JumpstartMD FAQs

Achieve Your Ideal Weight with Personalized Care

JumpstartMD’s weight loss program is designed to help you shed pounds effectively and sustainably. Our approach includes personalized medical supervision, lifestyle coaching, and the flexibility to choose between various weight loss medications, if appropriate.

Click the (+) to read the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about our weight loss services:

I’ve tried everything. How is JumpstartMD different?

We get it. Losing weight is hard, and the experience can be very frustrating. But over the years we have helped thousands of members lose weight and improve their overall health. Our comprehensive program is not a diet; it’s a way of life. Major lifestyle change is not easy, and that is why diets fail.

At JumpstartMD we empower you to transform your lifestyle in order to lose weight and keep it off. We do this by providing the ongoing private and personal support you need to stay on track. Most importantly, our program is flexible enough to address challenges and issues specific to your life and circumstances.

Medically supervised and based on the science of weight loss, our program will help you overcome obstacles with time-tested techniques and smart, effective strategies. Unlike a diet, cleanse, or fad, our program builds fundamental knowledge and behavior change which is the key to sustained weight management.

How does JumpstartMD’s weight loss program work?

Our weight loss program combines effective medication, a low-carb diet with healthy fats and proteins, and personalized coaching. We prescribe a variety of weight loss medications tailored to your needs and provide continuous support throughout your journey.

Are weight loss medications part of the program?

They can be when indicated. Many of our patients choose not to take medication, while others use it to complement their program. Weight loss medication can be a useful part of a comprehensive weight loss program involving nutrition education, exercise recommendations, and behavioral changes. If you’re a candidate for prescription medication, you will discuss your preferences with one of our clinicians. Prescriptions can be picked up at your pharmacy of choice or delivered directly to you from our partner pharmacy. Medication costs are not included in membership fees.

What medications do you prescribe for weight loss?

Ozempic ® or Wegovy ® (active ingredient Semaglutide), Trulicity ® (active ingredient Dulaglutide), Byetta ® (active ingredient Exenatide): weekly dosing

Saxenda ® or Victoza ® (active ingredient Liraglutide): daily dosing

Mounjaro ® (active ingredient Terzepatide)

Metformin Extended Release (ER) Medication

Wellbutrin ® or Zyban ® (active ingredient Buproprion) Medication Containing the Active Ingredient Naltrexone

Sodium-Glucose Co-Transporter 2 Inhibitor (SGLT2 Inhibitor) Medication

Medication Containing the Active Ingredients Phentermine or Phendimetrazine, or Phendimetrazine Extended Release Medication

Medication Containing the Active Ingredient Diethylproprion or Diethylproprion Extended Release Medication

Topamax ® (active ingredient Topiramate)

Do I need insurance to get weight loss medications?

No insurance? No problem! JumpstartMD provides weight loss medications that do not require insurance coverage, making it accessible for everyone.

How do compounded weight loss prescriptions work through JumpstartMD, and who is your compounded medication pharmacy partner?

When a licensed JumpstartMD Provider determines that a compounded prescription product is appropriate for you, and you’ve given your consent, your compounded prescription will be filled through our pharmacy partner. If you complete a consultation with a JumpstartMD Provider and fill a prescription through our compounding pharmacy partner, the prescription product will be shipped to you by the respective Pharmacy, and the costs associated with the prescription will be charged to you by JumpstartMD. Our compounded medication pharmacy partner is:

PerfectRx Phone: (888) 553-2500 Email: *protected email*

To expedite response and avoid delays, JumpstartMD members should reach out to us directly with any pharmacy-related questions. We’ll work with the pharmacy on your behalf.

What is JumpstartMD's dietary philosophy?

Our dietary approach focuses on whole, real, and fresh foods that are low in carbohydrates, nutrient-dense, and include moderate levels of high-quality proteins and healthy fats. This helps stabilize blood sugar, maintain muscle mass, and enhance satiety.

Will I need to count calories?

