Frequently Asked Questions

The Center for Medical Weight Loss (CMWL) is the largest network of non-surgical medical weight loss providers in the United States. The company offers personalized weight loss plans delivered exclusively by medical providers who specialize in obesity medicine. The program aims to achieve long-term healthy weight maintenance through a combination of intensive behavioral counseling, nutritional therapy, and weight loss medication where appropriate.

CMWL offers a complete non-surgical weight loss program under the personal care of a trained provider. CMWLDirect is a shipping service that offers a convenient, efficient way to purchase CMWL meal replacement products prescribed as part of the personalized program when access to meal replacement onsite is not possible. 

IMPORTANT: The use of CMWL products alone does not constitute a weight loss program. We make no claims of weight loss without the care and direction of a trained weight loss provider. 

When people decide to lose weight, they often have a difficult time knowing where to do begin, especially when it comes to choosing and incorporating healthy, weight-friendly foods into their lifestyle. Meal replacements are designed to make that starting point easier by taking the guesswork out while providing multiple benefits, such as calorie control, muscle mass maintenance, satiety, and solid nutrition.

CMWL meal replacement products are meant to be used in coordination with regular behavioral counseling with a trained provider. They help to wean you from unhealthy food habits while you identify and overcome your personal underlying weight loss challenges. Countless research studies have proven the effectiveness of meal replacement in weight loss and long-term weight maintenance.

CMWL meal replacements provide structure and make the plan simple to follow by helping to reduce the stress of “food choice overload.” They taste great and can serve as safe and nutritious alternatives to unhealthy foods.

CMWLDirect currently offers a wide variety of high-protein products, including ready-to-drink shakes, powdered shakes, bars, snacks, soups, pasta, and oatmeal. Each item is on average 160 calories and are vetted for nutrition and taste. These are largely the same products used as part of the CMWL program under the care of a trained provider.

We must emphasize that by using CMWL products alone, you are not following a weight loss program. That is only offered by a trained CMWL medical provider. If you choose to purchase the products while waiting for a CMWL center to open in your area, you understand that the decision to use CMWL meal replacement is an individual choice and does not constitute a weight loss plan in and of itself. You understand that CMWDirect or CMWL is not providing you with any kind of medical advice.  

To find a CMWL center, simply use our online Find a Center tool. Just input your zip code to find a CMWL provider in your area who can get you started on a weight loss plan that works for you. If there isn’t one in your area, please contact us for more information.

PLEASE NOTE: Your local CMWL Center may not be open due to COVID-19 pandemic shelter-in-place and quarantine orders.

In January 2012, Medicare and most private insurers introduced coverage for obesity screening and intensive behavioral counseling sessions. While these services are covered, CMWL products are not eligible for health insurance reimbursement. However, with a letter of medical necessity, you may be eligible for HSA or FSA coverage. Please check with your plan for more details.

Users should both check the labels and speak with their provider about possible allergic reactions. Labels disclose if the product contains nuts or dairy, and if it was made in a factory that uses those ingredients. If you have any questions regarding the ingredients in a product, you can contact cmwldirect@cmwl.com, but you should always consult your provider if you are concerned about certain ingredients. 

We do not provide refunds for purchases of meal replacements, but we will replace damaged products with evidence of damage. Email cmwldirect@cmwl.com to request replacement items. 

Please inspect boxes delivered to your home or office prior to accepting them. If you see damage, refuse acceptance and notify us using the Contact Us on this site. If you detect damage after opening, please take photos and contact client relations via email cmwldirect@cmwl.com to request replacement items.

Shipments are typically received by the fulfillment centers one business day following the date of purchase. Orders are targeted to ship within five business days of receipt, but please allow up to two weeks. See our Shipping Policy for full details.

If you are currently under the care of a participating CMWL provider, please consult your center for guidance on the appropriate amount of products based on your prescribed plan.

If you are waiting for a participating CMWL provider to become accessible in your area and wish to purchase products, the use and number of products are at your discretion. The decision to use CMWL meal replacement products is an individual choice and does not constitute a weight loss plan in and of itself. 

CMWLDirect does not provide any medical advice and use of the products comes at the user’s own risk.

You may opt to subscribe to specific items or collections of items on CMWL Direct, which enables monthly auto-ordering and delivery of your selections. The credit card you store will be charged each month for the amount indicated based on the quantity you select.

To do this, select the number of units you would like to include in your auto-delivery, checkout, and your subscription will take over from there!