Séverine Mazur offers a private walk-in clinic

Why set up a walk-in clinic in Montreal?

I'm Dr. Séverine Mazur, weight management physician and general practitioner specializing outside RAMQ, former emergency physician and former family physician. After more than ten years in emergency medicine and nine years in family practice, I noticed a recurring problem: in 2025, many Quebecers won't have a family doctor or won't be able to find an appointment on time. For lack of alternatives, they go to the emergency room for acute but non-urgent symptoms. 

As a result, emergency departments are overflowing, family doctors are saturated and patients are waiting.

To meet this urgent need, in December 2025 I'm opening a private walk-in clinic same-day access. The aim is not to replace the public system, but to offer a simple and humane solution for the needs of our customers. walk-in medical consultations when the situation cannot wait several days.

What is a walk-in medical consultation?

A walk-in service (SRDV) enables rapid access to a doctor for acute, simple and recent health problems. This type of consultation is intended for symptoms that require professional assessment, without the need for extensive treatment or complex follow-up.

As a former emergency physician, I've learned to recognize real, felt and emotional emergencies. A patient presenting with a sudden fever, acute pain or simple infection often needs rapid medical advice to avoid complications and put his or her mind at rest. The walk-in medical consultation meets this need without requiring a hospital stay.

Walk-in clinic services

Our private walk-in clinic welcomes people for :

• Fever, cough, cold, sinusitis, mild bronchitis

   

• Gastroenteritis, vomiting, diarrhea

   

• Simple urinary tract infections

   

• Sore throat, otitis, conjunctivitis

   

• Simple wounds and minor sutures

   

• Sprains, acute pain, minor injuries

   

• Sudden skin eruptions

   

• Recent symptoms of concern (unexplained pain, slight respiratory problems)

   

• Pap test verification, prescription renewal

   

• Initial support for burn-out or urgent mental health problems

   

• Mild bleeding, signs of minor infection or aggravation of a known problem

   

These rapid consultations do not replace comprehensive health monitoring or check-ups. They are a one-off entrance in the care system when you don't have a family doctor or can't wait.

Who is the SRDV service for?

SRDV is suitable for people who :

• Do not have a family doctor

   

• Have a doctor but can't get an appointment quickly

   

• Want to avoid an unnecessary visit to the emergency room for a simple problem

   

• Need medical evaluation for a recent acute symptom

   

• Looking for a brief, targeted consultation in a private walk-in clinic

   

This service is not intended for chronic illnesses requiring regular follow-up, nor for long-term mental health care. Its purpose is to provide rapid symptom relief, avoid complications and restore peace of mind.

My values and commitment

I chose to open a walk-in clinic to provide faster, more humane medical access. Even if I can't work simultaneously in the public and private sectors, I want to contribute to reducing delays and improving access to care. Every consultation is a gesture that counts: helping one patient at a time, allaying a concern, avoiding a trip to the emergency room.

In a clogged system, offering a SRDV is a concrete way for me to contribute to our collective well-being. I hope that this walk-in clinic will be a breath of fresh air when your health can't wait.

Obesity is a chronic disease with multiple causes: biological factors, psychological influences (stress, eating disorders), an obesogenic environment and often a hereditary component. 

Visit canadian standards 2025 The new guidelines state that pharmacotherapy is becoming an important component in the management of obesity when weight impairs health. Six drugs are now authorized by Health Canada for long-term weight management:

1. liraglutide,
2. naltrexone/bupropion,
3. orlistat,
4. semaglutide,
5. tirzepatide
6. and setmelanotide.

The aim is not to «make people skinny», but to improve metabolic, mechanical and mental health.

Category 1: naltrexone/bupropion: acts on appetite and reward

How does it work?

The first class comprises Contrave®, a fixed combination of naltrexone and bupropion. In the brain, bupropion stimulates pro-opiomelanocortin neurons in the hypothalamus, reducing appetite and increasing energy expenditure. Naltrexone blocks certain opioid receptors involved in reward and addiction; this action complements that of bupropion and reduces the compulsive urge to eat. Imaging studies have shown that the naltrexone/bupropion combination attenuates the hypothalamus' reactivity to food signals, while strengthening brain regions involved in self-control. The result is a reduction in hunger and cravings, with no stimulant effect.

