It's a weighty issue. If you have decided to get professional help losing extra pounds and addressing the complications of obesity, finding the right program to aid in the journey can mean the difference between success and failure—with long-term implications for your health.

For many, accessing professional weight loss help online is preferred over searching for a provider in person. The good news is that you can find a capable online weight loss doctor if you’re willing to put in some work first researching options. Begin by understanding how an online weight loss program works and the attributes that differentiate a quality program.

 

Understanding Online Weight Loss Programs

What is an online weight loss program?

Convenience, flexibility, and anonymity are why many people turn to online weight loss doctors to shed pounds, tone up, and improve their health. Finding a reputable online weight loss provider goes hand in hand with finding a reputable online weight loss program. The best online programs offer a comprehensive treatment plan that provides users with personalized guidance and support. It should also be customized to meet the individual's weight loss goals and, in the long term, maintain a healthy weight and overall lifestyle.

With a total industry revenue of $1.9 billion, the online weight loss industry has grown over time to meet consumers' changing preferences. Their demands have shifted from low-calorie, pre-packaged weight loss foods to a more holistic approach, incorporating healthy and organic meals, fitness regimens, and overall healthy living habits.

This transformation of consumer preferences, away from quick fixes toward more comprehensive approaches to weight loss, has helped fuel the industry’s growth. Consumers are demanding more of these weight loss treatment approaches, including the expectation that weight management medical professionals develop the program. In most cases, these programs also offer access to a personalized treatment plan administered by a healthcare provider. Many programs also provide direct access to over-the-counter medicines, prescription medications, and one-on-one consultation with a healthcare professional.

Today's online weight loss programs typically combine medication, lifestyle modification advice, and ongoing support from a qualified medical provider. These programs offer consumers a tailored solution to meet their needs and weight loss goals.

Benefits of Online Weight Loss Programs

Understanding the benefits of online weight loss programs provides insight into why they have become so popular with consumers. One of the most apparent benefits is that online programs offer convenience and accessibility unmatched by conventional, in-person weight loss clinics. Consumers can often access programs and services on demand.

Consultations with online weight loss medical professionals can occur in several ways, from video calls to emails to proprietary messaging systems. Not only do patients enjoy the convenience of the internet, but for some, the opportunity to stay more anonymous in many situations than in face-to-face consultation also has appeal.

However, the ease of internet use is not the only reason many hopeful weight loss enthusiasts choose online programs over in-person programs. Research suggests that when patients with the same medical issue come together to form online groups or communities, the members of these groups not only feel a sense of community but also begin to share experiences and knowledge. These shared experiences and wisdom about their weight loss journey can result in their transformation into what is sometimes referred to in medical circles as "expert patients."

These expert patients often feel a sense of empowerment and self-management beneficial to losing pounds and achieving a healthy weight. While weight loss patients can become involved in social media groups focusing on weight loss, the benefits are usually not as great as networking with others going through the same program under the same provider or online clinic. This specialized network provides a safe and supportive environment for individuals to share their struggles and successes.

Easy access to a medical provider and tailor-made treatment plans available through online programs, coupled with opportunities for sharing experiences with other weight loss patients, can result in a program that is often more effective than traditional methods to lose weight. Some of the hurdles associated with in-person programs, whether cost- or convenience-related, do not exist for online programs.

But for many, the decision comes down to dollars and cents. Although the cost of conventional diet and exercise programs offered by medical professionals can vary widely, they are almost always significantly greater than online weight loss consultations and programs. While many factors can impact pricing, the lower cost of online delivery of medical weight loss services when compared to traditional consultation often comes down to three primary factors:

• Lower overhead: Weight loss medical professionals who meet with patients online do not carry the same overhead costs as those who meet with patients at brick-and-mortar facilities. In-person practice costs include expenses such as rent, utilities, hard copy paperwork and files, and staff that are considerably higher than expenses incurred by online clinics or exist only with in-person programs. These cost savings translate into lower costs for patients.
• Less time and travel:  Patients opting to receive their weight loss treatment from an online doctor do not incur the travel costs experienced by patients consulting with a weight loss provider in person. Examples include fuel or public transit costs, parking, and vehicle wear and tear. In addition, there is a more significant cost of time away from work or school due to travel and wait time.
• Cost savings from higher volume: Online providers can often see more patients in a given time frame than those meeting patients in person, enabling them to offer lower prices per consultation. 

