You've done your research. You've decided that GLP-1 medication might be right for you. Now comes the part that makes many people nervous: the actual consultation.
Whether you're meeting with your primary care doctor, seeing a specialist, or using a telehealth platform, your first GLP-1 consultation is an important step. It's where a healthcare provider evaluates whether you're a good candidate, discusses your options, andâif appropriateâwrites your first prescription.
The good news? A little preparation goes a long way. Walking in (or logging on) with the right information and the right questions can make the difference between a frustrating experience and one that sets you up for success.
This guide will help you prepare thoroughly, know what to expect, ask the right questions, and recognize red flags that suggest a provider might not be the right fit.
Types of Consultations: What Are Your Options?
Before diving into preparation, let's clarify the different pathways to getting GLP-1 medication prescribed.
Primary Care Physician
Your regular doctor can prescribe GLP-1 medications. This has some advantages: they know your medical history, can coordinate with your other care, and may be able to help with insurance prior authorizations. The downside? Many PCPs have limited experience with these medications, appointment availability can be weeks out, and some are hesitant to prescribe for weight loss specifically.
Obesity Medicine Specialist or Endocrinologist
Specialists in weight management or hormonal conditions often have deep expertise with GLP-1 medications. They may offer more comprehensive programs including nutrition counseling and ongoing monitoring. However, wait times can be long, they may not accept all insurance, and specialist visits typically cost more.
Telehealth Platforms
Online platforms specializing in weight loss have become increasingly popular. They offer convenience (consultations from home), often faster access, and some include medication in their pricing. Quality varies significantlyâsome provide excellent care while others are essentially prescription mills with minimal oversight.
Compounding Pharmacy Telehealth
These services prescribe compounded versions of semaglutide or tirzepatide, often at lower cost. Legitimate services use 503A or 503B compounding pharmacies. This can be a good option for affordability, but requires extra diligence in vetting the provider and pharmacy.
Which should you choose? There's no single right answer. Consider your priorities: If you value established relationship and insurance coverage, start with your PCP. If you want specialized expertise, seek a specialist. If convenience and speed matter most, telehealth might be your best bet. If cost is the primary concern, compounding telehealth services are worth exploringâcarefully.
What to Prepare Before Your Appointment
Regardless of which type of consultation you choose, showing up prepared will make the process smoother and help ensure you get the most out of your appointment.
đ Required Information (Have This Ready)
- Current weight and height (weigh yourself the morning of if possible)
- Complete list of current medications, including dosages
- List of supplements and vitamins you take
- Known drug allergies
- Major medical conditions and diagnoses
- Family history of thyroid cancer (specifically medullary thyroid carcinoma)
- History of pancreatitis (personal or family)
⥠Speeds Up the Process
- Recent bloodwork results (within 3-6 months): A1C, fasting glucose, lipid panel, kidney function
- Blood pressure readings (if you monitor at home)
- Previous weight loss attempts and outcomes
- Insurance card and information (if seeking coverage)
- Preferred pharmacy information
đ Helpful to Document
- Weight history: highest weight, lowest adult weight, recent trends
- Eating patterns: typical meals, known triggers, relationship with food
- Exercise habits: current activity level, limitations
- Sleep patterns: hours per night, sleep apnea diagnosis
- Mental health history: depression, anxiety, eating disorders
- Goals: target weight, health outcomes you're hoping for
Pro tip: Write all of this down or type it up before your appointment. Having it in front of you prevents the "I forgot to mention..." moment after the consultation ends.
What to Expect During the Consultation
Knowing what typically happens can ease anxiety and help you participate actively in the conversation.
Health History Review
The provider will ask about your medical history, current medications, and family history. They're specifically looking for contraindications to GLP-1 medications and conditions that might require extra monitoring. Be thorough and honestâeven things that seem embarrassing or irrelevant might matter medically.
Weight History Discussion
Expect questions about your weight over time, previous diet and exercise attempts, and what has or hasn't worked. Good providers are genuinely curious about your experience, not judgmental. If a provider makes you feel shamed or lectures you about "just eating less," that's a red flag.
Current Lifestyle Assessment
Questions about what you eat, how active you are, your sleep, stress levels, and daily routines help the provider understand your situation and tailor recommendations. Some telehealth platforms use questionnaires instead of real-time conversation for this portion.
Physical Examination
In-person visits typically include measuring height, weight, blood pressure, and sometimes waist circumference. Telehealth consultations may ask you to self-report these measurements or submit photos in some cases.
Lab Work Discussion
If you don't have recent labs, the provider may order bloodwork before prescribing, or prescribe with the expectation that you'll complete labs soon. Key tests include A1C or fasting glucose (to check for diabetes/prediabetes), kidney function tests, and sometimes thyroid panels.
Treatment Options Discussion
A good provider explains your options rather than pushing one specific medication. They should discuss the differences between available GLP-1 medications, what to expect in terms of results and side effects, the titration schedule (how dosing increases over time), and costs and insurance considerations.
Prescription and Next Steps
If you're deemed a good candidate, you'll receive a prescription or have medication shipped directly. You should also leave with clear instructions on how to take the medication, what side effects to watch for, when to follow up, and how to contact the provider with questions.
Questions You Should Ask
Don't leave your consultation with unanswered questions. Here are important ones to consider:
About the Medication
- Which medication are you recommending for me, and why?
