What happens during a weight loss consultation?

During a weight loss consultation on DrHouse, you meet with a licensed physician via video who evaluates your health, weight history, and goals to determine if medical treatment is appropriate. The visit focuses on creating a personalized plan, which may include prescription medication, lifestyle guidance, and next steps such as lab testing or follow-up care.

Quick Answer:

  • You meet with a doctor via secure video visit
  • Your medical history, weight goals, and current health are reviewed
  • The doctor determines if you’re eligible for treatment
  • Lab tests may be requested if needed
  • You receive a personalized plan (with or without medication)
  • Follow-ups may be recommended

What Happens During the Consultation

1. Medical history and current health review

The physician asks about your:

  • Weight history and previous attempts to lose weight
  • Current symptoms and health concerns
  • Existing conditions (like diabetes or high blood pressure)
  • Medications you’re currently taking

This helps ensure any treatment is safe and appropriate.

2. Goal setting and discussion

You’ll discuss your weight loss goals, expectations, and lifestyle habits such as diet and activity level. This allows the doctor to tailor a realistic and sustainable plan.

3. Eligibility evaluation

The doctor determines whether you qualify for medical weight loss treatment based on clinical criteria like BMI and related conditions.

If you meet the criteria, they may recommend prescription options.

4. Treatment plan creation

If appropriate, your plan may include:

  • Prescription medications (such as GLP-1 treatments)
  • Nutrition and exercise guidance
  • Ongoing monitoring and support

If medication is not appropriate, the physician may recommend alternative approaches.

5. Lab testing (if needed)

In some cases, the physician may request lab tests to better understand your health before starting treatment.

6. Next steps and follow-up

You’ll receive clear next steps, which may include:

  • Starting medication (if prescribed)
  • Scheduling follow-up visits
  • Tracking progress and adjusting treatment over time

What to Expect After the Visit

Weight loss care on DrHouse is ongoing, not a one-time visit. You can continue working with your doctor through follow-ups to monitor progress, manage side effects, and adjust your plan as needed.

Limitations and What to Know

  • Treatment is not automatic – The physician must determine that weight loss treatment is medically appropriate.
  • Not all patients qualify for medication – Eligibility depends on BMI, health conditions, and overall risk factors.
  • Lab testing may be required – Some patients need additional testing before starting treatment.
  • Plans are personalized – You may receive medication, lifestyle guidance, or both depending on your needs

Content on the DrHouse website is written by our medical content team and reviewed by qualified MDs, PhDs, NPs, and PharmDs. We follow strict content creation guidelines to ensure accurate medical information. However, this content is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For more information read our medical disclaimer.

Always consult with your physician or other qualified health providers about medical concerns. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it based on what you read on this website.

If you are experiencing high fever (>103F/39.4C), shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, chest pain, heart palpitations, abnormal bruising, abnormal bleeding, extreme fatigue, dizziness, new weakness or paralysis, difficulty with speech, confusion, extreme pain in any body part, or inability to remain hydrated or keep down fluids or feel you may have any other life-threatening condition, please go to the emergency department or call 911 immediately.

Contact Us