Is weight loss medication right for me?
Physical Health · Jun 17, 2026
Watch: Is weight loss medication right for me?
In this video, Dr. Ma explains how medical options work as a tool within a clinically guided plan, why proper oversight matters, and what the first appointment looks like.
Start your weight loss journey today
Notice:This content is for educational purposes only and does not replace individualized medical advice. Treatment decisions should be made in consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. Medication is prescribed at the sole discretion of the treating clinician based on individual medical eligibility.
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Lisa Ma, MD, CCFP, Dipl. of ABOM, MB-EAT QI
Clinical Lead, Weight Management, TELUS Health
Clinical Lead, Weight Management, TELUS Health
Weight management
isn't about trying harder—it's about having the right tools and the right support. One of the most misunderstood aspects of medically guided weight management is the role of prescription medication. This article addresses how the
TELUS Health MyCare Weight Management Program
works, the importance of responsible oversight, and exactly what to expect at a weight management appointment. If you’ve already explored the science of biological resistance, this is where that understanding turns into a personalized roadmapMedication is a tool, not a shortcut
As Dr. Ma often emphasizes to her patients:
"Weight loss medication is not a shortcut. It doesn't do the work for you—it makes the work more possible by reducing biological friction."
Sustained habit change is all about reducing friction. The TELUS Health MyCare Weight Management Program can help reduce biological friction by addressing dysregulated hunger signals. When clinically appropriate, prescription medication may be integrated into your personalized plan to support these efforts. By addressing these biological barriers, it becomes easier to focus on building the habits that support long-term health.
Medication is a tool that supports lifestyle change. It is not a replacement for it.
Start your weight loss journey today
Why oversight matters
The most important part of utilizing weight loss medication is doing so with proper clinical oversight. In our program, medication is prescribed only after a full consultation, when clinically appropriate.
As part of our commitment to safety, our Nurse Practitioner team prioritizes a thorough review of potential treatment-related effects. During your consultation, we proactively discuss how to manage potential side effects to ensure your comfort. This allows you and your provider to review all risks and benefits together before any clinical decision is made.
Equally important: without proper nutrition support and monitoring, rapid weight loss can affect muscle mass and long-term metabolism. That's why the program takes a careful, medically guided approach—tracking progress, adjusting care plans, and ensuring treatment remains safe and appropriate over time.
"It's not just prescribing," says Dr. Ma. "It's partnering for your long-term health."
What to expect at your first weight management appointment
What to expect at your first weight management appointment
Many people feel uncertain about what a first consultation looks like. Here's what you can expect from the program:
- A comprehensive review of medical history, current medications, and lifestyle.
- A conversation about what matters most to the individual—goals, concerns, and life context.
- A personalized plan that may include medical management, dietitian support, and/or behavioural counselling.
- Long-term thinking—considering health not just today, but over time, with care that can evolve with the patient.
The approach isn't one-size-fits-all. It's centred on thoughtful, individualized care tailored to the patient's biology and life.
Program at a Glance
Initial Assessment
- Duration: 20 minutes
- Investment: $99
- What's Included: Medical history review, goal setting, and personalized treatment plan
Follow-up Care
- Duration: 10 minutes
- Investment: $60
- What's Included: Progress tracking, medication adjustments, and ongoing clinical support
Your next step
Weight management is about your overall wellbeing—not just the number on the scale. Our program integrates nutrition guidance, behavioural coaching, and clinical oversight into a comprehensive plan designed to support your health journey.
If you're feeling ready to begin, we invite you to start with a consultation. We'll take the time to understand your history and goals, and build a plan that truly fits your body and your life.
Start your weight loss journey today
About Dr. Lisa Ma
Dr. Lisa Ma is a board-certified Obesity Medicine physician specializing in weight management and psychotherapy. She brings a holistic approach integrating evidence-based medical care with behavioural science, including advanced training in ACT, mindfulness-based stress reduction, and mindfulness-based eating awareness.
FAQs
Why is weight loss so hard even if I have strong willpower?
While willpower and discipline are important for making intentional choices, they often aren't enough when biology is working in opposition. As we lose weight, the body tends to increase hunger and reduce fullness to try to maintain its "usual balance." These are protective mechanisms that evolved to help survival in times of scarcity.
What is "food noise" and why does it matter?
Many people describe a constant mental chatter about food. This is called food noise. This isn't simply a willpower problem; it's often a reflection of how the body regulates hunger. When appetite and fullness signals are out of balance, the brain and body can't communicate as effectively.
How can prescription medication help with weight management?
Prescription weight loss medication is one of several tools that may be used within a broader, clinically guided plan. It doesn't do the work for you; rather, it is intended to help make your lifestyle changes more manageable.
Sustained habit change is often about addressing the biological factors that can make weight management difficult. When clinically appropriate, our medical team can provide tools to help manage these factors, making it easier for you to focus on the habits that support your long-term health. Medication is not a replacement for lifestyle change; it is a clinical tool that can support it under the close oversight of a Nurse Practitioner.
What should I expect at my first weight management appointment?
We start with a comprehensive review of your medical history and lifestyle, and a conversation about what matters most to you. From there, we build a personalized plan that can include medication, dietitian support, and/or counselling. We think about your health not just today, but over the long term, with care that can evolve with you. This journey is not just about weight — it's about your overall wellbeing. So our approach isn't one-size-fits-all; it's centred on thoughtful care tailored to you.
What is the cost of the TELUS Health Weight Management Program?
We’re here to provide a thoughtful, medically guided approach to your health. Our pricing is transparent so you know exactly what to expect:
- Initial Assessment ($99): Your journey begins with a 20-minute comprehensive consultation with a weight management Nurse Practitioner. During this video appointment, you’ll review your goals and receive a personalized treatment plan, which may include a prescription if appropriate.
- Follow-up Appointments ($60): As you progress, you can book 10-minute follow-up appointments as needed. These sessions allow you to track your progress and adjust your plan with clinical guidance.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Treatment decisions should be made in consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. Medication is prescribed at the sole discretion of the treating clinician based on individual medical eligibility. Program eligibility and results may vary.
