Medical Weight Loss Program in Richmond, BC
A structured, physician-supervised approach to weight management, not a quick fix
Our medical weight loss program in Richmond, BC starts with a physician assessment and blood work, then builds an individualized plan around nutrition, physical activity and lifestyle support, with scheduled follow-up visits. Prescription medication may be considered where clinically appropriate. Results vary, and no specific weight loss is guaranteed.
- Physician
- Assessment and oversight
- Blood work
- Reviewed as part of your plan
- Whole-person
- Nutrition, activity and lifestyle support
- Physician
- Assessment and oversight
- Blood work
- Reviewed as part of your plan
- Whole-person
- Nutrition, activity and lifestyle support
Why Choose a Medical Weight Management Program?
Weight is influenced by many factors, including metabolism, hormones, sleep, stress, medications and habits. A medical program begins by looking at your whole health, rather than just the number on the scale.
This is a medical program, not a supplement or a quick fix. Decisions are made by your physician based on your individual picture, which may include BMI, waist measurement, blood work and personal health history. Prescription medication may be considered where clinically appropriate, as one part of a broader plan and only after discussing benefits, risks and alternatives.
Physician Assessment
Dr. Charles Jiang reviews your history, medications and blood work first, so your plan reflects your health and goals.
Follow-up and Accountability
Scheduled follow-up visits let your medical team review your progress, how you are feeling and any concerns, and adjust the plan.
Nutrition and Lifestyle Support
Practical guidance on eating patterns, physical activity, sleep and stress helps you build habits you can maintain.
The Parts of Your Weight Management Plan
Your plan is built from several parts, chosen with your physician according to your health, preferences and goals. Not every part is right for everyone.
Physician Assessment
A review of your medical history, previous weight loss attempts, current medications and lifestyle.
Blood Work
Lab tests such as blood sugar, cholesterol, kidney, liver and thyroid markers help identify health issues that affect weight or influence treatment choices.
Nutrition and Activity Guidance
Practical, individualized recommendations on eating patterns, protein intake and physical activity.
Medication, Where Appropriate
Prescription medication may be considered where clinically appropriate. It is never the only part of the plan, it is not suitable for everyone, and its benefits, risks and side effects are discussed with you in person.
Who May Benefit from This Program
Every person starts with a medical assessment. Your physician decides whether this program is appropriate for you and which parts of it make sense.
The program may be appropriate if:
- +You have a weight-related health concern, such as high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol or prediabetes, or a BMI that your physician considers a health risk
- +You have tried diet and exercise on your own and want structured medical support
- +You can commit to follow-up visits, nutrition changes and physical activity
- +Your physician identifies no medical reason to avoid parts of the program
- +You want gradual, sustainable health improvement rather than rapid short-term weight loss
The program, or parts of it, may not be appropriate if you:
- –Are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding
- –Have a current or recent eating disorder
- –Have certain medical conditions identified at your assessment that make some options unsuitable
- –Are seeking weight loss for cosmetic reasons without a health indication
Physician-Led Care from Start to Finish
Your care is directed by a physician, not a coach or an online questionnaire.
Dr. Charles Jiang, Medical Director
Dr. Jiang reviews your assessment and blood work, discusses options with you and oversees your plan.
Individualized Plan
There is no one-size-fits-all program. Your plan reflects your health, preferences, schedule and goals, and is reviewed as you progress.
Monitoring Beyond the Scale
We pay attention to how you are feeling, your energy, sleep, blood work and overall health, not just your weight.
Mandarin and Cantonese Services
Our medical team communicates in English, Mandarin and Cantonese. Results and plans are explained in the language you are most comfortable with.
Beyond the Scale
Weight management is about overall health. Medical research links healthy weight changes with improvements in several areas, though individual outcomes vary.
Metabolic Health
Blood sugar and insulin sensitivity, which are monitored through blood work.
Heart Health
Blood pressure and cholesterol, which are often reviewed alongside weight.
Joints and Mobility
Carrying less weight can ease strain on the joints for some people.
Sleep and Energy
Weight, sleep quality and daily energy are linked, and sleep apnea is considered where relevant.
Mood and Wellbeing
Sustainable, gradual change supports confidence and mood. Psychological support can be discussed where it would help.
Your Medical Weight Management Journey
The program is structured so each stage builds on the last. It takes consistent follow-through and is not a standalone solution.
