Your personal weight care program through VCU Health
1:1 coaching, medical support, and optional low-dose GLP-1 medication to help you lose weight — and keep it off.
Available to VCU Health team members and adult dependents on the Sentara Medical Plan.
A partnership between
What you get
Your very own health coach
You’ll work 1:1 with a coach to build healthy habits around food, movement, sleep, and daily life.
Medical support from VCU Health clinicians
Your VCU Health team is with you every step — guiding care, reviewing labs, and prescribing if needed.
GLP-1 medication, if right for you
If needed, GLP-1s are prescribed at the lowest effective dose and paired with a clear plan to taper when the time is right.
Sustainable weight loss results
You’ll learn the skills and habits to maintain your results long-term — even after coming off medication.
What makes this program different
The VCU Health Sustainable Weight Program, in partnership with Embla, takes a whole-person approach to lasting weight care. We combine personal coaching, medical guidance, and when appropriate, low-dose GLP-1 medication.
Coaching first, always
You’ll work 1:1 with a personal coach to build healthy habits that fit your real life. No diets, no calorie counting, just sustainable change.
Low-dose medication, if needed
If medication is right for you, your VCU Health clinician will prescribe it at the lowest effective dose, helping you avoid side effects and stay in control.
A clear path off medication
When the time is right, you’ll have expert support to taper safely and maintain your results for the long term.
Better health beyond weight loss
This is about more than numbers on a scale. Expect more energy, better sleep, lower blood pressure, and stronger mental wellbeing.
Results that make a difference
The program isn't about quick fixes. It’s about helping you feel better, lose weight safely, and keep the results for the long term.
Lose 16.7% of your
weight in 12 months
On average, members lose nearly one-sixth of their body weight in the first year.
8 out of 10 taper
off medication
Most members step down successfully — and keep the weight off without relying on meds.
Fewer side
effects
Because doses are lower and safer, you avoid the discomfort of high-dose GLP-1s.
Better whole-health outcomes
Members report improved energy, sleep, blood pressure, and overall wellbeing.
What members say
Who can join the program?
VCU Health team members and adult dependents enrolled in the Sentara Medical Plan (18+)
Meet clinical criteria (BMI 30+ or 27+ with a weight-related condition)
Participation is currently invitation-only via the Center for Team Care
Full rollout planned for 2026
What’s expected from you
The program is built around your goals — and your commitment makes all the difference.
To get the best results, you'll:
Stay engaged with your coach and care team
Complete quick check-ins every few weeks
Follow your personalized plan and stay consistent
Two care paths
Become part of our dedicated team.
Coaching-only care
Personalized 1:1 behavioral coaching focused on sustainable lifestyle changes — including nutrition, movement, sleep, and mindset.
This path does not include medication and is designed for members who want structured support through coaching alone.
Coaching + GLP-1s
The same personalized coaching, with the option to add low-dose GLP-1 medication when clinically appropriate.
Medication is prescribed with medical oversight and paired with a clear plan to reduce or discontinue use over time, while maintaining long-term results.
How to get started
Meet with your VCU Health clinician
Talk about your goals and see if the program is right for you.
Enroll and connect with your coach in app
Your clinician will help you sign up and download the Embla app to start 1:1 coaching.
Build healthy habits
Spend the first few weeks focusing on small, sustainable changes while your labs are reviewed.
Review medication & continue program
If medication is appropriate, your clinician will guide you through a safe, low-dose approach, with a plan to taper when the time is right.
Get started today
Get 1:1 coaching, clinical care, and optional low-dose medication, all fully covered by VCU Health.
Make sure to get the Embla app
The entire program runs on the Embla app. Download it below to enroll, talk to your coach, and track your progress.
FAQs
No. The program is fully covered through your VCU Health plan (Sentara) — there’s no cost to eligible patients.
Adult VCU Health patients (18+) with a BMI of 30 or higher, or 27+ with a weight-related condition such as high blood pressure, prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, or sleep apnea.
No. Medication isn’t required. Most patients start with coaching alone, and GLP-1 medication is only added if it’s medically appropriate and prescribed by your VCU Health clinician.
Your VCU Health clinician will review your labs and medical history. If GLP-1 medication is right for you, it will be prescribed and managed directly through your VCU Health care team, with direct home delivery.
Yes. You can continue your current medication under your VCU Health clinician’s supervision. The program provides expert support to help you taper safely when the time is right, while maintaining your results through coaching and lifestyle change.
You’ll connect with your coach every 2–3 weeks and have unlimited app access for ongoing support. Most patients see their best results over 8–12 months.