According to Obesity Canada, 1 in 4 adults are living with obesity—and that number isn’t slowing down. The World Obesity Federation has already called it a pandemic in the making. By 2035, if we don’t act with better prevention and real treatment options, over 13 million Canadians could be living with obesity. Obesity isn’t about willpower or personal choices—it’s a full-blown public health crisis, and it’s unfolding right here in Ontario.
This isn’t just cold, hard data—it impacts you, me, and so many more people. These loved ones include our kids, parents, coworkers, teachers, and beyond. Was it just the workload that affected our mobility? Now, physical weight is taking a toll on our hearts, our movement, our breathing, our aging, our sleep, our functioning—everything. And on top of that, we’re carrying emotional weight too—the kind that doesn’t show up on a scale but stays with us every single day.
Here’s the thing: for many Ontarians, this isn’t about laziness or lack of willpower. It’s emotional eating, chaotic workdays, late-night parenting, and chronic health conditions. It’s the genuine but invisible stuff. And most of the time, no matter how hard you try, it feels like nothing adds up. You just keep looping through the same frustrating cycle.
That’s where anti-obesity medications (AOMs) come in. For the longest time, the only advice was “eat less and move more”—and while that matters, it often wasn’t enough. Now we have something new. Anti-obesity medications aren’t magic pills. But when used appropriately—with medical guidance, real lifestyle changes, and a mindset shift—they can be the missing link.
At Modest Medix, we don’t just hand out prescriptions. Anyone can do that. We hold your hand through your journey. We guide you on when and how to use these medications. We talk you through side effects. We support you with realistic expectations so you get the most out of your journey—not just at the beginning, but all the way through.
Let’s start with the basics: Why do we struggle with weight loss in the first place? And why, for so many people, are food and exercise alone just not enough?
The Struggles of Weight Management
Ask anyone in Ontario who’s tried to lose weight—it’s not just about skipping dessert or going to the gym every day. There’s more to it. Ontarians have invested in nutritionists, Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig, personal trainers, GoodLife memberships, home gyms, and community programs. Yet many still don’t see the results they were hoping for. Why? Because it’s hard.
And no—it’s not just about the “jeans” fitting. The real answer lies in the “genes.”
Obesity, much like diabetes, is increasingly being recognised not as a failure of willpower but as a condition rooted in biology—specifically, a disruption in appetite hormone regulation. While diabetes centres on insulin, obesity is driven by a separate hormonal system that governs hunger and satiety.
And to be clear, this isn’t about reproductive hormones like oestrogen or testosterone, nor is it tied to thyroid levels. It’s a different set of messengers—ones released by the gut and brain—that tell us when to start or stop eating. For simplicity, think of them as the “good” and “bad” appetite hormones.
When these fall out of balance, the body’s natural cues for fullness and hunger become unreliable. Some people are genetically predisposed to this imbalance. For others, it develops over time—shaped by factors like age, medical history, medications, and life’s inevitable stressors.
The result is a condition that’s biological in nature, yet often misread as purely behavioural. Until we address those root causes, the struggle will continue.
This isn’t about making excuses—it’s about understanding the real biology behind weight.
At Modest Medix, we don’t use a cookie-cutter approach. We work with your biology. We figure out what can be modified, what can’t, and design a plan that’s tailored to you.
How Anti-Obesity Medications Work
So what do these medications actually do?
Think of anti-obesity medications as hormone whisperers. These treatments mimic the body’s own appetite-regulating hormones—chemicals naturally released by the gut after eating that tell the brain: “you’re full.”
In individuals with obesity, that message can be delayed, weakened, or sometimes absent altogether. The result? Persistent hunger, intense cravings, and disrupted metabolism.
These medications aim to restore that internal conversation. Much like insulin helps people with diabetes manage blood sugar, anti-obesity medications help regulate hunger signals, curb appetite, and promote earlier satiety.
Patients often report feeling full sooner, craving less, and noticing a shift in how their body processes food.
In Canada, commonly prescribed options include…
Injectable Options:
- GLP-1 analogues (which mimic natural appetite hormones)
- Liraglutide (Saxenda): A daily injection
- Semaglutide (Wegovy): A weekly injection
- Dual hormone analogue (currently only available in the US)
- Zepbound: A weekly injection combining two appetite-regulating hormones
Oral Option:
For those seeking a non-injectable option, Contrave offers a different approach. This once-daily pill combines bupropion and naltrexone—two medications that work together to target the brain’s reward and appetite centres.
