GLP-1 Medication Consultation
GLP-1 medications have become an important tool in the medical management of weight. At our clinics, they are offered only within a structured, medically supervised program, never as a standalone prescription. For eligible patients, our medical team prescribes and monitors treatment as part of a personalized plan built around your health and your goals. It all starts with a consultation, where our medical team assesses whether treatment is right for you.
What are GLP-1 medications?
GLP-1, short for glucagon-like peptide-1, is a hormone your body produces naturally in the gut. It is part of how the body regulates blood sugar, supporting the pancreas and the natural signals of fullness that follow a meal. GLP-1 receptor agonists are a class of prescription medications that act on this same biological pathway.
In Canada, Health Canada has authorized medications in this class for the management of type 2 diabetes and for weight management. Because they are prescription medications, they are appropriate only for certain patients and only under medical supervision.
What to Expect
Medical evaluation
Everything begins with a consultation and a complete medical evaluation. Before any prescription, our medical team reviews your health history and current health, and a blood test is required. This step determines whether treatment is appropriate and safe for you, and it is never skipped.
A personalized, monitored plan
If treatment is appropriate, it is prescribed as part of a personalized plan and closely monitored by our medical team. Your plan reflects your individual health profile and goals, and it is designed to evolve as your body responds.
Regular follow-up
Follow-up appointments allow our medical team to track your progress, see how you are responding, and adjust the plan as needed. A first follow-up is typically scheduled within the weeks after starting treatment, and ongoing check-ins continue throughout the program.
GLP-1 Eligibility
GLP-1 medications are prescription treatments, so they are not appropriate for everyone, and eligibility is always assessed individually by our medical team during your evaluation. In general, they may be considered for adults who meet medical criteria such as:
- a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, or
- a BMI of 27 or higher together with a weight-related health condition, such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol or sleep apnea.
These criteria are a starting point, not a guarantee. Only a complete medical evaluation, including your health history and a blood test, can confirm whether treatment is appropriate and safe for you, which is why a personalized consultation is the necessary first step.
Side effects and contraindications
As with any medication, GLP-1 treatments can cause side effects and are not suitable for everyone. The most commonly reported effects are digestive, such as nausea, and these are reviewed with you in detail during your consultation. GLP-1 medications are also not recommended in certain situations, including pregnancy or breastfeeding, a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or MEN2 syndrome, and a history of pancreatitis, among others. Our medical team reviews your full health history to determine whether treatment is safe and appropriate for you, and discusses the complete list of risks and benefits before anything begins.
Supporting the changes that can come with weight loss
Weight loss can also bring visible changes to the face, skin, body and hair, such as reduced facial volume, looser skin or temporary hair thinning. These changes are common, especially after significant weight loss, and medical-aesthetic treatments may help address some of these concerns as your body adjusts.
Whether you're still losing weight or have reached a stable weight, our Weight Loss Management Program Consultation is an opportunity to look at the bigger picture. Our medical team assesses these changes, discusses your concerns and helps you explore a treatment plan suited to your needs. Discover how different treatments can complement one another and support your skin, body and hair throughout your weight-loss journey.
Expertise at every step
GLP-1 treatment is never a standalone prescription. It is delivered within a structured program, led by an experienced medical team and supported by the largest network of medical-aesthetic clinics in Canada. That means a complete evaluation before treatment, close monitoring throughout, and care that considers your health as a whole, not only the number on the scale. Our role is to support your goals safely and responsibly; with the supervision a prescription treatment requires.
Frequently asked questions
Which conditions are GLP-1 medications prescribed for?
In Canada, GLP-1 medications are authorized for the management of type 2 diabetes and for weight management. At our clinics, they are offered within a medically supervised weight-management program for eligible patients.
Who is eligible for GLP-1 medications?
GLP-1 medications are generally considered for adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, or a BMI of 27 or higher combined with a weight-related health condition such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol or sleep apnea. These criteria are a starting point, not a guarantee: eligibility is always confirmed by our medical team during a complete medical evaluation, which includes your health history and a blood test.
Do GLP-1 medications cause dependence, and what happens if I stop?
GLP-1 medications are not addictive and do not cause withdrawal. They work while you take them, so appetite and "food noise" tend to return once treatment ends. Recent 2026 research from eClinicalMedicine shows that, on average, about 60% of the weight lost is regained within a year of stopping, and improvements in markers like blood sugar and blood pressure also fade, though a portion of the weight loss can last longer term. This isn't a failure: excess weight behaves like a chronic condition that usually needs an ongoing plan, not a short course of medication. That's why our program is built around long-term support, with your medical team guiding continued treatment, a gradual dose reduction, or a maintenance plan to protect your progress.
Can GLP-1 medications support long-term health or longevity?
It's an active area of research. In people with obesity or type 2 diabetes, studies have linked GLP-1 medications to a lower risk of certain related conditions, such as cardiovascular events. Scientists are now exploring whether they offer broader, aging-related benefits, but this remains early and unproven, and no medication is currently approved to slow aging or extend lifespan.
Is a blood test required before starting?
Yes. A blood test is required before any prescription, as part of the complete medical evaluation that determines whether treatment is safe and appropriate for you.
Are GLP-1 medications safe? What are the common side effects?
Like any medication, they carry possible side effects, most commonly digestive ones such as nausea, and they are not suitable for everyone. Our medical team reviews the full list of side effects and contraindications with you during your consultation before treatment begins.
How is the program monitored?
Through regular follow-up appointments with our medical team, who track your progress, check how you are responding and adjust your plan as needed throughout the program.
Are GLP-1 medications covered by insurance?
Coverage for weight management is generally limited and varies by plan. Costs are discussed transparently during your consultation, so you have a clear picture before starting.
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