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Mayo Clinic Launches Weight Loss Prescription Program
Mayo Clinic is establishing the Mayo Clinic Diet Medical Weight Loss Rx Program to help patients on weight loss drugs manage symptoms and enforce other lifestyle changes.
On January 16, 2024, the Mayo Clinic Diet, a weight loss program developed and approved by the Mayo Clinic, announced the beta launch of the Mayo Clinic Diet Medical Weight Loss Rx Program. The growing focus on weight loss medications has prompted the organization to launch a platform that manages weight loss in patients taking these medications.
The platform combines weight loss medication management with lifestyle changes, such as dietary and exercise habits, to help obese and overweight patients achieve adequate and sustainable weight loss.
According to the press release, the program combines a digital platform, expertise from the Mayo Clinic Diet team, and insight from board-certified providers from the Amwell Medical group.
"With this new program, Mayo Clinic Diet is now offering a complete clinical weight management solution," said Andres J. Acosta, MD, PhD, Medical Advisor to Mayo Clinic Diet, specializing in obesity research, in the press release. “It provides valuable clinical support to ensure that patients use weight loss medications effectively so they have every opportunity for weight loss success.”
More specifically, the platform offers one-on-one video visits with the Amwell clinicians, who can prescribe or refill weight loss medications, including glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists like semaglutide, when necessary.
Before prescribing medications, clinicians can request lab tests to determine whether a patient is a good candidate and assist patients in getting insurance approval for these drugs.
After prescribing medications, they can also monitor and manage the prescription through patient–provider interactions and a 24-week support program for those taking weight loss drugs.
Beyond medications, the platform offers a guide to weight loss medications, six different meal plans, tracking tools for meals, exercise, body measurements, and body weight, and educational content from the Mayo Clinic.
"Mayo Clinic Diet now offers three specially curated programs," said Acosta. "Our flagship award-winning online diet program, an Rx companion program for those members currently using weight loss medication, and the Medical Weight Loss Rx program launching today for new members looking for weight loss medication options."