The result? Reduced cravings and a better sense of fullness after eating.
When used under proper medical supervision, medications like Contrave can shift the odds. They help ease the daily mental tug-of-war with hunger, giving patients the space they need to build healthier, more sustainable eating habits.
At Modest Medix, we monitor progress closely and adjust treatment when needed—because real change happens with support, not guesswork.
Can Anti-Obesity Medications Really Change Your Life?
We won’t call them a magic cure. But we also won’t ignore what we’ve seen: these medications can be life-changing.
The Physical Impact
Even modest weight loss—just 5 to 10% of your body weight—can bring meaningful improvements in health. Blood pressure drops. Cholesterol stabilizes. Blood sugar becomes easier to manage. And for many, risks tied to heart disease, type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, and joint pain start to decrease.
The Emotional Lift
Beyond the numbers, patients often report something less measurable but just as important—relief. More energy. Better sleep. Less pain. A chance to walk past the mirror and feel at peace. For some, just fitting into a pair of jeans they’d avoided for years becomes a powerful emotional win.
The Return of Everyday Joys
Walking the block no longer feels like a workout. Playing with your kids isn’t something you avoid. Climbing stairs doesn’t come with breathlessness or shame. Food can finally feel like a source of nourishment—not regret.
Confidence, Reclaimed
We’ve seen tears—happy ones. Patients who shed their first 10 pounds and tell us it’s not just about the weight. It’s about recognising themselves again.
Insights for Ontario Residents: Access and Support
Indications
Anti-obesity medications are indicated for:
- BMI over 30 for the general population
- BMI over 27 for South Asians
- BMI over 27 with any obesity-related condition (like diabetes, PCOS, hypertension)
Availability
These medications are widely available in Ontario with a prescription. Due to high demand, some doses may be out of stock at certain pharmacies—so always call ahead.
Affordability
Cost can be a concern. Many private insurance plans cover these medications. At Modest Medix, we help patients navigate insurance options, complete prior authorization forms, and even write appeal letters when needed.
If coverage is limited, we don’t just stop there. We’ll help you take the next step—whether that’s talking to your HR team or reaching out to your insurance provider.
At Modest Medix, we’re all about making sure you get the care you need—not just what’s easily covered.
Safety and Oversight
These are prescription medications, not over-the-counter supplements. They’re regulated by Health Canada and must be prescribed and monitored by licensed professionals—something we take very seriously.
Why Medications Alone Aren’t Enough
Here’s the truth: you can’t medicate your way out of unhealthy habits.
That’s why our care goes beyond the prescription.
Nutrition Guidance
We don’t hand out generic meal plans. We personalise your nutrition to match your health conditions, energy needs, and food preferences.
Behavioural Support
We help you understand your emotional triggers and build practical tools to manage stress, cravings, and routine disruptions.
Ongoing Monitoring
We follow up regularly to adjust your medications, address side effects, and make sure your weight loss is safe and sustainable.
Steps to Begin Your Journey with Anti-Obesity Medications
Consult a Medical Professional
Every journey starts with an assessment. We look at your history, lifestyle, labs, and goals to see if AOMs are right for you.
Set Realistic Goals
Forget overnight fixes. One to two pounds a week may not sound dramatic—but it adds up to long-term success.
Lean into Support
At Modest Medix, you’re not doing this alone. Our team walks beside you—cheering you on, adjusting your plan, and celebrating every win.
Modest Medix: Your Partner in Weight Loss
We’re more than a weight loss clinic in Ontario—we’re your medical home for obesity care.
We specialise in anti-obesity medications, but what makes us different is our focus on the full picture—your hormones, your habits, and your hopes.
Every plan is personalised. Every visit is judgment-free. Every success—big or small—is worth celebrating.
Conclusion
Anti-obesity medications aren’t a quick fix. But when used with the right support, medical supervision, and lifestyle changes, they can transform lives.
If you’re ready for a healthier, more confident you—reach out. Modest Medix is here to walk with you every step of the way.
Written by the Modest Medix Clinic Team | Reviewed by Dr. Saima Khan (Dr. Eskay)