Prescription conditions

The pharmacotherapeutic guide 2025 recommends this medication in adults with a BMI ≥ 27 kg/m² with comorbidity or ≥ 30 kg/m², in association with lifestyle modification. Contraindications include opioid use, uncontrolled hypertension, epilepsy, eating disorders (anorexia or bulimia), pregnancy and abrupt discontinuation of alcohol or sedatives. Titration is progressive to minimize adverse effects: an initial dose of 8/90 mg per day is increased weekly to 16/180 mg twice daily.

Efficacy and side effects

A randomized study of 1,742 patients showed that the naltrexone/bupropion combination, combined with behavioral changes, resulted in an average weight loss of 6.1 % in 56 weeks versus 1.3 % with placebo. Common side effects included nausea, headache, constipation, dizziness and dry mouth; 20 % of participants discontinued treatment due to adverse effects. To manage these, it is advisable to take the tablets with food (not fat) and to increase the dosage slowly; discontinuation should be gradual to avoid withdrawal symptoms. It is important to monitor blood pressure and mood, as bupropion can cause agitation and insomnia.

Category 2: incretin analogues: mimicking natural intestinal hormones

GLP-1 and GIP: mechanisms and authorized molecules

Incretins are hormones produced after a meal to signal satiety. Analogues of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) extend this response. In pharmacology, These molecules slow gastric emptying, stimulate insulin when blood sugar levels are high, inhibit glucagon secretion and act on the brain to increase the sensation of satiety. In this way, they help to reduce calorie intake without stimulating the basic metabolism.

GLP-1 drugs

• Liraglutide (Saxenda®) daily injection. In a trial involving 3731 adults, a dose of 3 mg/day combined with behavioral support resulted in an average weight loss of 8 % in 56 weeks, compared with 2.6 % in the placebo group. Frequent side effects (nausea, diarrhea, constipation) can be mitigated by gradually increasing doses and eating smaller meals. Rarely, gallstones or pancreatitis have been reported.
• Semaglutide (Wegovy®) weekly injection. In the STEP 1 study (1961 participants with BMI ≥ 30 or ≥ 27 with comorbidity), a weekly dose of 2.4 mg resulted in a weight loss of 14.9 % in 68 weeks versus 2.4 % with placebo. The main side effects are transient nausea, vomiting and diarrhea; gallstones and pancreatitis are rare. Health Canada has also approved semaglutide to reduce cardiovascular events in adults with cardiovascular disease and BMI ≥ 27 kg/m².
• Tirzepatide (Zepbound®) GIP/GLP-1 dual agonist, weekly injection. In a trial involving 2539 adults without diabetes, mean weight loss was 15 % to 20.9 % depending on dose (5 to 15 mg/week), compared with 3.1 % with placebo. Side effects are mainly gastrointestinal (nausea, diarrhea, constipation) and occur mainly with dose escalation. Cholecystitis is rare.

Prescribing conditions and precautions

Incretin analogues are indicated in adults with a BMI ≥ 30 kg/m² or ≥ 27 kg/m² with adiposity-related complications (hypertension, dyslipidemia, prediabetes, sleep apnea, etc.). Contraindications include pregnancy, breastfeeding and a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2. Dose escalation should be cautious to reduce nausea; eating smaller, low-fat meals can limit digestive symptoms. Biliary and pancreatic functions should be monitored.

Orlistat: lipase inhibitor

L’orlistat (Xenical®) is a reversible inhibitor of gastric and pancreatic lipases. By binding to the serine of their active site, it prevents the hydrolysis of triglycerides; the absorption of fatty acids and monoglycerides is reduced and part of the dietary fat is eliminated. eliminated in the stool. Orlistat is taken at a dose of 120 mg three times a day with fat-containing meals. In a meta-analysis involving over 10,000 participants, orlistat produced an additional weight loss of around 2.9 % after one year, compared with placebo. Side effects are mainly digestive (oily stools, fecal urgency and greasy spots) and occurred in 15 to 30 % of participants; they can be mitigated by reducing fat intake. Orlistat is contraindicated in cases of malabsorption syndrome., cholestasis and during pregnancy.

