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Is Your Weight Loss Doctor Setting the Right Expectations?

If you’ve tried every diet and exercise routine in the book, it may be time to involve a weight loss doctor to help better customize your plan to your own individual biology. However, when choosing a doctor, it’s important that you ensure they’re setting their expectations at a healthy level

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Valley Medical Team

Published:

October 21, 2025

Updated:

April 28, 2026

Published:

October 21, 2025

Updated:

April 28, 2026

If you’ve tried every diet and exercise routine in the book, it may be time to involve a weight loss doctor to help better customize your plan to your own individual biology. However, when choosing a doctor, it’s important that you ensure they’re setting their expectations at a healthy level that you’re okay with.

Weight Loss Goal

One of the first things many weight loss doctors will do is set a weight loss goal. These goals may be broken down weekly, or may be monthly or yearly goals. It’s important that your doctor is not setting your goals too high. While in cases of extreme obesity where a patient’s weight is life-threatening a higher goal may be set under medical observation, a general weight loss goal should be around one to two pounds a week.

Diet and Calorie Intake

Your doctor will also set a calorie intake goal. This goal varies widely depending on factors like your gender, current weight, health and activity level. In general, women should not restrict their calories below 1,000 per day, and men below 1,200 calories. Once again, in cases of severe obesity, a doctor may recommend lower goals but under strict supervision.

Exercise Frequency and Intensity

Exercise plays an important role in the weight loss process. Your doctor or a fitness trainer will help develop a routine for both aerobic and strength training exercises. Some mild muscle pain and tiredness is to be expected. However, if you’re feeling pain or tiredness that is affecting your ability to move or function, the frequency or intensity is probably too high.

Weight loss doctors have a depth of knowledge that allows them to guide the weight loss process, but ultimately you know your body. It’s important to express concerns and let your doctor know if you feel sick or injured. However, some soreness and tiredness is expected, so it’s important to strike a balance in order to see the best results possible.

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Is Your Weight Loss Doctor Setting the Right Expectations?

By Dr. Samuel Zuniga, ND
Valley Medical Weight Loss | Chandler, Arizona

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Desert Inflatables
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I’ve had a great experience working with Valley Medical in Chandler. I have lost 20 pounds so far with the help from Alejandra, she has been very informative on this journey. Everyone here is very friendly and personable. If you are looking to lose weight and have more energy I would highly recommend coming to start your journey!
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Juice Butterfly Tarot
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Love it here ! Friendly, fast and makes me feel motivated ! Christine and Amelia were phenomenal slay queens ! I've lost 5ibs since being here ! I'm ready to keep going 🩵
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Chaz Walker
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Alejandra was fantastic one of the best workers up in the office had a great and uplifting attitude she went above and beyond to help answers all questions efficiently would highly recommend goin here 12 out of 10 ratings great job
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Jimmy Hill
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I highly recommend Valley Medical Weight Loss! Alejandra has been amazing from day one supportive, motivating, and truly invested in my success. In just over 8 weeks, I’ve lost nearly 30 pounds. They genuinely care about your health and make the process feel manageable and personalized. Thank you, Alejandra!
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Antoinette Scott
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Awesome staff, courteous and clean. I’m down 40 lbs in one month. Prices for supplements are better than getting them from Amazon!
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Eira Leyva
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Stephanie muy linda y atenta persona muy buena explicación hacerca del tratamiento
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Alice McLemore
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Happy they have a location in chandler now. Staff is extremely friendly and helpful.
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Andrea Madrid
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I’ve had a great experience here so far. The staff is absolutely amazing very kind, supportive, and always willing to answer my questions. They truly make you feel comfortable and encouraged throughout the weight-loss process. I’m seeing results and feel well taken care of. Highly recommend!
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Nelly Irias
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Love the new clinic, the space is beautiful and welcoming, and the staff was amazing! Alejandra took great care of me. She was very informative, made me feel comfortable throughout the whole process, and I honestly didn’t even feel my injection. Such a great experience, and I’m already looking forward to coming back!
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