Category: How-tos & checklists

  • Questions to Ask a Bariatric Surgeon (and How to Check Credentials)

    Questions to Ask a Bariatric Surgeon (and How to Check Credentials)

    In short: Before bariatric surgery, check three things and ask about five more. Check the surgeon (certified by the American Board of Surgery, with a license in good standing), the center (accredited by the American College of Surgeons’ MBSAQIP program) and the team (dietitian, behavioral health and long-term follow-up). Then ask which procedure fits you and why, what the risks are, how complications are handled day and night, what follow-up and vitamins you will need for life, and what the whole process costs. This page explains each step with sources from ASMBS, the American Board of Surgery and the MBSAQIP standards, and ends with a checklist you can print.

    Three friends walking on a dirt path surrounded by lush greenery on a bright sunny day.
    Photo: Katia Damyan / Pexels

    New to the options? Our bariatric surgery guide explains the operations and who they are generally considered for, and our weight-loss procedures comparison sets surgery, endoscopic procedures and balloons side by side. Our guide to finding a bariatric surgeon shows where to search for surgeons and accredited centers; this page is the list of questions to take into the consultation once you have found them. InstaTuck does not rank or refer to surgeons, and this is general education: only a surgical team that has evaluated you can say whether surgery is right for you.

    Bariatric surgery in the U.S., in numbers

    Checked on October 7, 2026

    Three stages to plan for

    1. Before the first visitWrite down your weight and health history, medicines and goals; check the surgeon's certification and the center's accreditation.
    2. At the consultationAsk about the procedure options, the team, the risks, follow-up, vitamins and the full cost.
    3. Before you agree to a dateGet written answers and estimates, check your insurance rules, and plan help at home and the years of follow-up.

    Before the first visit: what to write down

    Programs usually start with an information session or consultation. Walking in with your history written down means nothing important gets missed, and it helps you compare programs fairly.

    • Your weight history and BMI. The 2022 guidelines from ASMBS and the International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders (IFSO) recommend metabolic and bariatric surgery at a BMI of 35 or more, whether or not you have related conditions, and say it should be considered from a BMI of 30 for people with metabolic disease such as type 2 diabetes. Lower thresholds apply to people of Asian descent. These are general criteria, not a personal recommendation. Our BMI calculator is a starting point only.
    • Health conditions. Diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, reflux, heart, lung, kidney or liver disease, blood clots and past abdominal surgery all affect which procedure is suggested.
    • Every medicine and supplement. Include any GLP-1 medicine such as Wegovy or Zepbound. The labels warn about breathing stomach contents into the lungs under general anesthesia or deep sedation, so the surgical and anesthesia teams need to know.
    • What you have tried. Diets, programs and medicines, with dates. Medicare’s national coverage policy, for example, asks for a BMI of 35 or more, at least one related condition and previous unsuccessful medical treatment.
    • Your insurance details. Ask your plan in writing what it requires before approval. Our insurance guide lists the questions to ask.
    • Life plans. Pregnancy plans matter: clinical guidelines advise avoiding pregnancy for 12 to 18 months after surgery.

    How to check credentials: the surgeon, the center, the team

    ASMBS says medical organizations recommend that surgery be done by a board-certified surgeon with specialized experience or training in bariatric and metabolic surgery, at a center with a multidisciplinary team for follow-up care. You can check most of this yourself, for free, before the first appointment.

    1. The surgeon: board certification

    The American Board of Surgery (ABS), founded in 1937, says its website is the primary source to verify a surgeon’s certification status. Its check a certification tool answers “Is my surgeon board certified?” A certified surgeon has completed at least five years of training after medical school, met the ABS training requirements and passed its exams; to stay certified, surgeons must keep up continuing education and practice improvement and pass an online assessment every two years. The ABS also offers a Focused Practice Designation in metabolic and bariatric surgery; under the 2026 MBSAQIP standards, surgeons who hold it automatically qualify as MBSAQIP-verified. Also confirm that the surgeon holds an active license with your state medical board, and look for any public disciplinary actions it lists.

    A directory listing is not verification. Membership in ASMBS, searchable through its find a provider directory, shows involvement in the specialty, but it is not the same as board certification or center accreditation.

    2. The center: MBSAQIP accreditation

    The Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP), a program of the American College of Surgeons whose standards are written with ASMBS, reviews inpatient and outpatient centers through independent, voluntary peer evaluations. You can look up accredited centers with the ACS hospital search, and ASMBS notes that some insurers require MBSAQIP accreditation. Its 2026 standards took effect on July 1, 2026, replacing the 2022 version. Accreditation lasts three years, after a site visit, and centers report on compliance every year in between.

    Accreditation comes in levels, and the level tells you which patients a center is set up for. Comprehensive Centers care for adults and can perform every ASMBS-endorsed procedure. Low Acuity Centers and accredited outpatient surgery centers are limited to adults aged 18 to 65 who meet selection rules; at Low Acuity Centers these include a BMI under 55 for men and under 60 for women, no organ failure or transplant, and no previous weight-loss surgery (apart from band or port revisions and emergencies). Teenagers need a center with adolescent qualifications. Each level also has a minimum yearly case volume:

    Minimum procedures a year for each MBSAQIP accreditation levelValues in procedures
    Minimum procedures a year for each MBSAQIP accreditation level
    ItemValue
    Comprehensive Center (stapling procedures)50 procedures
    Low Acuity Center25 procedures
    Ambulatory Surgery Center25 procedures
    Adolescent Center (stapling procedures)15 procedures

    Adolescent Centers below 15 stapling cases need an MBSAQIP-verified co-surgeon on each case. Volume is one requirement among many, not a measure of quality on its own.

    Source: American College of Surgeons, Optimal Resources for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, 2026 Standards (checked on October 7, 2026)

    The standards also set requirements for the surgeon who leads the program (the MBS Director), who must be “MBSAQIP-verified”. Other surgeons at the center may seek verification but don’t have to, so it is fair to ask whether yours is verified.

    What MBSAQIP asks of a verified surgeon (2026 standards)

    Checked on October 7, 2026

    3. The team

    Accredited centers must give access or referral to registered dietitians, licensed behavioral health professionals (psychologists, psychiatrists or social workers), physical or exercise therapists, nurses or advanced practice providers, and a consistent operating room team. They must have bariatric call coverage 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and offer supervised support groups at least every two months. Ask to meet the team, or at least to know who they are.

    • Are you certified by the American Board of Surgery? Do you hold the Focused Practice Designation in metabolic and bariatric surgery, or MBSAQIP surgeon verification?
    • Is this center MBSAQIP accredited, and at which level? Does that level fit my age, BMI and health?
    • Where did you train in bariatric surgery, and how many of the procedure you suggest for me do you do each year?
    • Who is on my team (dietitian, psychologist or counselor, exercise specialist, obesity medicine doctor), and when will I see each of them?
    • Who answers the phone at night and on weekends after I go home?

    Questions about which procedure, and why

    The sleeve made up 58.2% of an estimated 270,089 U.S. procedures in 2023 and gastric bypass 23.4%, according to ASMBS; revisions of earlier operations were 11.9%. The 2026 MBSAQIP standards ask each surgeon’s patient education to cover all procedure options the center offers, the center’s own case volume for each, national outcome data from the MBSAQIP registry, and a clear explanation of the goals, risks, benefits and alternatives of each procedure as part of informed consent. That gives you the right to ask for numbers. Our pages on the gastric sleeve and gastric bypass, and sleeve vs bypass compared, help you follow the answers.

    • Which procedures do you offer, and which do you suggest for me? Why that one, given my health, reflux, diabetes and plans?
    • How many of each did this center do last year, and how do your results compare with the national MBSAQIP data?
    • Is the operation reversible? What happens if it doesn’t work as hoped?
    • What are the alternatives, including an endoscopic sleeve, medicines, or waiting?
    • How much weight do people like me usually lose, and how much do they usually regain over time?

    Questions about risks and complications

    ASMBS’s 2025 fact sheet puts the risk of death at about 0.1% and major complications at about 4%, varying by procedure. In a U.S. study of 65,093 adults across 41 health systems (PCORnet, 2018), major adverse events within 30 days happened after 5.0% of gastric bypasses, 2.6% of sleeves and 2.9% of bands. Over the longer term, the NIDDK says about one in three people needs a follow-up procedure or hospital stay within five years, more often after bypass. Different studies, not a head-to-head comparison:

    Major adverse events within 30 days, by procedure (PCORnet, 65,093 adults)Values in %
    Major adverse events within 30 days, by procedure (PCORnet, 65,093 adults)
    ItemValue
    Gastric bypass5%
    Sleeve gastrectomy2.6%
    Adjustable band2.9%

    Observational study of 41 U.S. health systems; your own risk depends on your health and the center. Ask for the center's own numbers.

    Source: Arterburn D et al., Annals of Internal Medicine 2018 (PCORnet Bariatric Study) (checked on October 7, 2026)

    Accredited centers must have a defined process for spotting warning signs early, and the standards name a fast heart rate, fever, shortness of breath, severe belly pain and vomiting. Your discharge instructions should tell you which of these to call about and when to go to an emergency room.

    • What are the most common and the most serious complications for someone like me, and how often do they happen here?
    • What do you do to lower the risk of blood clots, leaks and breathing problems?
    • Which symptoms after surgery mean I should call you, and which mean an emergency room? If I go to a different hospital, who will they call?
    • What should I do about my GLP-1 or other medicines before and after surgery?
    • If I need another operation later, will you do it, and what would it cost?

