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Best Online Medical Weight Loss Programs for 2023
Best Long-Term Plan
CALIBRATE WEIGHT LOSS
- Money-back guarantee
- One-on-one video coaching
- Doctor-prescribed medication
Best Non-Medicine Option
NOOM
- Noom Med offers GLP-1 medications
- CDC-certified plans for diabetes
- Weight loss guarantee
Best Pill Only Program
PLENITY WEIGHT LOSS
- FDA-cleared weight loss aid
- Users lost 10% or more of their weight
- Naturally-derived
What is an Online Medical Weight Loss Program?
For most adults, losing weight has never been easy. It’s always taken work, discipline, and patience because shedding pounds does not happen quickly. And then you discover that what may have worked for you at 25 doesn’t work at 55.
Being overweight doesn’t just reduce your quality of life, it can also lead to serious health conditions. But sometimes, despite your best efforts, weight loss may be incredibly difficult. That’s why many people consider online medical weight loss programs. These programs are conducted under the guidance of a doctor or other healthcare professional.
Online medical weight loss programs have become popular and there are plenty to choose from. One of the things that makes them so appealing is they can be done from any place an internet connection is available. So, it doesn’t matter if you live in New York City or the middle of rural Wyoming – an online medical weight loss program is available to you.
By and large, all programs follow similar formulas. After you take some type of online quiz or evaluation, you’ll undergo an initial consultation where you will likely interact with either a doctor or nurse practitioner to discuss your goals and determine if weight loss medication is right for you.
In addition to diet and exercise changes, you’ll likely be prescribed medication to help you lose weight. As with all medications, there can be side effects. So, it’s important you talk to your primary care doctor about whether the medicines prescribed by your weight loss program are safe and appropriate for you.
You will also be asked to set goals and track your progress as you move through the medical weight loss program. Many of the programs will assign you a coach who will hold you accountable for what you’re eating, how you’re exercising, and if you’re staying on track.
Top Online Medical Weight Loss Programs
- Best Program Without Medication – Noom
- Best Long-Term Plan – Calibrate
- Best Weight Loss Medication/Injections – Options
- Best Variety of Plan Options – Found
- Best Pill Only Program – Plenity
- Best Value – Form Health
- Best Plan That Includes Your Current Physician – Enara
- Best for Men – Fella Health
- Best Weight Loss Device – Lumen
| Brand Name | Rating | Cost | Money-back Guarantee | Prescription Medication | Multiple Plans | Video Communication | Monthly Payment Options | GLP1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Noom | |
$70/month | ||||||
| Options | |
Varies/Individual | ||||||
| Calibrate | |
$138/month | ||||||
| Found | |
$129/month | ||||||
| Plenity | |
$98/month | ||||||
| Form | |
$199/month | ||||||
| Enara | $99/month starting | |||||||
| Fella | |
$259/Month | ||||||
| Lumen | Variable/Plan dependent |
What to Consider When Choosing a Medical Weight Loss Program
If you are interested in a medical weight loss program, there are some things you will want to consider.
Be willing to change.
If you truly want to lose the weight and keep it off, you have to be willing to change the behavior that got you to where you are. Also, look for a program that considers that important, too. Otherwise, there’s a strong chance you will put the weight back on after you finish the program.
Check with your doctor.
In addition to nutrition and exercise plans, these programs will often prescribe you medicine. Before you take any medications, check with your primary care doctor to make sure they think it’s ok. You don’t want to begin a new medication that could possibly interact with some you are already taking.
Look for credentials.
A good medical weight loss program will have qualified providers helping you with your weight loss journey. Make sure licensed medical professionals are writing your prescriptions and dietitians are creating your meal plans.
Make sure the program sets realistic goals.
Losing 20 pounds in one week sounds great, but it’s not possible. Programs whose plans produce slow, but steady weight loss over time are going to help you achieve success the healthy way.
Consider the way you prefer to communicate.
Some of these programs offer texting and email options only. So, if a face-to-face video interaction is something you want or think you need for your success, be sure to find a plan that offers that.
What Type of Prescriptions Will I Be Given?
