The National Institutes of Health (NIH) reports that 1 in 3 adults in the U.S. are overweight, and obesity is a disorder that represents one of the most critical public health problems worldwide.1 Over 650 million adults worldwide have obesity.1 It’s clear that a safe, proven weight loss and weight maintenance strategy is needed. But it’s not a cut-and-dry issue; successful weight loss is complex. It depends on various factors, including a person’s age, metabolism, diet type, activity level, and more. So, how do you find the best online weight loss program? Continue reading to learn about the types of clinics available and how to find credible online weight loss clinics.
Table of Contents
What is an Online Weight Loss Doctor?
An online weight loss doctor supervised weight loss program is designed to help individuals who are significantly overweight or who have obesity. The following table shows various online weight loss programs with different components, costs, and outcomes.2
Effectiveness of Online Weight Loss Clinics
| Program | Components | Cost | 12-Month Weight Loss |
| Weight Watchers | Low-calorie foods; points tracking, activity tracking, group sessions, and 1:1 support | $$ | 3-5.5% |
| Jenny Craig | Low-calorie meal replacements, self-monitoring, and goal setting. 1:1 counseling and online community forum | $$$ | 7.1 to 10.9% |
| Nutrisystem | Low-calorie meal replacement, exercise plans, 1:1 counseling, and an online community forum | $$ | No 12-month study data is available |
| Medifast | Very-low-calorie or low-calorie meal replacements, 1:1 counseling, and online weight loss coach | $$$ | 4.2 to 7.8% |
| Online prescription weight loss clinics (prescribe medications such as GLP-1 agonists) | Licensed medical doctor consultations, client assessments, coaching on medication, lifestyle, and diet encouragement. | $$$ | Average weight loss 9.6% (time-frame varies) Some study participants lost substantial weight (i.e., ≥10% to 15%) 3 |
$$=monthly costs of less than $100 per month
$$$=monthly costs of $100 or more
What is an Online Weight Loss Coach?
An online weight-loss coach helps clients achieve their weight-loss goals. These professionals help you set and implement goals and recognize and overcome roadblocks (e.g., self-defeating behavior patterns). Weight loss coaches also take measures to help you when you fall off your diet or need encouragement to continue other lifestyle measures, such as working out regularly.
Health coaching is often linked with successful weight loss measures in those struggling with weight loss and obesity. One study concluded that 80% attendance of live weekly web-based expert coaching sessions was a strong predictor of weight loss at 6 months. This regular adherence was linked with significant weight loss.4
Effective Online Weight Loss (GLP-1 Agonists)
GLP-1 agonists are prescription drugs that work by mimicking a hormone (i.e., the GLP-1 hormone) in the body that causes several physiological effects that support weight loss, including:5
- Slows stomach emptying, which causes a feeling of fullness
- Affects areas of the brain responsible for processing hunger or satiety (i.e., feeling full)
- Lowers blood sugar by releasing insulin
GLP-1 agonists are currently the most effective type of anti-obesity medication available and are considered safe for long-term use.5 Several GLP-1 agonists are approved by the FDA for weight loss treatment, including:
Others, such as Ozempic, are approved to treat diabetes but are often prescribed by an online weight loss doctor for weight management. When a drug is prescribed for a condition other than the one it is approved to treat, it’s called an off-label prescription.
Studies on GLP-1 Agonists
A 2021 double-blind study on the safety and effectiveness of semaglutide showed that after 17 months, the average weight loss was approximately 14.9% (i.e., around 30 pounds).5 The study authors concluded, “In participants with overweight or obesity, 2.4 mg of semaglutide once weekly plus lifestyle intervention was associated with a sustained, clinically relevant reduction in body weight.” 6
A 2023 study that combined results from several different research sources discovered that clients lost between 8 and 12 percent of their body weight (17-26 pounds) after taking tirzepatide. 7
Over half of the study participants who took liraglutide lost more than 5% of their body weight, and 10% lost more than 10 percent of their body weight (e.g., 20 pounds of weight loss for a 200-pound person).8
Get Your Weight Loss Prescription Online
Are you searching for a way to get weight-loss prescriptions online? Invigor Medical is a national wellness clinic specializing in telehealth services for weight management, supporting longevity, and sexual health. Our licensed physicians offer online consultations, prepackaged along with your weight loss prescription. The process is easy. Simply choose the program you want, fill out the online medical form, and consult with the physician from home. If you are approved, you’ll receive your prescription in the mail from one of our partnered pharmacies. Start your online weight loss program today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can online doctors prescribe weight loss medication?
Some online doctors can prescribe weight loss medication after a virtual consultation, but regulations vary by location. Ensure you’re consulting with a licensed healthcare provider and discuss the risks and benefits of weight loss medication before starting any treatment.
How do weight loss clinics work?
Weight loss clinics typically offer comprehensive programs tailored to individual needs. These may include medical evaluations, dietary counseling, exercise plans, behavior modification strategies, and, in some cases, prescription medication or surgical options.
Can telehealth doctors prescribe Wegovy?
Telehealth doctors may prescribe Wegovy, a recently approved weight loss medication, after assessing your medical history and determining if it’s appropriate for you. Be sure to consult with a licensed healthcare provider and follow their recommendations for safe and effective use.
Is a weight loss clinic a good idea?
Whether a weight loss clinic is a good idea depends on individual circumstances. They can provide valuable support and guidance for those struggling with weight management, but success often depends on the quality of the program, your commitment to lifestyle changes, and ongoing support. Research clinics carefully and consider seeking recommendations from trusted sources before making a decision.
References
- National Institutes of Health (NIH). Overweight & Obesity Statistics. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/health-statistics/overweight-obesity
- Laudenslager M, Chaudhry ZW, Rajagopal S, Clynes S, Gudzune KA. Commercial weight loss programs in the management of obesity: an update. Curr Obes Rep. 2021;10(2):90-99. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8159888/
- White GE, Shu I, Rometo D, Arnold J, Korytkowski M, Luo J. Real-world weight-loss effectiveness of glucagon-like peptide-1 agonists among patients with type 2 diabetes: A retrospective cohort study. Obesity (Silver Spring). 2023 Feb;31(2):537-544. doi: 10.1002/oby.23622. Epub 2023 Jan 9. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9877131/
- Painter SL, Ahmed R, Kushner RF, Hill JO, Lindquist R, Brunning S, Margulies A. Expert Coaching in Weight Loss: Retrospective Analysis. J Med Internet Res. 2018 Mar 13;20(3):e92. doi: 10.2196/jmir.9738. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5871741/
- Cleveland Clinic. GL-P 1 Antagonists. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/13901-glp-1-agonists
- Wilding JPH, Batterham RL, Calanna S, et al. Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity. N Engl J Med. 2021;384(11):989-1002. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa2032183. https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183
- de Mesquita, Y.L.L., Pera Calvi, I., Reis Marques, I. et al. Efficacy and safety of the dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist tirzepatide for weight loss: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Int J Obes 47, 883–892 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41366-023-01337-x
- Davies MJ, Bergenstal R, Bode B, Kushner RF, Lewin A, Skjøth TV, Andreasen AH, Jensen CB, DeFronzo RA; NN8022-1922 Study Group. Efficacy of Liraglutide for Weight Loss Among Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: The SCALE Diabetes Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA. 2015 Aug 18;314(7):687-99. doi: 10.1001/jama.2015.9676. Erratum in: JAMA. 2016 Jan 5;315(1):90. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26284720/
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