As pharmacists, we are among the most accessible healthcare professionals in the healthcare system. Every day, patients come to us not only with questions about their medications, but also with broader concerns about their health and well-being. Weight management is one area where these conversations are becoming increasingly common.
With 15% of Manitoba residents reporting that they do not have a family doctor, the need for innovative approaches to improve access to care continues to grow. Healthcare systems across Manitoba are increasingly exploring integrated, team-based models that bring together different healthcare professionals to provide more coordinated and accessible care.
The virtual Weight Management Program at Shoppers Drug Mart is one example of this approach. Obesity is a chronic disease and a significant driver of other health conditions. As many Canadians continue to face barriers to accessing primary care, improving access to evidence-based weight management treatment and support is increasingly important. Shoppers Drug Mart has also collaborated with Obesity Canada to help raise awareness of the tools and resources available to Canadians seeking support.
A Team-Based Approach to Weight Management
The program begins with a virtual assessment and consultation with a nurse practitioner, who reviews the patient’s medical history, current medications, lifestyle, and health goals. This comprehensive assessment helps ensure that the care plan is personalized to the patient’s individual needs.
When clinically appropriate, weight management medication may be prescribed as part of that plan. Pharmacists then play an important role in supporting patients throughout their treatment journey by answering medication-related questions, helping patients understand what to expect, and promoting the safe and effective use of their medications through ongoing in-person support at their local pharmacy.
Nutrition is another important component of successful weight management. Through the integrated virtual care team, patients can receive personalized support from a registered dietitian. The focus is on developing realistic and sustainable approaches to nutrition that reflect each patient’s preferences, routines, and cultural considerations. Rather than focusing on restrictive plans, the goal is to help patients develop strategies they can maintain over time.
Weight management also extends beyond nutrition and medication. Sleep, stress, physical activity, and daily routines all play important roles. Sustainable progress often comes from small, manageable changes that can be incorporated into everyday life—not from quick fixes or unrealistic expectations.
Most importantly, weight management is not a one-time conversation. It is an ongoing process that benefits from continued support and follow-up. Pharmacists can help reinforce treatment plans, address medication-related concerns, and support patients as they work toward their goals. Together, pharmacists, nurse practitioners, and dietitians can help create a more coordinated care experience for patients.
In a healthcare system where access to primary care is not always consistent, integrated care teams offer an opportunity to help bridge gaps in access and support. For individuals exploring weight management options, speaking with a local pharmacist can be a helpful first step toward understanding available treatments and connecting with the right healthcare professionals.
By bringing care closer to where patients live and access healthcare every day, team- based models have the potential to make weight management support more accessible, coordinated, and sustainable.
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