Side effects: what to look out for and how to manage them

Drug	Common side effects	Management tips
Naltrexone/bupropion	Nausea, headache, constipation, dizziness, dry mouth	Start at a low dose and increase gradually; take with a non-greasy meal; monitor mood and blood pressure; avoid alcohol and opioids.
Liraglutide	Nausea, diarrhea, constipation; rare gallstones and pancreatitis	Escalate doses by weekly increments; eat small portions; consult a physician if abdominal pain persists.
Semaglutide	Transient nausea, vomiting and diarrhea; rare gallbladder disorders or pancreatitis	Gradually increase dose; avoid high-fat meals; if vomiting persists, reduce dose temporarily.
Tirzepatide	Nausea, diarrhea or constipation during dose escalation; rare cases of cholecystitis	Increase dose slowly; follow a progressive diet; consult a physician if severe abdominal pain.
Orlistat	Oily stools, fecal emergencies, greasy stains	Limit fat intake (≤ 30 % of calories); wear absorbent underwear; supplement with fat-soluble vitamins if prolonged use.
Setmelanotide	Hyperpigmentation skin, redness at the injection site, nausea	Vary injection sites; inform doctor if marked skin changes; adjust dose if nausea persists. This drug is prescribed only in rare cases of specific genetic obesity. Pure genetic obesity is very rare. Clinical and genetic screenings provide the diagnosis for this prescription.

Prescription drugs versus «natural» supplements: why caution is called for

Prescription weight-loss products are intended for people whose weight represents a health risk, and must be used under medical supervision, with physical activity and calorie reduction. So-called «natural» or over-the-counter products are not subject to the same rigor: some supplements contain undeclared ingredients or contaminants, while others are mixed with prescription drugs. Online purchases of unauthorized weight-loss products, or the combination of several products, can lead to serious adverse effects. The belief that a product is safe because it is «natural» is false; Health Canada reports that concentrated plant extracts such as ephedra or bitter orange can cause severe cardiovascular reactions. It is therefore essential to take only evaluated and approved treatments, and to discuss them with a healthcare professional.

Treatment duration and discontinuation management

Anti-obesity drugs should be considered as long-term treatments. Trials show that stopping an incretin after several months results in rapid weight regain: in the semaglutide study, participants who stopped the drug after a 20-week «run-in» regained 6.9 % of their weight in 48 weeks, while those who continued therapy continued to lose weight. A similar pattern was observed with tirzepatide: participants who stopped treatment regained 14 % of their weight in one year.. The duration of treatment therefore depends on tolerance, efficacy and the patient's objectives. Discontinuation should be planned with a doctor and accompanied by intensive lifestyle monitoring to minimize weight regain.

Integration into an overall weight loss program

Medication can never replace work on lifestyle habits. Treatment must be part of a personalized program that includes :

• Adapted nutrition A balanced diet, rich in fiber and low in ultra-processed foods, adjusted according to energy needs and preferences. Adequate protein intake promotes satiety and preserves muscle mass.
• Physical activity Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week. Activity increases energy expenditure, improves insulin sensitivity and reduces cravings.
• Psychological support Treatments such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness or hypnosis (mentioned by Dr. Mazur) help to understand the emotional triggers of cravings and to develop strategies for coping with them. Hypnosis can reinforce adherence to habit changes and alleviate food dependency.
• Regular medical check-ups These include evaluating drug efficacy, adjusting dosage, monitoring metabolic parameters (blood pressure, blood sugar, lipids), detecting adverse effects and supporting motivation.

What are the prospects for new-generation drugs?

Innovation continues. Molecules that combine several satiety hormones are showing promise. Retatrutide, a GLP-1, GIP and glucagon receptor agonist, showed in phase 2 a weight loss of 24 % in 48 weeks. This triple therapy may improve lipid burning by increasing fatty acid oxidation in the liver, decreasing lipogenesis and stimulating lipolysis via GIP receptors. Trials also suggest a reduction in hepatic steatosis and improved insulin sensitivity. Cagrilintide, an amylin analogue, mimics another hormone produced after meals; combined with semaglutide (the «CagriSema» formula), it is in development and could offer superior weight loss to GLP-1 alone. These treatments are not yet available in Canada, but are generating debate about access, cost and the ethics of using powerful weight-loss drugs versus traditional public health approaches.