    Questions about nutrition, vitamins and follow-up

    Surgery is the start of a lifelong plan. Clinical guidelines from AACE, The Obesity Society and ASMBS (2019) describe a staged return from liquids to regular textures over about six to eight weeks, at least 60 grams of protein a day, lifelong vitamin and mineral supplements, and at least 150 minutes of activity a week. ASMBS nutrition guidance (2016) recommends lab checks every three to six months in the first year and then yearly. The MBSAQIP standards require accredited centers to follow every patient at 30 days, 6 months and 1 year, and to keep trying to reach patients every year after that. Our guide to life after bariatric surgery walks through each stage, and our protein calculator gives a general range to discuss with your dietitian.

    • What will I eat in the weeks before and after surgery, and who will guide me through each stage?
    • Which vitamins and minerals will I need for life, and who orders and checks my labs?
    • How many years of follow-up visits are included, and what happens if I move?
    • Is there a support group, and when does it meet?
    • If weight comes back, what support do you offer, from nutrition help and medicines to revision surgery?

    Questions about cost and insurance

    ASMBS cites an average cost of about $17,000 to $26,000 (an undated page, checked on October 7, 2026). Medicare covers gastric bypass, duodenal switch and adjustable banding nationally for people who meet its criteria, and leaves the sleeve to its regional contractors; commercial plans vary, and some exclude surgery. Some plans still require a supervised diet before approval, even though the 2022 ASMBS/IFSO guidelines call insurer-mandated preoperative weight loss “discriminatory, arbitrary, and scientifically unfounded”. Our cost hub helps you build a full budget.

    • Can I have a written, itemized estimate for the surgeon, anesthesia, hospital, tests, dietitian and follow-up visits?
    • What does my plan require before approval, and will your office help with the paperwork?
    • What costs will I keep paying after surgery (vitamins, labs, visits), and which are covered?
    • Who pays if I have a complication or need a revision?

    Red flags

    • A surgery date offered before any evaluation, nutrition visit or behavioral health assessment.
    • No clear answer about board certification, the center’s accreditation, or who handles complications at night.
    • No written plan for follow-up visits, vitamins and lab checks.
    • Only one procedure offered, with no discussion of alternatives, or pressure to decide quickly.
    • Packages that bundle travel and surgery with nothing arranged for care when you get home.

    Printable checklist

    Print this page or copy the list into your phone’s notes. Take it to each consultation and write the answers next to each item, so you can compare programs side by side.

    Before bariatric surgery: my checklist

    Check before the visit

    • ☐ Surgeon’s status on the American Board of Surgery’s “check a certification” page
    • ☐ Active license with my state medical board, and any public actions
    • ☐ Center listed as MBSAQIP accredited in the ACS hospital search, and at which level
    • ☐ What my insurance requires before approval, in writing

    Bring with me

    • ☐ Weight history, BMI and what I have tried before
    • ☐ All medicines and supplements, including any GLP-1
    • ☐ Health conditions, past surgeries and pregnancy plans

    Ask

    1. ☐ Are you board certified in surgery? Are you MBSAQIP-verified or do you hold the bariatric Focused Practice Designation?
    2. ☐ What is this center’s MBSAQIP level, and does it fit me?
    3. ☐ Which procedure do you suggest for me, why, and what are the alternatives?
    4. ☐ How many of these does the center do each year, and how do results compare with national data?
    5. ☐ What are the main risks for me, and how are complications handled day and night?
    6. ☐ Who is on my team: dietitian, behavioral health, exercise, obesity medicine?
    7. ☐ What do I do about my GLP-1 and other medicines before and after?
    8. ☐ Which vitamins and labs will I need for life, and who checks them?
    9. ☐ How many years of follow-up are included? Is there a support group?
    10. ☐ What is the full written cost, including complications and revisions?
    11. ☐ Who do I call after hours, and which symptoms mean the emergency room?

    Still deciding between surgery and medicines? Our comparison of GLP-1 medicines vs bariatric surgery sets out the evidence, and an obesity medicine doctor can help you weigh options before and after surgery. The find a provider hub explains which professional does what, and our history of bariatric surgery shows how the operations and their safety have changed.

  • How to Get a Flatter Stomach: What Works and What Doesn’t

    How to Get a Flatter Stomach: What Works and What Doesn’t

    In short: How flat your stomach looks depends on four things: the fat under the skin and around the organs, bloating from gas and digestion, posture, and the strength of your core muscles. Fat comes down only with overall fat loss, from a steady calorie deficit and regular aerobic exercise; crunches alone don’t remove it. Bloating often responds to eating more slowly, fewer fizzy drinks and a closer look at trigger foods. Strength and posture work makes your middle firmer and taller, and shapewear can smooth the outline for an occasion.

    If your main goal is losing fat around your middle, our full guide on how to lose belly fat has the detailed plan, and our page on visceral fat explains the health side. This page is about the everyday question “how do I get a flatter stomach?”, which is broader: a stomach can look rounder on Friday evening than on Monday morning without any change in fat. Below, we take the four factors one at a time and show what the research supports for each.

    The four things that shape how your stomach looks

    1. FatFat under the skin and visceral fat around the organs. Changes over weeks with overall fat loss.
    2. BloatingGas, constipation and swallowed air. Changes within hours or days.
    3. PostureHow you stand and hold your ribs and pelvis. Changes in seconds.
    4. Muscle toneCore strength and endurance. Changes over weeks of training.

    1. Fat: the part that needs overall fat loss

    There are two kinds of belly fat. Subcutaneous fat sits under the skin and is the part you can pinch. Visceral fat lies deeper, around the liver and intestines, and pushes the belly out from inside; it is the type most linked with heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Both come down when your body fat comes down overall, and neither can be targeted with one exercise. In a six-week trial, adults who did seven ab exercises five days a week got much better at curl-ups but saw no change in belly fat or waist size. Our spot reduction explainer covers the full evidence.

    Six weeks of daily ab exercises: stronger, not slimmer
    Six weeks of daily ab exercises: stronger, not slimmer
    ItemValue
    Curl-ups, ab exercise group47
    Curl-ups, control group32

    Curl-up repetitions at the end of the trial. There was no significant change in belly fat, body fat percentage or waist circumference.

    Source: Vispute SS et al., Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research 2011 (24 adults, 6 weeks) (checked on October 7, 2026)

    What does work for fat around the middle:

    • Aerobic exercise. A meta-analysis of 35 trials that measured visceral fat by CT or MRI found that aerobic exercise reduced it compared with no exercise, while resistance training alone did not show a significant effect. Even amounts below the usual weight-loss recommendations may help. Brisk walking counts.
    • A steady calorie deficit. Choose an eating pattern you can keep up; our calorie deficit guide shows how to set one.
    • Enough sleep. In a 2022 inpatient study, two weeks of 4-hour nights with free access to food made people eat more and gain weight, and fat inside the abdomen increased, both under the skin and around the organs. Another 2022 trial found that adults who usually slept less than 6.5 hours and extended their sleep by about 1.2 hours a night ate about 270 fewer calories a day.

    Waist numbers worth knowing

    • 35 in / 40 inwaist sizes above which health risk rises for women / men, measured just above the hip bones after breathing outNHLBI (NIH)
    • Under halfa waist below half your height is the healthy range in UK NICE guidance (waist-to-height ratio under 0.5)NICE NG246
    • 270 kcalless eaten per day after sleep was extended by about 1.2 hours a nightTasali E et al., JAMA Internal Medicine 2022

    Checked on October 7, 2026

    2. Bloating: the part that changes by the hour

    Many people who feel their stomach “isn’t flat” are describing bloating: a sense of fullness or pressure, sometimes with visible swelling that builds through the day. Common causes are swallowed air, gas made when gut bacteria ferment certain carbohydrates, and constipation. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) lists foods and drinks that often cause gas, and simple habits that help:

    • Eat slowly, ideally sitting down, and avoid talking while you chew, to swallow less air.
    • Cut back on chewing gum, hard candy, fizzy drinks and drinking through a straw, which all add air.
    • Try smaller, more frequent meals instead of large ones.
    • Notice common gas triggers: beans and lentils; broccoli, cauliflower and other cruciferous vegetables; apples, pears and fruit juice; milk products for people with lactose intolerance; drinks with high-fructose corn syrup; and sugar alcohols such as sorbitol, xylitol, erythritol and maltitol found in “sugar-free” foods.

    Many of these foods are healthy and filling, so the goal is not to cut them all. Raise fiber gradually and drink enough water, as our fibermaxxing explainer describes, and keep a short food-and-symptom note for two weeks to find your own triggers. The American Gastroenterological Association’s 2023 expert review on bloating advises that when a restrictive plan such as a low-FODMAP diet is needed, a gastroenterology dietitian should preferably guide it, and that probiotics should not be used to treat bloating and distention.

    Interestingly, visible belly swelling is not always about how much gas is inside. A 2011 study found that in many people with bloating, the diaphragm moves down and the front belly wall relaxes, pushing the belly out. The AGA review lists diaphragmatic breathing as a treatment for this pattern. Detox teas and laxative “flat tummy” products are not the answer; our page on detox teas and cleanses explains why.

