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30 questions to ask your doctor about a GLP-1
Organized into 6 groups so you can skip what isn't relevant. Each question has a short note on why it matters, so you can keep up if your prescriber goes off-script.
- 01
Am I a candidate?
Confirm the basic eligibility math before you spend time on coverage and side-effect questions.
Is my BMI in the prescribing range for Wegovy or Zepbound (≥30, or ≥27 with a comorbidity)?
Why: BMI is the gatekeeper. Most insurance PA fails here if not documented.
Which of my conditions counts as a qualifying comorbidity?
Why: Hypertension, T2D, dyslipidemia, OSA all qualify — your prescriber will name the one to put on the PA.
Do I have any contraindications (personal/family history of MTC or MEN-2, pancreatitis, severe GI disease)?
Why: Boxed warnings — non-negotiable for prescribing.
Should I start with Wegovy, Zepbound, or oral Wegovy / Foundayo given my situation?
Why: Trade-off between efficacy (Zepbound highest), cost (oral cheapest), and form factor (pill vs injection).
Am I a better candidate for one over the other given my T2D status, sleep apnea, or fertility plans?
Why: Indication-specific PAs are easier to win than weight-management PAs.
- 02
Cost and coverage
Knowing the cost path before you start saves a 3-week delay if your plan denies coverage. Bring your insurance card.
Will you submit a prior authorization on my behalf?
Why: Saves you the back-and-forth with insurance — telehealth providers like Ro handle this in 48 hours.
What documentation does the PA require (A1C, prior weight-loss attempts, BMI history)?
Why: Some plans require 6 months of documented lifestyle intervention. Better to know upfront.
If my plan denies, what is the appeal path?
Why: Plans deny first-pass often; a written appeal with medical-necessity letter wins many.
If I have to go cash-pay, what is the cheapest path you would recommend?
Why: Hims oral Wegovy at $149/mo is the floor for brand-name. Your prescriber may have other ideas.
Do you have a manufacturer savings card I can use for my first month?
Why: NovoCare and Eli Lilly both offer co-pay cards bringing first month to as low as $25.
- 03
Dose, side effects, and the first month
The first 4-8 weeks set the experience. These questions get ahead of the predictable side effects.
What is my starting dose and the titration schedule?
Why: Standard FDA schedule escalates every 4 weeks, but slower titration reduces GI side effects.
What time of week should I inject? (Morning vs evening?)
Why: Most people pick Sunday evening so side effects peak during work-free hours.
Which side effects warrant calling you vs riding out?
Why: Persistent vomiting + severe abdominal pain need urgent attention. Mild nausea is expected.
How do I manage the nausea, constipation, and reflux that typically peak in week 2-3?
Why: Bowel regimen + dietary changes can be set up day 1.
How long should I expect side effects to last before subsiding?
Why: For most people, the worst nausea ends by week 6. Setting expectations helps adherence.
- 04
Food, drink, and lifestyle
GLP-1 effectiveness compounds with lifestyle changes; some drugs/alcohol interact.
How will my hunger and food cravings change?
Why: "Food noise" reduction is the most consistent self-reported effect. Knowing it is coming helps planning.
Should I change my alcohol intake on a GLP-1?
Why: Alcohol tolerance often drops significantly; many people reduce drinking organically.
How much protein should I aim for daily to protect muscle?
Why: Muscle loss is a real concern in weight-loss GLP-1s. Most clinicians recommend ≥1.0-1.2 g/kg/day.
Are there any drugs in my current list that interact with GLP-1s?
Why: Insulin, sulfonylureas, oral contraceptives, warfarin all interact — see our full interaction list.
Should I keep my multivitamin or add supplements during weight loss?
Why: Smaller portion sizes mean some nutrients can fall short.
- 05
Follow-up and expectations
GLP-1s are chronic therapy. Plan the long arc, not just the first month.
How often will we follow up — monthly, quarterly?
Why: Most telehealth providers use monthly check-ins for the first 3 months.
What labs should I expect before starting and at follow-up?
Why: Baseline lipid panel + A1C + comprehensive metabolic panel are standard.
How much weight loss is realistic for me at 3, 6, and 12 months?
Why: Trial averages: Wegovy ~14.9%, Zepbound ~20.9% at 68-72 weeks.
What is the plan when I reach maintenance dose?
Why: Maintenance is usually 2.4 mg Wegovy or 10-15 mg Zepbound weekly.
When would we consider stopping — and what happens to my weight if we do?
Why: Trial data: ~2/3 of weight regained in 12 months after stopping. Plan accordingly.
Could I switch to a different GLP-1 if this one does not work for me?
Why: Cross-titration from semaglutide to tirzepatide (or vice versa) is well-documented.
- 06
Telehealth-specific
If you are seeing a telehealth provider rather than your in-person doctor, these questions clarify the model.
Are you a licensed clinician in my state, and what is your credentialing?
Why: Telehealth requires state-specific licensing. Verify on your state medical board.
How will my prescription be filled — through which pharmacy?
Why: Some telehealth programs use mail-order pharmacies with specific shipping windows.
What happens if I have a serious side effect and need urgent care?
Why: Confirm the after-hours and emergency-coverage path before you start.
Will you communicate with my primary care provider?
Why: Good telehealth providers will send notes to your PCP for continuity of care.
Next step
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Editorially reviewed
Question set drafted from the FDA prescribing information for Wegovy, Zepbound, Ozempic, Mounjaro, and Foundayo, plus the ADA 2024 Standards of Care prescribing sequence. Reviewed by our editorial medical reviewer.