Can you deduct weight loss programs on your taxes?
Andrew Ramirez
Published Mar 26, 2026
Taxpayers may deduct qualifying medical expenses only to the extent the total of such expenses exceeds 7.5 percent of their adjusted gross income. As such, they are not deductible medical expenses, even for taxpayers whose disease qualifies them to deduct weight loss program costs.
Is a dietician tax deductible?
While you cannot deduct the obvious – such as the cost of diet foods (considered a personal expense), home exercise equipment, health club/gym/spa dues, nutritional supplements or any costs that are covered by insurance – legitimate program expenses include everything from initial fees to meeting fees to behavioral …
Are fitness programs tax deductible?
General toning and fitness workouts are viewed by the IRS as nondeductible personal expenses. Personal, living, or family expenses are generally not tax-deductible, though there are some exceptions. In the event the gym membership can be claimed as a medical expense, the expenses are reported as itemized deductions.
Are weight loss programs tax deductible in Canada?
The CRA concluded that fees paid for a weight-loss program for the treatment of obesity would indeed qualify for the METC, provided the program was for therapeutic or rehabilitative purposes and was provided by a provincially licensed medical practitioner.
Can I claim over-the-counter medications on my taxes?
Don’t forget to include the cost of insulin and prescription drugs – but note that over-the-counter (OTC) medicines are not deductible. Perhaps somewhat surprisingly, OTC equipment and supplies can be deductible, however.
Can you claim gym membership on taxes Canada?
Unless you’re a fitness blogger and can prove that your gym membership is a business expense, gym and other fitness fees aren’t tax-deductible. You may frequently feature your adorable pet on your blog and Instagram, but sadly, any animal-related expenses like doggy daycare fees and pet insurance aren’t tax deductible.