If you’re considering taking a semaglutide or any of the other GLP-1 medications for weight loss, treat the discussion with your doctor as you would for any other medication or health condition. Bring a list of questions so that you have the information you need to make the best possible decision for your own personal goals and health needs.
To get you started, we have a list of suggested questions to ask before and during your doctor visit.
Questions to Consider Before Requesting GLP-1 Drugs
GLP-1 medications for weight loss can be expensive, so you may want to call your health insurance company to get answers to these questions before you see your doctor:
1. How much does GLP-1 weight loss medication cost?
2. What types of GLP-1 medication (brand or generic) does your insurance cover and how much of the cost will be your responsibility?
3. Are there any limits to insurance coverage (such as how long you can stay on the medication)?
Questions to Ask Your Doctor about GLP-1 Drugs
General GLP-1 medication questions
1. Do you think I should take a GLP-1 for weight loss based on my personal health goals and needs?
2. What type of GLP-1 medication (semaglutide, tirzepatide, liraglutide) or other weight loss options do you think would work best for me and why?
3. Will I need to take a pill or give myself an injection for each dose of this medication?
4. Can you explain how the dosing will work and how you determine what dose I start at?
5. What kind of weight loss should I expect with a GLP-1 and how quickly should I see results?
6. How often will I need regular follow-up appointments while on a GLP-1?
7. How long will I need to stay on the medication?
8. What happens when I stop taking the GLP-1? Will I gain back the weight?
Effects of GLP-1 medication & changes to ask about
1. How does the medication work? What are the effects of GLP-1 on the body?
2. What should I expect when starting on a GLP-1?
3. What side effects are common with GLP-1 medication?
4. What can I do to manage potential side effects?
5. At what point should I call the doctor or consider stopping the medication due to side effects?
6. Are there any serious side effects I should be concerned about?
7. Does any other health condition I have put me at greater risk for serious side effects?
8. Could any of the medications I take currently interact poorly with GLP-1 or cause additional side effects?
9. Since nausea is a common side effect, what foods should I avoid while taking a GLP-1?
10. What foods can I eat to help when I feel nauseous?
11. Do I need to start exercising, continue my normal exercise routine, or change my exercise habits while on a GLP-1?
Track Your Progress on GLP-1 Meds
Tracking your dosing, how you feel after each dose, and side effects can be very helpful for you and your doctor, especially when you start a GLP-1 medication. Look for an app that you can use on your phone. Some well-known fitness and nutrition apps have rolled out new features specific to GLP-1 medications that allow you to track weight loss, food intake and more. Ask your doctor about the apps or trackers they recommend.
