The medical weight loss industry is experiencing consistent growth, driven by new technologies that offer a wide range of options to support individuals on their weight loss journey. It is expected to grow by 4.3 percent each year over the next decade. With so much important progress in the field, Newsweek and Statista are partnering for the first time to name America's Best Weight Loss Clinics & Centers 2025, recognizing 200 facilities across the country that have helped people achieve healthy, sustainable weight loss. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of weight loss options in Florida, expert reviews, and key considerations for choosing the right program.
The Growing Need for Weight Loss Solutions
Many individuals find it difficult to lose weight on their own. That's where medical weight loss comes in. Losing weight goes beyond just improving your appearance; it can significantly enhance your overall health. Excess body weight increases the risk for ill health conditions, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, sleep apnea, and certain types of cancer. Extra weight also strains your joints, potentially causing pain and limiting mobility as you age.
Understanding Medical Weight Loss
Medical weight loss involves supervised programs that combine lifestyle changes with the latest weight loss medications. It's designed for individuals who have found that traditional diets and exercise regimes are not producing the desired results.
Who is a Candidate?
Typical candidates for these programs tend to have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater. However, those with a BMI of 27 or higher with related health issues, such as high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes, may qualify as well.
Key Components of Effective Programs
The perfect medical weight loss clinics personalize their plans based on extensive medical evaluations, historical data, and consultations. Regular check-ins with qualified doctors ensure these medications are functioning as intended and provide a pathway for adjustments if needed.
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A comprehensive weight loss program aims not just for weight loss, but for sustainable weight management,” Mok says. She notes that a robust maintenance plan equips individuals with the strategies and support needed (such as coaching or peer-to-peer and group support) to keep the weight off for the long term, preventing weight regain and ensuring lasting success.
Evaluating Weight Loss Programs
When choosing a weight loss program, several factors should be considered to ensure it aligns with your individual needs and goals.
Key Considerations:
- Personalized Approach: Look for programs that offer tailored plans based on thorough medical evaluations and individual health needs.
- Medical Supervision: Ensure the program includes regular check-ins with qualified doctors and healthcare professionals.
- Comprehensive Support: Opt for programs that provide lifestyle coaching, nutritional guidance, and emotional support.
- Evidence-Based Therapies: Choose programs that incorporate the most up-to-date and advanced treatments approved by the FDA.
- Maintenance Plan: Select a program that offers a robust maintenance plan to prevent weight regain and ensure lasting success.
Questions to Ask:
- Which Program Most Appeals to You? Look for plans that include foods you enjoy, but make sure the plans are balanced with enough nutrients, according to Mayo Clinic guidelines.
- Does the Program Set Goals and Track What You Are Eating? Effective programs provide nutrition skills, and help you set weight, activity and energy intake, and make it reasonably easy to track your behavior against your goals, including tracking everything you eat.
- Is Counseling Part of the Program? Research shows that the most effective programs come with counselors who can help you build new diet and exercise habits.
- Are Registered Dietitians and Certified Obesity Specialists Included? Programs should include guidance from licensed, registered dietitians - not just generic nutritionists, says Dr. Christopher McGowan, gastroenterologist and obesity medicine specialist in North Carolina.
- Is Physical Activity Included? Exercise helps to maintain a healthy weight and counters the loss in muscle mass that accompanies weight loss, according to Mayo Clinic.
- Are GLP-1 Medications Included? Any legitimate medical weight loss program today should offer FDA-approved, brand-name GLP-1 therapies - like Wegovy or Zepbound - when appropriate,” McGowan says.
- Does the Program Include a Maintenance Plan? A comprehensive weight loss program aims not just for weight loss, but for sustainable weight management,” Mok says.
- Who’s Leading the Program? Medical leadership matters, McGowan says.
- Which Weight Loss Programs Should Be Avoided? Be wary of any clinic that makes guarantees or promises specific results,” McGowan says.
