- Top Picks
- Who Qualifies for Prescription Weight Loss Medication?
- Benefits of a Medical Weight Loss Program
- Potential Drawbacks
- What to Look For When Choosing a Prescription Medication Weight Loss Program
- Best Online Medical Weight Loss Programs with Prescription Medication and Coaching
- Frequently Asked Questions
- The Bottom Line
Obesity is one of the most common chronic conditions in the U.S., affecting approximately 78 million people. It’s linked to many health issues, including heart disease, which remains the leading cause of death in the country. When a person has excess fat, their body mass index (BMI) is often used as a measure of obesity.
A BMI of 30 or higher is generally considered to indicate obesity, which may require intervention.
Unfortunately, a lot of people don’t take the necessary steps to reduce their weight right away. This can lead to many health issues aside from heart disease, such as diabetes, high cholesterol, depression and sleep apnea.
There are a lot of different weight loss diets and programs that can be used to potentially drop pounds, but it’s difficult to know where to start. Many people try multiple programs, only to become discouraged by a lack of results. Fad diets can be effective short term, but they usually result in the weight coming back on many months later. If you’re having difficulty losing weight and keeping it off, there are medical weight loss programs that can help.
A medical weight loss program incorporates management of diet along with exercise and lifestyle changes. The process is usually overseen by a physician that may use metabolic testing and diagnostics to alter your program plan. Weight loss medications may also be used to facilitate the loss of weight.
How do you find the best medical weight loss program for your specific situation? I’m going to break down the details of a few different programs, and I will provide you with information about the benefits of a medical weight loss solution.
Top Picks
- Eden (Best Overall)
- Join Delilah (Best for Women)
- FuturHealth (Best for Speed of Delivery)
- Skinny RX (Best for Fast Approval)
- Fella Health (Best for Men)
- Found Health (Best Established)
Who Qualifies for Prescription Weight Loss Medication?
In order to qualify for a medical weight-loss program that utilizes medication, you need to have a body mass index of more than 30. The number drops to 27 if you have a medical issue that is caused by your obesity, such as sleep apnea, high blood pressure or diabetes. Prior to receiving any weight loss medication prescriptions, your doctor will run a panel of blood work. You may also need to meet with a registered dietitian.
Benefits of a Medical Weight Loss Program
It’s crucial to avoid unhealthy weight loss practices, such as severely restricting food or using over-the-counter supplements with questionable ingredients. A more sustainable and healthy approach is to work with a medical or healthcare professional who can guide you through the process. This kind of support ensures that you're not only losing weight in a safe way, but also staying accountable and making healthy eating choices that support your long-term well-being.
A Personalized Approach to Weight Loss
Not everybody can lose weight in the same manner and at the same rate. It’s nice to embark on a weight loss journey with other people that are going through the same thing as you, but this can also slow you down. Using a more personalized approach to weight loss can provide you with more effective results in a shorter time frame.
When you meet with a doctor regarding your weight loss plan, they will go over a lot of your medical history and past weight loss journey. You should be honest about what you have found challenging and what hasn’t worked for you. Your doctor will help you come up with a plan that is designed with your specifics in mind. The medication that you’re provided will be based on your metabolic panel and current state of health.
Nutrition, Physical Activity and Behavioral Changes
Weight loss incorporates a number of different aspects in the journey. Nutrition and diet are big components. The best medical weight loss programs will make sure that you’re knowledgeable regarding what you should be eating, what you should avoid, your calorie requirements, etc.
Your nutrition will also be based on the physical activity that you’ll be doing. Diet alone doesn’t help you lose weight. You also need exercise in the mix. Your workout plan will help you burn calories, burn fat and make you feel more energized and motivated.
There is often a psychological component when it comes to weight loss. Some people may turn to food when they’re stressed or feeling down, as eating certain comfort foods can trigger the release of chemicals in the brain that temporarily boost mood. While this can provide momentary relief, it can lead to unhealthy eating habits over time. If you find that emotional eating is affecting your progress, it’s important to address it. A registered dietitian can work with you to develop mindful eating strategies, and if needed, a mental health professional may be helpful for deeper emotional issues related to food.
