Riverwood Family Practice
Medical Weight Management in Etobicoke
Body weight is influenced by medical, metabolic, psychological, social, medication-related, and lifestyle factors. Riverwood Family Practice offers physician-supervised assessment and individualized management for adults. Treatment may include nutrition and activity guidance, investigation of contributing conditions, and medication when clinically indicated.
What we can address
How we can help.
- Medical and medication history review
- Metabolic risk assessment and relevant testing
- Individualized nutrition and activity discussion
- Evidence-informed medication assessment
- Monitoring and structured follow-up
Please note: Outcomes vary. Treatment requires clinical assessment and ongoing monitoring.
Our approach
What to expect.
No medication is appropriate for everyone, and prescribing follows an individual medical assessment.
The aim is clinically meaningful health improvement—not guaranteed or rapid cosmetic results.
Coverage and medication costs vary; options are reviewed during consultation.
Who it may help
Is this right for you?
Medical weight management may be appropriate for adults whose weight is affecting their health, or who are at higher risk of weight-related conditions. Canadian clinical guidelines generally consider medication for adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, or 27 or higher with a weight-related health condition.
Weight-related conditions can include:
- Type 2 diabetes or prediabetes
- High blood pressure or high cholesterol
- Sleep apnea
- Fatty liver disease
- Joint pain or osteoarthritis
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
BMI is only one measure. Your doctor also considers your overall health, medical history, and personal goals.
Step by step
How the process works.
- Initial visit. A review of your weight history, medical conditions, current medications, eating patterns, sleep, stress, and goals.
- Assessment and testing. Blood pressure, measurements, and bloodwork when appropriate, such as blood sugar, cholesterol, kidney, liver, and thyroid tests.
- Your plan. A realistic plan that may include nutrition changes, physical activity, sleep and stress strategies, a review of medications that can affect weight, and medication for weight management when clinically appropriate.
- Follow-up. Regular visits to review progress, side effects, and bloodwork, and to adjust your plan. Many follow-up visits can be done by phone or virtual visit.
Medication
About weight-management medications.
Prescription options for chronic weight management include GLP-1 based medications, such as semaglutide and tirzepatide, as well as other medications. They act on appetite and fullness signals and are used together with nutrition and activity changes, not instead of them.
Before prescribing, your doctor reviews the possible benefits, common side effects (such as nausea, constipation, or other stomach upset), situations where a medication should not be used, and how treatment will be monitored.
These medications are generally intended for long-term use. Weight often returns when they are stopped, so your doctor will discuss a long-term plan with you.
Costs
Costs and coverage.
Visits with your family doctor for assessment and follow-up are covered by OHIP for eligible patients.
Weight-management medications are usually not covered by OHIP or the Ontario Drug Benefit program when used for weight loss. Some private or workplace drug plans offer coverage, and the clinic can provide documentation your plan may require. Costs are reviewed with you before starting any medication.
Questions
Common questions.
Will I automatically receive a GLP-1 medication?
No. Medication is considered only after an assessment of indications, contraindications, risks, alternatives, and your overall health.
Is medication covered by OHIP?
Drug coverage depends on the medication, indication, and your public or private drug plan. The clinic cannot guarantee coverage.
How much weight can I expect to lose?
Results vary from person to person. For many people, losing even 5 to 10 percent of body weight can improve blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol.
What happens if I stop the medication?
Weight often returns after these medications are stopped. Your doctor will discuss a long-term plan, including whether and how to continue treatment.
Can follow-up visits be virtual?
Many follow-up visits can be done by phone or virtual visit. Visits that need measurements or an examination are in person.
Next step
Talk with your family doctor.
Registered patients can call Riverwood Family Practice to book an appointment. New patients can call reception to book their first visit.