Medical weight loss programs offer prescriptions when needed to help suppress appetite and help you feel fuller faster. Many of these medication-based weight loss programs require a minimum BMI of 30. There are currently five drugs approved by the FDA for weight loss:
- Orlistat (Xenical, Alli)
- Phentermine-Topiramate (Qsymia)
- Naltrexone-bupropion (Contrave)
- Liraglutide (Saxenda)
- Semaglutide (Wegovy, Ozempic, Rybelsus)
You may receive a prescription for another drug not listed above. Some of the companies may prescribe you drugs that are mainly used to control seizures or diabetes but have been found to be helpful in some way in weight loss. We can’t stress enough how important it is to discuss your prescriptions with your doctor to determine if it’s safe for you.
Body Mass Index Calculator
Top Rated Online Medical Weight Loss Programs for 2023
There are plenty of online medical weight loss programs available, so we’ve narrowed them down to the best ones for seniors. We’ve looked at cost, effectiveness, availability, and features, as well as taken into consideration reviews by actual program participants. Our extensive research will help you choose a medical weight loss program that’s right for you.
Best Program Without Medication
- Psychology-based weight loss program
- Weight loss guarantee
- Goal coach assigned to help achieve results
- Noom Med offers GLP-1 medications
- CDC-certified plans for diabetes
Cost
Up to $70/month, discounts applied based on longer subscription
Noom is a psychology-based weight loss program that works by changing the way you think about eating. The subscription-based service runs through an app you download to your smartphone or tablet and all your meals and physical activity will be tracked through it. With the help of a goal coach, you’ll be given an individualized plan, a daily calorie budget, and encouraged to make daily behavioral changes in order to live a healthier lifestyle.
In addition to its regular weight loss program, Noom offers a year-long Diabetes Prevention Program for those who are pre-diabetic or have diabetes. It’s similar to the regular Noom weight loss plan, with more focus on your carb intake. The program has been recognized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as an acceptable course for preventing type-2 diabetes. Learn more about Noom’s weight loss program in our full review.
BEST LONG-TERM PLAN
-
Overall Rating4.5/5
- Requires a 1-year plan commitment
- Money-back guarantee
- One-on-one video coaching
- Doctor-prescribed medication
- Insurance and FDA-approved prescriptions
- Ages 18-64 years old only
Cost
$146/month through a financing plan or $1,749 lump sum payment
Overview
Calibrate calls itself a sustainable weight loss program based on biology. It strives to ‘reset’ your metabolism by focusing on food, exercise, sleep, and emotional health and it also guarantees its results. When you join the program online, you’ll take a short quiz and then be sent to a doctor local to you for lab tests.
Calibrate’s medical team will then design a plan that includes lifestyle changes and a prescription for FDA-approved medicine based on your lab tests. You’ll also have one-on-one video chat time with your accountability coach through the app. Your coach will make changes when needed to help you reach your weight loss goals. If you don’t lose at least 10% of your weight within a year on the Calibrate On-Year Metabolic Reset, you’ll receive a program refund. Learn more about Calibrate’s weight loss program in our full review.
In May of 2023, Noom launced Noom Med, a companion to their program that offers access to weight loss medicines and GLP-1 medications like Wegovy, Ozempic, Mounjaro. Many people have had success adding medicine to their weight loss program.
Best Weight Loss Medication/Injections
-
Overall Rating4.5/5
- Individual, Customizable Weight Loss Program
- FDA-Approved Appetite Supplements
- Locations in 5 States
- B12/HCG Injections, Tirzepatide, Semaglutide
- Physician Supervised Programs and One-on-One Counseling
Cost
Varies/Individual
Overview
Options Medical Weight Loss clinics are committed to providing individuals struggling with weight management with personalized weight loss solutions. Options Medical Weight Loss clinics offer comprehensive weight loss programs that are tailored to the unique needs of each patient, thanks to a team of experienced medical professionals that includes board-certified physicians, nurse practitioners, and dietitians.
