What is a medical weight-loss program?

Reaching a healthy weight for one’s height is never easy, especially when going at it alone. But there are support systems that can help.

Medical weight-loss programs connect patients with professionals to help prepare them for the journey. The first few meetings typically revolve around personalized diet, exercise and lifestyle habits. Weight-loss surgery is also sometimes part of the conversation.

Learn more about these programs below, including how they work and what it takes to sign up.

In this article:

What’s a medical weight-loss program, really?

Medical weight-loss programs help people access expert help. These programs typically involve a combination of diet planning, exercise and lifestyle planning. The goal is to help create a safe and effective way to reach a healthier weight. Health care providers can tailor these programs toward specific needs and health goals. This targeting may be more beneficial to the patient and more sustainable overall.

A study of people involved in a medical weight-loss program showed a decrease in weight for many participants. Health care providers can tailor these programs toward specific needs and health goals. This targeting tends to be more beneficial to the patient and more sustainable overall.

How do medical weight-loss programs work?

Most medical weight-loss programs kick off with a visit to a health care provider. The appointment gives both the patient and the provider time to discuss medical histories, current health conditions and specific weight-loss goals.

A personal plan is then created with that information in mind. It usually involves diet and exercise, but weight-loss medication and surgical interventions (like gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy) may also be discussed.

Patients will receive regular check-ins to monitor progress. This can be especially important for people with preexisting conditions like type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure.

Guidance and support are big areas of focus. Teaching patients about healthier habits can help make weight loss easier to achieve and maintain in the long run.

Nonsurgical medical weight loss

Nonsurgical medical weight-loss programs usually focus on lifestyle changes. These programs tend to prioritize diet and exercise, but other treatments are sometimes discussed, including weight-loss medications. They can also be tailored to someone’s specific needs and preferences.

Success depends on commitment to the program and making lasting lifestyle changes. Patients get ongoing support from health care providers and peers, which can be crucial for long-term success.

Surgical weight loss

Surgical weight loss involves procedures that help people lose weight. Common types include gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy and adjustable gastric banding. These surgeries reduce the size of the stomach or change the way the body processes food. As a result, people feel fuller faster and eat less overall.

Candidates for this type of intervention typically have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or more. People with a BMI of 35 or higher with a serious health problem linked to obesity may also be considered.

Who is eligible to enroll in a medical weight-loss program?

Different places have different enrollment requirements. Here’s what health care providers may look for when recommending someone for a medical weight-loss program:

• A BMI of 30 or higher, or 27 or higher with weight-related health issues.
• Health conditions related to weight, such as obesity, high blood pressure or diabetes.

Some health care providers also have age restrictions, so patients often need to be ages 18 or older to join.

Potential benefits of medical weight-loss programs

Medical weight-loss programs may offer a structured and supervised approach. These programs provide personalized plans. That allows them to help address specific needs and challenges. These programs may also offer group support and guidance, which can help boost motivation and help people keep up with their progress. Some medical weight-loss programs include additional perks:

• Behavioral therapy. Counseling may help people set goals, address barriers and overcome setbacks
• Exercise recommendations. Programs should help encourage participants get anywhere from 150 to 300 minutes or more of physical activity per week.
• Medical monitoring. Regular check-ups are scheduled to help track progress and adjust plans when needed.
• Nutritional guidance. Registered dieticians can create detailed plans to help people make healthier food choices.
• Professional supervision. Health care professionals provide ongoing support for safety and success.

Are medical weight-loss programs offered online or in person?

Some medical weight-loss programs are only offered in person. Others incorporate smartphones and other digital devices. These tools can help patients access information and track how well they’re doing with the program.

Virtual weight-loss programs do exist. But some experts worry they aren’t as effective in the long run. If someone is thinking of joining an exclusively online program, they should consider one that offers the following:

• Weekly session tailored toward personalized goals.
• Ongoing support from a trained professional — like a registered dietitian, health counselor or lifestyle coach — to help people meet their goals.
• A plan to track progress on lifestyle changes like healthy eating and exercise.
• Regular feedback on goals, progress and results.
• Access to online meetings or chat groups for social support.

Where can people find a medical weight-loss program?

People can always talk to a health care professional about safe and effective ways to lose weight. Patients might be referred to a registered dietitian or a specific program. Public health agencies can also help direct people to evidence-based programs that focus on family weight loss or diabetes prevention.

Can medical weight-loss programs be effective?

These programs can be a huge help for anyone on a weight-loss journey. Many participants are drawn to their structure and personalized support options. Some say these aspects are what helped them develop healthier habits. But there are also other factors that influence success.

Only those who really commit to the program are likely to see results. Sticking to the recommended diet plan and exercising is essential.

It’s also important to choose a respected program. Without a truly personalized plan, meaningful results may be hard to achieve. Patients can talk to a trusted health care provider about who to see and how to get started.

How can people lose weight on their own?

Medical weight-loss programs offer expert advice and support. And that can be beneficial when it comes to achieving a healthier weight. But it’s not the only way to do things.

People can help achieve healthy weight loss on their own and with a few simple lifestyle changes. That includes being more intentional with their diet, exercising more frequently, getting enough sleep and keeping stress levels under control. A few things that might help these behaviors stick include:

• Tracking progress. Keeping a log can help people identify where they are, where they want to be and how to get there.
• Setting specific goals. Short-term and specific goals tend to be easier to measure and achieve.
• Finding support. People can share their goals with friends and family for ongoing support and encouragement. They may even want to connect with people who share similar goals. That way, they exercise together and share recipes.

Key takeaways

Medical weight-loss programs help to provide structure and supervised guidance. Each patient usually gets a customized plan to start out with. These blueprints typically focus on diet and exercise but may also include other plans. Patients also attend regular check-ins to monitor their progress. These sessions even help them better understand their relationship with food. People who are committed to a program are often able to make lasting changes and lose weight.