How to Talk To Your Doctor About Semaglutide For Weight Loss

If someone is interested in bringing up GLP-1s as a treatment option to their doctor, how should they approach it? What questions should they ask?

The weight loss journey is complex, and medications are often a major part of a successful weight loss program. Semaglutide is one of the most popular GLP-1 medications used for weight loss, given its effectiveness and other health benefits. 

However, deciding to take semaglutide for weight loss should be an informed decision after discussing with your prescribing physician. We’ll dive into the questions you should ask your doctor about taking semaglutide for weight loss before starting your program.

1. What is semaglutide?

If you’re unsure what semaglutide is, this is a great first question to ask your prescribing provider. Understanding what it is and how it functions is key to knowing how it may interact with your body. 

A Quick Look:

Semaglutide, which is known by the brand names of Ozempic® and Wegovy®, is a glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes. Semaglutide demonstrated such significant success with weight loss that it is now approved for the treatment of obesity as well.

2. How does semaglutide help you lose weight? 

While your provider may dive into this when answering the first question, this is also a great question to follow up with if you’re still confused or would like a bit more explanation. Don’t feel like you’re burdening you provider with questions, it’s important to be as informed as possible!

A Quick Look:

GLP-1 receptor agonists like semaglutide increase the effects of GLP-1, a neuroendocrine hormone produced in your gut in response to food intake. GLP-1 triggers insulin release to lower blood glucose and blocks the release of glucagon, another hormone that acts to increase blood sugar. 

GLP-1 slows gastric emptying, increases fullness, lowers appetite, and leads to overall decreased calorie intake. GLP-1 receptor agonists bind to GLP-1 receptors and increase the activity of GLP-1. This results in lowered blood glucose levels and weight loss.

3. How do I take semaglutide?

Gaining insight into the dosing frequency and how the medication is administered is important. For example, some GLP-1 medications require daily doses. If you have a very busy schedule, that might be difficult to adhere to. Also, maybe the idea of poking yourself with a needle weekly gives you the heebie-jeebies — your provider can offer alternatives. 

A Quick Look:

Semaglutide is self-administered as a convenient once-weekly injection. It is most commonly given in the abdomen, thighs, or upper arms, and the medication must be refrigerated between uses. 

Be sure to ask your doctor how to inject the medication safely and effectively. While this may seem intimidating at first, the instructions are generally straightforward, and the pain is minimal. You can master the technique in no time, or you can always ask a family member for help if you prefer.

4. How effective is semaglutide for weight loss? 

This is a great question to ask your doctor! Knowing how effective semaglutide is for weight loss is an important bit of information to know. However, do keep in mind it can vary from person to person. This is something your provider will likely point out to you.

A Quick Look:

Many clinical trials have shown that semaglutide delivers impressive weight loss results. The STEP trial compared the use of semaglutide 2.4 mg weekly to placebo over two years, and semaglutide demonstrated a 15.2% weight loss, as compared to 2.6% with no medication. 

One important question for your doctor about the effectiveness of semaglutide is how your weight will be monitored while you take it. It is important to closely track your weight loss success to ensure you are getting the maximum benefit from semaglutide and to make any necessary treatment adjustments for the best safety and maximal effectiveness.

5. What are the potential side effects of semaglutide?

Probably one of the more crucial questions to ask and on the top of the list for many looking into semaglutide for weight loss. As with most medications, there are side effects associated with taking semaglutide and other GLP-1s for weight loss. Discussing what those are with your provider can minimize any fears you have surrounding them.

A Quick Look:

Semaglutide can cause side effects, and the most common ones are gastrointestinal upset (usually nausea and vomiting), cholelithiasis (gallstones), and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Making changes to your diet, increasing your dose gradually, and potentially adjusting other medications you take will likely help reduce these side effects.

More serious side effects, such as pancreatitis and thyroid cancers, can also occur, but these are rare. Before you start semaglutide, your doctor should take a thorough personal and family health history to identify any reasons that semaglutide would be contraindicated, like a personal history of pancreatitis or a family history of a rare thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma. 

6. What are the benefits of semaglutide beyond weight loss?

There are other documented benefits to semaglutide than just weight loss. Your provider will know what those are and can discuss those with you if that’s something you’re interested in knowing more about.

A Quick Look:

Semaglutide provides additional benefits beyond weight loss. Taking semaglutide reduces your risk of cardiovascular disease, helps control your blood sugar, improves insulin sensitivity, reduces your risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and may lower your risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Talk to your doctor about whether you have, or are at risk for, any of these conditions to discuss if taking semaglutide may provide you additional benefits beyond weight loss.

7. Can I stop semaglutide after I lose weight?

There’s a lot of discussion around this question right now and your provider is a great resource to discuss this with. Since they have more insight into your unique health history, they’ll be able to suggest the best maintenance program. 

A Quick Look: 

After losing weight with semaglutide, weight regain is common if you stop the medication. Studies show some people regain at least two-thirds of the weight they lost after they stop semaglutide. Evidence suggests that continuing to take semaglutide after you reach your weight loss goal can help with long-term weight maintenance. 

Studies have also looked at the safety and effectiveness of taking semaglutide long-term. Based on the available evidence, taking semaglutide indefinitely appears to be safe, and it also offers long-term weight, metabolic and cardiovascular benefits. However, long-term treatment with semaglutide is something to discuss with your doctor to make a joint, patient-centered decision after weighing any potential risks and benefits.

8. What is the cost and is it covered under my insurance?

For many medications and treatments, cost can be a barrier for those seeking weight loss support. Don’t be afraid to ask your doctor about cost and payment options. 

A Quick Look:

Getting your semaglutide covered by insurance can be dependent on several factors such as insurance plan, FDA approval for weight loss use, medical necessity, prior authorization, and coverage policies. 

If your insurance doesn’t cover your semaglutide medication, compounded semaglutide is a more affordable out-of-pocket option. 

Compounds are the generic versions of branded GLP-1s like Ozempic and Wegovy. They are prepared in an FDA regulated compounding pharmacy and contain the same Glucagon-like peptide hormones combined with body-safe vitamins like B6. Since they contain the same active ingredients, compound GLP-1s offer the same weight loss results as branded GLP-1s but at a fraction of the cost.

Are you ready to learn more about semaglutide for weight loss?

If you are ready to learn more about taking semaglutide for weight loss, you can start by talking with one of Agile’s telehealth physicians. See if you qualify for semaglutide treatment and get a personalized health plan here!

Disclaimer: The content provided in our blogs is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Readers should consult their primary care physician for guidance on treatment options and personalized medical advice.