Authored by: Dr. Juan Chavez, MD and Dr. Lucia Mireles-Chavez, MD
A prescription weight loss appointment at Optimal Medical Group in Fresno, CA is a structured, physician-led visit where board-certified obesity specialists evaluate health, body composition, and lifestyle to design a safe, personalized weight loss plan. During this first visit, patients review their medical history, undergo advanced testing, and discuss prescription weight loss medications that can help them lose weight and keep it off. The goal is sustainable weight loss, not quick fixes.
In one 12-week OMGLean program, the care team combines weight loss medication, nutrition guidance, and coaching to support long-term weight management. Patients can expect a DEXA scan, lab tests, and an in-depth conversation about their weight loss journey, including stress management, hormones, and daily habits. These steps help determine eligibility, address obesity and weight management risks, and create a treatment plan that fits real life.
Important Medical Disclaimer:
Before starting any weight loss medication or program, schedule a consultation with a qualified healthcare provider. Prescription weight loss medications should only be used under the supervision of a licensed physician experienced in obesity medicine or medical weight loss. These medications are not appropriate for everyone and carry potential risks and side effects. Individual results may vary, and success depends on combining medication with lifestyle modifications including diet and exercise. This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Never start, stop, or change any medication without direct guidance from your healthcare provider.
Before the first prescription weight loss visit at Optimal Medical Group, patients should know this is a medical evaluation, not a quick diet pitch or a one-size-fits-all program.
At Optimal Medical Group, a good candidate is someone who struggles to lose weight even though reasonable efforts with diet and exercise. Many patients arrive feeling frustrated after trying multiple programs or fad diets that didn't deliver sustainable weight loss.
Providers often look at body mass index (BMI), but they don't rely on BMI alone. They pay attention to body composition, extra pounds around the abdomen, and obesity-related health risks such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or abnormal blood sugar. People who are overweight or living with obesity, and who want physician-led support, are typical candidates.
A person may also qualify if they have a personal or family history of obesity, heart disease, diabetes, or other metabolic issues. The team considers how weight is affecting daily life, energy, sleep, joint pain, and emotional health. Goals can range from losing 5 pounds to over 200 pounds. The focus is matching the treatment plan to the individual's health history and risk profile.
Preparation can make a first prescription weight loss appointment much more productive. Patients are encouraged to gather medical records, including recent lab tests, medication lists, and any prior notes about obesity and weight management. Bringing information about other medications, such as those for blood pressure, mood, or hormones, helps the providers avoid interactions.
It also helps to write down details about current diet, exercise, and stress levels. Many people underestimate how much stress, sleep disruption, or anxiety affect appetite and hunger. Simple notes on what they usually eat, when they tend to snack, and how often they move their body give the team a realistic picture.
Before the first in-person visit, Optimal Medical Group offers a free phone consultation to discuss fit for the program and answer initial questions. Patients can use this time to ask about cost, insurance considerations, the 12-week timeline, and what kind of support to expect. Coming in with clear weight loss goals, such as improving health markers or fitting into certain clothes, helps the team personalize the plan from day one.
On arrival at Optimal Medical Group in Fresno, patients enter a calm, professional setting designed for privacy and respect throughout their wellness journey.
At check-in, patients complete or update medical forms that cover health history, previous attempts to lose weight, and current concerns. The staff understands that discussing weight can feel vulnerable, so they move at a comfortable pace and explain each step.
Privacy is a clear priority. Details about weight, lab results, medications, and personal struggles are handled confidentially by the team. Patients meet with staff in private rooms, not public spaces, to review sensitive information such as mental health history, family history of obesity, or previous weight loss medications.
This first part of the visit sets the tone for an open partnership. Patients can share honestly about emotional eating, food triggers, or fears about side effects without judgment. The care team wants the full picture, because emotional health, stress, and past experiences all shape the most effective treatment plan.
After check-in, the team collects baseline measurements. Unlike a standard office scale visit, Optimal Medical Group uses a DEXA body composition scan to measure lean mass, fat mass, and bone density. This helps target fat loss while preserving muscle, which is crucial for metabolism and long-term results.
Patients usually have vital signs taken and may undergo a physical exam to screen for issues like heart or lung problems. Metabolic lab tests, including blood sugar and cholesterol, give insight into diabetes risk and other obesity-related conditions. Additional lab tests may evaluate hormones or other markers, depending on medical history.
Some patients may also complete genetic testing that can explain why they gain weight easily or struggle with certain foods. Together, these tests form a detailed baseline, so progress over the 12-week program is clear, not guesswork. Patients leave this part of the visit understanding their starting point, not just their scale weight.
Using all the information gathered, Optimal Medical Group designs a personalized, 12-week prescription weight loss program called OMGLean, tailored to the patient's health and goals.
Obesity board-certified physicians at Optimal Medical Group may recommend approved weight loss medications as one component of the plan. These drugs can work by helping manage hunger, lowering appetite, or reducing how much fat the body absorbs from food. Some are daily pills, while others may be periodic injections.
The provider may discuss modern categories of medications when appropriate. These drugs can help regulate blood sugar and appetite, though not every patient needs or qualifies for them. Medication choices vary depending on health history, body weight, and other medications being used.