The exact costs, whether in-person or online, depend on several factors, including the type and duration of treatment, the cost of medications, and whether the program includes individualized coaching and food plans. However, despite these contributing factors, opting for an in-person program almost inevitably means opting for a higher-cost program.

 

Can You Find Legitimate Weight Loss Doctors Online?

In short, the answer is yes. There are legitimate weight loss physicians online, just as there are legitimate weight loss physicians in brick-and-mortar clinics. However, not all online and in-person programs are reputable, so knowing what to look for is essential.

Online medical weight loss practices have opened the door for consumers to quickly get a prescription and receive their weight loss medication directly on their doorstep. Online programs promoting their proprietary medications, herbal supplements, and remedies of unknown or questionable quality are likely less legitimate, whether an in-person or online provider.

The first step to ensuring you choose a legitimate online weight loss program is understanding what to look for when searching for online weight loss medical professionals.

 

What to Look for When Trying to Find Online Weight Loss Doctors

The steps to take in determining whether or not an online weight loss program is legitimate are very much like the due diligence you could expect to do before deciding whether or not to see a particular weight loss professional in person. They begin with the provider's qualifications, patient reviews, and whether or not the provider takes your healthcare insurance.

Licenses and Certification

Like their traditional counterparts, online physicians who offer consultation and medications to treat patients who desire to lose weight should be board-certified in a relevant field, such as obesity medicine or endocrinology.

The American Board of Obesity Medicine (ABOM) is considered the leading authority in granting board certification in obesity medicine. This board oversees the education and testing of doctors who wish to receive board certification in bariatric medicine. Physicians desiring this board's certification must complete at least 60 hours of medical education, attend conferences, and pass a written exam. Those certified by the board must meet continuing education requirements and retake the exam every 10 years to ensure they are up-to-date on the latest information in the field.

The ABOM also administers a certificate program for providers who cannot attend the exam to earn their credentials. The Certificate of Advanced Education in Obesity Medicine offers licensed medical professionals the opportunity to earn the designation of holding a certificate in obesity medicine. Applicants must complete a rigorous education credits requirement through the board to earn their certification.

For Registered Dietitians offering nutrition therapy for obesity management, a certification you may encounter is the Interdisciplinary Specialist Certification in Obesity and Weight Management, a credential administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration. Applicants must provide evidence of their documented practice experience and successfully complete an exam.

The American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) maintains a database of nearly one million physicians. The database, refreshed daily, provides information on certifications through all 24 ABMS member boards. This vast database enables patients to determine if an online weight loss medical provider is board-certified in obesity medicine and if they are up-to-date with their continuing education and exam requirements for maintaining the credential or certification.

In addition to checking for certification or credentials in disciplines related to weight management, you can check that an online doctor is licensed. Begin by checking the website for the provider's license information, which most reputable online medical providers will display prominently on their website under the doctor's profile.

If this information isn't readily available, don't hesitate to ask for the license number so that you can verify their credentials. Red flags include missing license information, an unfamiliar licensing board, or expired licenses.

The Federation of State Medical Boards operates a website that allows you to verify a doctor's license and professional background information and any disciplinary actions taken by state medical boards across all states.

Reputation

Like any physician's reputation, a medical provider's online reputation can be determined through patient or customer feedback and professional status. When checking for reviews, focus on reputable platforms like RateMDs or Healthgrades. Combine any information gathered from actual patient reviews and feedback with the information you can research about the doctor's medical licensing and credentials, as outlined above.

Customer Reviews

Patient and customer reviews can tell you quite a bit about what to expect from the online doctor and the weight loss program you're considering. Read testimonials and reviews, not only on the program's or doctor's website but on reputable websites providing physician reviews and information. Pay close attention to patient testimonials that most closely match the type of treatment plan you're seeking, particularly if you can determine the patient had similar conditions.

