Frequently asked questions
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About The Program
A doctor-supervised virtual weight management program is a medically guided plan designed to help individuals lose weight through online consultations, nutrition advice, and personalized exercise plans, all under the supervision of a licensed physician.
Our virtual weight loss program involves regular check-ins with a doctor, personalized health assessments, meal planning, and exercise routines, all conducted via telemedicine.
The initial program to start you on the medications and treatment is for 12 weeks with ongoing follow-up regularly until you decide to stop.
Your progress is monitored through regular virtual check-ins, self-reporting tools, and health tracking tools to ensure that you’re on track with your weight loss goals.
You will have regular virtual consultations with your supervising doctor, typically every 2 to 4 weeks, to assess your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your plan.
Doctor supervision ensures that your weight loss is safe and tailored to your health needs. It helps monitor medical conditions, adjust medications, and provide personalized guidance for effective and sustainable results.
Yes, research shows that virtual weight loss programs can be just as effective as in-person programs when participants stay committed and follow medical guidance.
Costs and Getting Started
The program is 100% FREE for Ontarians with a valid Health Card.
Yes, our 12 week program is covered by OHIP.
Signing up is easy! Simply fill out our online form or Speak to Your Metro or Food Basics Pharmacists, and one of our team members will contact you to schedule your first virtual consultation.
Yes, our virtual weight loss program is available to all residents of Ontario with a VALID OHIP CARD with internet access, regardless of where you live within the province.
No referral is required to join our program. However, you are encouraged to share information with your family doctor to ensure continuity of care.
About the Exercises
Exercise routines are personalized and can include home-based workouts such as strength training, cardio, and flexibility exercises, all designed to suit your fitness level.
Most exercises can be done using basic equipment like dumbbells or resistance bands, but all routines include options that do not require any equipment at all.
About Your Weight Loss
Each plan is completely customized based on your unique health profile, lifestyle, and goals, with input from a doctor to ensure medical safety and effectiveness.
Weight loss varies by individual, but most participants can expect to see a reduction of up to 20% of their weight in a year, depending on their starting point and adherence to the program.
Yes, our doctor-supervised program includes access to nutrition counseling by a Registered Dietitian to help promote healthy, sustainable eating habits.
If you hit a plateau, your doctor will review your plan and make adjustments to your diet, exercise routine, or other factors to help you continue making progress.
Our Program and Other Medical Conditions
Yes, our program is designed with safety in mind. We take into account any pre-existing conditions and monitor your progress to ensure safe weight loss.
Yes, our doctors will review your medications to ensure they complement your weight loss efforts. Adjustments may be made if necessary for your safety.
Our program can accommodate various medical conditions, including diabetes, hypertension, thyroid disorders, and others, thanks to ongoing medical supervision.
Yes, we can accommodate various food allergies, intolerances, and dietary restrictions by customizing your meal plan to meet your specific needs.
Our Technology and Your Privacy
Virtual consultations are done via a PIPEDA and PHIPA complaint secure video conferencing platform. You can speak with your doctor from the comfort of your home at a time that’s convenient for you.
Our team provides full support to help you navigate the technology required for virtual consultations and program tools. No advanced tech skills are needed.
About Medicated Weight Loss GLP1 Medications
GLP-1 weight loss drugs such as Wegovy, Ozempic, and Mounjaro are medications that mimic the hormone GLP-1, which helps regulate blood sugar levels and appetite, making them effective for weight loss.
These medications work by slowing down the emptying of the stomach, reducing appetite, and increasing feelings of fullness, leading to reduced calorie intake and weight loss.
These medications are administered as once-weekly injections under the skin, typically in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm.
Wegovy and Ozempic contain the same active ingredient (semaglutide) but are dosed differently for weight loss. Mounjaro contains tirzepatide, which may offer additional benefits for weight loss and glucose control.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it’s close to your next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule.
All medications have potential side effects and with GLP-1s, the most common ones are GI related (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea). To reduce the side effects we start patients on the lowest dose of GLP-1 and increasing dosages gradually based on tolerability.
In our program you will work with our team and they will provide dietary advice to help prevent side effects. Side effects are also typically transient, mild to moderate in severity, and mainly occur during initiation and up-titration of treatment. Our team will work with you 1 on 1 to ensure that side effects are properly managed.
GI related adverse effects may occur, these will be transient and of mild/moderate severity in the majority of cases. Our team will work with you to provide specific dietary recommendations that will help relieve symptoms such as:
- Eat slowly
- Eat only if you are really hungry
- Eat smaller portions
- Avoid lying down after having a meal
- Stop eating in case of feeling of fullness
- Increase meal frequency
If you experience severe side effects, contact your doctor or our team immediately. In some cases, the dose may need to be adjusted or the medication discontinued.
Who Can Use a GLP1
These medications are generally prescribed to adults with a BMI of 30 or higher or those with a BMI of 27 or higher who also have weight-related medical conditions like type 2 diabetes.
Yes, these medications are particularly beneficial for people with type 2 diabetes, as they help manage blood sugar levels while promoting weight loss.
These medications are typically not combined with other weight loss drugs. Your doctor will evaluate any potential interactions to ensure safe treatment.
Yes, Wegovy and Ozempic are approved by Health Canada for weight management in adults. Mounjaro is still under review.
There are no specific dietary restrictions, but a healthy, balanced diet is recommended to maximize the effectiveness of the medication.
These medications are not recommended for use during pregnancy or while trying to conceive. Discuss your plans with your doctor for alternative weight management strategies.
These medications can interact with other drugs, particularly those that affect blood sugar levels. Your doctor will review your current medications to avoid any potential interactions.
About Weight Loss With GLP1 Medications
Individual results vary, but most patients can expect to lose between 10-20% of their body weight over a period of several months.
Long-term use of these medications is generally considered safe when monitored by a doctor, but regular follow-ups are necessary to ensure there are no adverse effects.
Yes, these medications can be prescribed for weight loss in individuals without diabetes, especially those with obesity or other weight-related health issues.
Start by scheduling a virtual consultation with our doctor, who will assess your health and determine if a GLP-1 medication is right for you.
For best results, combine these medications with a healthy diet, regular physical activity, and behavioral changes as guided by our program.
Weight maintenance can be challenging, and stopping medication may lead to weight regain. Your doctor will help you decide on the best long-term plan.
Most patients start to see weight loss within the first few weeks of treatment, with more significant results appearing over the following months.
The duration of treatment varies, but long-term use may be necessary to maintain weight loss. Your doctor will guide you on the appropriate length of therapy.
Remember obesity is a chronic disease and it is not “cured” with medication. For example, a good comparison with obesity is high blood pressure. Patients need to take medication to achieve normal blood pressure and need to continue medication to maintain it. Once weight goals are achieved, treatment can be tapered and discontinued, but many studies show that chronic therapy is needed.
Insurance Coverage for GLP1 Medications
These medications are not covered by OHIP, but they may be covered by some private insurance plans. Check with your insurer for details on coverage.