Medical Weight Loss in Quebec: The 2026 Guide
Medical weight loss is not a diet program. It is a structured clinical process combining evaluation, individualized treatment, and long-term monitoring.
What medical weight loss actually is
Medical weight loss is the application of obesity medicine — a recognized clinical discipline — to a single patient's biology, history, and goals. It starts from the premise that obesity is a chronic, relapsing metabolic condition, not a personal failing, and treats it with the same rigour as hypertension or type 2 diabetes.
At CurAge Santé, that means a 45-minute initial consultation, a directed physical exam, a targeted blood panel (fasting glucose, HbA1c, lipid panel, TSH, liver enzymes, kidney function, sometimes fasting insulin and sex hormones), and a written treatment plan discussed and adjusted with you.
Who is a candidate
Adults with a BMI ≥ 30, or ≥ 27 with an associated metabolic condition (prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, hypertension, obstructive sleep apnea, PCOS, NAFLD), are candidates for pharmacologic support. Patients with lower BMI but significant central adiposity, insulin resistance, or a family history of cardiometabolic disease may also benefit — evaluation matters more than a single number.
Contraindications are specific and limited: personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or MEN-2, active pancreatitis, pregnancy or active plans to conceive within 2 months, and specific severe GI disorders. Everything else is a risk-benefit conversation.
What treatment looks like
A modern plan usually combines: (1) nutrition strategy focused on protein adequacy and glycemic control rather than short-term calorie counting, (2) resistance and aerobic activity dosed to your baseline, (3) sleep and stress interventions, and (4) when indicated, GLP-1 or dual-incretin therapy such as semaglutide or tirzepatide.
Follow-ups occur every 4 weeks during titration, then every 8–12 weeks once you reach a stable dose. Blood work is repeated at 3–6 months. Progress is tracked with weight trend, waist circumference, energy, cravings, and lab markers — not the scale alone.
Realistic outcomes
Contemporary phase-3 trials show mean weight loss of 15% with semaglutide 2.4 mg and 20–22% with tirzepatide 15 mg over 68–72 weeks — comparable to some bariatric procedures. Real-world results vary: about 15% of patients are non- or low-responders and benefit from switching, adding, or investigating other drivers.
Weight regain is common if therapy stops abruptly. The current consensus treats GLP-1 therapy as chronic, similar to blood pressure medication — you and your clinician decide together when and how to taper based on cardiometabolic risk and durability.
Your next step
Ready to take the next step? Book a weight management initial consultation at CurAge Santé, or explore all options on our Weight Management services page.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a family doctor referral to start medical weight loss at CurAge Santé?+
No. Book the initial consultation directly. We coordinate with your family doctor only if you wish.
Is medical weight loss covered by RAMQ?+
Private consultations at CurAge Santé are not covered by RAMQ. GLP-1 medications may be partially covered by private insurance depending on your plan and indication.
How quickly will I see results?+
Most patients see 3–5% weight loss by week 8 and reach maximal effect between month 9 and month 15 of treatment.