Deciding to start a GLP-1 medication program is a significant health decision that deserves careful consideration. Whether you are working with your primary care physician, an obesity specialist, or a telehealth provider, these ten questions will help you evaluate the quality of care you are receiving and make a fully informed decision.
1. What Are Your Qualifications in Obesity Medicine?
Not all physicians have training in obesity management. Board certification in obesity medicine, available through the American Board of Obesity Medicine (ABOM), indicates specialized knowledge. Nurse practitioners and physician assistants should be supervised by qualified physicians. Do not hesitate to ask about your provider's specific experience with GLP-1 medications and weight management.
2. What Medical Evaluation Will You Perform Before Prescribing?
A responsible provider will require a comprehensive medical history, current medication review, and baseline lab work before prescribing a GLP-1 medication. At minimum, labs should include a metabolic panel, lipid panel, A1C, and thyroid function tests. If a provider offers to prescribe based solely on your height and weight, consider that a red flag.
3. Which Medication Do You Recommend and Why?
There are now multiple GLP-1 and dual GIP/GLP-1 medications available, including semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy), tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound), liraglutide (Saxenda), and compounded alternatives. Your provider should explain why they are recommending a specific medication based on your medical history, goals, and insurance coverage rather than defaulting to the same drug for every patient.
4. What Is the Total Cost, Including All Fees?
Many programs advertise attractively low monthly fees that do not include the cost of medication, lab work, or required follow-up visits. Ask for a comprehensive breakdown of all costs, including the program fee, medication cost, lab work, shipping, and any cancellation fees. A comprehensive comparison of 29+ providers with transparent pricing is available at GLP-1 Watchdog.
5. Where Is the Medication Sourced?
This question is especially important if you are being prescribed compounded semaglutide or tirzepatide. Ask which pharmacy compounds the medication, whether they are PCAB-accredited, and whether Certificates of Analysis are available. For brand-name medications, confirm the pharmacy is properly licensed and the supply chain is verified.
6. What Monitoring Will You Provide During Treatment?
Responsible GLP-1 prescribing includes regular follow-up appointments to monitor weight loss progress, side effects, and metabolic markers. Ask how frequently you will have check-ins, whether follow-up labs are included, and what happens if you experience adverse effects. Providers who prescribe without follow-up monitoring are not providing adequate care.
7. What Is Your Approach If I Experience Side Effects?
GLP-1 side effects, particularly nausea and gastrointestinal symptoms, are common during dose escalation. A good provider will have a clear protocol for managing side effects, which may include slowing the titration schedule, adjusting dosing, or adding supportive medications. Ask specifically about their side effect management approach.
8. What Lifestyle Support Do You Provide?
Medication alone produces the best results when combined with nutritional guidance, physical activity recommendations, and behavioral modification. Ask whether the program includes access to dietitians, exercise physiologists, or behavioral health professionals. Programs that only provide medication without lifestyle support are shortchanging your long-term success.
9. What Happens When I Want to Stop the Medication?
Weight regain after discontinuing GLP-1 medications is a well-documented phenomenon. Ask your provider about their protocol for medication discontinuation, including tapering schedules and maintenance strategies. A provider who has never discussed this topic may not be planning for your long-term success.
10. Can I See Patient Outcome Data?
The best providers track and can share their patient outcome data, including average weight loss, retention rates, and patient satisfaction scores. While individual results vary, providers who track outcomes demonstrate a commitment to quality care. Be wary of providers who make specific weight loss guarantees, as outcomes depend heavily on individual factors.
Using These Questions
A quality provider will welcome these questions and answer them thoroughly. If a provider seems irritated by your questions, rushes through the answers, or cannot provide clear responses, consider seeking care elsewhere. Your health and safety should always be the top priority. For current FDA safety alerts and provider reviews, check GLP-1 Watchdog's alert tracker.