Weight Management
Practical information about weight management, lifestyle changes, and medications such as Wegovy, Ozempic, and Zepbound.
Educational resources curated by Verra Health Clinic
About weight management
Weight management is about improving your health in a way that you can maintain. This may include changes to eating, activity, sleep, and stress, and sometimes medication. Medication may be worth considering when lifestyle changes have not been enough on their own or when weight is affecting your health.
What can weight management help with?
Weight is only one part of the picture. Treatment may help improve blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, sleep apnea, joint pain, mobility, energy, or day-to-day comfort. Even a modest amount of weight loss can make a difference. Your goal does not have to be a particular number on the scale.
This is not simply a matter of willpower or following a perfect diet. Appetite, sleep, stress, medications, health conditions, food access, and past weight changes can all affect weight. A good plan should fit your life well enough to continue over time.
GLP-1 medications
Medications such as semaglutide (Wegovy/Ozempic) and tirzepatide (Zepbound/Mounjaro) can reduce appetite and help you feel full sooner. They are not suitable for everyone and require regular medical follow-up.
What types of medication are available?
| Medication type | What patients should know |
|---|---|
| Semaglutide Wegovy; Ozempic is a diabetes product | Usually a once-weekly injection. It can reduce hunger and help you feel full sooner. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and reflux are common, especially when the dose is increased. |
| Tirzepatide Zepbound; Mounjaro is a diabetes product | Usually a once-weekly injection that works on two appetite-related hormone pathways. Stomach and bowel side effects are common. It is not the right choice for everyone. |
| Liraglutide Saxenda | A daily injection that may reduce appetite. It works in a similar way to semaglutide but needs to be taken every day. Nausea and other digestive symptoms can occur. |
| Orlistat tablet or capsule | Reduces the amount of fat absorbed from food. It can cause oily stools, gas, urgency, and diarrhea, particularly after higher-fat meals. |
| Naltrexone/bupropion Contrave | A tablet that can affect appetite and cravings. It may not be suitable with uncontrolled high blood pressure, seizure risk, opioid use, or some mental-health and medication concerns. |
Brand names, approvals, shortages, and coverage can change. A medication used for diabetes is not automatically approved for weight management. The choice should be made with a prescriber who knows your health history.
What benefits can I expect?
These medicines mainly work by reducing hunger and helping you feel full sooner. That can make eating changes easier to maintain. The amount of weight loss varies from person to person. Treatment usually starts at a low dose and is increased slowly if appropriate. We also look at your health and symptoms—not just your weight.
Medication is usually a long-term treatment. Many people regain some weight after stopping because their appetite returns. That does not mean you have failed. If you want to stop or change treatment, speak with your prescriber first so you can make a safe plan.
How much does it cost?
The price depends on the medication, dose, pharmacy, and whether your insurance plan covers it. Some plans require prior authorization or have special criteria. Public coverage also varies. Before starting, ask your pharmacy for the current monthly cost, the cost at each dose, and whether your insurance needs paperwork. Your pharmacy can give the most accurate price for your situation.
Lifestyle changes
Sustainable weight management usually requires long-term healthy habits including balanced nutrition, regular physical activity, reduced intake of highly processed foods, adequate sleep, and ongoing follow-up.
Recommended resources
Canadian evidence-based information about obesity, treatment approaches, and long-term weight management.Mayo Clinic – Weight-loss medications overview
Overview of prescription weight-loss medications including Wegovy, Ozempic, Zepbound, and Orlistat.Mayo Clinic – Semaglutide information
Information about semaglutide medications such as Wegovy and Ozempic, including common side effects and safety information.Mayo Clinic – Tirzepatide information
Information about tirzepatide medications such as Zepbound and Mounjaro.Heart & Stroke – Healthy eating
Healthy eating and nutrition guidance for long-term cardiovascular and metabolic health.Mayo Clinic Health System – Weight-loss drugs explained
Patient-friendly overview of modern weight-loss medications and realistic expectations.Cleveland Clinic – Orlistat information
Information about Orlistat, including how it works, dietary considerations, and side effects.
Common side effects
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Reduced appetite
- Abdominal discomfort
- Heartburn or reflux
Questions patients often ask
Do I still need to change what I eat?
Usually, yes—but the aim is not a strict or perfect diet. A medication can help with hunger, while regular meals, enough protein and fibre, fluids, and fewer highly processed foods can support your health and help you keep going.
What if I do not lose weight right away?
Early doses are often used to help your body adjust and may not produce the full effect. Your prescriber may review the dose, how you are taking it, side effects, sleep, other medications, and medical conditions before deciding what to do next.
Can I take these medications during pregnancy?
Weight-loss medications should not be used during pregnancy. Tell your prescriber if you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding so you can discuss a safe plan before starting or changing treatment.
Can I use someone else’s medication or buy it online?
No. These medicines need the right dose, storage, and follow-up, and products from unverified sources may be counterfeit or incorrectly labelled. Use a prescription filled by a licensed pharmacy.
What symptoms need prompt medical advice?
Contact the clinic if vomiting or diarrhea does not settle or you cannot keep fluids down. Seek urgent care for severe or persistent abdominal pain, fainting, signs of an allergic reaction, or severe weakness.
When to contact the clinic
- You develop persistent or severe side effects.
- You have severe abdominal pain.
- You are unable to tolerate fluids.
- You have questions about medication suitability.
- You would like support with lifestyle changes.
The above resources are provided by trusted third-party organizations and curated by Verra Health Clinic for patient education.
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