UCLA Weight Management Program

Weight Loss Clinic in Santa Monica, California

Call (310) 825-81731304 15th St, Ste 102, Santa Monica, CA 90404

3.9 (14 reviews)

About UCLA Weight Management Program

Treatment at UCLA Weight Management Program

UCLA Weight Management Program brings academic medicine to the weight loss journey. Based in Santa Monica, the program draws on decades of clinical research and a multidisciplinary team that includes physicians, registered dietitians, and behavioral health specialists. It's built for patients who've tried the standard approaches and need something more structured.

The program isn't a quick fix. It's designed for sustainable results, which means appointments move slower and expectations are set accordingly. Patients typically see a doctor, a dietitian, and sometimes a psychologist over the course of treatment. If you want a team that takes the full picture seriously, this is worth considering.

Services Offered

UCLA Weight Management Program offers a full spectrum of medically supervised weight loss services. The clinical team conducts comprehensive metabolic evaluations to understand each patient's baseline before recommending any intervention. Nutritional counseling is a core part of the program, with registered dietitians building meal plans that account for food preferences, cultural background, and any existing medical conditions like diabetes or hypertension. Behavioral support is integrated into the program, not tacked on as an afterthought. Patients can work with psychologists who specialize in eating behavior and body image. For eligible patients, medical weight management with FDA-approved medications is available. The team also coordinates with bariatric surgery services within the UCLA Health system for patients who may benefit from surgical options. Follow-up care is built into the program structure, so patients aren't left without support once they hit their initial goals. Group classes on nutrition and lifestyle change are offered on a rotating schedule.

Nutritionists

Weight Loss Centers

Dietitians

Treatment Options

Comprehensive Medical Evaluation

Full metabolic and clinical workup to identify underlying factors contributing to weight gain, including labs, vitals, and physician review of health history.

90 minutes initial, 30-45 minutes follow-upCovered by most insurance; self-pay from $250

Medical Nutrition Therapy

One-on-one sessions with a registered dietitian focused on building sustainable eating patterns tailored to individual health needs and goals.

60 minutes initial, 30-45 minutes follow-upOften covered by insurance; self-pay from $150

Behavioral Weight Management

Psychological support addressing eating behavior, emotional triggers, and motivation, delivered by psychologists specializing in weight and body image.

50 minutes per sessionCovered under mental health benefits; self-pay from $180

Medical Weight Loss Medications

Prescription medications for weight management, including newer GLP-1 receptor agonists, prescribed and monitored by board-certified physicians.

Ongoing with monthly monitoringMedication cost varies by insurance; $150-$1,200/month without coverage

What to Expect

New patients start with an intake appointment that covers medical history, current medications, previous weight loss attempts, and health goals. Labs are typically ordered before or during this first visit so the physician has a full metabolic picture. From there, the team meets to discuss findings and develop a personalized plan.

Most patients attend monthly appointments in the early phases, with check-ins more frequent if medications are being started or adjusted. Dietitian visits are scheduled separately and can happen more often based on need. The program uses a shared care model, so notes and recommendations flow between providers within the UCLA system. Patients with insurance referrals should confirm coverage before the first visit. The overall pace is deliberate. Progress is tracked through clinical markers, not just the scale.

Why Choose UCLA Weight Management Program

The main reason to choose this program is access. UCLA Health is one of the top academic medical centers in the country, and this program plugs directly into that ecosystem. If your weight issues are tied to other health conditions, you can get coordinated care across specialties without having to manage referrals on your own.

The team is experienced with medically complex patients who haven't responded to standard interventions. The behavioral health integration is a real differentiator. Many weight loss programs mention mental health as a factor but don't actually staff for it. Here, it's part of the clinical model. The tradeoff is that the academic setting means longer wait times and more structured processes. It's not the right fit for someone who wants fast access and a casual approach.

Insurance & Pricing

UCLA Weight Management Program accepts most major insurance plans, including Medi-Cal and Medicare, though coverage for specific services varies. Medical nutrition therapy visits with a dietitian are often covered under standard health plans when ordered by a physician. Behavioral health services may require a separate mental health benefit. Patients should call the billing office before their first appointment to clarify what's covered. Self-pay rates are available and can be discussed during scheduling.

First-Time Patient Tips

Before your first appointment, gather any recent lab work, a list of current medications, and a summary of previous weight loss attempts including what worked and what didn't. The intake process goes faster when the physician has this information upfront.

Be honest about eating habits, activity levels, and any history of disordered eating. This program works best when patients are open with the team. If you're expecting a quick solution, reset that expectation. The program is built around gradual, medically sound progress. Ask about the patient portal during your first visit. Using it to track appointments and communicate with providers will save time. If you have a specific concern, like medication cost or scheduling flexibility, raise it early so the team can work around it.

Pros & Cons

Advantages

Access to a full multidisciplinary team including physicians, dietitians, and psychologists under one health system.
Accepts Medi-Cal and Medicare, making it more accessible than many private weight loss programs.
Integrated with UCLA Health for seamless specialist referrals if other medical issues arise.

Things to Consider

Wait times for new patient appointments can be several weeks due to high demand.
The program's structured pace may feel slow for patients wanting faster results or more frequent check-ins.

Service Area

UCLA Weight Management Program serves patients primarily from Santa Monica, West Los Angeles, Brentwood, Pacific Palisades, and the broader Westside of Los Angeles. The program also draws patients from the San Fernando Valley and South Bay who prefer academic medical care. Some patients travel from outside the region specifically for access to the UCLA multidisciplinary team.

Interior of UCLA Weight Management Program

Local Insight

Santa Monica has a strong health and wellness culture, and UCLA's presence there reflects that. The area attracts patients from across the Westside who want medical-grade care rather than commercial diet programs. Parking at the facility can be a consideration for regular appointments. Public transit access via the Expo Line makes it reachable without a car.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a referral to start the program?

Some insurance plans require a referral from a primary care physician. It's best to check with your insurance before scheduling. UCLA can also help clarify referral requirements when you call to book.

What insurance plans does the program accept?

The program accepts most major commercial insurance plans, as well as Medi-Cal and Medicare. Coverage for specific services like nutrition counseling or medications varies, so calling the billing office before your first visit is a good idea.

How long does the program typically last?

There's no fixed end date. Treatment length depends on your goals, your starting point, and how your body responds to the plan. Many patients stay engaged with the program for a year or more.

Are weight loss medications part of the program?

Yes, for eligible patients. The physician will evaluate whether medications like GLP-1 agonists are appropriate based on your health history and current condition. Not every patient is a candidate.

Is bariatric surgery an option through UCLA?

The program can coordinate with UCLA's bariatric surgery team if surgical intervention is being considered. The weight management program often serves as a required pre-surgical step.

Can I see a dietitian without seeing a physician first?

Typically the program starts with a physician visit to establish medical oversight. After that, dietitian appointments can often be scheduled more frequently based on your needs.

Is there support for emotional eating or binge eating?

Yes. The program includes psychologists who specialize in eating behavior. If disordered eating is identified as a factor, behavioral support is integrated into the treatment plan.

What should I bring to my first appointment?

Bring a list of current medications, any recent lab results, insurance cards, and a summary of previous weight loss efforts. The more context you can provide, the faster the team can develop a plan.