How to choose a weight loss clinic: verification checklist
A good clinic can explain who evaluates, who prescribes, which pharmacy dispenses, how follow-up works, and what each part costs. You should be able to verify the answers before paying.
1. Confirm who makes the medical decision
Ask for the name and role of the professional reviewing your case. Confirm that the professional is licensed to treat patients in your location. A prescription should not depend only on an automated form or weight goal.
2. Review the evaluation before a prescription
The review should cover history, current medications, allergies, pregnancy when relevant, pancreatitis, gastrointestinal conditions, and other relevant contraindications. It should also explain alternatives and limits.
Ask us these questions
We wrote this checklist. Here is how we answer it.
Physician-led care by Dr. Anjmun Sharma, MD, pricing published before you pay ($119 review, medication separate from $166/month), a named and verifiable dispensing pharmacy, bilingual support in English and Spanish, and plain disclosure that compounded medications are not FDA-approved, not brand-identical, with results that vary.
Then see if you qualify, free 2-min quiz3. Identify the dispensing pharmacy
The clinic does not manufacture or dispense a compounded preparation. Ask for the pharmacy's legal name, then verify its license and public disciplinary history. Ask what documentation accompanies the exact prescription because practices vary.
4. Require clear disclosures
Compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide are not FDA-approved, not brand-identical, and cannot claim brand-trial results as their own. Results vary by individual.
5. Get prices and policies in writing
- Medical evaluation fee.
- Separate medication price.
- Follow-up frequency and cost.
- Renewal, pause, cancellation, and refund terms.
- Availability for the patient's location.
6. Check the support plan
You should know whom to call about side effects, how dose changes are reviewed, what happens if a product is unavailable, and when urgent care is recommended. Privacy and data use should also be explained.
Apply this checklist to New Hope
Every standard on this page is one we hold ourselves to: a $119 physician review with Dr. Anjmun Sharma, MD before any prescription decision, a named dispensing pharmacy you can verify for your location, transparent pricing with medication billed separately (compounded semaglutide from $166/month, tirzepatide from $233/month), and plain disclosure that compounded medications are not FDA-approved, not brand-identical, and that results vary. Telehealth care is available for eligible California patients.
See if you qualify, free 2-min quiz Check availability for your locationExpanded decision guide
Start with clinician review and an individualized plan
Confirm who is responsible for the clinical decision and whether that professional is licensed for your location. The review should cover history, medicines, allergies, contraindications, symptoms, prior treatment, goals, and alternatives before any prescription is promised. A plan should explain why a choice fits this patient rather than relying on a standard checkout sequence.
Side-effect and aftercare questions
- Who answers clinical questions between scheduled visits?
- Which common effects can be discussed through routine follow-up?
- Which symptoms require urgent care or emergency evaluation?
- How are response, tolerance, health changes, and goals reviewed?
- What happens if the prescriber recommends holding or changing the plan?
Full-cost and quality checklist
To understand total cost, get the evaluation, medication, shipping if applicable, follow-up, renewal, cancellation, refund, and record-transfer terms separately in writing. If a pharmacy is involved, get its legal name and verify its license. Ask what documentation accompanies the exact prescription without treating one document as a quality guarantee.
Disclosure, privacy, and continuity
The clinic should identify whether a product is FDA-approved or compounded. Compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide are not FDA-approved, are not brand-identical, and results vary. Review how health information is collected, stored, shared with a pharmacy, and released to the patient. Know how to obtain the medical record and continue care if the program ends.
A printable decision checklist
- Licensed clinician verified for my location.
- Real history and contraindication review before prescribing.
- Individual rationale, alternatives, and realistic expectations discussed.
- Dispensing pharmacy and product category identified.
- Clinical contact, urgent plan, privacy terms, records, and all costs clear.
Primary and official source trail
Read each source for the exact product, population, date, method, and limitation. A source supports only the claim it actually studied or the policy it actually states.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know whether a clinic is legitimate?
Confirm that a professional licensed for your location reviews your history before any prescription. Ask which pharmacy would dispense and verify its state license.
What should I ask about compounded medication?
Ask why a preparation is being considered for your individual need, who would dispense it, and how risks are explained. The clinic should state that it is not FDA-approved and not brand-identical.
What pricing information should be available?
Get the evaluation fee, separate medication price, follow-up, cancellation, and renewal terms in writing before authorizing payment.
Why does follow-up matter?
Side effects, response, and goals change. You should know how to reach a clinical person, when the plan will be reviewed, and which symptoms require urgent care.
Should the clinic dispense the medication?
No. The clinic evaluates and prescribes when appropriate. A licensed pharmacy prepares and dispenses any compounded prescription.
This article is educational and does not replace an individual medical evaluation. Do not start, stop, or change a medication without speaking with your health care professional.