Supportive Community
Working with people that you can trust and who help you stay motivated can keep you on the right track to weight loss. Not only are you working with a medical professional, but you may also enlist the help of a dietician, nutritionist, mental health counselor, personal trainer and perhaps a community of people just like you that are also looking to get healthy.
Accountability and Coaching
When you let a group of people know what you’re trying to accomplish and how you’re going to get there, they can help keep you accountable for your actions (or lack thereof). If you don’t put the work in, you’ll have to report that back to the team that’s helping you. It’s not about feeling shameful that you’re slipping with your routine. It’s about your team and coaches motivating you to get back on track so you continue to experience gains.
Potential Drawbacks
The potential drawbacks of a medical weight loss program will really be based on what you’re using for your weight loss journey. If you’re prescribed medication, there are side effects of GLP-1s that you may experience such as a racing heart, insomnia or headache. It may also take some time to figure out what works for you. Some medications may work better than others, and the doses may need to be fine-tuned before you see impressive results.
What to Look For When Choosing a Prescription Medication Weight Loss Program
The real key to success when choosing a prescription medication weight loss program is combining the use of medication along with physical activity and healthy eating. Let’s look at some of the other factors to consider.
Transparent Brand
The weight loss program that you are considering working with should be very transparent about how they began, what their program includes and any risks that are involved. If a brand is simply trying to market themselves to make money and don’t care about the safety of their patients, then this isn’t the brand for you. This is about losing weight safely and effectively, and you should get that impression from the company that you’re looking into.
Offering Approved Weight Loss Prescription Medications
Not all weight loss medications are approved, and their safety may be questionable. Having the approval of the FDA means that the Food and Drug Administration has very intricately assessed the ingredients in a product, its effectiveness, how safe it is and any potential side effects that are present. If a product is questionable, it’s not approved and you may want to steer clear of it. A weight loss program that isn’t using safe and approved medications could be risky.
Best Online Medical Weight Loss Programs with Prescription Medication and Coaching
There are a few factors I recommend considering when you’re looking for a medical weight loss program. You should read about the concept of the program, who created it, what they have to offer, how effective it has been for people who have used the program and how much it costs. Don’t limit yourself to just one or two programs. Look at a number of them so you can truly pick the program that is going to work best for you and your weight loss challenges.
I’ve researched many of the different medical weight loss programs out there to bring you details on only the very best ones. This should save you a lot of time so you can start focusing on your weight loss journey. Let's begin!
#1: Try Eden GLP-1 (Best Overall)
When it comes to fast, effective, and personalized weight loss solutions, Eden GLP-1 is at the top of the list. It’s an approved medical weight loss program that focuses on prescribing GLP-1 medications like Semaglutide to help you achieve sustainable results. What makes Eden stand out is its comprehensive approach—combining medication, lifestyle coaching, and a tailored nutrition plan.
To get started, all you need to do is take a quick 5-minute quiz to see if you qualify. Once approved, you’ll be matched with a doctor who will create a custom weight loss plan for you, ensuring that every aspect of your journey is supported.
Eden has countless success stories, with patients losing significant amounts of weight and keeping it off. Whether you need to lose 20 or 100 pounds, Eden provides the guidance and medical oversight to make it happen.
Pros
- Offers Semaglutide and other GLP-1 medications, including Oral semaglutide and tirzepatide, which is great for people who don't want injectables!
- Provides personalized coaching and meal planning
- Fast approval process
- Proven long-term weight loss results
Cons
- Medication costs are separate from the initial program fee
- Limited availability due to high demand
#2. Join Delilah (Best For Women)
Join Delilah is a personalized weight management program specifically designed for women, combining GLP-1 treatments like semaglutide and tirzepatide with ongoing, customized support from licensed providers. The program tailors each plan to fit an individual’s health history, lifestyle, and weight loss goals, ensuring that women receive a personalized approach that addresses their unique challenges.
What Set's Join Delilah Apart?