Step 1: Initial Medical Assessment
Review of your medical history, previous weight loss attempts, current medications, eating patterns and lifestyle
Measurements such as weight, BMI and waist circumference
Blood work
A discussion with Dr. Jiang of your results, what approach makes sense for you and what outcomes are realistic
Informed discussion of expected benefits, possible side effects and the importance of lifestyle changes
Step 2: Building Your Plan
Set Goals Together
Realistic, health-focused goals are agreed with your physician, with attention to sustainability.
Nutrition Support
Practical, personalized guidance on eating patterns, protein intake and blood sugar stability.
Physical Activity and Habits
Suggestions on activity, sleep and stress that fit your life.
Medication Where Appropriate
If your physician considers prescription medication appropriate, benefits, risks, side effects and alternatives are discussed first, and your response is monitored.
Step 3: Follow-up and Maintenance
Follow-up visits scheduled by your physician to review progress, how you are feeling and any concerns
Follow-up blood work as your physician recommends
Planning for long-term maintenance, so that healthy habits continue after the active phase
**Individual results vary significantly and no specific weight loss is guaranteed. Progress depends on many factors, including health, nutrition, activity and following the plan. Any prescription medication carries risks and is not suitable for everyone.
Medical Weight Loss FAQ
What does your medical weight loss program in Richmond, BC include?+
The program starts with a physician assessment and blood work, then builds an individualized plan with nutrition and lifestyle support and scheduled follow-up visits. Prescription medication may be considered where clinically appropriate. The program is led by Dr. Charles Jiang at our Richmond, BC clinic, and serves patients from across Vancouver.
How much weight can I expect to lose?+
It depends on your starting point, your health, the plan you agree with Dr. Jiang and how well it fits your life. We do not quote targets or promise a specific result. At your first visit your physician reviews your history and blood work and sets realistic expectations, which are revisited at every follow-up.
Is prescription medication part of the program?+
It can be, where your physician decides it is clinically appropriate after assessment. It is never the only part of the plan and is not suitable for everyone. Benefits, risks, side effects and alternatives are discussed in person at your consultation, and not online.
Who is a candidate for the program?+
People who want structured, physician-supervised support with weight, often with a weight-related health concern, and who can commit to follow-up. It may not be suitable if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a current eating disorder, or have certain medical conditions. Your physician decides after an assessment.
What blood work is involved?+
Tests commonly include blood sugar, cholesterol, kidney, liver and thyroid markers, chosen by your physician according to your history. The results help identify health issues that affect weight and guide which options are appropriate. Follow-up testing is arranged as needed.
Will the weight come back after the program ends?+
Weight regain is common after any weight loss approach, which is why the program emphasizes habits you can keep and a maintenance plan. If medication is used, your physician discusses what happens when it is stopped. We talk honestly about this at each stage.
Is the program covered by insurance, and what does it cost?+
BC MSP does not cover private weight management programs. Some extended health plans may cover parts of the care, such as consultations or lab tests, and coverage for any prescription varies by plan. We explain costs at your consultation and provide documentation for your insurer. Please check your plan in advance.
Where is the clinic, and which languages do you offer?+
We are at Unit 110, 5580 No. 3 Road, Richmond, BC, about a 3-minute walk from Lansdowne Station on the Canada Line (building parking via Ackroyd Road). Consultations are available in English, Mandarin and Cantonese, daily from 9:00 to 18:00.
How often are follow-up visits?+
Your physician sets the schedule according to your plan and needs. Visits are used to review progress, how you are feeling, nutrition, activity and any concerns, and to arrange blood work when needed.
Should I involve my family doctor?+
Yes, we encourage it. Your family doctor knows your long-term history and can help coordinate care, particularly if you have conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure or heart disease.
How is a medical program different from dieting on my own?+
A medical program adds a physician assessment, blood work, ongoing monitoring and, where appropriate, additional medical options. It does not remove the need for nutrition and lifestyle changes, which remain the foundation.
Physician-Supervised Weight Management in Richmond, BC
Medical weight management is not a quick fix. It is a structured, physician-led program combining assessment, blood work, nutrition and lifestyle support, with prescription medication considered where clinically appropriate. Speak with Dr. Jiang to find out if it is right for you. Consultations are available in English, Mandarin and Cantonese.
