Losing weight can be a challenging journey, and many individuals seek professional help to achieve their goals. First doctors weight loss programs offer various approaches, from medically supervised diets to weight loss surgery, each with its own cost structure. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the costs associated with different weight loss programs and options, including medication-based approaches and surgical interventions.
Weight-Loss Medications and Programs
Weight-loss medications can be a useful tool for some people when combined with lifestyle changes. WeightWatchers (WW) Clinic offers a program that combines medication with their Points® program. This approach is designed to help individuals lose weight and keep it off.
WW Clinic Program Costs
The WW Clinic membership is required, starting at $25. The first month is offered for as low as $25 with a 12-month commitment Clinic plan purchase. After the first month, the membership continues for as low as $74 per month for a 12-month commitment. Other Clinic commitment plans are available for $49/first month. It's important to note that these programs do not include the cost of GLP-1 medications. However, the care team will assist with insurance coverage for medications, if applicable. All medications require eligibility and a prescription. Plans auto-renew at the end of the applicable plan period. While you may cancel your subscription at any time, cancellation will not go into effect until the end of your commitment plan.
- Zepbound® (Injectable pen): Cost may vary depending on insurance.
- Zepbound® (Single-dose vial): Cash pay starting at $349/mo.
- Generic bupropion-naltrexone: Cost of medication included with membership.
Medications Offered
The exact medication that your Clinician will prescribe depends on your medical history, biology, and insurance coverage. When appropriate, your Clinician may prescribe GLP-1 medications, including semaglutide (brand name Wegovy), liraglutide (brand name Saxenda), or tirzepatide (brand name Zepbound). When appropriate, your clinician may prescribe other weight-loss drugs with which other members have found success such as Metformin and combination Naltrexone and Bupropion. If your treatment plan isn’t working for you, talk to your WeightWatchers Clinic Care Team about adjustments or alternative plans.
GLP-1 Medications
GLP-1 medications are sometimes prescribed. Typically, patients on a GLP-1 medication will lose 10-20% of their body weight.
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The most common side effects are nausea, constipation, or other gastrointestinal discomfort. Your Care Team will advise you on the best ways to minimize side effects.
Saxenda (liraglutide) and Wegovy (semaglutide) are both GLP-1 medications that are FDA-approved specifically for the treatment of obesity.
GLP-1s are indicated for long-term use, much like other medications to treat chronic conditions. The effects stop immediately if you stop taking the medication, and it is likely in most cases that some weight regain will occur.
Medically Supervised Diet Programs at NYU Langone’s Weight Management Program-Manhattan
NYU Langone’s Weight Management Program-Manhattan offers medically supervised diet programs, which are prescribed meal replacement products that can be shipped to your home. Depending on the program, the plan includes one to five meal replacements per day. The number of calories in each meal depends on your sex and weight. These programs help you learn how to keep hunger at bay with behavioral tools and low-glycemic, high-protein foods at every meal. The goal is to help you develop your own healthy eating lifestyle.
Program Components
- Medically supervised diet programs involving meal replacement products.
- Behavioral tools and education on low-glycemic, high-protein foods.
- Exercise recommendations: at least 150 minutes per week.
- Long-term follow-up to maintain weight loss and manage health issues.
Specific Diet Plans
- New You and Metabolic Boost: These diets are designed to trigger ketosis, a natural metabolic state caused by low intake of carbohydrates. A medical evaluation is required before starting either of these programs, and we provide you with nutritional and behavioral support.
- New You: Offered in 4- or 12-week packages, with weight loss averaging 3 to 5 pounds per week. You meet with a doctor, physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or dietitian once every two weeks.
- Metabolic Boost: A carbohydrate-free two-week diet that results in an average weight loss of 5 to 10 pounds per week. You meet with your doctor or dietitian once a week.
- Flex Plan: An eight-week nonketogenic, dietitian-led program that incorporates certain carbohydrates into a healthy eating plan. Estimated weight loss is 1 to 2 pounds per week. You have weekly visits with a registered dietitian.
Follow-up Care
Follow-up appointments for medical supervised diet programs take place at our main office at 530 First Avenue, Suite 10S, in Manhattan, or through an online visit through the NYU Langone Health App. Your provider may ask you to use digital tools such as health tracker apps to monitor your blood pressure, heart rate, and weight.
Read also: Eden Weight Loss Program: Benefits, risks, and what to expect.
Surgical Weight Loss Options
For individuals with severe obesity or related health issues, bariatric surgery may be a viable option.
Swedish First Hill Program
Located on the Swedish First Hill campus, their compassionate team of physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, dietitians, psychologists and staff members encourage and support you every step of the way. Their nationally accredited bariatric surgery program at Swedish First Hill often provides life-changing surgical outcomes.
Considerations for Weight Loss Surgery
Making weight loss surgery successful requires hard work and a commitment to specific lifestyle changes. Weight loss surgery isn’t a quick fix, but it’s a great tool. It’s definitely a lifestyle change, and you have to be prepared. You can absolutely gain the weight back if you don’t change your habits.
Example of Surgical Weight Loss
Jennifer considered weight loss surgery when she was in her 20s, but the cost wasn't covered by insurance. When she started working at Providence Health, she learned that her new insurance would cover weight loss surgery and chose to undergo Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.
After surgery, you’ll spend one or two nights in the hospital. After you verify your weight loss surgery benefits, call our clinic at the number above to discuss your next steps.
Read also: Risks of a Protein-First Diet
Additional Information
Many individuals know that they need to lose weight but are often unsure which weight loss option is best for them.
WeightWatchers for Menopause
WeightWatchers offers a next-level program for a new you. Members lost nearly 4 times more weight with us than those following DIY weight-loss solutions. What you’ll get: Access to HRT and GLP-1s, if you qualify Support from menopause-trained clinicians Unlimited virtual Workshops Nutrition counseling with Registered Dietitians Science-backed symptom management. Copays, coinsurance & deductibles may apply.