Patients are encouraged to ask how each option works, what kind of weight loss to expect, and how long they might stay on a particular prescription.
Safety is a central concern during this first appointment. The physician walks through dosing schedules, how to start slowly, and when dose changes might occur. They explain how the body may respond as hormones shift and appetite changes during treatment.
Common potential side effects are addressed openly. Patients learn what to watch for, such as nausea, constipation, abdominal pain, or rare symptoms like heart racing. They also review warning signs that require a prompt call to the office. By addressing these questions ahead of time, patients feel more confident starting medication.
Because medications interact in complex ways, the physicians carefully check all other prescriptions and supplements. Lab tests and follow-up visits help ensure that blood sugar, liver function, and other markers stay within a safe range. If side effects appear, the team can adjust dosing or change the medication entirely.
At Optimal Medical Group, medication is just one pillar of the program. The care team, including health coaches and registered dietitians, builds a practical nutrition and activity plan around the patient's real life. They don't demand a perfect diet: instead, they help patients learn how, what, and when to eat to support weight loss.
Patients receive guidance on balancing protein, healthy fats, and fiber to manage hunger and stabilize blood sugar. Coaches can suggest simple meal ideas that fit cultural preferences and time constraints. They also help identify triggers, such as late-night snacking or stress eating, and develop realistic alternatives.
Activity recommendations are personalized, respecting current fitness and medical limits. For some, that might mean short walks and stretching: for others, a structured exercise plan. Weekly check-ins and mindset coaching focus on breaking cycles of yo-yo dieting and building habits that feel sustainable. Over the 12 weeks, these behavior changes become as important as the prescription itself.
The first prescription weight loss appointment is only the beginning: ongoing monitoring and support help patients maintain momentum and adjust as their bodies change.
During the 12-week OMGLean program, patients are typically seen regularly for follow-up visits. These include check-ins with nutrition and coaching staff, as well as repeat measurements, such as DEXA scans, to track changes in fat and muscle.
Frequent contact allows the team to respond quickly if weight loss slows, if hunger returns, or if side effects appear. Each visit is an opportunity to reassess goals, review food logs or patterns, and celebrate progress. This consistent support can make the difference between another short-term diet and lasting change.
As patients lose weight, their needs often change. The physicians may adjust medication doses, switch to different weight loss drugs, or plan a gradual taper depending on progress and side effects. Treatment plans vary depending on how each body responds.
Lifestyle strategies also evolve. As energy improves and body weight decreases, some patients can safely increase exercise. Others may need additional stress management strategies if life events disrupt routines. The team watches for plateaus and helps troubleshoot, rather than blaming willpower.
The long-term aim is sustainable weight management. By the end of the program, patients understand their personal triggers, strengths, and strategies. Many continue periodic check-ins to help maintain a healthier weight and preserve the gains achieved during the initial 12 weeks.
Patients are encouraged to contact Optimal Medical Group between scheduled visits if something feels off. Worrisome symptoms like severe abdominal pain, persistent nausea, or rapid heart racing should prompt a call to the office.
Questions about medications, unexpected mood changes, or difficulty following the nutrition or exercise plan are also good reasons to reach out. The care team would rather adjust the program early than let a problem derail progress. Staying in touch keeps patients safer and more supported throughout their weight loss journey.
Your first prescription weight loss appointment includes a full medical evaluation, DEXA body composition scan, vital signs, labs, and a detailed discussion of your history, goals, and lifestyle. You’ll review medication options, nutrition, activity, and coaching, then leave with a personalized 12-week weight loss management plan.
You may be a good candidate if you’ve struggled to lose weight with diet and exercise alone, have overweight or obesity, or face risks like diabetes, high blood pressure, or abnormal cholesterol. The team also considers family history, stress, hormones, sleep, joint pain, and your daily function.
The OMGLean prescription weight loss program costs $3,000 for 12 weeks. It includes 90 days of approved prescription weight loss medication (when appropriate), DEXA scans, labs, genetic testing as needed, weekly coaching, nutrition and fitness guidance, and 12 weeks of lipotropic injections, plus ongoing monitoring and medication adjustments.
Yes. At Optimal Medical Group, board-certified obesity physicians review your medical history, labs, and current prescriptions before recommending any drug. They start with careful dosing, monitor for side effects, adjust or change medications if needed, and track labs and body composition to protect your health while you lose weight.
A prescription weight loss first appointment at Optimal Medical Group in Fresno is far more than a quick weigh-in and a prescription pad. It is an in-depth, respectful assessment that looks at medical history, body composition, lab tests, and daily life to create a treatment plan that truly fits the person.
With obesity board-certified physicians, advanced testing tools, and a structured 12-week OMGLean program, patients gain access to evidence-based medications, nutrition guidance, and ongoing coaching. The goal is not just to lose weight, but to support better health, stronger metabolism, and habits that last.
For anyone in Fresno, CA who is tired of temporary diets and ready for physician-led support, scheduling a prescription weight loss appointment at Optimal Medical Group can be the first decisive step toward a healthier, more confident life.
Cover Image Credit: / 123RF.com (Licensed). Photo Illustration by: The Optimal Medical Group.
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