    3. Posture: the part you can change right now

    Stand sideways to a mirror and let your shoulders round and your pelvis tip forward, then stand tall with your ribs stacked over your hips. The difference in how your stomach looks can be striking, with no change in the body itself. Plastic surgeons point out the same effect in photos: an article from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons describes the flanks looking full with arms down and slimmer with arms raised. You don’t need to hold your breath or suck in all day; gentle cues such as “tall through the crown of the head” and “ribs down” are enough, and a stronger back and core make them easier to keep.

    4. Muscle tone: the part that makes the middle firmer

    Core training won’t remove fat, but it does build strength and endurance in the muscles that wrap around your middle. That makes the area feel firmer and makes a tall posture easier to hold. A balanced routine trains the whole trunk, front, sides and back, rather than doing only crunches:

    • Anti-extension: planks, dead bugs.
    • Anti-rotation and side work: side planks, suitcase carries, pallof presses with a band.
    • Back and hips: bird-dogs, glute bridges, hip hinges.

    Fold these into two or more full-body strength sessions a week, the amount the Physical Activity Guidelines suggest; our strength training guide and best home workouts list have routines. Strength work also helps protect muscle while you lose weight: a 2021 overview of reviews found resistance training reduced lean-mass loss by about 0.8 kg.

    Other things that change your middle

    Menopause. Many women notice their shape changing in midlife. A 2012 review in Climacteric explains that while weight gain itself can’t be blamed on the menopause transition, the hormonal change at menopause is linked with more total body fat and more fat around the abdomen. The same habits help, with extra attention to strength training and protein, and it is worth discussing symptoms and options with your clinician.

    Alcohol. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism notes that alcoholic drinks supply calories but few nutrients and may contribute to unwanted weight gain. Its free alcohol calorie calculator shows how quickly a few drinks a week add up, and cutting back is often one of the simplest changes to make.

    Constipation. A backed-up bowel can make the belly feel full and look rounder. The AGA review suggests that when bloating comes with constipation, treating the constipation should be considered, and that a pelvic floor problem may be the cause when emptying is difficult. Fiber from food, fluids and daily movement are the usual first steps; a clinician can help if it lasts.

    What doesn’t work

    • Hundreds of crunches a day to “burn” belly fat. They build endurance, not fat loss.
    • Sweat belts and waist trainers worn to slim the waist permanently. They hold you in while you wear them; see our waist trainer guide.
    • Detox teas and “flat tummy” laxatives. They move water and stool, which come back.
    • “Belly fat burner” pills. None has good evidence; our fat burners page explains the risks.

    Shapewear, and when the issue is skin

    For an event or simply for comfort, tummy-control shapewear can smooth the outline under clothes. It does not change fat or muscle, and it should never feel painful or restrict breathing. Our shapewear guide explains fit and comfort, and the best tummy-control shapewear list compares options. After a big weight loss or pregnancy, a stomach that won’t flatten may be partly loose skin rather than fat. Our loose skin guide and the page on tummy tucks cover that, and our non-surgical tummy tuck explainer checks the claims of “no-surgery” options. Body contouring is not weight loss.

    A four-week plan for a flatter stomach

    Do these next, 1-2-3-4

    1. Measure once, then waitMeasure your waist just above the hip bones after breathing out, at the same time of day. Re-measure in 4 weeks, not daily.
    2. Move most daysBuild toward 150 to 300 minutes of brisk walking or other aerobic activity a week.
    3. Train your core twice a weekPlanks, side planks, bird-dogs and carries inside two full-body strength sessions.
    4. Calm the bloatEat slowly, cut fizzy drinks and gum, and keep a two-week food-and-symptom note.
    5. Protect your sleepAim for 7 hours or more, which the CDC recommends for adults.

    Track how your clothes fit, your energy and your strength as well as your waist; our guide to tracking progress without the scale lists more measures. And remember that a stomach that is soft, rounded or changes through the day is normal. The goal is a healthier middle and feeling good in your body, not a perfectly flat line.

  • How to Read a Supplement Label (and Spot Red Flags)

    How to Read a Supplement Label (and Spot Red Flags)

    In short: Start with the Supplement Facts panel: check the serving size, the amount of each ingredient, and whether key ingredients hide inside a “proprietary blend” that shows only a total weight. Then read the claims: “supports metabolism” is a legal structure/function claim that the FDA has not evaluated, while a claim to treat a disease is not allowed on a supplement. Look for an independent quality seal such as USP, NSF or ConsumerLab, which checks contents but not whether the product works. Treat fast weight-loss promises and “drug-like” effects as red flags: the FDA has found hidden prescription drugs in hundreds of weight-loss supplements.

    Weight-loss supplements are a crowded shelf, and labels are written to sell. This guide walks through every part of a U.S. supplement label, what the law requires on it, and the warning signs regulators look for. For what the evidence says about specific ingredients, see our supplements hub and the broader weight-loss pills guide. It is general education, not advice about any product: check with a pharmacist or clinician before taking a supplement, especially with prescription medicines.

    First, what “dietary supplement” means legally

    Under the 1994 Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA), supplements are regulated as a kind of food, not as drugs. The FDA states that it does not have the authority to approve dietary supplements before they are marketed; companies are responsible for making sure their products are safe and their labels truthful. The NIH Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS) puts the contrast simply: medicines must be approved by the FDA before they can be sold, supplements do not. So the label is the main information you get, and knowing how to read it matters.

    Supplement facts most people don't know

    Checked on October 7, 2026

    The Supplement Facts panel, annotated

    Below is a made-up example label for a typical “metabolism” capsule, followed by what each numbered part tells you. It is not a real product.

    Supplement Facts (example only)

    ① Serving Size 2 capsules · Servings Per Container 30
    Amount Per Serving② % Daily Value
    Vitamin B12 (as cyanocobalamin) 6 mcg250%
    Chromium (as chromium picolinate) 200 mcg571%
    ③ Thermo Metabolic Blend 850 mg
    Green tea (leaf) extract, Garcinia cambogia (fruit) extract, Caffeine anhydrous, Capsicum (fruit) extract, Black pepper (fruit) extract    		†
    † Daily Value not established
    ④ Other ingredients: gelatin capsule, rice flour, magnesium stearate
    ⑤ “Supports a healthy metabolism*” · *This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration…
    ⑥ Seal: none · Manufacturer name and U.S. address or phone
    1. Serving size. Federal rules require “Serving Size” right under the “Supplement Facts” heading. Every amount on the label is per serving, so if a serving is two or three capsules, a bottle may last half as long as you think, and the dose in one capsule is a fraction of what is listed. The ODS notes that the maker suggests the serving size, but your health care provider might decide a different amount is right for you.
    2. % Daily Value. Vitamins and minerals with established daily values show a percentage. Ingredients without one, such as most herbs and caffeine, carry a symbol pointing to “Daily Value not established”. Very high percentages are not a sign of a better product, and more is not always safer.
    3. Proprietary blend. A blend may be listed under a trademark-style name with only the total weight of its ingredients. The rule requires the ingredients to be listed in descending order of weight, but not the amount of each. In the example, you can’t tell whether the 850 mg is mostly caffeine or mostly pepper extract, or whether any ingredient is present in the amount used in studies. For caffeine, that matters: the FDA cites 400 mg a day as an amount not generally associated with negative effects for most adults.
    4. Plant parts and other ingredients. Botanical ingredients must name the part of the plant used (leaf, root, fruit), which matters because parts can differ. “Other ingredients” lists fillers, binders, capsules and flavors; check it for allergens and, if you avoid animal products, gelatin.
    5. Claims and the disclaimer. Phrases like “supports metabolism” or “helps maintain healthy weight” are structure/function claims. They must carry the FDA disclaimer that begins “This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration”, and the company must notify the FDA within 30 days of first marketing them. That notice is not an approval.
    6. Who made it, and any seal. Look for the company’s name and a U.S. address or phone number so you can ask questions or report a problem, plus any independent quality seal (see below).

    Structure/function claims vs disease claims

    This is the single most useful distinction on the label. Under 21 CFR 101.93, a supplement may describe how an ingredient affects the normal structure or function of the body, but it may not claim to diagnose, treat, mitigate or prevent a disease; a product that makes a disease claim is regulated as a drug. The FDA’s definition is broad: a claim can be a disease claim through the product name, pictures or symbols, or by saying the product is a substitute for a disease therapy or works like a particular drug.

    Wording you might seeWhat kind of claimWhat to think
    “Supports a healthy metabolism”Structure/functionLegal with the disclaimer; not FDA-evaluated, so look for human trials
    “Helps curb cravings”Structure/functionSame: ask for the evidence
    “Treats obesity” or “lowers blood sugar in diabetes”Disease claimNot allowed on a supplement; a red flag
    “Works like Ozempic” or “a natural GLP-1”Implies it substitutes for a drug therapyA red flag; see our “nature’s Ozempic” explainer
    “Lose 30 pounds in 30 days”Fast-loss promiseThe FTC lists this kind of promise among claims that are always false

    Quality seals: what they check, and what they don’t

    Because the FDA doesn’t test supplements before sale, some companies pay independent organizations to test them. The ODS names three that offer quality testing: ConsumerLab.com, NSF International and U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP). A seal indicates the product was properly manufactured, contains the ingredients listed on the label and does not contain harmful levels of contaminants. USP describes its Verified Mark as covering identity, strength, purity and how well a tablet breaks down, and NSF’s certification includes a label-claim review and testing for contaminants and undeclared ingredients; its Certified for Sport program also screens for substances banned in sport.

