Managing your obesity

Managing your obesity: Understand your options

Obesity is a complex, chronic disease, and managing it effectively requires a personalized, evidence-based approach. There is no one-size-fits-all solution, but research supports three key pillars of obesity management: behavioural, pharmacological, and surgical interventions.

Explore your options and work with your healthcare provider to determine the best approach for your needs.

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Behavioural and psychological interventions for obesity management

Behavioural and psychological interventions focus on sustainable lifestyle changes that improve overall health, function, and quality of life—not just weight loss. The most effective approaches often include:

  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): Helps address emotional eating, self-stigma, and behaviours that impact health.
  • Medical Nutrition Therapy: A personalized approach to nutrition that prioritizes sustainable eating patterns over restrictive dieting.
  • Physical Activity: Regular movement supports metabolic health, reduces stress, and improves energy levels—regardless of weight changes.

Behavioural and psychological support can make a big difference—especially when combined with medication. These approaches help you stay on track with your treatment plan, making it easier to follow nutrition guidance and build physical activity into your routine in a way that works for you.

Work with a healthcare provider to find strategies that align with your needs and goals.

 

Pharmacological treatments: Prescription obesity medications in Canada

For some, obesity medications can be an essential part of a comprehensive management plan. In Canada, several Health Canada-approved medications can help manage obesity by regulating appetite, metabolism, and cravings. These medications are often combined with behavioural interventions for long-term success and to support taking these medications regularly.

Approved obesity medications in Canada

There are currently four prescription medications approved for long-term obesity management in Canada:

  • Semaglutide (Wegovy®) – GLP-1 is a hormone that is made naturally in our bodies. Wegovy® is a GLP-1 therapy that acts on specific neurons in the brain to help you feel more satisfied, reduce hunger, and control cravings. Wegovy® comes in a once-weekly injection.
  • Liraglutide (Saxenda®) – A daily GLP-1 injection that is thought to help patients lose weight by decreasing appetite and the amount you eat.
  • Naltrexone/Bupropion (Contrave®) – A combination pill that affects brain pathways related to hunger and cravings.  Contrave® combines naltrexone, a medication commonly used to manage alcohol and opioid dependency, and bupropion, an antidepressant that’s also prescribed for smoking cessation.
  • Orlistat (Xenical®) – When taken with meals, Xenical® blocks certain enzymes that help break down fat, reducing the amount of fat your body absorbs from food. This leads to fewer calories being processed, which can support weight loss. Unlike other obesity medications, Xenical® does not affect appetite. 

These medications can help with improving obesity related health conditions, such as diabetes, cardiovascular health and high cholesterol, as examples. It is important to note that the benefits of obesity medications on specific obesity-related health conditions are specific to each medication and should be discussed with a prescriber.

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Who can benefit from prescription weight management medications?

Prescription medications may be an option for individuals who:
✔ Have a BMI of 30+ or BMI of 27+ with obesity-related health conditions.
✔ Have struggled with behavioural interventions alone.
✔ Need additional support to manage cravings, hunger, and metabolic factors.

Are obesity medications covered by insurance in Canada?

Fewer than 20% of private drug plans in Canada currently cover obesity medications. Coverage varies by province, employer benefits, and private insurance plans. If coverage is limited, your healthcare provider may help you explore options.

Learn more about prescription obesity and weight management medications in Canada by speaking with your healthcare provider to determine the right approach for you.

Surgical options for obesity treatment & management

For individuals with severe obesity or obesity with serious health problems, metabolic and bariatric surgery can be a highly effective treatment. Surgery is typically considered when:

  • Behavioural and medications for obesity have not led to sufficient health improvements or are not accessible.
  • Individuals cannot tolerate obesity medications.
  • BMI is 40+ or 35+ with obesity-related conditions (e.g., diabetes, sleep apnea).
  • The individual is prepared for lifelong lifestyle, behavioural and nutrition changes.
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Common metabolic and bariatric surgery procedures in Canada

  • Gastric bypass: Reduces stomach size and reroutes digestion to promote significant weight loss and improve conditions like type 2 diabetes.
  • Sleeve gastrectomy: Removes a portion of the stomach, limiting food intake and affecting hunger hormones.
  • Duodenal switch: A more extensive procedure that alters digestion to limit calorie absorption.
Bariatric surgery is not a quick fix—it requires long-term follow-up, medical monitoring, behavioural changes, and nutrition support. Surgical treatment availability and wait times can vary by province.  Talk to your healthcare provider to see if surgery is right for you.

Find the right obesity management plan for you

Obesity is a chronic disease that requires personalized, long-term care. Whether through behavioural, pharmacological, or surgical approaches, the goal is better health—not just weight loss.

Speak with your healthcare provider to explore your options and find a treatment plan that supports your well-being.

FAQs

What can I do if my extended health insurance or benefits provider does not cover prescription obesity medications or other supports recommended by my doctor?

Behavioural and surgical treatments can still be considered if medication access is a barrier. However, if a medication, service or other health support prescribed by your healthcare provider is not covered by your insurance plan (either in whole or in part), follow these steps:

1. Consult your benefits handbook, your provider’s or employer’s benefits website, or consult your human resources department to confirm whether it is covered.

2. Check to see if it is covered by your partner’s health insurance, if applicable. There may be opportunities for co-payments.

If the treatment is not covered, don’t take ‘no’ for an answer from your plan, or your partner’s. Sometimes, exceptions can be made. Ask why your treatment is not covered.

Contact your/your partner’s benefits administrator or human resources department, or call the relevant insurance company directly.

If the answer is no because the treatment is not on the approved list of medications/services, ask:

  1. What is the formal exception process?
  2. Is there a specific form I need to complete to find out if an exception can be made?
  3. Do I need some supporting documents for this exception to be made?

3. Seek an exception
Work with your healthcare team to establish a case for why you may benefit from this treatment. Ask them to put it in writing, and to include details about why they are prescribing the specific treatment in question (compared with alternatives). Explain to them in writing how your condition affects your quality of life, workplace experience, relationships and other impacts. Meet with them in person to ensure they understand your and your health providers’ point of view. You may need to educate or provide information about obesity to your human resources team.

  1. Provide this information to your employer and ask that they direct their benefits provider to cover the cost of the treatment.
  2. Pharmacists may be able to provide support for why you may benefit from a certain treatment.
  3. Vendors of medical equipment and devices may be able to provide support.

NOTE: Some health care providers will charge a fee to complete or sign the forms.

If your private health plan has denied coverage for obesity treatment, you can submit a request for reconsideration. Obesity Canada has created a template letter to help you make a strong, evidence-based case for coverage to support your appeal with clear, research-backed arguments.