Seek detailed accounts of the doctor's "bedside manner" and communication skills, as well as the effectiveness of the prescribed treatment and overall patient or customer experience. Be sure to check the dates on reviews where they are available so you can gather the most recent information. You can also check a potential provider's social media presence to see how they interact with the public through those platforms.

Insurance Coverage

Another consideration when choosing an online weight loss provider is the ability to use your healthcare insurance to cover treatment. Some online weight loss physicians are covered by insurance, while others are not. It all depends on the program you select and the requirements of your insurance plan.

Your first step should be to read your healthcare insurance policy. Look for any stipulations excluding online care. You should also gather information from the healthcare provider regarding the expected course of treatment. You may need prior authorization for some aspects of care, even if covered in general.

If you have concerns that your insurance may not cover your weight loss treatment, you have the right to provide a written letter outlining why the weight loss treatment should be covered. If denied coverage, you also have the right to write an appeal and may enlist the provider's help if they are willing.

Researching and Comparing Online Weight Loss Doctors

Once you've researched a few potential online weight loss professionals and their programs, it's time to pull all the information together and compare all their various attributes to decide on a provider. Re-read the reviews and testimonials to see which customer reviews resonate most with you. Compare credentials and years of experience, specifically in the weight loss, diet, or obesity area of practice.

In addition, review and compare the different online programs each provider offers. Do they offer a plan that meets your expectations? Are they willing to help you with a healthy diet and incorporate weight loss medications as appropriate?

Consider what kind of program you want to follow and compare how each online weight loss program and provider meets your needs until you identify a clear winner. As you're evaluating, consider the cost and the potential for insurance coverage for each program.

 

A Word About Dietitians

While this article has focused on finding an online medical doctor specializing in weight loss, there are other providers or advisors to consider as you prepare to embark on your weight loss journey. In addition to healthcare providers holding medical degrees, registered dietitians (RDs) are considered to be among the most prominent non-physician professionals in weight management.

Depending on your weight management program goals and how much weight you have to lose, it's possible that a registered dietitian–sometimes referred to as a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN)–can be as effective as a medical doctor in helping you reach your health goals. That's true for both in-person and online programs. A registered dietitian is trained to develop a strategy to help you achieve a healthy weight.

Because of the education and training requirements, registered dietitians can provide medical nutrition therapy (MNT) and advice on dietary changes beyond weight loss. RDs may also be able to guide patients who are dealing with diabetes, high cholesterol, heart disease, or other chronic health conditions. Registered dietitians are also qualified to work with those who could benefit from behavioral and nutritional therapy, such as patients with eating disorders.

Registered dietitians can advise those seeking weight management help on diet changes. However, when choosing an online provider for weight loss, it's critical to understand that RDs cannot provide prescriptions for weight loss medications. Their inability to prescribe medication may be a hurdle in moving forward with a registered dietitian unless healthcare providers with medical degrees are available to write prescriptions.

Comparing Registered Dietitians and Nutritionists

You may also have come across web-based programs for weight loss that offer consultation with a nutritionist instead of a medical doctor. A nutritionist should not be confused with a registered dietitian. While a nutritionist may be able to provide advice about making healthier food choices, nutritionists do not have to undergo the same or similar scientific training required to become a registered dietitian.

Because of the lack of required education or training, nutritionists will likely be less helpful for weight management. Their ability to assist in your weight loss journey would be much more limited than consulting a medical doctor and even more restricted than working with a registered dietitian.

While they may not hold a medical degree, registered dietitians are still health professionals. To receive their license, they must earn a college degree, complete an internship, and pass an exam.

Registered dietitians often work in the area of obesity and weight management but are also qualified to help people with chronic conditions frequently related to diet, such as diabetes or heart disease. The rigorous training dietitians must complete gives some assurance that they possess science-based expertise.

By contrast, a nutritionist does not have to meet these requirements to refer to themselves as a nutritionist. While some nutritionists may be well-schooled in diet and nutrition, others may have only studied independently or perhaps taken an online course about how nutrition affects health or athletic performance.