    What a seal does not do: the ODS stresses that these seals do not mean a product is safe or effective. A perfectly made capsule of an ingredient with weak evidence is still an ingredient with weak evidence. Use a seal to answer “is what’s on the label in the bottle?”, and the research to answer “does it work?” Our pages on fat burners, green tea extract, berberine and fiber supplements rate the evidence for common ingredients.

    Red flags for hidden drugs

    Weight-loss products are one of the categories most often found with hidden prescription drugs. A 2018 analysis of the FDA’s tainted-products database found 776 adulterated supplements from 2007 to 2016; 317 were sold for weight loss, and 84.9% of those contained sibutramine, a prescription diet drug withdrawn in 2010 because of heart attack and stroke risk. Other hidden ingredients have included the laxative chemical phenolphthalein and the antidepressant fluoxetine. Recalls don’t always fix the problem: when researchers bought 27 recalled supplements an average of 34 months after their FDA recall, 18 of them, two thirds, still contained a banned drug.

    Recalled supplements still on sale years later: what testing found
    Recalled supplements still on sale years later: what testing found
    ItemValue
    Still contained a banned drug18
    No banned drug found9

    18 of 27 (66.7%) contained one or more pharmaceutical adulterants, including sibutramine and its analogs, phenolphthalein and fluoxetine.

    Source: Cohen PA et al., JAMA 2014 (27 recalled supplements bought a mean of 34 months after FDA recall) (checked on October 7, 2026)

    The FDA’s “6 tip-offs to rip-offs” give the warning signs to watch for:

    • One product does it all, treating a long list of unrelated problems.
    • Personal testimonials in place of scientific evidence; success stories are easy to make up.
    • Quick fixes such as “lose 30 pounds in 30 days”.
    • “All natural” used as proof of safety.
    • Words like “new discovery”, “secret ingredient” or promises of sure results.
    • Conspiracy claims that doctors or the government don’t want you to know.

    Where the tainted products came from is telling too: in 2014 to 2016, 38.6% of the adulterated samples in the 2018 analysis were found through online sampling and 34.3% in international mail shipments. So be extra careful with products sold only online, shipped from abroad or labeled in a language you can’t read, and with any product whose effects feel like a strong drug. Before buying, search the product name in the FDA’s tainted-products notifications (our detox tea page explains how they work), but remember the FDA says its list covers only a small fraction of contaminated products.

    Check for interactions

    “Natural” does not mean it can’t interact with medicines. The ODS gives examples: vitamin K can reduce how well the blood thinner warfarin works, and St. John’s wort can speed the breakdown of many medicines, including some antidepressants, birth control pills and heart medicines, making them less effective. Berberine, a popular “metabolism” ingredient, can change levels of some prescription drugs; our berberine page has details. Bring the bottle, not just the name, to your pharmacist.

    A 60-second label check

    Before you buy any weight-loss supplement

    1. Find the serving sizeWork out the amount per capsule and per day.
    2. Look for blendsIf key ingredients hide in a "proprietary blend", you can't know the dose.
    3. Read the claimsStructure/function with the disclaimer is legal; disease or drug-like claims are red flags.
    4. Check for a sealUSP, NSF or ConsumerLab means quality-tested contents, not proof it works.
    5. Ask about interactionsShow the bottle to your pharmacist, especially if you take prescriptions.

    The bottom line

    A supplement label tells you what the maker says is inside, not whether it works. Read the serving size and amounts, be wary of proprietary blends, know the difference between a structure/function claim and a disease claim, and use quality seals for what they are. If a product promises fast or drug-like weight loss, walk away. For proven options, our lose weight hub covers food and activity, and our guide to choosing a weight-loss program helps you find support. To see every kind of option side by side, try our Find My Options tool, and talk with your clinician about what fits you.

  • How to Track Progress Without the Scale: 8 Measures That Matter

    How to Track Progress Without the Scale: 8 Measures That Matter

    In short: The scale is only one number, and it swings with water, food and hormones from day to day. Eight other measures show progress more fully: your waist, your waist-to-height ratio, how clothes fit, consistent progress photos, strength and fitness, energy, sleep and mood, health numbers such as blood pressure and blood sugar, and how consistently you keep your habits. Pick three or four, check them every two to four weeks, and use the printable sheet below.

    An interracial couple exercising together at home in a bright, modern living room.
    Photo: SHVETS production / Pexels

    People call these “non-scale victories”, and they matter. In trials, modest weight loss of 5 to 10% already improves blood sugar and blood pressure, and strength training can change your shape while the scale barely moves. This page explains each measure, how to take it the same way every time, and what research says it tells you. If you are keeping weight off after a loss, our maintenance guide covers the other side; there, weighing in regularly is one of the best-supported habits, so these measures add to the scale rather than replace it for most people.

    Why the scale alone can mislead you

    Body weight moves for reasons that have nothing to do with fat. A European study that followed more than 1,400 adults on connected scales found weight typically rose at weekends and fell on weekdays by about 0.35%, and climbed about 1.35% over Christmas. Stored carbohydrate (glycogen) is held with three to four parts water, so a carb-heavy day can add water weight overnight. And when you start strength training, you may gain a little muscle while losing fat, so the scale can stall even as your body changes. Looking at several measures smooths out that noise.

    Why one number isn't enough

    Checked on October 7, 2026

    The 8 measures

    1. Waist circumference

    Your waist tracks the fat around your middle, the kind most linked with heart disease and type 2 diabetes. The NIH’s National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute explains how to measure it: stand, place a tape measure around your middle just above your hip bones, and measure just after you breathe out. Risk rises above 35 inches for women and 40 inches for men. Measure at the same time of day, ideally in the morning, every two to four weeks. Our guide to losing belly fat explains what moves this number.

    2. Waist-to-height ratio

    Divide your waist by your height, in the same units. A 2012 meta-analysis of studies including more than 300,000 adults found that this ratio picked out people with high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and heart risk better than waist alone or BMI, in men and women and across ethnic groups. UK NICE guidance uses a simple target: keep your waist to less than half your height (a ratio under 0.5). It is a useful companion to the BMI calculator, because BMI doesn’t show where fat is carried.

    3. How your clothes fit

    Choose one “test” item, such as a pair of jeans or a fitted shirt, and try it on every few weeks. Note which button hole the belt uses, or how the waistband feels when you sit down. It is low-tech, free and surprisingly sensitive, and it reflects the changes in shape that matter to most people day to day.

    4. Progress photos, taken fairly

    Photos can show changes you miss in the mirror, but only if you take them the same way each time: same place, same light, same time of day, same clothes, same pose, same camera distance. Lighting and posture alone can make a big difference, as our explainer on before-and-after photos shows. Take them every four weeks and keep them private unless you want to share.

    5. Strength and fitness

    Performance is one of the most motivating measures. The American Council on Exercise (ACE) suggests coaches track “strength, endurance and movement quality” alongside body measures. Simple tests: how many push-ups (on the floor or against a counter) or sit-to-stands from a chair you can do with good form, the weight you lift for 10 reps, or how long a familiar walking route takes. Strength training also protects muscle while you lose weight: a 2021 overview found it reduced lean-mass loss by about 0.8 kg. Our strength training guide and body recomposition page explain why the scale can stay still while you get leaner and stronger.

    6. Energy, sleep and mood

    ACE lists recovery markers such as “sleep, energy, soreness, mood and daily function” as progress indicators, and suggests simple questions: do you feel rested when you wake, how is your energy through the day, how stressed do you feel on a scale of 1 to 10? Rate each from 1 to 5 once a week, and note your average hours of sleep; the CDC recommends 7 or more hours a night for adults, and a wearable or a simple bedtime log can show whether you are getting there. These often improve before the scale moves, and they are often the changes people value most: climbing stairs without stopping, playing with kids, sleeping better.

    7. Health numbers

    Blood pressure, blood sugar (HbA1c) and blood fats respond to even modest weight loss. In the Look AHEAD study of 5,145 adults with type 2 diabetes, people who lost 5 to under 10% of their weight in a year had about 3.5 times the odds of a meaningful drop in HbA1c and about 1.5 times the odds of a 5-point drop in blood pressure, compared with people whose weight stayed stable. The CDC notes that a 5% loss (10 pounds for a 200-pound person) can lower the risk of some chronic diseases. Ask your clinician which numbers to track and how often; a home blood pressure monitor can help if you have high blood pressure.

    Losing 5 to under 10% of body weight in a year: odds of meaningful health improvements vs stable weightValues in x
    Losing 5 to under 10% of body weight in a year: odds of meaningful health improvements vs stable weight
    ItemValue
    HbA1c down 0.5 points3.52 x
    Systolic blood pressure down 5 mmHg1.56 x
    Diastolic blood pressure down 5 mmHg1.48 x

    Odds ratios compared with weight-stable participants; 1 would mean no difference.

    Source: Wing RR et al., Diabetes Care 2011 (Look AHEAD, 5,145 adults with type 2 diabetes) (checked on October 7, 2026)

    8. Habit consistency

    The things you do are the measure you control most. A systematic review of 22 studies found a consistent link between self-monitoring (of food, activity or weight) and weight loss, and ACE notes that someone “training twice a week, walking regularly and eating with more structure has changed something meaningful, even if body weight has not moved”. Track two or three habits as simple ticks: walks done, strength sessions, vegetables at lunch, bedtime kept. Habits take time to become automatic: in one study the time ranged from 18 to 254 days, so streaks are worth celebrating. See our list of habits to slim down for ideas.

