Telemedicine has opened the door to more accessible care, especially for people who don’t have an obesity-trained healthcare professional in their community. Virtual care can expand access to treatment, but it is important to understand what telemedicine can and cannot provide, particularly when comparing it to traditional primary care and comprehensive obesity care.
How Telemedicine Differs From Primary Care and Specialty Obesity Care
Obesity Medicine Clinics (Virtual or In-Person)
Physician-led clinics specializing in comprehensive obesity care.
These clinics typically provide:
- Full medical assessment
- Diagnosis of obesity as a chronic disease
- Evaluation of metabolic drivers and comorbidities
- Medication initiation and ongoing titration
- Nutrition, behavioural, and physical activity support
- Long-term follow-up and monitoring
- Coordination with your primary care provider
Care model:
A type of care that focuses on you as a whole person, not just your weight, understands that obesity is a chronic condition and needs to be managed and followed over the long term. You may work with a team, such as doctors, nurses, dietitians, psychologists, and educators, to get support in all the areas that matter.
Visits can be in person, online, or a combination.
Primary Care (Family Physician or Nurse Practitioner)
Most people start their weight management journey here as this is the care provider that you see for your overall health.
Primary care providers:
- Usually will provide general guidance on weight management
- Assess overall health, chronic conditions, and medication interactions
- Help monitor most health conditions such as blood pressure, heart health, kidney function, mental health etc.
Care model:
Care that focuses on your whole health, not just one issue.
Because every healthcare provider has different training and tools, the level of obesity support you receive can vary.
Telemedicine / Pharmacy-Based Virtual Weight Management Clinics
Fully virtual platforms offering:
- Quick consultations with licensed clinicians
- Medication prescribing and refills
- Remote follow-up (often short, structured visits)
- Digital communication and reminders
Care model:
Designed for convenience and access, with a strong focus on:
- Medication initiation
- Basic monitoring
- Troubleshooting common side effects
These platforms typically do not provide full chronic disease management or deep metabolic evaluation.
Pros and Cons of Telemedicine for Obesity Care
Advantages:
- Convenience: No travel, flexible scheduling, faster appointments
- Improved access: Helpful for people without local obesity specialists
- Quick initiation: Faster access to medications where appropriate
- Digital supports: App messaging, reminders, and structured check-ins
Considerations/Limitations
- You may not get as much help with things like nutrition, lifestyle coaching, or emotional support.
- Shorter visits: Focused primarily on medication access, not root-cause treatment
- Fragmented care risk: Your primary care provider may not be looped in unless you share updates
- Limited monitoring: Labs and physical assessments still require in-person care
- Not suited for everyone: Complex medical histories, multiple comorbidities, or obesity may require physician-led comprehensive care
How Telemedicine Fits into Obesity Care (Versus Primary Care/Obesity Medicine Care)
| Aspect of Care | Primary Care for obesity | Obesity Medicine Clinic | Telemedicine for Obesity |
| Depth Of Obesity Expertise | Variable | High | Variable / medication-focused |
| Visit Length & Personalization | Moderate | Deep & comprehensive | Short & structured |
| Access To Medications | Depends on provider | Yes | Yes |
| Nutrition & Behavioral Support | General advice | Integrated multidisciplinary care | Limited or not included |
| Monitoring & Long-Term Follow-up | Good continuity | High continuity | Varies; may be intermittent |
| Ideal For | Obesity + general health + chronic conditions | Comprehensive obesity care | Convenience, fast access, straightforward cases |
Examples of Telehealth Weight Management Providers:
Maple On-demand Virtual Care: you can connect with licensed doctors, nurse practitioners, or weight-health coaches to discuss weight concerns. They offer a “Weight Medication Assessment” and can prescribe obesity/weight-loss medications (where clinically appropriate).
TELUS Health MyCare / TELUS Health Virtual Care: Through the MyCare service, users can access weight management consultation via secure video calls (initial consult ~ 20 min).
Tia Health: Offers online medical appointments including a “Weight Loss” consultation option (e.g., for weight-related counselling, possibly prescriptions) via licensed Canadian providers.
What To Know is not affiliated with any of the Telemedicine / Virtual-Care Providers for Weight Management Support.
Key Guidelines for Exploring Telemedicine Options
- Know your medications: Learn what you’re being prescribed, how it works, and what side effects to expect.
- Share information with your family physician: This ensures safe prescribing and monitoring, especially if you take medications for blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid, mental health, or kidney disease.
- Ask about follow-up: How often will you be seen? What happens if you have complications?
- Clarify costs: Some telemedicine platforms charge subscription fees not covered by insurance.
Keep long-term goals in mind: Obesity is a chronic disease. Medication alone is not the full treatment plan, ongoing support, monitoring, and a comprehensive approach matter.
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Diet and exercise alone aren’t enough to help many people reach a healthier weight. Medical treatments are needed to address the biological changes happening in our bodies that can drive weight regain. To find a physician near you who specializes in weight management, click here.
This article was sponsored by Novo Nordisk Canada. All content is created independently by My Weight – What To Know with no influence from Novo Nordisk.
