Medical Weight Loss
You may be eligible for a prescription weight loss medicine if:
BMI over 26 or waist circumference over 80cm. Calculate your BMI here.
Must have tried to lose weight through diet and lifestyle changes previously.
What’s involved:
Weight loss injection into skin of belly with easy pen device (at home); alternative is a pill taken once or twice a day. Dr Mullins will discuss which option is most appropriate for you.
Reduces appetite, fewer cravings, feel fuller for longer.
Often causes temporary nausea as a side effect (recommend diet ginger beer to relieve).
Most people continue treatment for 2-3 months.
We CANNOT prescribe this medication to you if you type 1 diabetes, have a history of pancreatitis, have had thyroid cancer in the past or if you have MEN syndrome (a genetic condition). We cannot prescribe this medication if you are underweight. If you are healthy and have just a pocket of fat to lose, this treatment is not recommended.
If we determine this treatment is not safe or suitable for you, there will be no fee charged. We may refer you to another specialist for advice on other options. If treatment is safe and appropriate, our consult fee is $250 for the initial visit. Follow-up consults are $70. The consult fees do not include the cost of the medication, which must be obtained from a pharmacy.
Consult information
Lose weight fast - changes often within 2 weeks.
Appetite suppressant medication that empowers healthy lifestyle change.
Results can be noticed quickly. Results can be increased by working on a healthy diet and exercise. The rate of weight loss will eventually slow down as you move closer to your goal.
Good Side Effect Profile. Common side effects include temporary nausea and occasional acid reflux.
Consult with a weight loss doctor that is friendly, non-judgmental, attentive. Telehealth available.
Great weight loss kickstart. To be combined with diet & exercise.
Prescription weight loss consult fee is $250. Follow ups are $70. The medication is obtained separately from a pharmacy and may cost between $150 to $350 depending on the type of medicine and which pharmacy. Most patients stay on treatment for 2-3 months.
Available as telehealth consult with our doctor.
Our approach
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Weight loss medications
There have been great advances with medications for weight loss. Newer fat-loss medications work by suppressing your appetite with minimal side effects, compared to earlier drugs. We have a number of options and (depending on what is safe & appropriate) may provide a prescription for a weight loss medication to help you kickstart losing weight; break out of unhealthy habits & give sustainable new lifestyle patterns time to consolidate. This is the edge many people need to break disordered appetites & food addictions.
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Diet strategy
Healthy eating is the key to sustained weight loss & reducing the risk of chronic disease later in life.
The right diet for you is one that you can maintain over the long run. It needs to provide adequate nutrition while avoiding overloading the body with excess calories.
We usually find that a few weeks of meal prep or a specific meal program gives the best results. We usually recommend a diet high in protein with reduced sugary and processed foods. This can be a plant-based diet if you prefer.
By combining a diet plan with weight loss medications that reduce the appetite (and encourage early satiety) we can reduce your portion sizes and decrease your overall caloric intake.
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Costs involved
Losing weight requires motivation & commitment. To be ready to make a sustainable change you need to invest in yourself. Whether you do it by meal prep, fitness classes, or with a weight loss clinic, it will need an investment of your time, effort & finances. If you are not ready yet, that is okay, because one day you will be ready for change.
Our fee for weight loss consult with our doctor is $250 (out of pocket/gap fee). Prescriptions for weight loss medication may range from $150 to $350, depending on which medication is prescribed and what pharmacy you go to (we do not supply the medication ourselves).
You should also prepare to invest in healthy food or a meal-prep service which may cost $6-$11 per meal. If you have time you can DIY this part, but it does require effort & discipline. We also strongly recommend a gym or fitness class membership if not already a member.