Precautions and refusal to prescribe

Before prescribing, doctors carefully weigh up the benefits and risks. Some patients may want a specific medication, but it may be contraindicated (e.g. pregnancy, unstabilized psychotic illness, opioid use, history of pancreatitis). In such cases, the healthcare professional must explain why the requested option is unsuitable, and suggest alternatives. A relationship of trust is essential; the patient remains the final decision-maker, but the aim is to protect his or her health. It is common practice to reschedule a second meeting to allow the patient to reflect and the clinician to review the patient's file and test results.

Realistic results and objectives

Dr. Mazur reminds us that goals must be realistic and individualized. The following benchmarks are taken from Canadian guides:

• BMI 25-30 without comorbidity Weight loss: a weight loss of around 5 % is often enough to reduce the risk of disease; maintenance can be achieved without medication.
• BMI 25-30 with prediabetes Aiming for 5 to 10 % of loss helps prevent progression to diabetes.
• BMI 30-40 or BMI ≥ 27 with comorbidities A loss of 5 to 10 % improves blood pressure, dyslipidemia and sleep apnea, and reduces joint pain; above 10 %, there's better resolution of sleep apnea syndromes and a reduction in antihypertensive medication.
• BMI ≥ 27 with type 2 diabetes A 15 % reduction in weight can lead to remission of diabetes.
• BMI ≥ 35 with comorbidities For example, weight loss targets of 20 to 30 % may be necessary to improve health, without aiming for a «normal» weight.

Weight loss must be accompanied by regular monitoring. The ultimate goal is to achieve a weight at which the person feels comfortable and which improves their health, not necessarily to enter an «ideal» weight range. Continuity of care, self-acceptance and sustainability of changes take precedence over obsession with thinness.

Conclusion

Pharmacotherapy for obesity has entered a new era. Six drugs are approved in Canada: naltrexone/bupropion, orlistat, liraglutide, semaglutide, tirzepatide and setmelanotide. Each acts through a different mechanism - modulation of reward circuits, inhibition of fat absorption or mimicking of gut hormones - and should be prescribed after careful evaluation and in association with lifestyle modifications. Side effects, although often transient, require monitoring and dose adjustment. New agents such as retatrutide or amylin analogues herald major advances, but are already raising debate about the accessibility and proper use of these therapies.

By choosing to follow a drug treatment, people living with obesity gain an additional option for achieving realistic health goals. This tool should be used with caution, with proper information and professional guidance, and as part of an overall program of diet, physical activity and psychological support.

Imagine a body that gradually regains its lightness. Not just because it has lost kilos, but because it has regained its rhythm, its satiety, and that rare feeling of finally being in tune with itself.

This is often the experience of patients who choose the Allurion Gastric Balloon program A gentle, non-surgical approach to weight loss that transforms your relationship with your body and your diet.

Key points: Non-surgical procedure The Allurion balloon is swallowed in capsule form and dissolves naturally after 4 months, without anesthesia or surgery.

Concrete results patients lose an average of 10 to 15 % of their body weight, of which approximately 7 % from the first month.

Lasting effect The benefits: through nutritional, physical and psychological monitoring, 85 to 90 % of patients maintain their weight loss after 12 months.

Global transformation Improved mental health, relationship with food and general well-being.

Key to success Our approach is based on three key principles: personalized, human support, and genuine patient involvement in all three pillars: diet, activity and psychology.

Alternative to surgery A reversible, non-invasive option, ideal for those who want to regain control of their health without irreversible intervention.

Window of opportunity The 4-month program acts as a «reset» for the body and mind, helping to anchor new, lasting habits.

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A simple concept and  a profound transformation

The Allurion gastric balloon is a small, flexible device swallowed in capsule form. Once in the stomach, it is filled with water and occupies part of the stomach. gastric volume, This triggers a natural sensation of satiety. In just a few minutes, without anesthesia or surgery, the body begins to learn differently: he slows down, is satisfied with smaller portions, and re-educates himself.

