Weight Management Program
If you have health conditions related to excess weight, you already know that losing weight can help improve your overall health and quality of life.
But sustained weight loss can be challenging. At UC San Diego Health's Weight Management Program, we can help you reach your weight loss goals with tools and support to help you maintain your success.
One size doesn't fit all, so we’ll customize a nonsurgical weight loss plan that suits your needs and preferences. Come partner with us to achieve your wellness goals and enjoy a healthy life.
Why Choose Us for Weight Management?
As an academic health system, UC San Diego Health is at the forefront of the latest science on weight control. Our physicians are also leading researchers in their field, helping to set guidelines on the use of weight loss medications that are used by hospitals around the world.
We understand there is much more to weight loss than focusing on numbers alone. Therefore, each patient is unique to us. We consider your specific circumstances while developing a safe and effective weight loss plan for you.
We specialize in working with people who need to lose weight to resolve chronic health conditions. This includes patients with medical complications of obesity from conditions such as diabetes, hypertension / high blood pressure, fatty liver disease, high cholesterol, metabolic syndrome, sleep apnea and many others.
Personalized Weight Management Strategies
An expert team of obesity medicine physicians, registered dietitians, nurses, health coaches and more will coordinate your care at UC San Diego Health.
Losing weight is not easy; it requires commitment. Our entire team will offer the guidance and information you need, along with the support and structure to help you stay on track. Our services include:
Individual Consultations
We offer one-on-one consultations with weight loss experts, including physicians and registered dietitians. We also help customize diet and activity plans to meet your goals and everyday realities.
During your visit, your weight management doctor will evaluate your needs and health conditions to determine the best treatment options, which may include:
- Referring you to our Supervised Lifestyle and Integrative Medicine (SLIM) weight loss program with group classes
- Prescribing weight loss drugs or injections if they're right for you
- One-on-one health coaching or a referral to our registered dietitian who specializes in long-term weight management with a focus on counseling to help with behavioral changes
- Recommending surgical options if needed and closely coordinating with our surgery team
SLIM (Supervised Lifestyle and Integrative Medicine) Program
You can consult our lifestyle medicine doctor, who will personalize your care. This program — which needs a referral — includes group classes led by a physician and a health coach. The classes help you set weight loss goals and get culinary lessons and guidance on healthy eating, sleep quality, physical activity and mindfulness practice.
One-On-One Health Coaching
You can see a certified health coach who helps with motivation, accountability and behavioral strategies to promote weight management. The frequency of sessions will vary based on your needs. These one-on-one visits are not covered by insurance.
Weight Loss Medications
Obesity is a complex problem that is also affected by an intricate set of hormones that regulate weight, making it difficult to lose weight and keep it off. Medications are now available that can help some people battle the body's resistance to losing weight.
Am I Eligible for Weight Loss Drugs?
Typically, you must meet either one of these requirements to be eligible for a prescription for weight loss pills and injections:
- Have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or above
- Or have a BMI of 27 to 29 and a chronic medical condition, such as diabetes, fatty liver disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, metabolic syndrome or sleep apnea, among others
Does Insurance Cover Weight Loss Medications?
Insurance plans may pay for some prescription weight loss drugs. Contact your insurance company to check if your plan covers the medicine.
While we make every effort to help obtain insurance authorization, sometimes your insurance may not cover the medications, and you may need to pay out of pocket.
Medicare does not cover weight loss medications, often even if a supplemental plan does. However, our physicians will try to work to find the best option for you.
Weight Loss Drug Shortage
There is a nationwide shortage of several weight loss medications due to high demand. That’s why pharmacies may have a low supply or be out of stock. We are not sure how long the shortage will last.
Our Specialists
Costs and Insurance
Your insurance plan may cover some costs associated with care you receive through our Weight Management Program.
Generally, consultations with our doctors are covered by insurance, but you should confirm with your health plan and ask for a referral from your primary care doctor if needed.
Our medically supervised SLIM program is covered by insurance. You may be responsible for co-pays, depending on your plan.
Some insurance providers may cover prescription weight loss medications. Check with your insurance company about coverage and costs.
You may also be able to use your employer-provided flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA) to pay for some expenses with pretax dollars.