    Match the measures to your goal

    Your main goalMeasures that fit bestHow often
    Lose fat around the middleWaist, waist-to-height ratio, test outfitEvery 2 to 4 weeks
    Get stronger and fitterStrength test, walk time, energy scoreEvery 4 weeks
    Improve health markersBlood pressure, HbA1c, cholesterolAs your clinician advises
    Build lasting habitsHabit ticks, sleep, moodDaily ticks, weekly review
    Keep weight off after a lossRegular weigh-ins plus waist and habitsWeekly weigh-in, monthly review

    The scale still has a place

    Tracking without the scale doesn’t mean the scale is useless. For keeping weight off, regular weighing is one of the best-supported habits: in the STOP Regain trial, a program built on daily self-weighing cut the share of people who regained 5 pounds or more over 18 months from 72.4% to 45.7%. The trick is how you read it. Look at your weekly average or the trend over a month, not one morning’s number, and pair it with two or three of the measures above so a water-heavy day doesn’t undo a good month. If the scale causes you distress, it is fine to set it aside and lean on the other measures.

    Dancing, couple, home, joy, senior, love, music, retirement, living, room, happiness, marriage, activity, lifestyle, together, indoor, fun, aging, romance, movement, ai generated
    Photo: geralt / Pixabay

    What about body fat percentage?

    Body fat estimates are tempting, but home devices are better for spotting trends than for exact numbers. A study comparing consumer bioimpedance scales with MRI and DXA scans found that foot-to-foot scales were much less precise for individuals than devices with hand and foot electrodes. If you use one, weigh in under the same conditions and watch the direction over months. Our body fat calculator gives an estimate from tape measurements, and body fat measurement methods compared explains DXA, calipers and scales. For a connected scale, see our best smart scales; for steps and sleep, fitness trackers.

    How to set up your tracking

    A simple tracking routine

    1. Pick 3 or 4 measuresFor example waist, one test outfit, a strength test and a weekly energy score.
    2. Take a baselineSame morning, same conditions. Write the date.
    3. Track habits weeklyTick the two or three habits you are building, every day or week.
    4. Re-measure every 2 to 4 weeksBody measures change slowly; checking daily adds noise and worry.
    5. Review the trendLook at the direction over a month or two, then adjust one habit at a time.

    Printable tracking sheet

    Print this page or copy the sheet into your phone’s notes. Fill in a baseline, then one column every four weeks.

    My progress, beyond the scale

    MeasureStart (date: ____)Week 4Week 8Week 12
    Waist (inches), above hip bones, after breathing out
    Waist ÷ height (aim under 0.5)
    Test outfit: how it fits (1 tight to 5 loose)
    Photo taken? (same place, light, pose)☐☐☐☐
    Strength: push-ups or sit-to-stands
    Fitness: time for my usual walk
    Energy, sleep, mood (each 1 to 5)
    Health numbers (blood pressure, other)
    Habits kept this month (out of 4 weeks)

    From instatuck.com, checked against NHLBI, NICE, ACE and published studies on October 7, 2026. Education only; not medical advice.

    When to step away from tracking

    Tracking should feel useful, not punishing. If measuring, photographing or weighing leaves you anxious, guilty or checking compulsively, take a break and focus on how you feel and what you can do. Our page on body image has support, and a clinician or an eating disorder specialist can help if tracking has started to control your days. Progress is more than a number, and many of the most important wins, like better sleep, more energy and steadier blood sugar, never show up on a scale at all. For the habits that keep results going, see our habits of people who keep weight off.

  • Questions to Ask Before Body Contouring or a Tummy Tuck

    Questions to Ask Before Body Contouring or a Tummy Tuck

    In short: Before body contouring, whether a tummy tuck, liposuction, a lift or a non-surgical device, it helps to check three things and ask about four more. Check the person (board certification and experience), the place (an accredited, licensed or Medicare-certified facility) and the plan (what exactly is being done and what it is cleared or proven to do). Then ask whether you are a good candidate, what the risks and recovery are, what the total cost is, and how complications are handled. This page explains each question using guidance from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the FDA, and ends with a checklist you can print.

    Writing, writer, notes, nature, pen, notebook, book, girl, woman, people, hands, grass, outdoors
    Photo: StockSnap / Pixabay

    New to the options? Our body contouring hub maps every surgical and non-surgical treatment, and our tummy tuck guide explains the most common one. This page does not tell you whether to have a procedure or who to choose: it gives you the questions, and the decision is yours with a qualified specialist.

    Three stages to plan for

    1. Before the consultationWrite down your goals, health history, medicines and weight history; check the specialist's certification.
    2. At the consultationAsk about fit, the exact procedure, the facility, risks, recovery and the full cost.
    3. Before you bookCompare written quotes, plan time off and help at home, and confirm how follow-up and complications are handled.

    Before the consultation: what to write down

    A specialist will ask about your health, but walking in with answers ready means nothing gets missed. ASPS describes good body contouring candidates as adults whose weight has stabilized, who are in good health without conditions that impair healing, and who do not smoke.

    • Your main concern, in your own words. Loose skin, a fat bulge and stomach muscles that separated after pregnancy are different problems with different treatments. Our non-surgical tummy tuck explainer shows which option addresses which.
    • Your weight history. How much you have lost or gained, how long your weight has been stable, and whether you plan to lose more. ASPS advises postponing a tummy tuck if you plan more weight loss or a future pregnancy.
    • Every medicine and supplement. MedlinePlus says people having abdominal wall surgery are usually asked to stop blood thinners, including aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen and vitamin E, before surgery. Don’t stop a prescribed medicine on your own; ask the prescriber and surgeon together.
    • GLP-1 medicines. If you take Wegovy, Zepbound or another GLP-1, say so. The labels warn about breathing in stomach contents under general anesthesia or deep sedation.
    • Health conditions and past surgeries. Diabetes, heart or lung disease, blood clots, earlier abdominal surgery (including C-sections) and anything that affects healing.
    • Smoking or vaping. Smoking slows healing and raises the risk of blood clots, according to MedlinePlus.
    • For device treatments: implants, metal in the body, cold-related conditions such as Raynaud’s or cold urticaria, and pregnancy or breastfeeding. The FDA and ASPS list these among the reasons some devices are not used.

    Questions about the person

    ASPS suggests asking a surgeon directly: “Are you certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery?”, whether they were specifically trained in plastic surgery and for how many years, and whether they have hospital privileges to perform this procedure, and at which hospitals. The American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) explains that a certified surgeon has completed the required training and passed written and oral examinations covering all plastic surgery procedures, and that certificates issued since 1995 must be renewed every 10 years. You can check any surgeon’s status on the ABPS website; our guide to finding a plastic surgeon walks through it.

    Membership listings are not the same as verification: the ASPS surgeon finder says it does not independently verify every profile detail and that you are responsible for checking qualifications. For non-surgical treatments and skin concerns, a board-certified dermatologist is the other common specialist, and the American Academy of Dermatology has a search tool. For device treatments in a spa or clinic, also ask who performs the treatment, what training they have, and which physician supervises and handles complications.

    • Are you certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (or, for a dermatologist, board-certified in dermatology)?
    • How many of this exact procedure have you done, and how often do you do it?
    • Do you have hospital privileges for this procedure? At which hospital?
    • For devices: who will actually perform the treatment, and which physician is responsible if something goes wrong?

    Questions about the place

    ASPS suggests asking whether the surgical facility is accredited by a nationally or state-recognized accrediting agency, is state-licensed, or is Medicare-certified. Liposuction and tummy tucks can be done in an office surgical suite, an outpatient surgery center or a hospital, and MedlinePlus notes that some people stay in the hospital for 1 to 3 days after a tummy tuck. The setting matters for safety: in a study of 25,478 insured tummy tucks, major complications were more likely when surgery was done in a hospital or surgical center than in an office, a finding that may partly reflect which cases are sent where, so ask why a setting was chosen for you.

    • Where will the procedure be done, and is the facility accredited, state-licensed or Medicare-certified?
    • Who gives the anesthesia, and what are their qualifications?
    • Will I go home the same day or stay overnight? What happens if I need to be admitted?

    Questions about the procedure and whether you’re a good candidate

    ASPS lists “Am I a good candidate for this procedure?”, “Where and how will you perform my procedure?” and “What surgical technique is recommended for me?” among its core questions. For liposuction, ASPS describes ideal candidates as adults within about 30% of their ideal weight with firm, elastic skin; loose skin reshapes poorly and may need skin surgery instead. For a tummy tuck, a combined procedure (for example with liposuction or breast surgery) may be suggested, and that changes the risk, as the chart below shows.

    For a device, ask for the brand name and what it is FDA-cleared for. Clearances are narrow: CoolSculpting’s covers “the appearance of visible fat bulges” in set areas at a BMI of 30 or less, others cover “reduction in abdominal circumference” or muscle “tone”. Kybella, the only FDA-approved fat-dissolving injection, is approved only for fat under the chin, and the FDA warns against unapproved fat-dissolving injections. Our non-surgical fat reduction comparison lists each clearance.