What sets Join Delilah apart is its focus on women's health. The program recognizes the specific challenges women face when it comes to weight management, including hormonal fluctuations, stress, and busy lifestyles. By combining effective GLP-1 treatments with continuous support, Join Delilah helps women manage appetite, improve metabolism, and reach their goals in a sustainable, manageable way. The program is transparent with pricing, offering no hidden fees, making it an excellent choice for women looking for a straightforward and supportive solution.
Pros:
- Personalized Care: Tailored weight loss plans based on health history and goals.
- Ongoing Support: Regular check-ins and progress monitoring with licensed providers.
- Clear Pricing: Transparent, upfront pricing with no hidden fees.
- Comprehensive Approach: Combines medications with lifestyle support like diet and stress management.
- Flexible Plans: Offers multiple plan options, including monthly and 6-month subscriptions, to fit different budgets and commitments.
Cons:
- Cost: While it provides great value, it can be pricier compared to some other options.
- Eligibility: Not all applicants may qualify for the program after taking the initial quiz.
- Results May Vary: As with any weight management program, results depend on individual factors like diet and exercise.
Discover more about the Join Delilah brand, their process and how you can get started by reading my detailed review here.
#3. FuturHealth (Best For Speed of Delivery)
FuturHealth is nearly a game changer when it comes to getting prescription weight loss medication, like Semaglutide and now Tirzepatide (Zepbound), super fast and easy. which is why it's the best weight loss medication program out there. The process is as legit as you can get, as FuturHealth does everything by the books. They have real doctors that prescribe you medication as soon as you are deemed eligible.
To get started, all you have to do is take their very short 5 minute quiz. Answer those questions and you'll see if you qualify for Rx medication.
There have been hundreds of success stories with really amazing before and after pictures from real people who have lost anywhere between 20 – 200 pounds!
Pros
- FuturHealth offers a new medication called Tirzepatide (Zepbound)
- Pricing is reasonable
- Fast and easy to get started
- Great support system
Cons
- Medication is not included in the initial price (which is with all of these programs online)
- Demand is high, so they often “run out” and you could be on the wait list (no pun intended)
#4: Skinny RX
Skinny Rx is a popular medical weight loss program tailored specifically for women. This program focuses on providing approved weight loss medications like Semaglutide to help women shed excess pounds while supporting them with personalized coaching and a structured nutrition plan. What sets Skinny Rx apart is its focus on women’s unique metabolic and hormonal challenges, making it a great option for those who haven’t seen results with traditional diet and exercise plans.
Getting started is easy. After completing a brief online quiz, you’ll be connected with a medical professional who will assess your eligibility and create a customized weight loss plan based on your needs. Skinny Rx is a well-regarded option for those looking for an effective, science-backed approach to weight loss.
Pros
- Tailored specifically for women
- Offers approved medications like Semaglutide
- Personalized coaching and nutrition plans
- Hormonal and metabolic factors considered
Cons
- Like other programs, medication costs are not included in the base price
- Availability can be limited due to high demand
#5. Fella Health (Best for Men)
This one's for the fellas, which is a genius idea if you ask me because most of the approved weight loss medication online programs (like the ones on this list) have been favoring women.
Fella Health is hands down the best medical weight loss program for men, and it's powered by science to help you lose weight for good! It uses a metabolic assessment to get you started with the program. You then receive one full year of coaching along with access to prescription weight loss medication that is chosen based on your specific weight loss journey. Your coach will work with you to make sure you stay on track, but also to help you through the psychological challenges of weight loss and any roadblocks that come up along the way.
I like the Fella Health program because it’s a much slower program that really works with you to get things right. You spend a lot of time communicating with your team to get set up before you start changing your diet or taking your medication. It’s a transparent brand that you can trust.
Pros
- Uses low impact exercise to increase your weight loss.
- The team of professionals at Fella will use a number of diagnostic tools to figure out your specific weight loss challenges.
- You are monitored throughout the entire process.
- Powered by science
- Created for men, by men
Cons
- You’re not really making a lot of changes until week three of the program. Fella explains that by month three you should start to see the most changes. This may be a lengthy process for some people that want faster results. However, if you're looking for sustained weight loss results, this is where you want to go.