Options Medical Weight Loss clinics provide a variety of medically supervised weight loss programs, such as personalized meal plans, FDA-approved prescription weight loss medications, and weight loss injections. In addition, the clinics provide one-on-one counseling with a dietitian to assist patients in developing healthy eating habits and making long-term lifestyle changes. Furthermore, Options Medical Weight Loss clinics offer patients ongoing support through weekly weigh-ins and progress evaluations.
BEST VARIETY OF PLAN OPTIONS
-
Overall Rating4.5/5
- Medication included in membership price
- Medication mailed directly to your home
- Multiple commitment options
- 90-day, money-back guarantee
- Not available in all states
Cost
Found RX Monthly – $149/month with no commitment
Found RX 3 Month Commitment – $129/month
Found RX 6 Month Commitment – $99/month
Found Wellness Monthly Commitment – $49/month
Overview
The first step with the Found weight loss program is filling out a survey where you answer questions about your medical history, weight loss goals, and lifestyle. Based upon your answers, Found recommends a membership that will best fit your needs. If you’re eligible for one of the RX programs, a board-certified doctor or nurse practitioner will review your information and design an individualized weight loss plan. All Found programs give you access to a health coach, but communication with them is only through text or the app. There are no regular video visits. The Found Wellness version excludes prescriptions and access to medical pros. Found offers a 90-day, money-back guarantee if you aren’t satisfied with the program or your results. Learn more about Found’s weight loss program in our full review.
BEST PILL-ONLY PROGRAM
PLENITY
-
Overall Rating4/5
- FDA-cleared
- Subscription can be paused or delayed at any time
- Free telehealth consultation
Cost
$98 for a four-week supply
Overview
Plenity is an FDA-cleared weight loss device that is drug- and stimulant-free. It’s available to any adult with a BMI 25 or higher. Plenity doctors will prescribe you capsules to take twice a day. They must be taken before lunch and dinner and with 16 ounces of water. They work by taking up space in your stomach and making you fill full. The capsules can also be prescribed by your primary care physician. Plenity subscriptions come with free, unlimited follow-up visits with your telehealth doctor. The subscription is $98 for a four-week supply, which ends up being about $1.75 a meal. Clinical trial results show more than half of the plan’s participants generally lose 5% of their body weight. Learn more about Plenity in our full review
Best Value
Form Health Weight Loss
-
Overall Rating4/5
- Program designed for people with a BMI of 30 or higher
- Food and eating guidance from Registered Dietitian
- Monthly video visit with Form Health doctor
- Free, 15-minute consultation to see if program is right for you
- Must have a primary care provider to participate
- 30-day, money-back guarantee
Cost
$99/month
Overview
Form Health wants to make sure its program is right for you. They offer potential clients a free, 15-minute consultation to ask questions and see if the program is a fit. Unlike some weight loss programs, there is no upper age limit for adults – you just have to be 18 or older. The program does require you to have an established primary care physician to begin. You’ll have a video consultation with a Form Health doctor who is board-certified in obesity medicine to discuss your medical history and weight loss goals. You’ll be given a nutrition, exercise, prescription, and behavior change plan, as well as have a monthly video meeting with your doctor to make sure you’re on track. Form Health does offer a 30-day, money-back guarantee if you aren’t satisfied. Learn more about Form Health’s weight loss program in our full review.
BEST PLAN THAT INCLUDES YOUR CURRENT PHYSICIAN
Enara Weight Loss
- Can be referred by a physician
- Personalized meal plans from a Registered Dietitian
- Customized exercise plan
- For patients with a BMI 25 or higher
- 30-day, money-back guarantee
- Covered by many large health insurance companies
Cost
$99/month with insurance
$475/month without insurance
Overview
Enara requires a one-year commitment and focuses on eating, exercise, and emotional health. A Registered Dietitian will design the best eating habits for your goals and body type. You’ll also be given a customized exercise plan. Enara allows medical professionals to refer patients who could benefit from healthy weight loss. The doctor who referred you will also receive regular information about the prescriptions you are given and how well the program is working for you. Enara offers a 30-day, money-back guarantee. Learn more about Enara’s weight loss program in our full review.