    • Am I a good candidate, given my weight, skin, muscles and health?
    • What exactly will you do, and which technique do you recommend for me? Are there alternatives, including doing nothing for now?
    • Do you suggest combining procedures? How does that change the risk and recovery?
    • What results are reasonable for me, and how long do they usually last? What will be expected of me to get the best results?
    • For a device or injection: which product is it, what is it FDA-cleared or approved for, and does that include the area I want treated?

    Questions about risks and complications

    ASPS suggests asking “What are the risks and complications associated with my procedure?” and “How are complications handled?” It helps to ask for numbers. Published data give a sense of scale: among 11,490 people who had liposuction alone, 0.7% had a major complication. In 25,478 tummy tucks, 4.0% did, most often a collection of blood (hematoma), infection or a blood clot, and the rate rose with each procedure added at the same time. Fat freezing has its own rare risk, paradoxical adipose hyperplasia, in which treated fat grows instead of shrinking; a 2025 review estimated it at about 1 in 455.

    Major complications after tummy tuck, alone and combined with other proceduresValues in %
    Major complications after tummy tuck, alone and combined with other procedures
    ItemValue
    Tummy tuck alone3.1%
    With liposuction3.8%
    With breast surgery4.3%
    With liposuction and breast surgery4.6%
    With other body contouring6.8%
    With liposuction and other body contouring10.4%

    Major complications were those needing an emergency visit, hospital admission or reoperation. Rates from one insurance database; individual risk depends on health, age and weight.

    Source: Winocour J et al., Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery 2015 (25,478 abdominoplasties, CosmetAssure database 2008-2013) (checked on October 6, 2026)

    • What are the most common and the most serious complications for someone like me, and how often do they happen in your practice?
    • What do you do to lower the risk of blood clots?
    • Which symptoms after the procedure mean I should call you, and which mean I should go to an emergency room?
    • If a complication or a revision is needed, who pays for it?
    Group of friends enjoying a sunny autumn day together in a park.
    Photo: Vitaly Gariev / Pexels

    Questions about recovery

    ASPS suggests asking “How long of a recovery period can I expect, and what kind of help will I need during my recovery?” MedlinePlus says people usually return to work about 2 to 4 weeks after a tummy tuck and avoid strenuous activity for 4 to 6 weeks; ASPS describes liposuction recovery in stages over about six weeks, with a compression garment. After body contouring, ASPS advises walking early to lower the risk of blood clots and getting medical help right away for shortness of breath, chest pain or an unusual heartbeat. Device treatments usually need little time off, but ask about soreness, numbness and swelling.

    • How much time off work will I need, and when can I lift, drive, exercise and care for children?
    • Will I have drains or a compression garment, and for how long?
    • When are my follow-up visits, and who do I call after hours?

    Extra questions if you take a GLP-1 or lost weight quickly

    More people are asking about contouring after weight loss: in 2025, 82% of ASPS members reported GLP-1-related consultation requests, and 88% reported them for tummy tucks. ASPS’s 2024 report says patients should be close to their goal weight, that surgeons and anesthesiologists generally recommend stopping a GLP-1 two to three weeks before surgery, that the medicine may be paused after surgery so people can eat enough to heal, and that more protein and strength training before surgery can help recovery. Your own team’s instructions come first, so plan this together with the prescriber. Our page on life after a GLP-1 covers keeping weight stable.

    • Is my weight stable enough? How long should it have been steady?
    • Should I pause my GLP-1 before or after surgery, and who decides when to restart?
    • How much protein should I eat before and after, and should I see a dietitian? Our protein calculator gives a general starting range.
    • If I had bariatric surgery, do I need nutrition tests (such as iron or vitamin levels) before contouring?

    Questions about cost and insurance

    ASPS’s published fees are the surgeon’s fee only. Its 2024 report gave typical fee ranges, which ASPS says are projections from member averages. A full quote can also include anesthesia, the facility, medical tests, garments and prescriptions, according to ASPS. Most health plans do not cover cosmetic surgery or its complications, and Medicare generally does not either. Removing a hanging fold that causes rashes or infections (a panniculectomy) can be treated as medically necessary under some policies, which usually ask for a stable weight for at least 6 months and, after bariatric surgery, at least 18 months. Our tummy tuck cost guide breaks down a bill, and our insurance guide covers coverage questions.

    Typical surgeon's fee ranges for body contouring, 2024Values in USD
    Typical surgeon's fee ranges for body contouring, 2024
    ItemLowHigh
    Liposuction$4,300 USD$7,500 USD
    Upper arm lift$6,000 USD$10,500 USD
    Breast lift$6,500 USD$11,000 USD
    Thigh lift$7,000 USD$12,000 USD
    Tummy tuck$8,000 USD$13,500 USD
    Lower body lift$10,000 USD$16,500 USD

    Surgeon's fee only, projected from member averages; anesthesia, facility and other costs are extra. ASPS's 2025 report did not publish fees.

    Source: ASPS 2024 Procedural Statistics Release, p. 28 (checked on October 6, 2026)

    Be careful with financing offered in the office. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau found that medical credit cards often carry deferred interest: if the balance is not paid in full by the end of the promotion, or a payment is missed, interest can be charged on the full original amount, and a typical card’s rate was 26.99%.

    • Can I have a written, itemized quote that includes the surgeon, anesthesia, facility, tests, garments and follow-up?
    • What would a revision or treatment of a complication cost, and who pays?
    • For devices: how many sessions do people usually need, and what is the price per session and in total?
    • Is any part of this reconstructive, and will you help me check with my insurer before I book?

    Numbers worth knowing

    Checked on October 6, 2026

    Red flags

    • The provider can’t or won’t tell you their board certification, or the facility’s accreditation.
    • A device or injection is described as weight loss, or as “just like a tummy tuck”.
    • Fat-dissolving injections offered for areas other than under the chin, or products you can’t identify by name.
    • Pressure to book the same day, deep “today only” discounts, or financing pushed before you see the full quote.
    • No clear plan for follow-up visits, after-hours contact or complications.

    Printable checklist

    Print this page or copy the list into your phone’s notes. Bring it to each consultation and write the answers next to each item, so you can compare specialists side by side.

    Before body contouring or a tummy tuck: my checklist

    Bring with me

    • ☐ My main concern: loose skin, a fat bulge or separated muscles
    • ☐ My weight history and how long my weight has been stable
    • ☐ All medicines and supplements, including any GLP-1, blood thinners, aspirin, ibuprofen or vitamin E
    • ☐ Health conditions, past surgeries, smoking or vaping, pregnancy plans
    • ☐ For devices: implants, metal in my body, cold-related conditions

    Ask

    1. ☐ Are you certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (or board-certified in dermatology)? How many of these have you done?
    2. ☐ Do you have hospital privileges for this procedure?
    3. ☐ Is the facility accredited, state-licensed or Medicare-certified? Who gives anesthesia?
    4. ☐ Am I a good candidate? What are the alternatives, including waiting?
    5. ☐ Exactly what will be done? For a device: which brand, and what is it FDA-cleared for?
    6. ☐ What results are reasonable for me, and how long do they last?
    7. ☐ What are the main risks for me, and how are complications handled?
    8. ☐ How long is recovery, and what help will I need at home?
    9. ☐ What should I do about my GLP-1 or other medicines before and after?
    10. ☐ What is the full written cost, including revisions and complications?
    11. ☐ Who do I call after hours, and when are my follow-up visits?

    If you are comparing surgery with a non-surgical option, our tummy tuck vs liposuction and liposuction vs cryolipolysis comparisons put the facts side by side, and our loose skin guide covers what happens to skin after weight loss.

  • How to Choose a Weight-Loss Program: 12 Questions to Ask (Printable Checklist)

    How to Choose a Weight-Loss Program: 12 Questions to Ask (Printable Checklist)

    In short: A good weight-loss program can show published evidence that it works, tells you the full cost and how to cancel before you pay, gives you regular contact for months (the programs that worked in research usually had 12 or more sessions in the first year), sets a realistic goal of about 5% to 10% of your weight in six months, and has a plan for keeping weight off. Walk away from promises like “lose 30 pounds in 30 days” or “no diet or exercise needed”. Below are 12 questions to ask any program, based on guidance from the NIH, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force and the Federal Trade Commission, with a checklist you can print.

    A doctor in scrubs discusses with a patient in modern clinic setting.
    Photo: Cedric Fauntleroy / Pexels

    This page helps you judge a program; it does not pick one for you. For programs ranked by their published evidence, see the best non-prescription weight-loss programs, and for every type of program, including medical ones, start at our programs hub. If you have health conditions or take medicines, talk with your clinician before you join anything.

    Three numbers to keep in mind

    Checked on October 6, 2026

    What a weight-loss program should include

    The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) describes a weight-loss program as “more than a book or app”: a formal program with ongoing guidance and support. It should include a healthy, reduced-calorie eating plan, a plan for more physical activity when appropriate, guidance and support for building habits, and a plan for keeping the weight off. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends that clinicians offer or refer adults with a BMI of 30 or higher to intensive programs with several of these parts. In the programs it reviewed, most lasted one to two years, most had 12 or more sessions in the first year, and they focused on problem solving, self-monitoring of weight, peer support and preventing relapse. Our BMI calculator gives your number, but any adult who wants support can use these questions.

    The 12 questions, and why each one matters

    1. “Do studies show your program works, and can I see them?”