#6. Join Found (Best Established)
Found Health weight loss (or Join Found) is a medical weight loss program that pairs you up with a medical professional that will start out by going through your current medical status. Then you will talk about what you’ve tried during your weight loss journey, what has worked, what doesn’t work, what your eating habits are and what your current physical activity level looks like.
You will then speak with a personal coach that will help you develop a diet plan moving forward. You’ll receive plenty of education and recommendations for your diet. Medication is also used by the Found weight loss program. There are a number of options available, and your team will make a personalized recommendation for you.
Pros
- Your care team will stay in frequent contact with you to see how everything is going and hold you accountable.
- Board certified doctors, NSHC-certified health coaches and weight care professionals will guide you through this journey.
- Prescription weight loss medications help balance your body so you see more weight loss.
- This is a private community.
Cons
- Your personal genetics, hormones and metabolism may affect your success with Found. However, your care team should be able to make appropriate changes to help you see results. You may have to be patient as everything gets worked out.
#7. Form Health (Best for Younger Women)
Form Health weight loss caters to younger women and connects you with a doctor that you help to identify what your biological blockers to weight loss are. They will then come up with a personalized weight loss program that can include diet, exercise and approved medications. You are working with a Form Health doctor and registered dietitian the whole time.
This program is designed for people dealing with obesity who haven’t been able to lose weight on their own from just diet and exercise. It’s a very customized approach that I like because it takes into account your personal challenges and goals.
Overall, Form Health has excellent leadership and proven results helping many obese people with sustained weight loss. To be honest, I could easily rank them number one on this list, however, they are still in their early stages – the point is, if you go with Form Health, you're choosing a great program.
Pros
- Takes into account your hormonal, metabolic, and genetic factors.
- You can get started with a free consultation with the Form Health team and an enrollment quiz.
- Insurance reimbursable
Cons
- You have to pass the enrollment quiz to be eligible and learn more about the program.
#8. Join Calibrate (Best Support & Results)
Calibrate weight loss is an online medical weight loss program that strives for healthy weight loss that is achievable and long lasting. If you’re the type of person that has been trying to lose weight through fad diets and exercise plans for years with no real results, this is a great program for you to check out. It still incorporates dietary changes and exercise, but there is a prescription medication aspect as well.
Calibrate uses GLP-1 medications for weight loss. These are very safe medications that are non-habit forming and they are not stimulants. They work on the receptors in the body that deal with your GLP-1 hormones. These hormones are used for metabolic function, digestion, inflammation reduction and much more.
Pros
- This is a metabolic reset approach to weight loss.
- You are guaranteed a ten percent weight loss.
- One-on-one personal coaching helps you stay on track and keeps you accountable for your diet and exercise plan.
Cons
- The prescription medications used in the Calibrate program are of the GLP-1 variety. If you’ve tried these medications in the past without success, you may not find Calibrate effective.
#9. Henry Meds
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on quality, Henry Meds is a fantastic choice. This medical weight loss program offers access to approved GLP-1 medications like Semaglutide and Tirzepatide (Zepbound) at a fraction of the cost of many competitors. Henry Meds focuses on providing affordable solutions for people who want a medically guided weight loss plan without breaking the bank.
The process is straightforward. You begin by taking a quick quiz to determine if you qualify for the program. Once approved, you’ll be paired with a licensed physician who will create a personalized plan that includes medication, nutritional guidance, and lifestyle coaching.
Henry Meds has helped thousands of people achieve their weight loss goals, offering a combination of affordability, quality care, and support throughout the journey.
Pros
- Affordable pricing compared to other programs
- Approved medications like Semaglutide and Tirzepatide available
- Personalized coaching and nutrition plans
- Straightforward enrollment process
Cons
- As with other programs, medication costs are separate
- Limited availability due to its popularity and affordability
Frequently Asked Questions
After looking at some of the best medical weight loss programs, you may still have questions about this method of weight loss. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions that people have about medical weight loss programs.
What Are The Top Medications For Weight Loss?