For approximately 4 months, The ball remains in place before dissolving naturally. This period acts as a reset window A time to relearn how to eat, move and think differently.

Patients often describe this stage as a turning point. It's a moment when they regain control, without feeling at war with their bodies.

The key role of medical support by the Dr. Séverine Mazur

At the CoAttitude obesity clinic, the balloon is one of the most important elements of a complete comprehensive medical support program obesity.

However, the doctor's follow-up is just as essential:

• nutrition,
• physical activity,
• mental health.

Everything has to be tackled together.

What makes the difference? The relationship of trust between patient and doctor.

Having a healthcare professional who follows the patient personally, with whom conversations are sincere and ongoing, changes everything. There's no need to repeat your story to a thousand interlocutors; there's a link, an accompaniment, a common path.

It's often in this close proximity that the most profound transformations take place: eating becomes simpler, stress diminishes, emotions stop dictating meals. As the weeks go by, weight becomes almost secondary. Wellness takes over.

What the results show

The studies carried out are clear the average loss lies between 10 and 15 % of total body weight after 4 months, often with 7 % lost in the first month. But numbers don't tell the whole story. 

Séverine Mazur, an obesity doctor who graduated from Harvard and Stanford, presents these results simply:

• In some cases, greater loss (≈ 15-20 %) if excellent adherence, intensive program, extension (second balloon or switch).
• What's fascinating is the quality of this weight loss: muscle mass is preserved, visceral fat is reduced, and body composition improves. The metabolism remains active, contrary to what often happens with restrictive diets.
• Improvement in metabolic parameters (glycemia, lipids, etc.) according to some studies
• And above all, for nearly 9 out of 10 patients, the loss is maintained at 12 months. Why is this so? Because it's no longer just a question of dieting: it's a new lifestyle that takes hold, supported by learned reflexes and a healthy relationship with hunger.
• Additional effects: improved quality of life, psychological well-being, better relationship with food, increased physical activity, etc.

It's important to be realistic: this device does not replace surgery in terms of loss (e.g. some surgeries can achieve 25-30 % or more depending on type). The support of Dr Séverine Mazur, who trained in obesity at Harvard and nutrition at Stanford, will help you make the best decision for your situation.

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Mistakes that hinder success

If the results are so promising, it's because the program is supported by the patient cooperation.

The most common mistakes?

Some are simple: not drinking enough water, which makes the balloon less buoyant; neglecting physical activity, which leads to muscle loss; or forgetting the protein portion, which is essential for satiety.

But others are more profound: hoping for a miracle without commitment, continuing to restrict oneself as if on a diet, or refusing emotional work. Because treating obesity means working on three pillars diet, physical activity and psychology. Those who accept to act on all three fronts experience true transformation; those who resist any one of them often see their progress slow down.

The first month is crucial. This is when everything comes into play: self-care, setting up routines, understanding the body. It's not a race to the bottom, but a period of learning.

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Gastric balloon or surgery? Regain control over your body, without altering it

For those wavering between the bariatric surgery, a surgical procedure for people suffering from severe obesity, and the gastric balloon, it is important to understand that the Allurion balloon represents a a gentler, more reversible stage.

• No anesthesia.
• No irreversible gestures.
• Just a chance for your body to re-educate itself naturally.

Life with a gastric balloon is similar to what surgery imposes in the long term: eat slowly, feel full, find your balance. But here, everything is done gradually, with the possibility of returning to normal if necessary.
And above all, without the complications: no permanent digestive problems, no social restrictions, no interminable wait for an operation. In many cases, such as preparation for pregnancy, orthopaedic surgery or simply a desire for change, the balloon is often the right choice. best first step. It allows you to lose weight quickly and safely, and to arrive at any surgery (or pregnancy) in better physical and mental condition.

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A rebirth rather than a loss

Basically, what our patients are describing is not weight loss: it's a renaissance. They rediscover the pleasure of moving, dressing and eating without guilt. Their confidence returns. Their mental health is lightened, as is their figure.

The gastric balloon acts as a trigger It opens the door to a new equilibrium. But it's the patient who chooses to enter, accompanied, supported and listened to.

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Frequently asked questions (FAQ)