Weight loss guided by medicine,
not guesswork.
Ottawa Health Center's medical weight loss programme places a qualified physician at the centre of your treatment. Every step — from your initial assessment through to long-term follow-up — is clinically overseen, evidence-based, and personalised to your health profile.
More than a diet plan.
A clinical programme.
Medical weight loss is a structured, physician-supervised approach to treating overweight and obesity. Unlike commercial diet programmes, it begins with a full clinical assessment of your health — including your medical history, current medications, metabolic profile, and weight-related health conditions.
Treatment decisions are made by a qualified physician and adjusted based on your progress. The goal is not simply to lose weight — it is to improve your overall health, reduce your risk of obesity-related conditions, and build the habits that sustain those results long-term.
Obesity is recognised by Health Canada, the Canadian Medical Association, and the WHO as a chronic, progressive disease. It requires clinical treatment — not willpower alone.
Medical weight loss includes
- Full clinical assessment before treatment begins
- Physician oversight throughout the programme
- Personalised treatment based on your health profile
- Management of weight-related comorbidities
- Evidence-based nutrition and lifestyle guidance
- Regular medical follow-up and progress monitoring
- Long-term maintenance planning
Medical weight loss is not
- A one-size-fits-all diet plan
- A commercial meal replacement programme
- Unsupervised supplement regimens
- Fad or trend-based approaches
- Surgery or invasive procedures (unless clinically indicated)
Medical weight loss is particularly suited
to patients with complex needs.
While our full programme range is available to adults with a BMI of 27 or above, medical weight loss is especially valuable for patients who have additional health conditions that make weight loss more challenging or higher-stakes.
Type 2 diabetes or prediabetes
Weight loss of 5–10% significantly improves blood glucose control and can reduce or eliminate the need for diabetes medication in many patients.[2]
Hypertension
Even modest medically supervised weight loss is associated with meaningful reductions in blood pressure, reducing cardiovascular risk.[2]
Cardiovascular risk factors
Obesity is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. A medical programme monitors and manages related conditions throughout treatment.[3]
Sleep apnoea
Weight loss is among the most effective interventions for obstructive sleep apnoea. Medical supervision ensures safe, effective management alongside treatment.
Joint pain and osteoarthritis
Excess weight significantly increases joint load. Medical weight loss reduces this burden — with physician monitoring to ensure the programme is safe given your musculoskeletal health.
Multiple medications
Patients on multiple medications for obesity-related conditions require careful clinical oversight during weight loss — a physician-led programme provides exactly that.
How our medical
programme works.
Every patient moves through a structured clinical pathway — from initial assessment to long-term maintenance. The pathway is personalised at every stage based on your response, your health status, and your goals.
We do not use a fixed protocol. We use clinical judgement, supported by evidence-based guidelines, to adjust your programme as you progress.
Initial Medical Assessment
A full review of your health history, current medications, weight history, metabolic markers, and obesity-related conditions. This informs every subsequent treatment decision.
Personalised Treatment Plan
Based on your assessment, your physician designs a treatment plan combining the most appropriate interventions — which may include the Allurion Gastric Balloon, medically supervised nutrition, lifestyle coaching, or a combination.
Active Programme Phase
Treatment begins with regular physician check-ins, dietary guidance from our clinical team, and progress monitoring. If you are on the Allurion programme, balloon placement and the six-month support programme run concurrently.
Comorbidity Management
As you lose weight, related conditions — blood pressure, blood glucose, cholesterol — are monitored and managed. Medication adjustments may be coordinated with your primary care physician.
Maintenance and Long-Term Follow-Up
The programme does not end when you reach your target weight. Maintenance coaching, continued medical oversight, and periodic follow-up support lasting results.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a referral for medical weight loss at Ottawa Health Center?
No referral is needed. You can book a free consultation directly through our website or by phone. Our team will contact you within one business day to arrange a convenient time.
Is medical weight loss covered by OHIP?
Most medical weight loss programmes are not covered by OHIP. Some extended health plans may cover elements such as nutritional counselling — we recommend checking your policy. Our team can discuss all costs and options during your consultation.
Will my weight loss affect my current medications?
Potentially, yes — and this is one of the key reasons physician oversight matters. As your weight decreases, your requirements for medications managing blood pressure, blood glucose, or cholesterol may change. Our team monitors this throughout your programme and coordinates with your primary care physician as needed.
Can I combine medical weight loss with the Allurion Gastric Balloon?
Yes — and for many patients this is the most effective combination. The Allurion Balloon provides an initial period of accelerated weight loss, while the medical programme provides the clinical oversight, nutrition support, and habit coaching that make results last. Your physician will advise on the best combination for your situation.
How long does the medical weight loss programme last?
Programme length varies by patient. The active phase typically runs six to twelve months, with ongoing follow-up care thereafter. If the Allurion Gastric Balloon is included, the programme runs for a minimum of six months from balloon placement. Your physician will outline the expected timeline during your initial assessment.
What happens if I have other health conditions?
Patients with other health conditions are often the most likely to benefit from a medically supervised approach. Your initial clinical assessment covers your full health history, and your treatment plan is designed around your specific conditions. We work alongside your primary care physician to ensure your programme is safe and appropriate for your individual health profile.
Start with a
medical conversation.
Your free consultation is a clinical conversation — not a sales pitch. Our physician will review your health history, discuss your goals, and recommend the programme that is genuinely right for you.
- No referral needed
- Free, no-obligation first consultation
- Response within one business day
- Your privacy is fully protected
Clinical References & Sources
- [1] Canada's Drug Agency (CDA-AMC). Clinical Review: Semaglutide (Wegovy) for Chronic Weight Management. Ottawa: CDA-AMC, 2022. Available at: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK619926. Data: 91% of Canadians surveyed with obesity reported at least one comorbidity including arthritis, hypertension, sleep apnoea, GERD, and diabetes.
- [2] Ryan DH, Yockey SR. "Weight loss and improvement in comorbidity: differences at 5%, 10%, 15%, and over." Current Obesity Reports. 2017;6:187–194. doi:10.1007/s13679-017-0262-y. Data: 5–10% weight loss associated with clinically significant improvements in blood glucose, blood pressure, and cardiovascular risk factors.
- [3] Poirier P, et al. "Obesity and Cardiovascular Disease: Pathophysiology, Evaluation, and Effect of Weight Loss." Circulation. 2006;113:898–918. doi:10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.106.171016. American Heart Association scientific statement on obesity as an independent cardiovascular risk factor.