Medical Weight Managementwith Dr. Jiang
Structured, physician-supervised weight management — not a quick fix, a sustainable medical program
Obesity is a complex metabolic condition, not a willpower problem. At RAAC Richmond, Dr. Charles Jiang (CPSBC Medical Director) prescribes evidence-based GLP-1 receptor agonist therapy — including Health Canada licensed semaglutide (Ozempic® / Wegovy®) and liraglutide (Saxenda®) — combined with nutritional guidance, exercise planning, and regular blood-work monitoring. Treatment is individualized; results vary and depend on adherence to the full program.
Why Medical Weight Management
Fad diets and over-the-counter supplements do not address the underlying hormonal and metabolic drivers of weight gain. RAAC's program uses Health Canada licensed medications, registered dietitian guidance, and ongoing physician monitoring — addressing root causes rather than symptoms. All medication is prescribed only after a thorough medical assessment including bloodwork.
This is a physician-prescribed medical program, not a wellness supplement. Every treatment decision is made by Dr. Jiang based on your individual clinical picture — BMI, metabolic bloodwork (HbA1c, fasting glucose, lipid panel, kidney and liver function), and personal health history. Medication is one component of a broader lifestyle medicine approach.
Health Canada Licensed Medications
GLP-1 receptor agonist therapy (semaglutide / liraglutide) prescribed only after physician evaluation and baseline bloodwork. Sourced exclusively from licensed Canadian pharmacies.
Physician Supervision Throughout
Dr. Charles Jiang (CPSBC) monitors progress, adjusts dosing, and reviews lab values at every stage. Regular check-ins — typically biweekly during titration, monthly during maintenance.
Integrated Lifestyle Support
Nutritional counseling, evidence-based exercise guidance, and behavioral coaching work alongside medication to build sustainable habits that support long-term weight maintenance.
GLP-1 Receptor Agonist Therapy
GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) is a naturally occurring gut hormone that regulates appetite, gastric emptying, and insulin secretion. GLP-1 receptor agonists — including semaglutide (Ozempic® / Wegovy®) and liraglutide (Saxenda®) — mimic this hormone, helping reduce caloric intake and improve metabolic markers. These medications require a physician prescription and are not appropriate for everyone.
Appetite and Satiety Regulation
Acts on brain appetite centers to reduce hunger signals and increase post-meal satiety, supporting reduced caloric intake without extreme dietary restriction.
Blood Glucose Stabilization
Stimulates glucose-dependent insulin release and slows gastric emptying, helping stabilize post-meal blood sugar levels — particularly relevant for patients with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes.
Metabolic and Body Composition Benefits
Clinical trials show reductions in total body weight and visceral fat. When combined with adequate protein intake and exercise, lean muscle preservation is a treatment goal.
Cardiovascular Risk Reduction
Large randomized controlled trials (SELECT, LEADER) demonstrate meaningful reductions in major cardiovascular events in high-risk patients on semaglutide and liraglutide. These benefits are in addition to weight loss.
Who Qualifies for This Program
Every candidate undergoes a thorough medical evaluation and baseline bloodwork before any prescription is issued. Dr. Jiang will discuss whether this program is appropriate for your specific situation.
You may be a suitable candidate if you have:
- +BMI ≥30, or BMI ≥27 with a weight-related comorbidity (e.g., hypertension, dyslipidemia, type 2 diabetes, or prediabetes)
- +Tried structured diet and exercise programs without achieving or maintaining clinically meaningful weight loss
- +Motivation and capacity to commit to the full program — medication, dietary changes, exercise, and follow-up appointments
- +No medical contraindications identified at the initial physician assessment
- +Realistic expectations: the goal is gradual, sustained health improvement — typically 5–10% body weight reduction at 6 months and up to 12–15% at 12 months on semaglutide (individual results vary)
This program is not appropriate for patients with:
- –Current or planned pregnancy, or breastfeeding
- –Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia type 2 (MEN2)
- –History of acute pancreatitis, or active severe gastrointestinal disease
- –Type 1 diabetes, or end-stage renal disease
- –Active or recent history of an eating disorder — this program is not designed for cosmetic weight loss in patients without a medical indication
Physician-Led Care from Start to Finish
This is physician-prescribed medical therapy with full clinical accountability — not a supplement program or a quick-fix injection service.
