Be an Informed Patient
Choosing a weight loss provider is a significant decision. These questions will help you evaluate your options and find the right fit.
- What is your experience with GLP-1 medications specifically for weight loss? — Some providers have prescribed these for years; others have recently added them.
- Do you offer both brand-name and compounded options? What are the tradeoffs? — Understanding your options helps you make an informed choice.
- What is the total monthly cost including medication, visits, and labs? — Avoid surprises by getting the complete picture upfront.
- How often will I see you? Are visits in-person or virtual? — Monthly visits are standard during the first several months.
- What lab work do you require? Is it covered by insurance? — Initial labs typically include metabolic panel, thyroid, A1C, and lipid profile.
- What happens if I experience side effects? — A good provider has clear protocols for managing common side effects.
- What is your approach to maintenance after reaching goal weight? — Long-term planning should be discussed from the beginning.
- Do you offer nutritional counseling and lifestyle support? — Medication works best alongside behavior change support.
- What is your cancellation/refund policy? — Understand the financial commitment before you start.
- Can you provide patient references or testimonials? — Hearing from real patients can provide valuable perspective.
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The short version
- The list asks whether a provider has prescribed GLP-1 medications specifically for weight loss, noting some have done so for years while others recently added them.
- Another question asks for the total monthly cost including medication, visits, and labs, because advertising a low drug price while billing required monthly visits separately is a real pattern.
- Patients are told monthly visits are standard during the first several months and should ask whether those visits are in person or virtual.
- Initial labs typically include a metabolic panel, thyroid testing, A1C, and a lipid profile, and the list says to ask whether insurance covers them.
- Providers should be asked about brand-name versus compounded options, side-effect protocols, maintenance plans after goal weight, nutritional counseling, cancellation and refund policy, and patient references.