There is no guarantee of how much education a nutritionist has received or the quality of training they have undergone. In short, there is nothing to stop someone from using the occupation title of nutritionist even if they are not qualified to give dietary advice.

If you find an online weight management program that seems like a good fit but the only available consultation is with a nutritionist, it's wise to keep in mind that the term "nutritionist" is not regulated. While unlikely, the person acting as an online nutritionist may have no formal training.

Look for nutritionists with the acronym "CNS" after their name. This credential stands for Certified Nutrition Specialist. It is administered by the American Nutrition Association and indicates that the person has had considerable training in diet and nutrition. They could be a perfect fit for your weight loss program, providing health and diet advice, helping you create health and weight goals, and then keeping you accountable.

It goes without saying, but nutritionists—like registered dietitians—do not have the authority to write prescriptions for weight loss medications. Unlike registered dietitians, they are not able to provide MNT or specialized care for those coping with any type of specific health issue.

For example, someone who has just a few pounds to lose may benefit from the advice of a nutritionist. However, someone suffering from a chronic condition such as obesity should seek the assistance of a medical doctor or, at the least, a registered dietitian.

Will insurance cover a dietician's care?

As with most insurance questions, the answer to this often-deciding factor is a solid "maybe." That's because it depends on an individual's insurance provider and policy. Remember that the better-credentialed the provider is, the greater the chance that your insurance provider will cover at least partial, if not all, of the expenses related to your online weight loss journey.

For example, you are more likely to succeed in getting your insurance provider to cover services received from a registered dietitian than from a nutritionist who offers online weight loss services.

If you have been diagnosed with a chronic illness, such as diabetes or kidney disease, private health insurance and Medicare should cover your treatment with a registered dietitian. Of course, you can expect to still pay a co-pay, which varies depending on the policy.

But even if you don't have a diagnosed chronic illness, your insurance provider may cover your weight loss program if your policy includes coverage for wellness services since nutrition-related counseling could fit in that category. However, suppose your weight loss program's provider is a nutritionist only, without the oversight of a medical doctor or a registered dietitian. In that case, your insurance policy is unlikely to cover your care because, as mentioned previously, the role of a nutritionist is not regulated.

 

Where to Find Good Online Weight Loss Doctors

Mochi is an online platform that combines many essential attributes of a high-quality, comprehensive, web-based weight loss program. The Mochi online weight loss program includes:

• Licensed, registered dietitians and medical doctors board-certified in obesity medicine
• Prescription weight loss medications
• Customized treatment approaches that fit your needs
• 24/7 patient support and provider messaging
• Options for labs, genetic testing, and sleep apnea screenings

Founded by Dr. Myra Ahmad, M.D., Mochi uses evidence-based treatments to connect providers and patients for weight loss. The program provides an alternative to programs that focus only on diet and exercise or, worse yet, shame the patient who is coping with diabetes, high blood pressure, or other illnesses. The Mochi approach is to use all weight loss tools available to customize a treatment program tailored to the individual.

Learn more about how you can lose weight with Mochi

 

Starting Your Weight Loss Journey

Getting Started With an Online Weight Loss Program

Once you have selected an online medical weight loss provider, your first step is typically to share your medical history and communicate your concerns about your current weight or health in general, along with your ideal body weight or body mass index goal.

With Mochi, this is done by completing a brief survey to determine your eligibility for treatment and learn more about you. You will then be matched with a provider for an initial consultation. This initial online visit will allow you to discuss your weight loss goals one-on-one with an accredited, qualified healthcare professional who will review your background and listen to your expectations and goals for your future weight loss and health.

Depending on your goals, expectations, and current health concerns, you will receive a customized treatment plan to address your needs. You may obtain a medication prescription to aid your progress, along with recommendations for lifestyle modifications that you will be encouraged to make to achieve long-term weight loss.

Once you have completed your initial online consultation and received a customized plan, you will begin working with a medical provider who will assist you in successfully implementing your treatment plan. This professional will also track your progress and provide any modifications necessary to your care.

