Frequently Asked Questions

What is the program?

The Program is a weight loss program that provides people with healthy, rapid weight loss. It is done under the supervision of a weight loss doctor at one of our three medical weight loss clinics in the Los Angeles area, including Sylmar, Montebello, and Canoga Park.
Take an in-depth look into the Program for rapid weight loss.

Is the program safe?

Yes! If you are a healthy adult, the Program is safe. To ensure your safety, you will be monitored by a weight loss doctor who and a team of professionals who specialize in weight management to ensure you are losing weight and not encountering any problems.

Is there a free consultation?

All visits include a consultation. The initial visit starts at $80.

How does the Program compare to other weight loss programs?

The Program doesn’t tell you what to eat, but rather how to eat. We focus on establishing healthier habits, so you learn to eat like someone who is thin. The main reason so many people are overweight is because they overeat. We retrain your body and mindset to eat intuitively.

How do I get started with the program?

Getting started with the Program is easy. All you need to do is contact one of our three medical weight loss clinics and make an appointment for a consultation. We can then set you up with everything you need to start losing weight and customize a plan of action for you.

Is the program right for me?

If you are over the age of 18 and want to lose weight, then you should schedule a consultation. The Program is right for adults with weight loss needs, whether it is 15 pounds or 300. We’ve helped people of all sizes get to their ideal weight. The Program may not be for everyone, as some health restrictions apply, but we encourage everyone to contact one of our medical weight loss clinics to schedule a consultation so we can determine if this is right for you.

How long is the program?

Most patients remain within the program for 3-6 months, but the length of the program depends on the individual’s weight loss goals. Some clients may need to be on the program longer.

Do I need to book an appointment?

No, you are free to walk into our clinic without an appointment at any time you would like. However, if you would like to book an appointment please reach out to us through our website or text us at at 818-403-5487.

What medications do you use?

We prescribe a variety of FDA approved medication. Such as Phentermine, Tenuate, and Bontril.

How much does a visit cost?

The price of your visit depends on the package you choose and whether you are a new or returning customer. Please visit our pricing page for a full breakdown of the cost.

Are your medications safe?

Absolutely! The medications we use are FDA approved and safe for medical weight loss. When it comes to medications to help you lose weight, your health is our number one concern.

What is Phentermine and why is it used?

Phentermine is an FDA approved medication to help suppress hunger. We use phentermine for 2 reasons, it really works and it is safe. We use phentermine to help you “retrain your brain” to only eat when you are hungry and to avoid overly large portions.

What is Lipoden and why is it used?

Lipoden is a B-complex injection. This injection helps speed up metabolism and burn fat in the liver. It also helps you overcome carbs and sugar cravings, while also aiding in controlling cholesterol as well as increasing your energy level. It’s known to control mood and appetite.

What is intermittent fasting?

Intermittent fasting is a type of diet where you cycle through a period of fasting and eating. There are various types of intermittent fasting, but all involve periods of fasting. The most popular cycle is to fast for 16 hours three to seven times a week. Other cycles include smaller windows of fasting. Intermittent fasting has plenty of proven health and weight loss benefits, and we encourage those on the Program to discuss intermittent fasting with our team.

Does the program require fasting? Is it optional?

To get weight loss started, we recommend patients to begin with 3 days of fasting. It is optional, but fasting for several days has benefits beyond jump-starting your weight loss.

How fast will I lose weight?

Everyone is different, and results vary from person to person, so no result can be guaranteed. However, the average person on the Program loses between five and 13 pounds in the first week, and between 25 and 30 pounds in the first month.

Are carbs or fats allowed on this diet? What am I not allowed to eat?

Many weight loss programs will attempt to remove carbs or fats from your diet. With the Program, you can eat whatever you want, including carbs and fats. We want to teach you how to eat the foods you love while still losing weight. During this program, you will not be deprived of your favorite foods.

How much water should I be drinking every day?

Water is vital to life, and the truth is, most people are not drinking enough water. When you don’t drink enough water, it can trigger hunger signals in your body, causing you to eat when you are not hungry. We want to be sure that you are drinking enough water every day and encourage each person to consume about a gallon a day.

Do I have to exercise on the Program?

Exercise can boost your weight loss results, but with the Program, you do not have to exercise if you do not want to. While we always encourage our members to become more active, it is not necessary to lose weight. If you do plan on exercising, we encourage you to speak with our team about the exercises you should be doing to boost your results.

What happens when I hit my target weight?

By the end of the program, you should hit your target weight, and this is great! Now that you have lost all the weight and are feeling better than ever, you will want to keep it off. Luckily, the Program teaches you healthier eating habits so you can easily maintain your results once you’ve reached your target goal. However, many members enjoy the personalized experience they have with our team and like to get onto a maintenance program. This is a separate program for those who feel like they still need some additional attention to ensure their results remain.

How do you know how much weight someone should lose?

We go based on the individual’s BMI (Body Mass Index). You can lose anywhere from 6-12 pounds in the first week! After the first week, you can expect to lose 2-3 pounds weekly, as long as you follow our program and recommendations.

Will insurance cover the costs?

This program is not an insurance-based program.

What form of payments do you accept?

Cash and all major credit/debit cards.

Can I transfer my services to a different Healthy Steps location?

Once you have signed up with Healthy Steps you are welcome to go to any of our locations in Southern California.