No! We help you design a customized meal plan that provides the right amount of macronutrients for healthy, gradual weight loss. Our plan follows the guidelines of the National Institutes of Health for the treatment of overweight and obese adults. (Clinical Guidelines on the Identification, Evaluation, and Treatment of Overweight and Obesity in Adults: Evidence Report, 1998).

Do you provide the meals for me?

No. To sustain your weight loss, you need to develop healthy habits beyond the initial weight loss phase. We teach you how to shop, order, and prepare healthy food for yourself, emphasizing real-world settings like the workplace and family meals. We don’t sell prepackaged meals.

What will I be eating?

You will enjoy delicious, whole, fresh foods that you already love while learning which foods to eat in moderation. We teach you how to order food in social settings and provide strategic shopping lists for local stores. We encourage you to enjoy food and drink in a way that nourishes both your body and your life.

More Weight Loss FAQs

How much weight can I expect to lose?

Our patients lose an average of one to five pounds each week.* Women typically lose one to three pounds, while men lose two to five. After nine months, the average patient loses 17% of their body weight and 7 inches in waist circumference. Results depend on factors like starting weight, medical conditions, and personal program adherence.

*Results may vary.

Will I need to do rigorous exercise?

Not at all. Exercise is a wonderful wellness tool, but your initial focus should be on nutritional changes. We introduce exercise gradually, starting with moderate activities to prevent excessive hunger. Over time, we increase exercise and introduce resistance training. High-intensity exercise has many benefits but is recommended in the correct sequence.

Who are your members?

We work with men and women seeking to lose ten pounds or more. Our patients range from teenagers to seniors and include those facing life changes like career transitions, childbirth, or menopause. Some patients aim to improve conditions like diabetes, hypertension, or high cholesterol, while others seek to regain their former selves.

Do you treat adolescents?

Yes. We treat patients who are 16 and older with parental consent on a case-by-case basis. Adolescents entering or attending college (18 or older) especially benefit from our program as they learn to better manage the unique challenges associated with campus life.

How much does it cost?

JumpstartMD offers a highly personalized program tailored to your needs and goals. We work with you to develop a plan that includes an initial assessment and ongoing follow-up meetings. Pricing is based on the frequency of meetings and your overall health and wellness goals.

For more information, call us at 650.241.6500 or request a no-obligation consultation.

Do you accept insurance?

Payment is due at the time of service. Members may use HSA or FSA cards. We offer a concierge claims service for out-of-network reimbursement with PPO coverage, although reimbursement amounts are not guaranteed. All reimbursements go directly to the patient. We cannot file claims to Medicare.

For more information, please call us at 650.241.6500 .

How often do I visit a JumpstartMD center?

We offer different levels of membership depending on your individual needs. For optimal results, we suggest weekly visits with a clinician or health coach.

Numerous studies support our own experience: long-term weight loss success is greatest when supported by consistent and frequent visits. In these meetings, we support your progress by fine-tuning your program, adjusting any medication, monitoring your health, and developing strategies to cope with your unique challenges. This gives you an opportunity to reflect, troubleshoot, ask questions, and raise any concerns as you educate yourself to keep the weight off.

Can I Schedule Virtual Appointments?

Yes, JumpstartMD offers virtual appointments for your convenience. Whether you prefer in-person visits or online consultations, we accommodate your needs to make your health journey as smooth as possible.

Who will I meet with each week?

You will meet with a health coach to collect biometrics on your initial visit. Once you have completed laboratory work, your second visit is with a clinician, with a deep understanding of bariatric medicine and our program, who will also discuss medication options with you. On subsequent visits, you may meet with a clinician or health coach cross-trained in nutrition, medicine, psychology, or physical fitness. Our experts collaborate to benefit you from multiple areas of expertise. You will meet with a combination of counselors throughout your program.

How do I get started with the JumpstartMD weight loss program?

Call JumpstartMD at 650.241.6500 for a free consultation and begin your personalized health journey today. We’re here to help you every step of the way!

