With thousands of Ontarians struggling to access family doctors and weight-loss medications dominating headlines, a Toronto-based virtual clinic is stepping forward with a new model of care. Metabolite Clinic has expanded its OHIP-covered program for obesity and wellness, giving patients province-wide access to specialists in Internal & Obesity Medicine. In addition, the clinic offers comprehensive virtual support through registered dietitians and licensed psychotherapists, helping patients build sustainable lifestyle changes that go beyond medication alone.
The announcement comes as Canada experiences unprecedented demand for GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic and Wegovy, alongside a well-documented shortage of family physicians. Metabolite’s approach ensures patients are not only connected with doctors who can prescribe and monitor evidence-based therapies but also supported with psychotherapy for emotional eating and registered dietitians for long-term nutrition planning.
“Obesity management requires more than just a prescription — it’s about understanding each patient’s unique biology. It’s important to recognize that pharmacotherapy, when combined with nutrition and psychotherapy, provides lasting and sustainable results. One of the biggest challenges in Ontario is access to a family physician, and we are changing that by empowering our team of nurse practitioners to screen patients and determine if they can benefit from weight management, where they can then be seen by our Internal & Obesity Medicine Specialists,” said Dr. Mayank Ohri, Medical Director and Founder of Metabolite Clinic.
“By covering these services through OHIP, we’re removing one of the biggest barriers patients face. For too long, obesity treatment has been seen as optional or inaccessible. Now, Ontarians can get the care they need without worrying about cost, and we can treat this as the chronic disease it truly is,” added Dr. Ohri.
Key Features of the Expanded Program:
All physician visits covered by OHIP — no out-of-pocket cost for patients.
Access to a board-certified Internal & Obesity Medicine specialist, registered dietitian, and psychotherapist completely virtual.
Free referral option for patients without a family doctor.
Unlimited follow-ups with providers via video or phone.
Virtual-first care available across Ontario.
Ontario residents without a family doctor are among the hardest hit by current system shortages. Metabolite’s model allows them to secure a referral and access care without long delays.
“Over 2 million people in Ontario don’t have access to a family physician. With the help of our nurse practitioners, we are screening patients at our clinic who don’t have a family physician or primary care provider to ensure they get the support they need for managing this disease. Our clinic is completely virtual and offered at no cost to the patient,” said Dr. Ohri.
With more than 2,000 patients already served, Metabolite is positioning itself as a lifeline for Ontarians seeking both immediate support and sustainable change.
The Metabolite team of experts are available for media interviews.
