How to Choose a Medical Weight Loss Clinic in Richmond: 9 Questions to Ask First
None of these is automatically right or wrong. What matters is whether the approach fits you, and whether the clinic is honest with you about how it works. These nine questions will get you there, whichever clinic you choose.
1. Who actually supervises my care?
"Physician-supervised" can mean very different things. Ask who designed the program, who reviews your progress, and who you'll see at each visit: a physician, a nurse practitioner, a health coach or a mix.
How we do it: A physician designed our program, and certified health coaches support you through it. You'll meet one-on-one with your coach every week.
2. Is the program built around medication, or is medication optional?
Some programs start with a GLP-1 prescription. Others don't use medication at all. Neither is a bad choice. They're different choices, and you should know which one you're signing up for.
How we do it: Our core program doesn't use injections or GLP-1 medication. We don't run our own GLP-1 prescription program, but we support patients who are already on one and offer a ramp-down program for coming off. See how we work with GLP-1 patients.
3. What will I actually eat?
Ask whether you'll be eating ordinary food or buying the clinic's shakes, bars or packaged meals. Packaged plans can work while you're on them. The hard part is what happens when you go back to cooking for yourself.
How we do it: Real food from your regular grocery store: lean proteins, vegetables, fruit. No shakes, no prepackaged meals and no calorie counting.
4. What happens at the first visit, and does it cost anything?
A good first visit is a conversation about your history, what you've tried and what a realistic plan looks like. You should leave knowing what's involved and what it costs, without being pressured to sign up that day.
How we do it: Your first consultation is free, in person in Richmond's West End or Midlothian, or by video. Book it here.
5. What's the total cost, including everything?
Ask for the full picture: the program, any supplements, labs and follow-up visits. Ask whether HSA or FSA funds can be used and whether payment plans are available.
How we do it: Pricing depends on the plan that fits you, and we go through all of it at the free consultation. Our program often qualifies for HSA (Health Savings Account) and FSA (Flexible Spending Account) reimbursement. Check with your HSA or FSA plan on the details and we are happy to provide a letter for your account. Also, there are no required ongoing costs or membership fees. Once you purchase our program you own it for life. You can always use it if you need to lose more weight or need to reference anything.
6. Will you look at the things that make weight loss harder for me?
Thyroid issues, joint pain, menopause, insulin resistance, PCOS, a stressful job: these change what a realistic plan looks like. Ask how the clinic accounts for them.
How we do it: We assess your entire lifestyle and take a full health history, plus spend time understanding your goals. We meet you where you are. There's no hard sales pitch, just understanding and a solution to help you get started and get results.
7. Who will I talk to between visits?
Most weight loss happens between appointments, at the grocery store, at work and at the holiday table. Ask who you can reach when a week goes sideways, and how.
How we do it: Weekly one-to-one coaching with a certified health coach who knows your history. We even have a post-program Momentum opportunity that includes ongoing coaching and health coach support.
8. What happens when I reach my goal?
This is the question most people forget to ask, and it's the one that decides whether the weight stays off. Ask what the maintenance phase looks like, how long the clinic supports you, and what it costs.
How we do it: After the active phase, patients move into maintenance, and our Momentum™ membership keeps the coaching going for people who want ongoing support. We provide certified coach guidance throughout your ongoing maintenance journey and you receive exclusive discounts and special offers on our products and services. Learn about Momentum.
9. Can I talk to people who've done it?
Reviews and real patient stories tell you more than any brochure. Read the recent reviews on Google, not only the ones a clinic picks for its website, and look at how the clinic responds to them.
How we do it: Weight Loss RVA is rated 4.9 stars from more than 200 Google reviews. Our patients love us, and you will too! Read our reviews and patient success stories.
A quick checklist to take with you
- Who supervises my care, and who will I see each week?
- Is medication part of the program, optional, or not used?
- Will I eat real food or buy your products?
- Is the first visit free, and is there any pressure to sign up that day?
- What's the total cost, including supplements, labs and follow-ups?
- Do you account for thyroid, joint pain, menopause or other health factors?
- Who can I reach between visits?
- What does maintenance look like after I reach my goal?
- Can I read recent, unfiltered reviews?
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between medical weight loss and a regular diet program?
A medical weight loss program is designed by medical professionals and takes your health history into account. A commercial diet program usually isn't.
Do I need a referral to see a weight loss clinic in Richmond?
You do not need a referral to have your free consultation.
Is a natural weight loss program right for me if I've tried everything?
Many of our patients said exactly that before they started. A free consultation is the easiest way to find out whether it's a fit, with no obligation.
Ready to ask us these questions?
Bring this list to a free consultation at our Richmond West End clinic, our Midlothian office, or by video. We'll answer every one.
Book your free consultation — or call/text (804) 656-6578.
Disclaimer: Results may vary depending on starting weight, adherence to the program, health conditions and other factors. Information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.