Dr. Charles Jiang — CPSBC Prescriber
Medical weight loss requires a licensed physician prescriber, not a wellness coach or online clinic. Dr. Jiang (CPSBC Medical Director, RAAC) conducts your initial assessment, interprets your bloodwork, writes your prescription, and manages your ongoing care — accountable to the full standards of British Columbia medicine.
Safe Dose Titration Protocol
GLP-1 medications are started at the lowest effective dose and increased gradually based on your tolerance and lab results. This measured approach substantially reduces the risk of nausea, vomiting, and other GI side effects compared to aggressive dosing. Your comfort and safety take priority over speed.
Ongoing Bloodwork and Monitoring
Baseline and follow-up labs (HbA1c, fasting glucose, lipid panel, kidney function, liver enzymes, thyroid panel) are reviewed at each stage. We monitor for both therapeutic response and early warning signs — not just the number on the scale.
Mandarin and Cantonese Services
Dr. Jiang and the RAAC team communicate in English, Mandarin, and Cantonese. Lab results and treatment plans are explained clearly in the language you are most comfortable with — important for understanding a complex medical program.
Beyond the Scale
Clinically meaningful weight loss (even 5–10% of body weight) produces measurable improvements across multiple organ systems. The following are established benefits documented in medical literature — individual outcomes vary.
Metabolic Health
Improved insulin sensitivity, reduced HbA1c in patients with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes, and meaningful reduction in the risk of metabolic syndrome progression.
Cardiovascular Health
Reductions in blood pressure, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides. GLP-1 receptor agonists have demonstrated cardiovascular event reduction in high-risk patients in landmark clinical trials.
Joint and Musculoskeletal Health
Every kilogram of weight lost reduces knee joint load by approximately four kilograms. Patients commonly report reduced joint pain and improved mobility with 5–10% body weight reduction.
Sleep and Energy
Weight loss is associated with improvement in obstructive sleep apnea severity, daytime energy levels, and overall quality of life in clinical studies.
Mental and Emotional Wellbeing
Sustainable weight management — not rapid loss — is associated with improved mood, self-efficacy, and body image. Psychological support is part of the RAAC program for patients who need it.
Your Medical Weight Management Journey
This is a structured medical program requiring consistent follow-through. The medication works in the context of a broader lifestyle commitment — it is not a standalone solution.
Phase 1 — Initial Medical Assessment
Comprehensive medical history review: prior weight loss attempts, current medications, family history (including thyroid cancer and MEN2), eating patterns, and lifestyle factors
BMI calculation, waist circumference, and body composition assessment
Baseline bloodwork: fasting glucose, HbA1c, full lipid panel, kidney function (eGFR, creatinine), liver enzymes (AST, ALT), thyroid function (TSH), and CBC
Dr. Jiang reviews all results and discusses whether you are a suitable candidate, which medication is appropriate, and what outcomes are realistic for your clinical profile
Informed consent discussion covering expected benefits, common side effects, contraindications, and the importance of lifestyle adherence alongside medication
Phase 2 — Treatment and Titration
Medication Initiation at Low Dose
Treatment begins at the lowest approved starting dose (e.g., semaglutide 0.25 mg weekly subcutaneous injection). Dr. Jiang or a nurse demonstrates proper injection technique — most patients find the pen-injector straightforward and well tolerated.
Dietitian-Guided Nutrition Plan
A registered dietitian develops a balanced, calorie-appropriate eating plan that accounts for your cultural food preferences — including Chinese dietary patterns. The goal is sustainable modification, not extreme restriction.
Gradual Dose Escalation
Dose is increased incrementally (typically every 4 weeks) based on your tolerance, side effect profile, and weight response. This titration schedule minimizes GI side effects while moving toward the therapeutic dose range.