There are several medications used in medical weight loss programs. Some of the most common include:
Semaglutide, Wegovy
Semaglutide is part of the GLP-1 receptor agonist class of medications, which help regulate appetite and metabolism. It is used in combination with dietary changes, exercise, and behavioral modifications. It’s typically prescribed for individuals with a BMI over 30, or over 27 if there are obesity-related health issues.
Saxenda
Also part of the Anti-Obesity – Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) Receptor Agonists drug class, Saxenda (Liraglutide) is an injectable medication that is coupled with a calorie restricted diet and exercise. It has also been approved for children between the ages of 12 and 17 that weigh about 132 pounds.
Contrave
Contrave is a combination of bupropion (an antidepressant) and naltrexone (used for curbing cravings). It’s intended to help suppress appetite and reduce cravings as part of a comprehensive weight loss plan that includes diet and exercise.
Does Prescription Weight Loss Medication Actually Work?
Prescription weight loss medications can be effective when used alongside a balanced diet and regular physical activity. They’re designed to help accelerate weight loss, but individual results can vary. It may take a few months to adjust to the right medication and dosage, but most people start seeing results after consistent use combined with a healthy lifestyle.
Is It Safe To Take RX Meds to Lose Weight?
Prescription weight loss medications are generally safe when taken under the supervision of a healthcare professional. Join Delilah and other reputable programs ensure that you’re monitored by certified providers to help manage any potential side effects and ensure the medication is right for your health needs.
How Much Weight Can I Lose With Prescription Medication?
Weight loss varies by individual, but some users report losing 10% of their body weight in the first few months when following a structured plan that includes medication, diet, and exercise. The key is consistency and adherence to the plan, along with ongoing support from your healthcare team.
What If I Don’t Qualify for RX Meds?
If you don’t qualify for prescription medications based on your BMI or other health factors, there are still many non-medical weight loss strategies you can pursue. Diet and exercise can go a long way, and a registered dietitian can help you create a plan that’s tailored to your needs. Don’t be discouraged—there are plenty of other options available to help you achieve your weight loss and health goals.
The Bottom Line
The use of a medical weight loss program will help you get down to the root of why you’re overweight and why you’re finding it challenging to lose weight. Not only do you receive medication to assist with your weight reduction, but you’ll also look at the psychological issues that may be acting as a roadblock and the health issues that are contributing. These programs can be used to make a complete change in your relationship with food so that you adapt to a much healthier lifestyle moving forward.
My Recommendations
Best for | Medication and Coaching Weight Loss Program | Official Website |
---|---|---|
Best Overall: | Try Eden | tryeden.com |
Best for Women | Join Delilah | joindelilah.com |
Best for Delivery: | FuturHealth | FuturHealth.com |
Best for Men: | Fella Health | JoinFella.com |
Best for Quick Quiz: | SkinnyRx | SkinnyRx.com |
Best For Younger Women: | Form Health | FormHealth.co |
Best Established: | Found Health | JoinFound.com |
Best for Metabolic Reset: | Calibrate | JoinCalibrate.com |
Best Initial Pricing: | Henry Meds | HenryMeds.com |
Tips for Success from the RD
Losing weight can feel challenging, but there are practical steps you can take to improve your health and work toward your weight loss goals. Here are some tips to help guide you—whether you're not ready for a medical weight loss program or simply looking for more natural ways to begin:
Make Healthy Food Choices
It’s not just about counting calories or macros. Focus on foods that provide your body with the nutrients it needs for energy and overall health. Incorporate lean proteins like chicken or fish, plenty of fruits and vegetables, and whole grains into your meals. Try to minimize processed foods and refined sugars, as they can lead to energy crashes and overeating. If you're unsure where to start, consider reaching out to a registered dietitian to help you design a healthy eating plan that aligns with your weight loss goals.
Address Emotional and Psychological Challenges
If emotional eating or using food to cope with stress is a concern for you, it’s important to address it. Overeating for comfort can interfere with your weight loss goals and overall well-being. A registered dietitian can help you find healthier ways to manage stress and emotional eating through mindful eating strategies. If you feel the need, consider speaking with a mental health professional who specializes in eating behaviors to better understand and manage these challenges.