Medical Weight Management in Alberta

A Medical Approach to Weight Management

Work with an Alberta family physician to understand the medical factors affecting your weight and discuss an individualized plan that may include nutrition, activity, health-condition management and prescription treatment when appropriate.

  • Virtual appointments across Alberta
  • In-person care in Edmonton
  • Physician-led ongoing follow-up
Verra Health

Convenient care with clear follow-through.

Virtual when convenient. In person when appropriate. We help you understand the next step.

Meet the clinic
Physician-Led Care
Virtual Across Alberta
In-Person Clinic in Edmonton
Ongoing Follow-Up

More Than a Prescription

Appropriate medical weight management begins with understanding your health, history and goals – not choosing a medication first.

  • Weight history and previous approaches
  • Current medications and health conditions
  • Blood pressure, diabetes risk and cholesterol
  • Sleep, mental health and relevant contributors
  • Nutrition, activity and practical barriers
  • Treatment preferences and follow-up needs

Medication is not appropriate for everyone and a prescription is never guaranteed.

Discuss Weight Management

A Clear Care Pathway

The plan is based on your health, goals, preferences and what is clinically appropriate.

1

Initial consultation

Discuss health history, goals and previous weight-management attempts.

2

Medical assessment

Review relevant health factors and determine whether investigations or additional information are needed.

3

Individualized plan

Discuss appropriate options, which may include nutrition, activity, health-condition management or prescription treatment.

4

Ongoing follow-up

Monitor progress, tolerability and health markers, and adjust the plan when appropriate.

Could Medication Be Part of Your Plan?

Prescription treatment may be considered for appropriate patients after assessment. Medication is not appropriate for everyone and a prescription is never guaranteed.

GLP-1 and GIP/GLP-1 medications

These medication classes may be discussed when their potential benefits and risks fit the individual's health and goals.

A broader plan

Nutrition, activity, health-condition management, monitoring and maintenance planning remain important parts of care.

Ongoing Management Matters

Weight management is longitudinal medical care, not a one-off prescription appointment.

Progress review

Review progress, practical barriers and health goals over time.

Side-effect review

Discuss tolerability and whether the plan needs to change.

Monitoring

Follow blood pressure, metabolic health or laboratory results where needed.

Maintenance planning

Discuss how to support health and maintain progress over the longer term.

Virtual Across Alberta. In Person When Needed.

Many appointments can be completed virtually. If examination, vital signs, testing, imaging, urgent assessment or another in-person step is appropriate, your physician can explain what to do next.

Virtual care

Convenient appointments for suitable concerns, reviews and follow-up.

Edmonton clinic

Verra also operates a physical clinic at 4905 Gateway Blvd NW in Edmonton.

Eligible insured medical appointments may be covered by Alberta Health. Coverage depends on the service and eligibility; uninsured services and prescription costs may be separate.

Meet Your Physician

Verra Health is led by an Alberta family physician who provides patient-centred care with attention to continuity and practical next steps.

Family Physician

Dr. Rilwan Aransi, MD, CCFP

CPSA-licensed Alberta family physician

Virtual care is available across Alberta, with in-person care available through the Edmonton clinic when clinically appropriate.

Learn about the clinic and physician

RA

Questions Before You Book

Who can book?

Adults can request a consultation to discuss weight and health concerns. The physician will determine whether the service is suitable.

Do I need a referral?

You can request an appointment directly. Bring relevant medication, health and laboratory information if available.

Is weight-management care covered by Alberta Health?

Eligible insured medical appointments may be covered. Prescription medications, dispensing and non-covered services are separate.

Can the appointment be virtual?

Many consultations and follow-ups can be virtual. In-person assessment, measurements or testing may be recommended when needed.

Do you prescribe weight-loss medications?

Prescription treatment, including GLP-1 or GIP/GLP-1 medications, may be discussed for appropriate patients after assessment.

Is medication guaranteed?

No. Medication is not appropriate for everyone and a prescription is never guaranteed.

Do I need blood tests?

The physician will determine whether laboratory testing or other investigations are clinically useful.

Can you manage medication I am already taking?

Medication review and ongoing management may be possible when clinically appropriate and sufficient information is available.

View all FAQs

Ready to Discuss Your Weight and Health?

Start with a physician consultation and develop an appropriate plan based on your health, goals and treatment options.

Book an Initial Consultation