Frequently Asked Questions

Medi-Weightloss is the nation's largest physician-supervised weight management program, with over 130 clinics and 460,000+ patients served. It's a structured, three-phase approach — acute weight loss, short-term maintenance, and long-term wellness — that combines medical evaluation, prescription medications when appropriate, personalized nutritional counseling, and ongoing clinical monitoring.

During the approximately 30-minute assessment, a member of our team reviews your health history, weight loss goals, and previous approaches. We discuss treatment options, explain how the program works, review your insurance coverage, and answer your questions.

During the acute weight loss phase, patients typically visit weekly for check-ins, body composition monitoring, and plan adjustments. As you transition to maintenance, visit frequency decreases to bi-weekly or monthly. Your specific schedule is determined by your provider based on your progress.

We recommend scheduling in advance by calling our Elk Grove Village clinic at (847) 262-4300 or Algonquin clinic at (847) 805-3630, or by submitting our online assessment form. This ensures we have adequate time for your visit.

GLP-1 receptor agonists are injectable medications that mimic natural hormones regulating appetite and metabolism. They reduce hunger, slow gastric emptying, and help patients eat less. The two most commonly prescribed are semaglutide (Wegovy/Ozempic) and tirzepatide (Zepbound/Mounjaro).

Results vary by individual. In clinical trials, patients on semaglutide lost an average of 15-17% of body weight over 68 weeks, while tirzepatide patients lost 16-22.5% depending on dose. Patients in our program who combine medication with structured nutritional counseling and regular clinical visits typically see strong results. Your provider discusses realistic expectations based on your specific situation during your assessment.

Semaglutide targets GLP-1 receptors only, while tirzepatide targets both GLP-1 and GIP receptors (dual action). In the SURMOUNT-5 head-to-head trial, tirzepatide produced greater average weight loss. Both are highly effective, and the right choice depends on your health profile, insurance coverage, and clinical response.

No. GLP-1 medications are one tool within our program, not a requirement. Your provider evaluates whether medication is clinically appropriate based on your health profile, BMI, and goals. Some patients achieve excellent results through nutritional counseling and lifestyle changes alone.

The most common side effects are gastrointestinal — nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. These are typically mild to moderate and improve as your body adjusts over the first several weeks. Under medical supervision, your provider manages side effects through dosage adjustments and nutritional modifications. See our GLP-1 side effects guide for more detail.

Weight regain is a legitimate concern with any weight loss approach. Our three-phase program specifically addresses this through a structured transition from active weight loss to sustainable maintenance — building nutritional habits, adjusting your plan gradually, and providing ongoing clinical support. The goal is to build a foundation that sustains your results with or without medication.

Many insurance plans cover physician-supervised medical weight loss, including office visits, lab work, and some medications. GLP-1 medication coverage varies by carrier and plan. Our team verifies your specific benefits during your free assessment. Learn more about insurance coverage.

Yes. Medical weight loss programs — including office visits, lab work, and prescription medications — are generally eligible FSA and HSA expenses. Using pre-tax dollars can reduce your effective cost by 25-35%. Check with your plan administrator for specific eligibility details.

When you eat less — especially on GLP-1 medications — every calorie carries more weight. Without structured nutritional guidance, patients often lose significant muscle mass alongside fat, and can develop nutritional deficiencies. Our macro-focused nutrition plans ensure adequate protein intake, protect bone density, and support sustainable long-term health.

No. We build a nutritional strategy around your actual life — your food preferences, schedule, cultural traditions, and cooking abilities. The science is in the macros, portions, and consistency. The execution is designed to fit you. We don't follow fad diets or rigid meal plans.