Biweekly Check-ins During Titration
Regular follow-up appointments to review weight trends, side effects, dietary adherence, and lab values. Dosing adjustments are made based on your individual response — there is no one-size-fits-all escalation schedule.
Phase 3 — Maintenance and Long-Term Planning
Monthly monitoring visits once at maintenance dose: weight, blood pressure, and relevant labs reviewed on a schedule appropriate to your clinical needs
Side effect management: nausea is the most common early side effect and typically resolves with dose titration; Dr. Jiang can prescribe supportive measures if needed
Long-term strategy discussion: some patients continue medication at maintenance dose indefinitely; others may gradually taper under close physician supervision after establishing durable lifestyle habits
Relapse prevention planning: evidence-based strategies for maintaining weight loss after completing the active treatment phase
Skin laxity and body composition support: for patients experiencing significant weight loss, RAAC offers complementary body contouring options — discussed as clinically appropriate
**Individual results vary significantly. Weight loss medications are most effective as part of a comprehensive program including dietary modification, physical activity, and regular physician follow-up. These medications do not guarantee specific weight loss outcomes.
Medical Weight Loss FAQ
How much weight can I realistically expect to lose?+
Clinical trial data for weekly semaglutide (Wegovy®) shows an average of approximately 12–15% total body weight reduction at 12 months when combined with lifestyle changes — making it the most effective approved weight management medication available. However, individual results vary considerably based on starting weight, dose tolerance, dietary adherence, and exercise habits. Dr. Jiang will discuss what realistic outcomes look like for your specific medical profile at your initial assessment. We do not make specific weight loss guarantees.
What are the side effects of GLP-1 weight loss injections?+
The most common side effect is nausea, particularly during dose escalation. This is expected — GLP-1 medications work partly by slowing gastric emptying, which creates satiety but can feel uncomfortable at first. Other GI side effects include constipation, diarrhea, and occasionally vomiting. These symptoms typically improve significantly as your body adjusts and as the dose is titrated carefully. More serious but rare concerns include pancreatitis and gallbladder disease — Dr. Jiang reviews your risk factors for these at baseline and monitors for warning signs throughout treatment.
Will the weight come back after I stop the medication?+
Weight regain after stopping GLP-1 medications is a real clinical concern documented in research — the medication reduces appetite while you are taking it, and that effect reverses when it is discontinued. The RAAC program addresses this by building durable lifestyle habits during the treatment period, so that dietary patterns and activity levels are genuinely different by the time you and Dr. Jiang discuss tapering. For many patients, long-term maintenance dosing is the appropriate medical decision. This is discussed honestly at every stage of your care.
How often do I need to inject, and is it painful?+
Semaglutide (Ozempic® / Wegovy®) is a once-weekly subcutaneous injection using a pre-filled pen device. Liraglutide (Saxenda®) is once daily. Both use very fine needles — the injection is typically described as a mild pinch and is well tolerated by the vast majority of patients. Dr. Jiang or a nurse will demonstrate proper technique at your first visit and ensure you are comfortable before self-administering at home.
Is this program covered by insurance?+
Coverage for weight management medications varies by insurance provider and plan. Ozempic® (semaglutide for diabetes) may have better coverage for patients with a diabetes diagnosis. Wegovy® and Saxenda® (indicated specifically for weight management) have more variable coverage. Our team can provide the documentation your insurer requires and help you understand your benefits. We recommend contacting your provider in advance to confirm your specific coverage.
Physician-Supervised Weight Management at RAAC Richmond
Medical weight management is not a quick fix — it is a structured, physician-led program combining prescription medication, nutritional guidance, and lifestyle medicine. If you have a BMI ≥27 with a related health condition or BMI ≥30, speak with Dr. Jiang to find out if this program is appropriate for you. Consultations available in English, Mandarin, and Cantonese.
Also offered at our Burnaby location
SkinArt MD offers the same treatment. If Burnaby is more convenient, our sister clinic can help.
#101 - 4378 Beresford St, Burnaby, BC V5H 0H6 · +1 (604) 639-2581