FAQ's

GLP-1 agonist medications (aka incretins) are backed by decades of clinical research, are  stimulant-free and non-habit forming. Initially used to treat patients with diabetes, research  later showed significant weight reductions in patients taking them, making this class of  medications an ideal obesity treatment option. GLP-1’s help address the underlying biology  that aids in weight loss, especially when you are struggling to knock the pounds. The  medication stimulates GLP-1s, which are naturally-occurring hormones made in your gut that  send signals to your brain to decrease your appetite, improve your metabolism, and regulate  your digestion so you can feel full longer, minimize your cravings and maximize nutrient  absorption. 

While every patient and situation is unique, the philosophy of ALiGN is to use medication on a  short-term basis, while we work on helping you understand the root causes of your eating  patterns and lifestyle choices. Some may need or elect to be on the medication longer than  others - but the goal is to give you the tools to develop healthier patterns that will sustain your  ALiGN weight loss and maintain this new healthy way of life! 

Side effects with the ALiGN RX medications are typically minimal if any. For those who do  experience them, nausea is the most common, and this is usually transient and resolves over  the first few weeks. We can also prescribe a medication that helps with this. Constipation is  also common and can typically be managed with increasing fluids and using stool softeners  and supplements.

Don’t worry - most of these side effects (if experienced) are minimal and mitigated through our  careful titration. Rest assured that in the most recent clinical trials, less than 5% of people  discontinued the primary ALiGN RX medications because of side effects. 

We have not experienced the shortages and lapse in care that many other programs have, as  we work with an FDA-regulated compounding pharmacy that specializes in alleviating drug  shortages. The medications we prescribe are semaglutide and tirzepatide, which are generic  alternatives for the brand names FDA-approved for weight loss.  

Absolutely! If you wish to try the program without the medication, you can purchase ALiGN  Basic - which includes our ALiGN On Demand fitness, nutrition and mindset membership. We also have a variety of program enhancements such as an ALiGN supplement line and a pre made healthy meal delivery service, that can assist in your weight loss and wellness efforts.  While the medication is designed to enhance your weight loss, many patients have been  successful implementing just the basic elements alone. 

While they are not necessary, the ALiGN supplements were designed to work synergistically  with the medication to enhance its overall effect, while also targeting other issues you may be  having. 

Our supplements are also hugely beneficial for those NOT on the ALiGN RX program or for  those who have completed the program and want to maintain their optimum wellness. Your  clinical team will recommend which supplement(s) may be right for you.   

This is impossible to answer, as every person is different! The amount and speed of your  weight loss depends on your body, your baseline, your goals, your metabolism and your  commitment. This being said, most ALiGN clients lose at least 10-15% of their body weight  and often as much as 20% and more! 

As an ALiGN RX or ALiGN RX Complete member, you will always have direct access to your  clinical team. Never hesitate to reach out to us! You can ask questions easily via your PatientNow portal.

ALiGN is more than just a weight loss program - its a community. When you join, you will be  connected with other ALiGN members across the country - where you can share your journey  and experience, swap recipes, share pearls and celebrate your wins with the Align tribe! 

Everyone is different, however we find that the average timeframe on ALiGN is 4-6 months.  This isn’t to say you might not need less or more; personalized recommendations will be  determined by your clinician throughout the program.  

Research indicates that it takes an average of 66 days for new behaviors to become habit,  though sometimes it may take longer - so it takes time for what we are teaching to become a  lifestyle. Be gentle with yourself and remember consistency is key and that we are here to  support you every step of the way! 

Absolutely. We are all human and understand that sometimes life happens and that we may  fall out of habit and ALiGNment. As long as you medically qualify, we welcome you back  anytime to re-ALiGN yourself! 

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you cannot take the ALiGN medications or supplements.  However ALiGN Eats or ALiGN Basic can be a great way to stay on track during your  pregnancy. In fact, there is an entire section on the On Demand portal dedicated to  rehabilitating the post-partum body and targeting the “mom pooch”. 

Our founder and medical director, Dr. Dina BenDavid, is a doctor of nursing practice and board-certified family nurse practitioner and is Harvard-trained in obesity medicine. Dr. Irving Restituyo MD, ALiGN’s co-medical director, is board-certified in internal medicine with specialized experience in nutritional sciences. All ALiGN medical providers are appropriately licensed and board-certified. Our coaches and advisory board come from a number of different backgrounds including psychology, nutrition, fitness, education and public health, all with impressive certifications and qualifications. In fact, the ALiGN team leaders have been featured in the media, are international speakers and/or best-selling authors. To say we are proud of our team is an understatement!

We have not let a stone unturned when it comes to helping you achieve your optimum health  and wellness. We are committed to seeing you succeed and thrilled for you to join our  revolution! 

We designed this program with the likes of busy people in mind. Because lets face it - it is not  always easy to be healthy and make the best choices, especially when you are busy! From our  virtual tele-health visits, you can take these calls on the go or in the comfort of your home. Our 24/7 fitness membership allows you instant access anytime day or night to our library of  hundreds of workouts and healthy cooking classes. Even logging in for a short 10-min workout  is a great way to stay on track! We have included mindset coaching, as understanding the  mind-body-spirit connection to food and lifestyle choices is essential to sustaining your new  way of life.  

As if this is not enough, we have crafted supplements designed to accelerate your weight loss  and optimize your health, as well as offer a healthy and delicious pre-made meal service - ideal  for busy folks on the go who don’t always have time to cook or meal prep. 

We have made it as easy as possible to be successful. You truly have nothing to lose but the  weight! 

Our proprietary methodology creates a biologic milieu conducive for developing the skills  necessary for sustained weight loss. Our approach promotes alignment of self on a holistic  level by providing specialized education on mindset, fitness and nutrition, while helping  patients understand the root causes of their habits and creating a sustainable lifestyle that can  be maintained over time. We embrace the idea that lasting weight management is a process  and strive to create a customized, supportive and successful weight loss experience for every  client.  

ALiGN’s core principle is ALiGNment. We believe alignment requires balance - not indulgence  or deprivation. When we are in holistic alignment, the weight loss comes naturally and more easily. When balance and alignment are achieved, a stronger sense of self and purpose  emerges. 

As a telehealth-based medical practice, we take member privacy seriously and operate in  accordance with medical laws. We are HIPAA-compliant and have designed our platforms and  protocols to comply with all state and federal regulatory compliance and privacy laws.   

Yes! We understand it may be easier to communicate in your native language. Therefore we have both Spanish and Portuguese speaking providers. 

We do not accept insurance, however ALiGN qualifies as an FSA expense. In addition, we do  accept Cherry payment plans, which makes ALiGN well-accessible! 

All payment is expected in full at the time of service and program registration. We accept  payment in the form of Visa, Mastercard, American Express or Cherry’s buy now/pay later  payment plans.