Creating a Personalized Weight Loss Plan

Because everyone's situation is different, a reputable online weight loss physician will tailor a treatment plan to meet your needs rather than provide you with a cookie-cutter weight loss approach. Beware online weight loss platforms that offer only a one-size-fits-all solution. These types of programs are much less effective. They also don't include the kind of personalized follow-up and tracking that are critical to long-term success.

With Mochi, you can work with a provider one-on-one who specializes in weight loss and obesity. Together, you will set realistic, achievable weight loss goals based on your needs.

Although weight loss medications, particularly GLP-1 medications, have garnered a lot of attention recently, they are only one tool out of many that your provider has at their disposal for helping you achieve long-term weight loss. As we'll discuss later, these weight loss medications are most effective when combined with lifestyle changes.

Your dietitianwill develop a reduced-calorie diet that takes into account your food likes and dislikes, any food allergies or sensitivities you may have, your food preparation skills, and the time you have available for meal preparation. However, taking into account your likes and dislikes or your lifestyle habits doesn't mean your diet will allow you to eat only the foods you currently enjoy and make no changes to your current eating habits.

That approach to weight loss would be futile. You may need to learn new eating habits or processes for meal and food prep. You may be encouraged to incorporate new foods or alter the current amounts of food from each food group. While it can be challenging to break old habits–especially those you've had for quite some time–you will be encouraged to keep your eye on the end goal and follow your treatment plan as closely as possible.

In addition to providing a healthy diet, your medical weight loss professional can guide you in building healthy, sustainable lifestyle habits. For example, if you tend to short yourself on at least seven hours of restful sleep each night, you may be encouraged to get more sleep.

Another way your weight loss doctor can assist you is by providing guidance on incorporating healthy lifestyle habits, such as stress management techniques. Stress has long been linked to weight gain, and there is also evidence that obesity may contribute to increased stress levels, forming a vicious cycle that leads to weight gain over time.

The other key to successfully implementing a weight loss treatment plan is to ensure that your provider regularly tracks and monitors your progress. Your treatment plan is much like a business strategic plan. It needs to be fluid enough that your provider can change it to ensure steady progress toward your goals. This is another reason to choose an online weight loss program that provides you with a medical doctor or registered dietitian who will monitor your progress and change your custom treatment approach when and if necessary.

 

Weight Loss Medications and Prescriptions

Prescription Weight Loss Medication

There has been a lot in the media about the use of GLP-1 medications to both aid in achieving a healthy weight as well as address type 2 diabetes. Available through prescription only, GLP-1 weight loss medications may benefit your weight loss journey. But despite all the hype they've received, it's vital to understand these drugs alone are not the golden ticket to weight loss and maintenance of a healthy weight and body mass index. Only when combined with the adoption of a healthy diet and lifestyle will these drugs play an optimal role in reducing what you see on the bathroom scale and getting you to a healthy BMI.

GLP-1 medications, short for Glucagon-like peptide 1 drugs, are perhaps more accurately labeled as GLP-1 agonists. In pharmaceuticals, an agonist is a substance that can attach to a cell receptor and cause the same action(s) as its naturally occurring counterpart.

Therefore, to understand how GLP-1 medications work, it's helpful to know how the naturally occurring hormone works in the body. The small intestine releases this hormone and has several vital roles in the body that are mimicked by GLP-1 weight loss medications.

First, the release of the hormone triggers the release of insulin from your pancreas. Insulin is an essential hormone because it enables your body to receive energy from food. In doing so, it lowers the amount of glucose, or sugar, in your bloodstream. People who do not have enough insulin released will develop high blood sugar and, ultimately, diabetes.

Another critical role of the GLP-1 hormone is to block glucagon secretion. Glucagon is another naturally occurring hormone that your body uses to raise blood sugar levels when necessary. However, by blocking glucagon secretion, the GLP-1 hormone prevents more glucose from entering your bloodstream.

Another effect of the GLP-1 hormone is that it helps suppress appetite. This effect is two-pronged. First, it slows digestion by slowing stomach emptying. This also means your body will not release as much glucose, or sugar, into your bloodstream from the food you eat.

