At FOLX, weight management care is individualized, evidence-based, and grounded in respect for each patient’s goals and lived experience. Our clinicians focus on improving overall health and wellbeing, which may include discussions about lifestyle factors, labs, and when appropriate, medications.
We follow established medical guidelines while also incorporating principles from Health at Every Size to ensure care is supportive, non-stigmatizing, and patient-led.
When do we prescribe weight management medications?
At FOLX we consider medications for weight management when they are medically appropriate, safe for the member, and desired by the member. We also follow Obesity Medicine Association guidelines to prescribe medications safely. Criteria for prescriptions would be:
- BMI ≥ 30, or
- BMI ≥ 27 with at least one weight-related condition, such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, prediabetes or type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, NAFLD, osteoarthritis, PCOS, GERD, etc.
What medications can we prescribe for weight loss?
- GLP-1/GIP agonists (semaglutide, tirzepatide)
- Naltrexone/bupropion (Contrave)
What labs might we order for weight loss?
- Identify secondary causes of weight change when indicated
- Establish baseline cardiometabolic risk
- Support safe prescribing and monitoring
- Screen for conditions that may change the plan (prediabetes, hypothyroid, liver disease, kidney disease, nutrient deficiencies)
- These labs usually include lipid panel, metabolic panel, diabetes screening, thyroid screening.
How do we incorporate Health at Every Size?
We incorporate HAES by centering health, function, access, and autonomy rather than treating weight or BMI as a moral goal. Some examples of how we do this.
- Patient-led goals: We ask what outcomes matter most (energy, labs, stamina, PCOS symptoms, pain, sleep, blood pressure, relationship with food, gender dysphoria comfort, etc.)
- Weight-neutral language: We avoid shaming, “ideal weight,” or moralizing food. We use terms like “improving metabolic health,” “appetite regulation,” and “supporting body trust.” We only ask for your weight when necessary for insurance purposes.
- Multiple valid paths: Some patients want weight loss; others want symptom relief or metabolic improvement without focusing on the scale. We support either.
- Behavior-first care: We emphasize sustainable nutrition patterns, enjoyable movement, sleep, stress support, and treatment of trauma, ADHD, depression, or dysautonomia that can affect eating and energy.
- Respect for size diversity: We acknowledge that body size is influenced by genetics, hormones, medications, environment, stress, trauma, and socioeconomic factors.
- Minimize harm: We screen for and avoid triggering disordered eating, discourage extreme restriction, and prioritize long-term safety.
- Medication as a tool, not a mandate: If a patient wants medication, we frame it as one option that can reduce biological drive (hunger, cravings) and support health goals. If they don’t, we still provide high-quality care.
To discuss how we can best support you, schedule a Weight Management visit with one of our clinicians.
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