With medical weight-loss medications now mainstream, the delivery model has evolved, too. Some patients meet regularly with an obesity specialist in person, while others receive virtual care from home. Both can work, but which one works best for you? Experts say the right fit depends on your health profile, accountability style and access to qualified medical supervision. Ahead, experts break down how to determine which model is right for you.
Featured Experts
- Eduardo Grunvald, MD is an internist and obesity medicine specialist in San Diego
- Amanda Kahn, MD is a board-certified internist in New York
- Neha Shah, MD is a board-certified internist in Chicago
When In-Person Care Makes Sense
San Diego obesity specialist Eduardo Grunvald, MD says in-office visits remain the gold standard for anyone with significant metabolic concerns. “We tend to see people who are sick from their excess weight,” he says. “If you have conditions like diabetes, fatty liver or high blood pressure, in-person care allows for physical exams and closer tracking of labs over time.”
He adds that seeing patients face-to-face can reveal details that might otherwise go unnoticed. “Sometimes it’s not the weight alone, it’s how it’s distributed, how it’s affecting mobility or if there are sleep-related issues like apnea,” he says. “Those clues help us personalize the approach.”
The Case for Telehealth
For many, convenience is the deciding factor. Chicago internist and obesity specialist Neha Shah, MD says that for patients balancing work and family, virtual programs make it easier to stay consistent. “Access is everything,” she says. “When appointments are easier to keep, patients are more likely to follow through with medication schedules and nutrition guidance.”
Still, she stresses that accountability must be built in. “Even if visits are virtual, patients should have structured check-ins, side-effect tracking and ongoing support,” she says. “That’s what keeps results sustainable.”
What the Right Provider Should Offer
New York internist and longevity specialist Amanda Kahn, MD says a qualified provider, whether in office or virtually, takes time to understand the root causes of weight gain. “We live in a world where chronic stress, poor sleep and hormonal disruption make weight loss harder,” she explains. “Medical weight optimization therapies like GLP-1s address those underlying issues, not just calories in versus out.”
She adds that personalization is key: “The right clinician will evaluate biomarkers, lifestyle and recovery patterns before adjusting medication. It’s not one-size-fits-all—these are metabolic reprogramming tools meant to restore balance.”
Monitoring and Maintenance
Dr. Grunvald reminds patients that, whichever model they choose, consistency matters. “Obesity is a chronic disease, just like hypertension,” he says. “The goal is long-term management, not a quick fix.”
Dr. Kahn adds that continued tracking should extend beyond medication. “Patients who monitor sleep, inflammation and muscle composition throughout treatment see the best outcomes,” she says. “It’s about improving how your body functions, not just what it weighs.”
The Bottom Line
Both in-person and telehealth programs can deliver meaningful results when handled by experienced clinicians. For those with complex health needs, in-office visits may offer extra peace of mind. For others, the convenience of virtual care helps sustain engagement. The best plan is the one that keeps you connected to your provider and your progress.