Balance Your Hormones, Enhance Your Life

JumpstartMD’s hormone optimization programs are designed to help both women and men manage symptoms related to hormone imbalances. By assessing and balancing key hormones, we aim to improve your overall quality of life.

Click the (+) to read the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about hormone therapy at JumpstartMD:

What is hormone replacement therapy?

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a safe, proven clinical therapy that rebalances hormone levels often responsible for symptoms associated with aging. Bioidentical hormones are designed to precisely match the molecular structures of the natural hormones in your body.

Is hormone therapy an effective anti-aging treatment?

Absolutely. Suboptimal hormone levels (deficiencies) are responsible for many symptoms attributed to “getting older.” Correcting these deficiencies with biologically-identical, natural hormones is safe and simple and can dramatically improve your health, quality of life, and youthful vitality.

Is hormone replacement therapy safe?

Yes. Bioidentical hormones exactly match those found in your body, are administered with scientifically supported physician oversight, and are fine-tuned to achieve optimal levels within a normal physiologic range. Unlike synthetic non-bioidentical hormones, which have different metabolic footprints and potential adverse effects, bioidentical hormones offer a safer alternative.

What symptoms can hormone replacement therapy help with?

Hormone replacement therapy can help alleviate a range of symptoms for both men and women, including hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, fatigue, low libido, weight gain, and more. By addressing these symptoms, HRT helps you feel more like yourself again.

Where can I go for a consultation or hormone replacement therapy treatment?

We offer HRT treatment at most of our Bay Area centers and also provide virtual consultations for your convenience. Call today at 650.241.6500 to learn more about how HRT may benefit you.

What is the treatment process?

The first step is to fill out a gender-specific health history questionnaire and have pertinent labs drawn either in our office or elsewhere. Once the results are ready, you will meet with one of our medical experts to customize a treatment plan. This may include hormone pellet insertion and/or oral therapy. Follow-up testing and check-ins occur approximately 3-6 weeks after the initial treatment to ensure optimal hormone balance.

How are the hormones delivered?

Progesterone and thyroid hormones are typically taken orally, while estrogen and testosterone are usually delivered via pellets inserted into the fatty tissue beneath the skin of the buttock.

More Hormone Therapy FAQs

What is pellet therapy and how does it work?

A pellet is a small cylinder, slightly bigger than a grain of rice, containing a specific dosage of an FDA-approved bioidentical hormone. Pellets are placed in the fatty tissue under the skin of the buttock through a relatively painless procedure. This method avoids the “first pass” metabolism by the liver and provides consistent hormone levels for up to 3-4 months in women and 5-6 months in men.

What kind of results can I expect from treatment?

Finding the optimal balance may take time and dosages may require adjustment. Once balanced, you may experience improved energy levels, motivation, mood, sexual drive, memory, mental clarity, strength, muscle tone, and reduced body fat. Benefits typically start within 24-72 hours after insertion and peak around 3-5 weeks.

What are potential side effects with hormone replacement therapy?

Potential complications are rare but could include fluid retention, swelling, breast tenderness, spotting, mood swings, and irritability. Testosterone therapy may occasionally cause slight increases in facial hair or hair thinning in some women, which can be treated if needed.

Is there any risk of cancer from hormone replacement therapy?

Studies show that properly delivered HRT does not cause cancer. Bioidentical hormones are chemically identical to those found in our bodies and may even offer protective effects against certain cancers.

How are bioidentical hormones different from synthetic hormones?

Bioidentical hormones match the precise chemical makeup of your body’s natural hormones, providing benefits without the adverse effects often associated with synthetic hormones. Synthetic hormones have different chemical structures and metabolic footprints, leading to potential side effects and health risks, which is why we only use bioidentical hormones.

How do I get started with JumpstartMD’s hormone optimization program?

Call 650.241.6500 or message us today to learn more and start your journey to a healthier, happier you!