Secondly, the GLP-1 hormone affects areas of the brain that involve hunger and satiety. It tells your brain when you are full, which prevents feelings of hunger.

GLP-1 medications mimic all these actions of the naturally occurring GLP-1 hormone. That means lower blood sugar, which is why the drugs have helped treat type 2 diabetes. But they also mimic signaling to the brain that you are full and, like the naturally occurring hormone, slow the movement of food through the stomach.

GLP-1 agonist medications work by mimicking this hormone. In medication terms, an agonist is a manufactured substance that attaches to a cell receptor and causes the same action as the naturally occurring substance.

A medical provider, in-person or online, can prescribe these weight loss medications. Some of the more common FDA-approved types of GLP-1 medications and their brand names include:

• Semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy)
• Dulaglutide (Trulicity)
• Liraglutide (Saxenda, Victoza)
• Exenatide (Byetta, Bydureon)

The first GLP-1 agonist (exenatide) was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2005, making this class of drugs relatively new. While scientists continue to research new uses for these medications, none are used to address obesity or type 2 diabetes without also making lifestyle changes. While considered weight-loss medications, GLP-1 medications are used hand-in-hand with changes in diet and physical activity to address issues of high blood sugar or obesity.

 

Navigating Your Weight Loss Journey

Overcoming Obstacles and Staying Motivated

The decision to begin a weight loss program is the first challenge to overcome in your weight loss journey, but it is just the beginning. Once you start treatment, the next challenge is to continue with the program, which can often mean overcoming obstacles.

Often, the first step to staying motivated and continuing to follow your program over time is to track things like your food intake and activity level regularly. There are many ways to monitor your diet and exercise, including apps that can make it extremely convenient. Get into the habit of regularly monitoring your progress and continue to follow the diet you were given by your online provider.

Another component of staying motivated and following your program over time is receiving the ongoing guidance and support of the program's medical provider and registered dietitian. This ongoing counsel can help you overcome any obstacles you encounter along the way and provide a means of accountability from someone other than yourself.

Another source of accountability and motivation that many find useful is connecting with like-minded individuals following a similar weight loss journey and, therefore, facing some of the same challenges. Regularly connecting with a group of people working toward many of the same goals can help keep you on track. Taking part in a supportive group can also help you celebrate your successes and pick yourself back up when you encounter a setback in ways that can be more effective than facing these ups and downs on your own.

Monitoring Progress and Making Adjustments

It's important to consistently track your weight and measurements as you move through the program. There will be times when the scale may not budge, but if you measure yourself as well, you have a second way of measuring your progress and success. Also, consider tracking other health metrics, such as blood sugar and blood pressure.

Along the way, your provider may adjust your treatment plan if necessary. For example, if you've been prescribed a weight loss medication, your provider may adjust your dosage. This is common practice with GLP-1 medications, where the initial dosage is then increased over time to a dosage your provider asks you to maintain through weight loss and then weight maintenance.

Another example of an adjustment may be increasing your level of physical activity. Suppose your weight concerns prevent any increase in physical activity when you begin your weight loss program. In that case, there will later become a point in your treatment where your provider will likely adjust your recommended activity level and continue to do so throughout your treatment.

In addition to finding support through weight loss groups, sharing your progress with a close friend or family member can keep you both accountable and motivated to continue your weight loss process.

 

Success Stories and Reviews

Real-Life Success Stories From Online Weight Loss Programs

In addition to researching online programs and providers, there's another step you can take before choosing an online weight loss platform. Customers who have used the program and are willing to share their experiences through testimonials and reviews provide additional information to help you decide which online weight loss provider to choose.

Reading testimonials from patients who have experience with an online weight loss program you are considering and who have achieved success can provide valuable insight into its merits. Learning about their journeys and how they may have overcome various obstacles to achieve their success may not only inspire you but also reassure you of the program's value and potential.

Motivation to follow your weight loss plan can stem from several sources. Reading the success stories of other patients and how they achieved their goals can motivate you and provide some insight into various programs and ways that others have found success.