- What's the dosing schedule? How often will my dose increase?
- What are the most common side effects, and how do I manage them?
- What side effects should prompt me to contact you immediately?
- How should I store the medication?
- What happens if I miss a dose?
About Expectations
- What kind of weight loss can I realistically expect, and over what timeline?
- When will I start noticing appetite changes?
- How long will I need to take this medication?
- What lifestyle changes should I make alongside the medication?
- What happens if this medication doesn't work well for me?
About Ongoing Care
- How often will we have follow-up appointments?
- What labs or monitoring will I need?
- How do I reach someone if I have questions or concerns between appointments?
- What happens if there's a medication shortage?
About Costs
- What is the total monthly cost, including medication, appointments, and any other fees?
- Do you help with insurance prior authorizations?
- Are there savings programs or alternatives if cost becomes an issue?
- What's your cancellation policy?
Red Flags to Watch For
Not all providers are created equal. Unfortunately, the GLP-1 boom has attracted some who prioritize profits over patient care. Watch for these warning signs:
đ© Major Red Flags â Consider Finding Another Provider:
No Real Medical Evaluation
If a provider prescribes GLP-1 medication after a 2-minute questionnaire with no actual health history review, that's concerning. While telehealth can be efficient, legitimate services still conduct thorough health assessments. "Here's your prescription, next" is not adequate medical care.
No Mention of Contraindications
A provider who doesn't ask about thyroid cancer history, pancreatitis, or pregnancy/breastfeeding status isn't doing proper screening. These aren't optional questionsâthey're essential safety checks.
Pressure to Purchase Add-Ons
Be wary of providers pushing expensive supplements, "fat burner" add-ons, or other products alongside medication. While some legitimate programs offer nutrition support or vitamins, aggressive upselling of unnecessary products is a red flag.
Unrealistic Promises
"Lose 50 pounds in 2 months!" "Guaranteed results!" "No diet or exercise needed!" These claims are not only unrealistic but potentially dangerous. Evidence-based providers set realistic expectations, not fantasies.
No Follow-Up Plan
GLP-1 medication requires ongoing monitoring, especially during dose increases. Providers who prescribe and disappear without any plan for follow-up aren't providing safe care. You should know when and how you'll be checked on.
Refusing to Answer Questions
If a provider seems annoyed by your questions, dismisses your concerns, or rushes you through without explanation, that's not someone you want managing your health. You deserve a provider who takes time to ensure you're informed.
Unclear or Hidden Pricing
Legitimate services are transparent about costs. If you can't get a straight answer about what you'll pay monthly, or if surprise charges appear, that's a problem. Make sure you understand the full cost before committing.
Yellow Flags â Proceed with Caution
- No lab requirements: While some people can safely start without labs, good practice generally includes at least baseline bloodwork. Providers who never require labs for anyone might be cutting corners.
- One-size-fits-all approach: Everyone gets the same medication at the same starting dose with the same schedule? That's not personalized medicine.
- Hard to reach for questions: If there's no clear way to contact someone when you have concerns, you may feel stranded when issues arise.
- Pushy about committing immediately: "Sign up today or lose this price!" Legitimate medical services don't use high-pressure sales tactics.
After Your Consultation
Your consultation is complete and you have a prescription. Now what?
Understand Your Instructions
Before you leave (or log off), make sure you're clear on:
- When and how to take your first dose
- Where to get your medication (pharmacy vs. shipped to you)
- How to store it properly
- Who to contact with questions
- When your follow-up appointment is
Set Up for Success
Before your medication arrives, consider:
- Making space in your refrigerator (most GLP-1 pens need refrigeration)
- Choosing a consistent day and time for your weekly injection
- Stocking up on foods that are gentle on the stomach (in case of nausea)
- Telling a trusted person that you're starting this medication
Document Your Starting Point
Take a moment to record:
- Your starting weight
- Current measurements if desired
- How you're feeling physically and emotionally
- A photo if you want visual documentation (for yourself, not required)
This baseline helps you track progress and gives your provider useful information at follow-ups.
Looking for a Provider?
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Compare Trusted ProvidersWhat If You're Denied or Told to Wait?
Not everyone is approved for GLP-1 medication at their first consultation, and that's not necessarily a bad thing.
Reasons You Might Be Asked to Wait
- Medical contraindications: Certain conditions make GLP-1 medications unsafe
- Need for more information: Labs, records from other providers, etc.
- Better alternatives: Another medication or approach might be more appropriate first
- Timing concerns: Upcoming surgery, pregnancy planning, etc.
If You Disagree with the Decision
It's okay to seek a second opinion. Different providers have different approaches and comfort levels. However, if multiple providers express the same concern, it's worth taking seriously rather than shopping until you find someone who says yes.
Remember: This Is a Partnership
Your consultation is the beginning of a relationship with a healthcare provider, not a one-time transaction. The best outcomes come from ongoing communication, honest feedback about how the medication is working, and willingness to adjust the approach based on your response.
A good provider is a partner in your health journey. They should listen to you, explain things clearly, and genuinely care about your wellbeingânot just write prescriptions and collect fees.
Walk into your consultation prepared, ask your questions, trust your instincts about the provider, and remember that you deserve quality care. This is your health and your decision.