Everything you need to know before you start
A transparent look at how SCAPS works — the education curriculum, medication options, week-by-week timeline, and what you can realistically expect.
The Education Curriculum
Our 12-week minimum structured curriculum is the backbone of the program. It’s not a handout or a pamphlet — it’s a clinically designed learning experience that gives you a working understanding of your own biology. Patients who complete the full curriculum maintain their results significantly longer than those who rely on medication alone.
The Science of Weight
Why your body resists weight loss, how metabolism adapts, and what the research actually says about sustainable fat loss.
Hunger & Hormones
How GLP-1, leptin, ghrelin, and insulin regulate appetite — and why hunger is a biological signal, not a willpower failure.
Practical Nutrition
No rigid meal plans. Instead: how to build eating patterns that work with your biology, preferences, and real life.
Behavioral Patterns
Emotional eating, stress responses, habit formation, and the cognitive patterns that drive food choices — and how to change them.
Sleep, Stress & Weight
The underappreciated role of sleep quality and chronic stress in weight regulation — and practical strategies to address both.
Long-Term Maintenance
Building a personal maintenance plan, navigating setbacks, and the ongoing support structure available after the core program.
Sessions are designed to fit your schedule
Education sessions run approximately 45–60 minutes, once a week. Most are available via telehealth.
Medication Options
Medication is never prescribed automatically — it follows a thorough clinical evaluation. When appropriate, we prescribe only FDA-approved medications with established safety profiles. Below is a transparent overview of what we may prescribe and why.
GLP-1 Receptor Agonists
Semaglutide (Wegovy®), Tirzepatide (Zepbound®)
How It Works
Mimic the GLP-1 hormone to reduce appetite, slow gastric emptying, and improve insulin sensitivity. Clinical trials show 15–22% body weight reduction over 68 weeks.
Typical Candidate
BMI ≥30, or BMI ≥27 with weight-related health condition
Evidence
Strongest evidence base in obesity medicine history.
Weekly injection. Most commonly prescribed in our program.
Phentermine / Topiramate
Qsymia® (combination)
How It Works
Phentermine suppresses appetite via norepinephrine release; topiramate reduces food cravings through multiple CNS mechanisms. Average 8–10% body weight reduction.
Typical Candidate
BMI ≥30, or BMI ≥27 with hypertension or type 2 diabetes
Evidence
FDA-approved since 2012. Extensive long-term safety data.
Daily oral medication. Not suitable during pregnancy.
Naltrexone / Bupropion
Contrave®
How It Works
Targets the reward and hunger centers of the brain to reduce cravings and emotional eating. Average 5–8% body weight reduction.
Typical Candidate
BMI ≥30, or BMI ≥27 with weight-related condition
Evidence
FDA-approved. Beneficial for patients with binge-eating tendencies.
Oral tablet, twice daily. Particularly effective for emotional eating patterns.
Orlistat
Xenical®, Alli® (OTC)
How It Works
Blocks approximately 30% of dietary fat absorption in the gut. Average 5–7% body weight reduction when combined with a reduced-fat diet.
Typical Candidate
BMI ≥30, or BMI ≥27 with weight-related condition
Evidence
Longest safety record of any weight loss medication.
Oral capsule with meals. Requires a low-fat diet for tolerability.
Your 12-week journey
Here's a transparent look at what happens each phase of the program — so you know exactly what you're committing to before you start.
Comprehensive Assessment
- Full medical history review
- Lab work (metabolic panel, thyroid, hormones)
- Body composition analysis
- Goal-setting and program orientation
Foundation Building
- Education modules begin (once a week)
- Nutrition baseline assessment
- Medication evaluation and initiation if appropriate
- First behavioral health check-in
Active Phase
- Continued education curriculum
- Medication titration and monitoring
- Weekly clinical check-ins
- Behavioral strategy implementation
Consolidation & Planning
- Advanced education modules
- Maintenance plan development
- Final labs and body composition
- Long-term support plan established
Program FAQ
Answers to the questions we hear most often from people considering the program.
Still have questions? Book a free callReady to start the program?
Your first consultation is free. We'll review your history, answer every question you have, and tell you honestly whether SCAPS is the right fit.
Book Your Free ConsultationNo commitment required. Available in-person and virtually.