Weight Loss Medications
One of our leading medications is compounded semaglutide. Given via a weekly subcutaneous injection, this GLP-1 weight loss drug helps manage both hunger and blood sugar levels, making it particularly beneficial for those living with type 2 diabetes. Similarly, compounded tirzepatide works to lower blood sugar levels and delays gastric emptying, thereby helping individuals feel satisfied with smaller meal portions.
GLP-1 Receptor Agonists
GLP-1 medications are included? “Any legitimate medical weight loss program today should offer FDA-approved, brand-name GLP-1 therapies - like Wegovy or Zepbound - when appropriate,” McGowan says. Only a qualified provider should prescribe these mediations, and they should be paired with structured monitoring and care, he adds.
Florida Weight Loss Centers and Experts
Dr. G's Weight Loss & Wellness
Dr. G's has helped over 100,000 Patients Successfully Lose Weight since 1994. Their patients receive a medically supervised weight loss program, comprehensive medical exam, 1:1 monthly doctor visit, 1:1 wellness coaching, and a variety of prescription medications designed to fit the individual needs of each patient. Patients in our program typically lose up to 2× more weight than with diet alone. Those who completed a three-month plan lost an average of 6 lb per month.
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Florida Surgery and Weight Loss Center
At Florida Surgery and Weight Loss Center, we are your partner in a life-long commitment to a healthy lifestyle. The focus of our comprehensive weight management program is to improve your overall health and quality of life by finding the personalized weight loss solution that works for you. Our board certified surgeons have safely performed thousands of effective weight loss procedures utilizing the most advanced, minimally invasive techniques.
The Role of Lifestyle Changes
A healthy lifestyle is key to reaching an ideal weight. However, it’s difficult to exercise enough if physical activity causes pain. Plus, cravings may make it difficult to eat well. In addition, there may be other factors playing a role, such as genetics, a lack of knowledge of what a balanced diet looks like, or limited time for physical activity, preparing healthy meals, and sleeping. The best medical weight loss programs pair medications with lifestyle changes.
Nutrition and Diet
Nutrition and weight loss experts say dieters should strive for a nutritionally complete diet that includes carbohydrates, fat, protein, vitamins and minerals, as well as fiber, to not only promote gut health but also to keep us full - keys to hitting your weight goal and ingredients that can help lower your risk of chronic disease.
Exercise
Exercise, especially strength-training, can also promote overall health.
Success Stories and Transformations
Stories of Transformation Lost: 7 inchesLost: 30 pounds "Losing 30 pounds changed my life completely from a physical, emotional, and well-being aspect! I gained back my energy; I can wear my favorite clothes from 5 years ago, and my self-esteem is better, as is my happiness and motivation. I go out more often and receive so many compliments, and I don’t feel shy about showing off my new body on the beach! I mean, I can go on and on. My family and I are very proud of the new me! It's the best decision I have ever made!" "For me, this program has brought my self-esteem back up to a whole new level. I'm a mother of two girls and as a woman, it often feels that we are easily criticized based on our body and shape. I remember that I hated the very thought of being in a picture with my skinner friends and relatives. I felt very depressed about the way I looked, and despite what others may say (that someone will love you no matter how you look), I did not love the body I was in. This program changed my life. I feel sexy and confident. My Instagram account has more selfies than meets the eye. And not only do I look younger, but I also look like I hit the gym every day! It's been 5 years and I'm never going back -- I feel amazing!"
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Other weight loss programs
- WeightWatchers Points Program assigns every food a “Point value” based on calories, protein, added sugar, saturated fat, unsaturated fat, unsaturated fat and fiber, Michelle Cardel, Ph.D., dietitian and Chief Nutrition Officer at WeightWatchers, tells TODAY.com.
- Mayo Clinic Diet focuses on eating healthy foods by teaching how to estimate portion sizes and plan meals while increasing physical activity.
- TOPS Club connects people of all backgrounds, many of whom cannot afford expensive commercial programs, through our network of weight‐loss support groups,” Michelle Ganley, director of communications of TOPS Club, tells TODAY.com.