Doctors share best candidates
Patients don’t have to be diabetic to benefit from GLP-1 medications for weight loss, according to Dr Wiljon Beltre, a board-certified bariatric and metabolic surgeon and the founder of Beltre Bariatrics in Orlando, Florida. “I also agree that patients with lower levels of obesity (BMI lower than 30) can derive great benefits from these medications,” he told Fox News Digital. “These patients can turn out to be excellent candidates for GLP-1s, since they seem to lose weight faster and notice a change almost immediately.”
“For instance, your ideal body weight may have been 130 (pounds) when you were 25 years old, but not when you are 45,” says Wiljon Beltre, MD, a bariatric and metabolic surgeon and founder of Beltre Bariatrics in Orlando, Florida.
“Your body may have reached a weight that it may consider ideal based on age, level of activity, etc. This weight may be considerably higher than what you think it should be, which leads to a plateau.”
How Soon Will We Be Able to Take GLP-1s in Pill Form?
Cost is also a major selling point for oral GLP-1s, says Dr. Wiljon Beltre, a bariatric surgeon and founder of Beltre Bariatrics. “The cost of oral meds tends to be less compared to the injections that require needles and syringes to administer,” he says.”
“Headaches associated with Wegovy are most commonly caused by dehydration,” says Wiljon Beltre, MD, a board-certified bariatric and metabolic surgeon at Beltre Bariatrics. “While low blood sugar levels can also contribute, dehydration is the primary culprit in most cases.”
Does Aetna Cover Rybelsus
Wiljon Beltre, MD, founder of Beltre Bariatrics, says that most insurance plans cover Rybelsus but typically only for people with a diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes […] Dr Beltre says looking for alternative generic drugs can also help save money.
The Lessons From ‘The Biggest Loser’ in the Age of Ozempic
Dr Wiljon Beltre, a bariatric surgeon at Beltre Bariatrics, recommends adding more protein and pairing it with resistance or strength training, even light weights or bodyweight exercises, to protect lean body mass. Getting enough sleep, staying hydrated, and checking in regularly with a healthcare provider can also help keep your metabolism healthier during a period of rapid weight loss.
Beltre recommends building a lifestyle of healthy habits. This includes focusing on balanced meals, including lean proteins, fiber-rich vegetables, healthy fats, and whole grains. Keeping portion sizes reasonable is also important. Strength training can help preserve muscle, but what also matters is finding a physical activity that you’ll actually stick with long-term.
The 8 Best Supplements to Take While on GLP-1s
Dr. Wiljon Beltre, a board-certified, fellowship-trained bariatric and metabolic surgeon and the founder of Beltre Bariatrics in Orlando, Florida, says to think of GLP-1s as a biological reset button. “They mimic a natural hormone that your gut releases after a meal,” he says. “Their main job is to slow down how fast your stomach empties and tell your brain, ‘we’re full, you can stop thinking about food now.’”
That’s where supplements come in. When your appetite reduces or even disappears, you’re not just eating less food; you’re also getting fewer vitamins and minerals. “Supplements are essential to ensure your hair doesn’t thin, your bones stay strong, and your energy doesn’t drop with the weight,” explains Dr. Beltre.
“Most people lose about 15 percent of [their] body weight in a year, but those who follow a strict diet and strict exercise regimen can lose up to 20 percent,” says Dr. Beltre. “The Wegovy pill is new, so there is not much information about it, but studies showed that it’s about the same as Wegovy injectable.”
Ozempic effect: GLP-1 drugs surge, weight-loss surgeries crater, study finds
Dr. Wiljon Beltre, a Florida bariatric and metabolic surgeon, predicted that younger surgery candidates “influenced by social media” will be more likely than older adults with “severe joint pain, massive hernias, or those who need organ transplants” to stick with GLP-1s.
“Right now, jabs are hot, but I think it’ll come back around to surgery,” Dr. Beltre said.
What is the cost of Ozempic per month?
On top of that, some insurance providers might require prior authorization, which means your healthcare provider has to take additional steps to prove that Ozempic is medically necessary. “The main prior authorization requirement is diabetes. Patients need to have diabetes before the insurance pays for these meds,” says Dr. Wiljon Beltre, MD, founder of Beltre Bariatrics. But in some cases, it might mean trying a diet and exercise plan—or other drugs—for a certain amount of time before moving on to Ozempic.
Does Zepbound cause headaches? What to know
According to Wiljon Beltre, MD, bariatric and metabolic surgeon and founder of Beltre Bariatrics in Florida, Zepbound headaches are often described as “nagging” headaches, meaning they’re usually not debilitating or severe and are short-lasting. But if you’re trying to avoid getting them on Zepbound, there are a few things you can do.
“Most people begin to see measurable weight loss after the first month, once the dose has been gradually increased and their body reaches a steady level of the medication,” says Wiljon Beltre, MD, bariatric and metabolic surgeon and founder of Beltre Bariatrics in Florida. “The weight loss tends to build over time, [so] while the first few weeks may feel slow, the results often become much more noticeable after the two- to three-month mark.”
Looking for an Expert Voice in Bariatrics and Obesity Medicine?
Dr Beltre is available for interviews, commentary, and speaking engagements.