BEST PROGRAM FOR MEN
FELLA WEIGHT LOSS
-
Overall Rating4/5
- Weigth loss for men only
- FDA-approved prescriptions
- Six-month, money-back guarantee
- Ages 18-64 years old
- Limited availability
Cost
Essential Plan is $109/month
Pro Plan is $139/month
Overview
Fella – as the name implies – is a diet program just for men. The company was founded by two men who realized that so often the weight loss conversation is focused on women and wanted to fill a need for men who struggle with their weight. The program is currently only available in Arizona, California, Illinois, New York, Texas, and Washington, but plans for a nationwide launch in the near future.
After taking an online quiz to see if you qualify, you’ll have a video consultation with a clinician and be given a weight loss plan designed to work for you. Once you’re on the program, you’ll have video chat check-ins from your health coach twice a month. You can also text or message them through the app any time with questions. Fella offers two plans and a six-month, money-back guarantee. Learn more about Fella’s weight loss program in our full review.
BEST WEIGHT LOSS DEVICE
LUMEN WEIGHT LOSS
- Device used to track metabolism
- Syncs to smartphones
- Tells you if you’re burning fat or carbs
- 30-day, money back guarantee
- Daily, personalized food plan
Cost
6-month program – $249 up front and $19/month
12-month program – $299 up front and $19/month
18-month program – $349 up front and $19/month
Overview
Lumen is not a weight loss program, but a weight loss device designed to help you achieve ‘metabolic flexibility.’ Just like your muscles and joints, your metabolism can be flexible and use whatever fuel is available – either from food you’ve eaten or stored fat. The Lumen device is similar to a breathalyzer. It’s portable and easy to use. Open the app on your phone, inhale, hold your breath for 10 seconds, exhale into the device and then check the results.
Lumen monitors the CO2 levels in your breath and will tell you if your metabolism is burning fat or carbs. Based on the results you receive in the morning Lumen will give you a personalized eating plan for your day. Lumen offers a 30-day, money-back guarantee.
What is Telehealth?
Telehealth has become increasingly popular over the past few years. It’s a way to see a doctor without leaving your home. Technology has given us the ability to have a doctor’s visit over the internet – either through Zoom, Skype, a dedicated online health platform like eVisit or Medici or a company’s proprietary app. You can speak with the doctor or medical professional, explain what’s going on, answer some questions, and get some medical advice or even a prescription all from the comfort of your couch. Telehealth does, to some degree, take out the personal nature of being in the same room with someone, but it can often give you the same diagnosis you would receive by being at the doctor’s office.
Many web-based medical weight loss programs use telehealth to offer their services. Everything is electronically or app based. Information is emailed or texted to you. Your interaction with doctors, nurse practitioners and even health coaches are through video, text messages or the program’s app. Weigh-ins are often digital, and payments are made online. Since everything is done electronically, you’ll want to find out if they follow HIPAA laws or guidelines to protect your privacy. Weight loss is personal, using telehealth for these programs allows you to find your way without having to attend a meeting and get lost in a crowd of others.
FAQs for Medical Weight Loss Programs
How much weight can I expect to lose?
Everybody is different, but by and large, these programs promise or strongly suggest you will lose between 10 and 15 percent of your body weight with their programs. The average weight loss each week is between one or two pounds.
How quickly can I expect to see results?
This also depends widely on your body, but you should begin to see results, however small, within the first two weeks.
Does insurance cover online medical weight loss programs?
Whether insurance covers the program depends on the program and your insurance plan. Some are covered, some are not. You may also be able to use your Flexible Spending Account (FSA) to cover the cost. But generally, the prescriptions that are written for you on the program are covered by insurance.
The FDA’s Advice on Weight Loss Programs
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t regulate weight loss programs, but they do approve drugs for weight loss. So, you’ll want to make sure whatever program you choose is prescribing FDA-approved medications. The FDA encourages you before beginning any weight loss program to consult with your primary care physician to see if it’s safe and right for you.
Conclusion
Making the decision to lose weight is certainly a personal one. You must be willing to make changes and sometimes there is more going for people than a simple as ‘eat less and exercise more’ approach can handle. Medical weight loss programs have proven track records and have helped thousands of people lose weight and lead healthier lives. They can certainly be beneficial and are worth considering to help you achieve long-term success.
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