How to Read and Understand Reviews of Online Weight Loss Programs

In addition to testimonials, you can use third-party, credible sources when researching potential online programs for weight loss. Check for program reviews from credible sources, including prominent health and weight loss websites, healthcare professionals, and other verifiable sources.

In reading these reviews, pay attention to the mention of specific services, such as access to medical providers to monitor progress and adjust the treatment program. You'll also want to pay attention to mentions of the program's costs, as well as any reference to insurance coverage options and what prior authorization process is in place.

When reading patient testimonials or researching third-party reviews, avoid those paid for an opinion. Be wary of fake or biased reviews and look for reviews from multiple sources.

 

FAQs

Can online healthcare professionals prescribe FDA-approved medications for weight loss?

Yes, getting a prescription for weight loss medication from an online provider for medicines an in-person doctor may prescribe you is possible. Keep in mind, however, that only medical doctors can prescribe medications. Suppose your weight loss online program puts you under the care of a different provider, such as a registered dietitian. In that case, it is essential that the program also enlists the assistance of a physician to prescribe any potentially useful medications for weight loss. You can fill your prescription medications at either an online pharmacy or with a pharmacist in person.

I have seen a lot in the media about the new class of weight loss prescription medications, but do they live up to all the hype?

While these medications, known as GLP-1 medications, hold great promise for weight loss and improved management of related chronic illnesses, such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and others, they are most effective when used in conjunction with a diet and healthy lifestyle changes. Not all GLP-1 medications are approved for use in weight control. However, if you also have type 2 Diabetes, there are GLP-1 medications specifically approved for treating the disease with patients experiencing lower blood sugar as well as a decrease in body weight.

Are there downsides to incorporating weight loss medications into an overall program to help me lose weight?

While it is true that scientists have identified many uses for the new class of GLP-1 drugs, including a decrease in body weight, a small percentage of patients report side effects. For some patients, these side effects are severe enough that they are unable to continue with the medication. Most patients report either minor or no side effects. Examples of reported side effects include constipation, nausea, vomiting, and in type 2 diabetics, low blood sugar. As with any prescription drug, your prescribing provider will determine the best medication and dosage for you and will be able to answer any questions or concerns you have. It's important to keep in mind that these medications are most beneficial when combined with other changes that improve diet and encourage a healthy lifestyle.

Will insurance cover my online weight loss provider's services?

Just as with in-person healthcare, whether or not your insurance covers it, and for how much, depends on your individual prescription coverage and healthcare policy. It is crucial to research what the program offers by working with your health insurance provider before starting a weight loss plan. In addition to investigating potential programs, you will want to be sure you clearly understand your insurance company's coverage of medication costs, as well as your healthcare policy and prior authorization process. You will also find that the more relevant credentials your provider holds, the more likely your insurance will provide partial or even complete coverage for your care.

Can an online provider be as effective at helping me lose weight as an in-person provider?

Yes, you can expect the same success from a quality weight loss program, whether you access it online, meet with the provider virtually, or contact an in-person physician.

How can I stay motivated after I begin an online program to lose weight?

Many factors can determine your success in achieving your weight loss goals. Your progress is one of the key factors for motivation, so track things like food intake and physical activity. Celebrate incremental successes along the way. Joining an online or even in-person group of like-minded individuals following the same program as you can also motivate you to excel in the program.

 

Conclusion

Your body's response to diet and lifestyle changes will be unique based on your medical history and health conditions, medications, health insurance coverage, and other factors. If you are going to be successful in your goal to lose weight and improve your health, you will need a weight loss treatment plan that is also unique to you.

There are many online programs geared toward helping those who struggle with weight loss and complications of obesity. However, not all programs for losing weight offer access to a credentialed healthcare professional qualified in weight loss and obesity. Understanding how to review potential programs to increase your chances of long-term success is the first step toward achieving your health goals. The good news is that programs like Mochi deliver on all of the most critical attributes necessary for your success.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. CBD and THC products are not currently evaluated or approved by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult a healthcare professional before using these products, especially if you have a medical condition or are taking medications. Check your local laws regarding CBD and THC usage, as regulations vary by jurisdiction