    The NIDDK puts this first: has the program been formally studied, were the results published in a scientific journal, and can you have a copy? A published, independent randomized trial is the strongest answer. Company surveys of their own members, or before-and-after stories, are much weaker. For example, WeightWatchers has several independent year-long trials, while the best-known published data on Noom are observational; our WW vs Noom comparison shows what that difference looks like in practice.

    2. “What is the total cost, from beginning to end?”

    Ask for the full price, then ask what is not included. The NIDDK lists the usual extras: membership fees, weekly visits, food, meal replacements or supplements, medical tests, counseling, maintenance follow-up and even online chat access. A low first-month offer can hide a much higher regular price; WeightWatchers’ Med+ tier, for instance, was $25 for the first month and then $74 or $84 a month on 2026-10-06, with medication billed separately.

    3. “How long is the commitment, and how do I cancel?”

    Many programs renew automatically. On 2026-10-06, WeightWatchers’ lowest Core price required a 12-month plan that renews for another 12 months unless canceled, and every Noom plan was billed up front and auto-renewed. Some meal programs charge back a first-order discount if you cancel early: Nutrisystem’s June 2026 terms put that at $125. Before you pay, write down the renewal date, how to cancel (online, by phone or both) and whether any part is refundable. Our Nutrisystem, WeightWatchers and Noom pages summarize each company’s terms.

    4. “How often will I have contact with a person, and for how long?”

    Regular contact is one of the clearest predictors of success. Most programs that worked in the USPSTF review had 12 or more sessions in the first year, and in England’s WRAP trial a year of WeightWatchers led to about 2 kg more loss than 12 weeks of the same program. In the CDC’s National Diabetes Prevention Program, every extra session attended was linked with 0.3% more weight lost. For an online program, the NIDDK suggests looking for weekly sessions tailored to your goals and feedback from a trained person.

    More months of support, more weight lost: the WRAP trial at one yearValues in kg
    More months of support, more weight lost: the WRAP trial at one year
    ItemValue
    Brief advice only3.26 kg
    12 weeks of a group program4.75 kg
    52 weeks of the same program6.76 kg

    The program was WeightWatchers, offered free through primary care. 1 kg is about 2.2 lb.

    Source: Ahern AL et al., Lancet 2017 (WRAP, 1,267 adults in England) (checked on October 6, 2026)

    5. “Who runs the program, and what training do they have?”

    Ask whether a doctor or other licensed health professional runs or oversees the program, whether you can speak with one if you need to, and whether the team includes a registered dietitian, a mental health counselor or an exercise physiologist. “Coach” can mean anything from a licensed dietitian to a former customer, so ask what certification and training the coaches have and how long they have worked with the program.

    6. “What goal will you help me set?”

    The NIDDK says experts recommend an initial goal of 5% to 10% of your starting weight within six months; for someone who weighs 200 pounds, that is about 10 to 20 pounds. The USPSTF notes that the FDA considers a 5% loss clinically important, because it can improve blood pressure, blood sugar and other health measures. A program that promises much more, much faster, is selling hope rather than evidence.

    A realistic 6-month goal (5% to 10% of starting weight)Values in lb
    A realistic 6-month goal (5% to 10% of starting weight)
    ItemLowHigh
    Starting weight 150 lb7.5 lb15 lb
    Starting weight 200 lb10 lb20 lb
    Starting weight 250 lb12.5 lb25 lb
    Starting weight 300 lb15 lb30 lb

    Our arithmetic from the NIDDK's 5% to 10% guidance. Your own goal is best set with your clinician.

    Source: NIDDK, Choosing a Safe and Successful Weight-loss Program (checked on October 6, 2026)

    7. “Do I have to buy special meals, shakes or supplements?”

    If so, ask what they cost per day or week, whether you can adjust them for your culture, likes and allergies, and what happens when you stop buying them. Meal-based programs can work well in the first months, but you will eventually need to cook and shop for yourself. Be especially careful with programs that sell their own supplements: supplements are not FDA approved for weight loss, and our supplements guide explains what the evidence says.

    8. “Is there a physical activity plan that fits my body and schedule?”

    A good program adapts activity to different abilities and offers options you can do at home, at work or while traveling, without requiring a gym. The NIDDK notes that some people work up to 150 minutes or more of aerobic activity a week, and that activity has health benefits beyond the scale. Our exercise hub and walking guide show gentle ways to start.

    9. “How will you help me track my eating, activity and weight?”

    The NIDDK lists support for monitoring eating, drinking, sleep and activity every day and checking your weight every week as a core feature, along with regular feedback. Self-monitoring of weight was also part of most effective programs in the USPSTF review. The tool matters less than the habit: an app, a paper log or a simple scale all work. If you want an app, our best weight-loss apps compares them.

    10. “What is the plan for keeping the weight off, and how long does it last?”

    Maintenance is where most programs fall short. Ask what the maintenance phase includes, how long it lasts and what it costs. The NIDDK’s maintenance strategies include an eating plan for your new weight, 150 to 300 minutes or more of activity a week and weighing yourself at least once a week. Our habits of people who keep weight off and the full keeping weight off guide go further.

    11. “What results do typical members get, and how long do they keep them?”

    Ask for the average result, not the best one, and how long people keep it off. In the USPSTF’s pooled trials, people in behavioral programs lost about 2.4 kg (5.3 lb) more than control groups at 12 to 18 months, with wide variation. Compare any claim against that. The FTC’s Gut Check guide lists seven claims that can’t be true, including weight loss of two pounds or more a week for a month without dieting or exercise, permanent loss after you stop the product, and weight loss from something you wear or rub on your skin.

    12. “What are the risks, and will you work with my own doctor?”

    The NIDDK suggests asking whether the program could cause health problems, whether there is ongoing follow-up for safety, and whether staff will work with your own clinician. If the program can prescribe, ask which medicines, whether they are FDA approved, and whether compounded versions are involved: compounded GLP-1s are not FDA approved, as our compounded GLP-1 guide explains. Our telehealth programs comparison shows what prescribing services include, and the telehealth weight-loss guide lists what to check before paying any online prescriber.

    Woman, girl, friends, pair, walking, hand in hand, side by side, together, togetherness, friendship, emotion, sharing, path, countryside, walk, back light, editorial, sharing, sharing, sharing, sharin
    Photo: MabelAmber / Pixabay

    Red flags: claims to walk away from

    These warning signs come straight from the NIDDK’s list of programs to avoid and the FTC’s Gut Check guide. A promise to remove fat from one area is a particular giveaway: no diet, exercise or program can choose where you lose fat. If a product says it burns fat on its own, our guide to fat burners explains why the evidence doesn’t hold up.

    Commercial or medical program?

    The same 12 questions work for both, but the answers differ. Commercial programs focus on food, habits and support. Medical programs are run or supervised by licensed clinicians, can treat weight-related conditions and may add prescription medicine. If you have diabetes, sleep apnea, high blood pressure or a BMI where medicines or surgery are generally considered, a medical weight-loss program may be worth asking about. Our medical vs commercial programs page compares the two routes, and find a provider helps you locate clinicians who treat obesity.

    Choosing in five steps

    1. Talk to your clinicianAsk how your weight affects your health and whether a program or medical care fits.
    2. Shortlist two or threeUse the ranked list and comparisons to pick programs that match your style.
    3. Ask the 12 questionsUse the printable checklist below; write the answers down.
    4. Compare the full costMembership, food, extras and the renewal price, over 12 months.
    5. Set a review dateCheck progress and enjoyment at 4 and 12 weeks before renewal.

    Printable checklist

    Print this page or copy the list into your phone’s notes. Take it to a sign-up call or a clinic visit and write the answers next to each item.

    Choosing a weight-loss program: my 12 questions

    1. ☐ Has the program been studied, and were results published? Can I see them?
    2. ☐ What is the total cost from start to finish, and what is not included?
    3. ☐ How long is the commitment? When does it renew? How do I cancel, and is anything refundable?
    4. ☐ How often will I have contact with a person, and for how many months?
    5. ☐ Who runs it? Is there a doctor, dietitian or counselor? What training do coaches have?
    6. ☐ What goal will we set? (About 5% to 10% in 6 months is realistic.)
    7. ☐ Do I have to buy meals, shakes or supplements? What do they cost per week?
    8. ☐ Is there an activity plan that fits my body, home and schedule?
    9. ☐ How will I track eating, activity and weight, and who gives me feedback?
    10. ☐ What is the maintenance plan, how long does it last, and what does it cost?
    11. ☐ What do typical members lose, and how long do they keep it off?
    12. ☐ What are the risks? Will you work with my doctor? If you prescribe, are medicines FDA approved?

    Red flags: no diet or exercise needed · eat all you want · 30 lb in 30 days · spot fat loss · permanent results after stopping · results for everyone.

    From instatuck.com, based on NIDDK, USPSTF and FTC guidance, checked on October 6, 2026. Education only; not medical advice.

    Want to see how real programs answer these questions? Our ranked list of non-prescription programs applies them to seven programs, and our How we choose method explains how we judge evidence without letting commissions affect the order.

  • Questions to Ask Before Starting a GLP-1 (Printable Checklist)

    Questions to Ask Before Starting a GLP-1 (Printable Checklist)

    In short: Before starting a GLP-1 medicine such as Wegovy, Zepbound or Foundayo, it helps to walk into the appointment with your health history written down and a short list of questions: is it a good fit for you, which form and why, what side effects to expect and when to call, how you will know it is working, what happens if you stop, how to protect muscle, and what it will cost. This page explains why each question matters, using the FDA labels and the American Diabetes Association’s 2026 Standards of Care, and ends with a checklist you can print.

