Is Medical Weight Loss Painful?

No. This program is non-surgical and minimally invasive. If injections are part of your plan, they are quick and done with a fine needle. Most Washington D.C. area patients find the process very manageable and worth the small discomfort.

How Many Appointments Will I Need?

The number of visits depends on your personal goals and progress. Most patients begin with weekly or biweekly appointments, then transition to monthly check-ins as their plan progresses. Ongoing support is part of the process to help you stay on track.

How Long Until I See Results?

Some patients notice changes in their weight and energy levels within the first few weeks. More noticeable and lasting results typically emerge after approximately one to two months of consistent participation. Because this is a medically guided and sustainable approach, the focus isn’t on fast, temporary changes—it’s on building momentum that sticks. With each week, you’ll likely see progress not just on the scale, but also in how you feel, how your clothes fit, and even in your mood and sleep quality. Everyone’s timeline is a bit different, but patients who stay committed often see transformative results within three to six months.

Can I Combine Medical Weight Loss with Other Procedures?

Absolutely. Medical Weight Loss can complement a wide range of aesthetic treatments. In fact, many patients use it as a way to prepare for surgery, such as a tummy tuck , liposuction , or body lift . Reducing your weight beforehand can improve surgical outcomes and minimize risks associated with the procedure. On the other hand, post-procedure patients often join our weight loss program to help maintain their results in the long term. It also pairs well with skin tightening treatments , hormone therapy , and non-surgical body contouring . Dr. Chopra can help you create a personalized timeline that aligns your health and aesthetic goals for optimal results.

What Are the Risks Associated with Medical Weight Loss?

All treatments carry some level of risk, but when supervised by a physician, Medical Weight Loss is very safe. Possible side effects depend on the medications used and can include mild nausea, fatigue, or digestive changes. Dr. Chopra will monitor your health closely to prevent and manage any concerns.

Fairfax, VA | Washington, D.C.

Medical Weight Loss

Introduction

Introduction to Medical Weight Loss

Trying to lose weight can feel like you’re constantly spinning your wheels. One week you’re counting calories, the next you’re deep into a fitness trend that promises you miracles—but the scale doesn’t budge. The truth is, not all bodies respond the same way to diet and exercise alone.

That’s why Dr. Vinod Chopra at Chopra Cosmetic Surgery in Fairfax, VA, offers Medical Weight Loss—a science-based, physician-led program that supports real change with real results in the Washington D.C. area.

What is Medical Weight Loss?

Our medical weight loss program is structured, designed, and supervised by Dr. Chopra. It goes beyond standard diet plans by incorporating medical evaluations, lab testing, prescription medications, nutritional counseling, and one-on-one support. Dr. Chopra and his team assess your complete health history, current lifestyle, and unique metabolic profile to create a personalized plan that works with your body, not against it.

Some patients benefit from prescription medications, such as semaglutide or phentermine, to help curb appetite and manage blood sugar levels. Others may receive nutrient injections, such as B12 or lipotropic blends, to support their metabolism. Each plan is individualized and closely monitored, allowing for adjustments to be made along the way.

At Chopra Cosmetic Surgery, we incorporate the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists—specifically compounded semaglutide—as part of eligible patients’ medical weight loss plans. Semaglutide, originally developed to manage type 2 diabetes, has been shown to significantly reduce appetite and support sustainable fat loss by regulating blood sugar levels and mimicking the body’s natural satiety hormone.

Compounded semaglutide is a pharmacy-prepared version of the medication, created by licensed compounding pharmacies to match the active ingredient found in branded versions, such as Ozempic or Wegovy. This approach allows for more flexible dosing, improved availability, and often a lower cost, making it accessible to a broader range of patients. At Chopra Cosmetic Surgery, each prescription is sourced from trusted compounding pharmacies that follow strict quality standards.

When combined with nutritional guidance and lifestyle coaching, semaglutide can be a powerful tool for patients who have struggled to lose weight through diet and exercise alone. Dr. Chopra carefully evaluates each patient to determine if semaglutide is suitable and closely monitors progress to ensure safe and effective results.

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What Are the Benefits of Medical Weight Loss?

This approach delivers more than just weight loss—it offers overall wellness. With a custom plan, you’re more likely to achieve steady results that are easier to maintain in the long term. Patients often experience improved energy levels, better sleep, reduced joint pain, and a decreased risk of heart disease and diabetes. The accountability from regular check-ins helps maintain high motivation, and having a professional in your corner to guide you can make all the difference.

Plus, when weight loss is managed medically, it can be done safely, especially for those with pre-existing health conditions.

Who Are the Best Candidates for Medical Weight Loss?

