5 things to look for in a medical weight loss program

Making a commitment to any weight loss program is a big decision. It’s important to consider all aspects of a program before you commit. Here are 5 things to look for in a medical weight loss program to ensure you’re joining a reputable program that will help you get the results you are looking for.

1. Frequent check-ins and ongoing support

 A credible weight loss program will include frequent check-ins with a Care Team via messaging, email, video, or phone. A weight loss journey is not linear. It’s important to have a healthcare team that can help you navigate the twists and turns that naturally come with any weight loss process. Frequent check-ins allow for the opportunity to adjust your treatment plan as needed and set you up for long term success. Ensure those check-ins are with qualified healthcare providers such as board certified doctors and Registered Dietitians, who can provide guidance backed by science, not just act as a coach or cheerleader.

At Form, patients work with a dedicated doctor and Registered Dietitian throughout their journey. You’ll have regular doctor appointments, frequent appointments with your Registered Dietitian, and unlimited messaging with your Care Team between visits. You can also join our Facebook community for peer support!

2. Only prescribes FDA-approved medications

A medical weight loss program should only offer evidence based treatment and any medication offered as a part of your plan should be FDA-approved. Steer clear of programs that push fat burners or other supplements. FDA-approved weight loss medication needs to be prescribed by a Medical Doctor or Advanced Practice Provider(like a Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant), and is intended to be used in conjunction with lifestyle changes such as nutrition and physical activity.

When you sign up for Form, you are  will be paired with an expert healthcare provider who can help determine if FDA- approved weight loss medication is an appropriate option for you. If medication is appropriate, your Care Team will work hard to find a medication that is safe, effective, and covered by your insurance. In addition, you will receive a comprehensive treatment plan developed by your healthcare provider and Registered Dietitian that includes lifestyle nutrition, physical activity, and mindset shifts.

3. Lifestyle changes 

Be sure that whatever medical weight loss program you select incorporates lifestyle changes as a core part of their program. Weight loss is not a simple equation of eating less and moving more, a reputable program should offer more than nutrition and exercise support. Learning how to develop and stick with healthier habits such as keeping a food log, activity record, or journaling is essential to success. Look for a program that clearly indicates they offer support for things such as emotional health, sleep, nutrition, physical activity, and managing stress and anxiety. 

There are four pillars to the Form Health medical weight loss program including nutrition, physical activity, mindset shifts (lifestyle changes), and FDA-approved medication when appropriate. Your individual weight loss plan at Form Health will incorporate these pillars and be specifically designed for your individual needs.

4. Sustainable weight Loss

While words like “slow” and “weight loss” are not things we’d like to hear in the same sentence, it's important to understand that sustainable weight loss doesn't happen overnight. Medical experts who specialize in weight management understand the complexities of weight loss. Rapid or extreme weight loss can actually increase your risk of weight regain. Your body's response to intense restriction is to expend less energy and preserve calories when the restriction ends. When you reach your weight loss goals, it’s important to have a plan to address weight maintenance to help you sustain your success. Any reputable weight loss program that is committed to your success will be able to share a weight maintenance plan to help you sustain your weight loss for the long term. 

At Form, you will meet with your expert Care Team to develop a plan to help you lose weight and keep it off long term. Your Care Team will take the time to get to know you and understand your health history to develop a tailored plan that includes nutrition, physical activity, mindset shifts, and FDA-approved medications, if appropriate. When you are ready to transition to a maintenance plan, Form Health can continue to be a resource for you. 

5. Easy cancellation

A reputable weight loss program will not lock you in for an extended period of time, but instead allow you to cancel if the program is not working for you. Be wary of programs that require upfront payment for services – if the program doesn’t work for you it could be difficult to get your money back. Review cancellation policies before joining, and check 3rd party review sites like Trustpilot or Google reviews to ensure customers are happy and not feeling stuck paying for a service that doesn’t work for them.

If you’re considering medical weight loss and looking for a reputable program, give Form Health a try. We offer 1:1 personalized support from Registered Dietitians and doctors, who know the ins and outs of medical weight loss. Take the our quiz, to see if you qualify.