    New to these medicines? Our GLP-1 guide explains how they work, and every FDA-approved weight-loss medication compared shows the options side by side. This page does not tell you whether to take one: that is a decision for you and your clinician.

    Three stages to plan for

    1. Before the visitWrite down your history, medicines and goals; check your coverage.
    2. At the visitAsk about fit, the form, side effects, follow-up and cost.
    3. After you startTrack side effects, eat enough protein, keep moving and keep follow-up visits.

    Before the visit: what to write down

    The labels list several conditions that change whether these medicines are used or how carefully they are monitored. Your clinician will ask, but having the answers ready saves time and helps nothing get missed.

    • Thyroid cancer in you or your family. The labels say these medicines should not be used by people with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN 2). This is the subject of their boxed warning.
    • Pancreas, gallbladder and stomach history. Past pancreatitis, gallstones or severe gastroparesis (very slow stomach emptying) matter, because the labels warn about pancreatitis and gallbladder disease and say Wegovy is not recommended with severe gastroparesis.
    • Kidney problems and diabetic eye disease. Dehydration from vomiting or diarrhea can harm the kidneys, and the Wegovy label asks for monitoring in people with type 2 diabetes who have a history of diabetic retinopathy.
    • Every medicine and supplement you take. Insulin and sulfonylureas raise the risk of low blood sugar with a GLP-1, and slower stomach emptying can affect pills taken by mouth. The Zepbound and Foundayo labels say birth control pills may work less well for a time after starting and after each dose increase, and advise a backup method.
    • Pregnancy and breastfeeding plans. The Wegovy and Zepbound labels say to stop when pregnancy is recognized; the Wegovy label says to stop at least two months before a planned pregnancy.
    • Planned surgeries or procedures. The labels warn about breathing in stomach contents under general anesthesia or deep sedation, so your surgical team needs to know.
    • Your weight history and goals. What you have tried, what worked and what did not, and what you want to change, such as blood sugar, blood pressure, sleep apnea, joint pain or simply energy.

    Questions about fit

    “Is a GLP-1 medicine a reasonable option for me, and why?” The labels for long-term weight medicines describe adults with obesity, or adults with overweight and at least one weight-related condition, which the NIH generally describes as a BMI of 30 or more, or 27 or more with a condition such as high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes. Our BMI calculator gives you the number; your clinician looks at the whole picture.

    “What else could I try, alone or alongside it?” The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that adults with a BMI of 30 or more be offered or referred to intensive, multicomponent behavioral programs. Every GLP-1 label pairs the medicine with a reduced-calorie diet and more activity. Our 40 ways to lose weight compared shows the full range, from eating patterns to surgery.

    “Which medicine and which form, and why that one?” Options include weekly injections (Wegovy, Zepbound), daily pills (Wegovy tablets, Foundayo) and a daily injection (Saxenda or generic liraglutide). Some labels add other approved uses: Wegovy also lowers the risk of heart attack and stroke in adults with heart disease and obesity or overweight, and Zepbound also treats moderate to severe sleep apnea in adults with obesity. If you have diabetes, the ADA’s 2026 Standards say semaglutide or tirzepatide should be the preferred obesity medicines because of their larger weight loss and their added benefits.

    “Is this the FDA-approved product?” Ozempic and Mounjaro have the same ingredients as Wegovy and Zepbound but are approved for type 2 diabetes. Compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide are not FDA approved, and the FDA has received reports of dosing errors with them. Read compounded GLP-1s before you agree to one.

    Questions about side effects

    “What side effects should I expect, and how do we manage them?” Digestive effects are the most common, especially while the dose is being increased. In the Wegovy 2.4 mg trials, nausea affected 44% of people vs 16% on placebo. Doses are increased step by step, usually every four weeks for the weekly injections, to help the body adjust; the ADA notes the best dose for a person may not be the highest approved one. Our GLP-1 side effects guide has practical tips.

    Most common side effects in the Wegovy 2.4 mg weight trialsValues in %
    Most common side effects in the Wegovy 2.4 mg weight trials
    ItemWegovy 2.4 mgPlacebo
    Nausea44%16%
    Diarrhea30%16%
    Vomiting24%6%
    Constipation24%11%
    Abdominal pain20%10%

    Percent of people reporting each effect at any time in the trials. Other GLP-1 medicines have their own label tables.

    Source: WEGOVY prescribing information (DailyMed), adverse reactions table (checked on October 6, 2026)

    “Which symptoms mean I should call you, or get urgent care?” Ask for this in writing. The labels describe several warning signs.

    Questions about results and how long

    “How will we judge whether it is working, and when do we check in?” The ADA’s 2026 Standards recommend checking weight-related measurements at least every 3 months during active weight management treatment, and changing the plan if goals are not being reached. Agree on what success means for you: a number on the scale, a waist measurement, blood sugar, blood pressure or how you feel.

    “What happens if I stop?” The ADA says long-term obesity medicines should be continued beyond reaching weight goals to keep the health benefits, because stopping often brings weight back. In STEP 4, people switched from semaglutide to placebo regained 6.9% of their weight while those who continued lost a further 7.9%. Our keeping weight off guide covers the habits that help either way.

    Numbers worth knowing

    Checked on October 6, 2026

    Questions about food, muscle and movement

    “How much protein should I aim for, and should I see a dietitian?” Eating much less can make it harder to get enough protein, fiber and vitamins. The ADA advises paying attention to protein and fiber during weight loss treatment and pairing protein with resistance training to preserve lean mass, and a 2025 joint nutrition advisory from four obesity and nutrition societies makes muscle and bone protection a priority. Our protein calculator gives a starting range to discuss.

    “What kind of exercise should I do?” U.S. guidelines suggest 150 to 300 minutes of moderate activity a week plus muscle strengthening on two or more days. Strength training matters most for muscle; our muscle loss guide explains why.

    Extra questions if you have type 2 diabetes

    “Do my diabetes medicines need to change?” The Wegovy label says that using it with insulin or a medicine that makes the pancreas release insulin, such as a sulfonylurea, can raise the risk of low blood sugar, and that lowering those doses may be necessary. Ask how to recognize low blood sugar and what to do. “Do I need an eye check?” The label asks for monitoring in people with a history of diabetic retinopathy. “Which brand fits: one approved for weight or one approved for diabetes?” Ozempic and Mounjaro are approved for type 2 diabetes, Wegovy and Zepbound for weight management; your clinician and your plan’s coverage rules both shape which one is prescribed. The ADA’s 2026 Standards say weight management should be a primary goal of diabetes treatment alongside blood sugar.

    Questions about cost and coverage

    “Will my plan cover it, and is prior authorization needed?” Coverage for weight medicines varies widely. Many plans ask for prior authorization, and Medicare Part D cannot cover drugs used only for weight by law, although the CMS Medicare GLP-1 Bridge (July 2026 to December 2027) offers Wegovy, Zepbound KwikPen and Foundayo for a $50 copay to people who meet its criteria. If you pay yourself, makers list monthly self-pay prices, for example Wegovy pens at $349 and Zepbound KwikPen at $299 to $449 as of October 6, 2026. Our insurance guide and cost hub walk through it.

    “Where should I fill the prescription?” Use a state-licensed pharmacy. The FDA’s BeSafeRx program lists the signs of a safe online pharmacy, and the agency has warned about counterfeit Ozempic in the U.S. supply chain. If you are looking for a clinician who prescribes and follows these medicines, our find a provider page can help.

    Printable checklist

    Print this page or copy the list below into your phone’s notes. Tick off each item at your appointment and write the answers next to it.

    Before starting a GLP-1: my checklist

    Bring with me

    • ☐ Personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or MEN 2
    • ☐ Past pancreatitis, gallstones, severe gastroparesis, kidney or diabetic eye disease
    • ☐ List of all medicines and supplements (insulin, sulfonylureas, birth control pills)
    • ☐ Pregnancy or breastfeeding plans; any planned surgery
    • ☐ My weight history, what I have tried, and my goals
    • ☐ My insurance card and plan’s drug list (formulary)

    Ask

    1. ☐ Is a GLP-1 a reasonable option for me, and what are the alternatives?
    2. ☐ Which medicine and form (weekly shot or daily pill), and why?
    3. ☐ Is it the FDA-approved product, not a compounded one?
    4. ☐ How will we raise the dose, and what if side effects are hard?
    5. ☐ Which symptoms mean I should call or get urgent care?
    6. ☐ Does it interact with my other medicines or birth control?
    7. ☐ How and when will we check whether it is working?
    8. ☐ How long would I take it, and what happens if I stop?
    9. ☐ How much protein and what exercise should I aim for? Can I see a dietitian?
    10. ☐ Will my plan cover it? Is prior authorization needed? What is my monthly cost?
    11. ☐ When is my next follow-up visit?

    From instatuck.com, checked against FDA labels and the ADA Standards of Care 2026 on October 6, 2026. Education only; not medical advice.

    Want to understand the brand you are offered in more depth? See semaglutide and tirzepatide, or the side-by-side Wegovy vs Zepbound. If you are weighing a program that bundles a prescription with coaching, our telehealth programs comparison shows what each includes.