Quick answer: A safe medical weight loss program is run or overseen by a doctor, sets a realistic goal, measures more than your scale weight, follows up with you regularly and tells you the full cost up front. The U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIDDK) suggests asking any program about its evidence, staff qualifications, safety follow-up and total cost before you sign up. The 10 questions below turn that guidance into a checklist you can take to any clinic.
Why it pays to ask before you start
Weight loss programs range from apps and meal plans to physician-led clinics that can prescribe medication. They differ a lot in who supervises you, what they measure and what you end up paying. NIDDK’s guidance on choosing a program is simple: look for a plan that is realistic, supervised and built to help you keep the weight off – and be wary of anything that sounds too good to be true.
10 questions to ask a weight loss clinic
1. Who runs or oversees the program? NIDDK suggests asking: “Does a doctor or other certified health professional run or oversee the program? Can I speak with a doctor or certified health professional if I need to?” Ask what training and certifications the staff have. Obesity medicine is its own board certification (the American Board of Obesity Medicine, DABOM).
2. What happens at the first visit? A good first visit looks at your full history – past weight changes, medical conditions, medications and lifestyle – not only your weight and a prescription.
3. What do you measure besides weight? Scale weight can’t tell fat from muscle. Ask whether the program measures body composition (for example with a DEXA scan) or your resting metabolic rate (an RMR test), and how often those are repeated.
4. Is medication part of the plan – and is it required? Prescription weight-loss medicines aren’t for everyone. NIDDK notes a health care professional may prescribe one for adults with a BMI of 30 or greater, or 27 or greater with weight-related health problems such as high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes. Ask whether medication is optional, who decides, and how side effects are followed up.
5. How often will I be seen, and by whom? Regular follow-up is one of the features NIDDK says to look for. Ask how often you’ll have visits, whether they can be done by telehealth, and how you can reach the care team between visits.
6. What is a realistic goal for me? NIDDK states: “Experts recommend an initial weight-loss goal of 5% to 10% of your starting weight within 6 months.” Be cautious with any clinic that promises a fixed number of pounds by a fixed date.
7. Does the plan include eating and activity – not just a prescription? NIDDK says a program should include a healthy, reduced-calorie eating plan, a plan for physical activity where appropriate, guidance and support, and a plan to keep the weight off.
8. What is the total cost, from beginning to end? This is NIDDK’s own wording. Ask what the first visit costs, any monthly or membership fee, minimum terms, tests, and whether medication is included or paid separately. Ask if the clinic bills insurance and whether you can use HSA or FSA funds.
9. What happens when I reach my goal? Keeping weight off is part of the job. Ask whether there is a maintenance phase, how often you’ll be seen and what it costs.
10. Will you work with my own doctor? NIDDK suggests asking whether the program’s doctor or staff will work with your health care professional if needed – useful if you have diabetes, high blood pressure or take other medicines.
Red flags to watch for
NIDDK warns about programs that promise to help you:
- “Lose weight without diet or exercise!”
- “Lose 30 pounds in 30 days!”
- “Lose weight in a specific part of your body!”
Also be wary of very small print, asterisks and footnotes, and before-and-after photos or endorsements that seem too good to be true.
How these questions apply at Timely Health in San Diego
Here is how our medical weight loss program in San Diego answers the questions above:
- Who oversees it: physician-led. Dr. Suzan Mahdai, MD, MPH, DABOM, MSCP, is double board-certified in Internal Medicine and Obesity Medicine.
- First visit: a 60-minute physician visit plus a whole-body DEXA scan, then a plan built from those numbers.
- What we measure: body composition by DEXA and resting metabolic rate with an RMR test, plus labs for safety and progress.
- Medication: FDA-approved weight-loss medication management when appropriate – medication is one option, never the whole plan, and not required. Medication cost is not included.
- Follow-up: monthly visits in the Active Phase (telehealth or in person), a visit every 3 months in Maintenance, and a way to reach your physician between visits. Follow-up telehealth is available across California; the first visit and DEXA are in person in San Diego.
- Cost: Pricing and current packages are listed on our medical weight loss page (self-pay, HSA/FSA accepted, superbill provided).
- Promises: we don’t promise numbers or timelines – results vary.
Losing weight and want to know it’s fat, not muscle? See our guide to using DEXA to track weight loss and our obesity doctor guide.
Frequently asked questions
What should I ask a weight loss clinic before starting?
Ask who runs or oversees the program, what they measure besides weight, whether medication is optional, how often you’ll be followed up, what a realistic goal is, and the total cost from beginning to end.
What is a realistic weight loss goal?
The NIH’s NIDDK says experts recommend an initial goal of 5% to 10% of your starting weight within 6 months. Your physician can help set a goal that fits your health.
Do I have to take weight-loss medication in a medical weight loss program?
Not necessarily. Prescription medicines aren’t right for everyone. At Timely Health, medication is one option, used only when it is right for you, and never the whole plan.
What are red flags in a weight loss program?
Promises like losing weight without diet or exercise, losing a large amount in a few weeks, or losing weight from one body part, plus hidden small print and before-and-after photos that seem too good to be true.
Ready to talk to a physician?
Timely Health, 12396 World Trade Dr., Suite 103, San Diego, CA 92128 · 858-838-3900. Book a medical weight loss consultation.
This article is for information only and is not a substitute for a medical consultation. Individual results vary.