This isn’t just for anyone chasing a “perfect body.” Our ideal candidates are individuals who:

Have a body mass index (BMI) of 25–27 and up, are struggling with excess weight
Have failed with diet-and-exercise-only approaches
Hold medical conditions (e.g., prediabetes, hypertension) that benefit from weight loss
Are you preparing for elective body contouring with Dr. Chopra
Seek professional medical support to lose weight safely and sustainably
Want to break free from emotional or binge eating cycles
Are you ready to invest—not just the time, but the consistency required for true, lasting results

If that sounds like you, you’re already a step ahead—and Dr. Chopra has the roadmap for success.

What’s the First Step?

Your journey begins with a comprehensive weight loss consultation, where Dr. Chopra and his team take the time to learn about:

Your health history
Personal goals and motivations
Current eating patterns, sleep, activity, and stress
Lab work—think hormone levels, cholesterol, glucose
Body composition (fat vs. lean mass, visceral fat)

From here, a personalized plan is created. You’ll leave with actionable advice—whether it’s starting with meal plans, medications, referrals to a specialist, or a shift in routine—along with a clear sense of next steps and accountability.

What to Expect From a Medical Weight Loss Treatment

Most programs begin with weekly or biweekly appointments. You’ll check in with your provider, track your progress, and discuss how you’re feeling. If you’re on medication, doses may be adjusted based on how your body responds. Nutritional support is ongoing—you’ll receive meal planning assistance, grocery shopping tips, and practical advice for dining out or sticking to your plan during busy periods. You might receive injections to boost metabolism or support nutrient absorption. Over time, as your weight stabilizes, visits may become less frequent, but the support never stops.

How Much Does Medical Weight Loss Cost in Washington, D.C.?

Pricing varies depending on what’s included in your plan. An initial consultation in the Washington, D.C. area typically ranges from $150 to $250. Follow-up visits tend to cost between $40 and $115, depending on their frequency and the services provided. Prescription medications can add to the total—GLP-1 medications like semaglutide typically cost several hundred dollars per month. However, many patients use HSA or FSA funds to help cover the cost. The total monthly investment typically ranges from $300 to $800. During your consultation, you’ll receive a detailed breakdown of costs and a clear understanding of what is included.

Why Choose Dr. Chopra?

Dr. Vinod Chopra is more than just a plastic surgeon—he’s a trusted expert in aesthetics and wellness in the greater Washington D.C. area. As a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, he brings a refined, results-focused approach to every treatment. His practice combines high-level medical knowledge with a compassionate, boutique experience that puts your goals front and center. Whether you’re preparing for surgery or simply looking to feel better in your own skin, Dr. Chopra and his team provide the structure, accountability, and professional care needed to achieve real, lasting weight loss.

Medical Weight Loss FAQ’S

Some patients notice changes in their weight and energy levels within the first few weeks. More noticeable and lasting results typically emerge after approximately one to two months of consistent participation. Because this is a medically guided and sustainable approach, the focus isn’t on fast, temporary changes—it’s on building momentum that sticks.

With each week, you’ll likely see progress not just on the scale, but also in how you feel, how your clothes fit, and even in your mood and sleep quality. Everyone’s timeline is a bit different, but patients who stay committed often see transformative results within three to six months.
Absolutely. Medical Weight Loss can complement a wide range of aesthetic treatments. In fact, many patients use it as a way to prepare for surgery, such as a tummy tuck, liposuction, or body lift. Reducing your weight beforehand can improve surgical outcomes and minimize risks associated with the procedure. On the other hand, post-procedure patients often join our weight loss program to help maintain their results in the long term. It also pairs well with skin tightening treatments, hormone therapy, and non-surgical body contouring. Dr. Chopra can help you create a personalized timeline that aligns your health and aesthetic goals for optimal results.

Patient Reviews

I moved to Philadelphia and drive back every few months just to see Dr. Chopra, I wouldn’t go anywhere else! They take such good care of me and make me feel so comfortable. The new office is beautiful- it’s a professional, clean, and comfortable environment. Carla is an angel, she is so helpful, supportive and so good to me and everyone. Highly recommend!

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Ali L.
This location is amazing! Dr.Chopra and his team take the time to listen to my concerns, walk me through solutions and still manage to make me feel good about myself but more importantly: they don’t try and UP sale me! They offer real solutions, they do not just throw all procedures at me and they don’t play off my insecurities to get more $$ out of me. If you want to look better AND feel better about your procedure – come here! You should feel just as confident, if not more confident when you leave👍

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Gina R.
The entire staff here is amazing and make the experience here incredibly comfortable and easy. Dr. Chopra’s ability to communicate and understand the issues I was having, while also providing his own honest medical opinions and recommendations was an amazing experience and helped me in this process a lot. His care and expertise in the procedures he completed left me feeling ecstatic about the results and I couldn’t be happier. Would definitely recommend this place to anybody thinking about a plastic surgery procedure.

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Rehaan W.

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