How to ask your doctor for weight loss medication
Come prepared, be honest and listen carefully
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The conversation about weight loss medications can be challenging. You might feel nervous bringing up the topic or feel embarrassed or defensive when talking about your weight. To make this easier, it helps to understand your motivations for weight loss, the benefits and risks of different medications and how to effectively communicate your needs to a health care provider (HCP).
Mention any weight-related health issues you have, such as Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep apnea or joint pain.
Jump to insightClearly communicate your struggles with weight management and how it has affected your health and quality of life.
Jump to insightAddressing and treating mental health conditions like anxiety or depression can also help since these can play a role in your weight and habits.
Jump to insightUnderstanding your health needs
Before seeing your HCP, think about why you want to take weight loss medications. For some people, the extra weight can make it difficult to live the life they want, or they may be managing health conditions linked to obesity.
If a higher body weight is affecting your ability to get around, or you have joint pain from arthritis, it can impair your quality of life, and that should also be considered, according to Dr. Richa Mittal, an obesity medicine doctor and owner of Radiant Health Weight Loss and Wellness in Frisco, Texas.
No matter the reasons, weight loss medications aren't always the right solution, according to Dr. Mert Erogul, director of metabolic health in the Division of Bariatric Surgery at Maimonides Medical Hospital in New York. GLP-1 medications like tirzepatide (brand names Ozempic, Zepbound) or semaglutide (brand names Mounjaro, Wegovy) can also be very expensive.
Are weight loss medications right for me?
Weight loss medications are typically prescribed for people who:
- Are considered obese, meaning a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more
- Have a BMI of 27 or more plus a health condition related to being overweight, such as prediabetes, Type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure
Beyond BMI
BMI doesn’t tell the whole story about excess weight and related health conditions. “Going beyond BMI allows us to capture higher risk populations,” Dr. Mittal said. It’s not just about weight; where fat is stored matters, too. Research shows having more central fat stored in the abdominal area is riskier than peripheral fat, which is stored in the hips, thighs and buttocks.
A body composition analysis — such as a bioimpedance scale or DEXA (dual x-ray absorptiometry) scan — can be a more accurate way to measure body fat than BMI. Waist circumference and waist-hip ratio are other ways to measure body fat, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). These measurements can also be more useful in predicting your risk of heart disease and Type 2 diabetes. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says waist measurements over 35 inches for women and 40 inches for men are associated with higher health risks.
Communicating with your doctor
It’s normal to feel uncomfortable about talking with your HCP about weight loss medications. Dr. Erogul recommended coming to your provider with your goals and what you want for weight loss, but then be open to hearing your provider’s perspective.
While you might have a number in mind for your goal weight, your provider may be more focused on improving body composition (building muscle and reducing fat). Or they may be more motivated by resolving high blood pressure, diabetes or arthritis rather than a specific number on the scale.
Tips to prepare for your appointment
- Know your medical and family history.
- Bring a list of all medications and supplements you take.
- Be ready to discuss past weight loss attempts and diet plans.
- Check your insurance coverage for anti-obesity medications or services.
Questions to ask
Dr. Mittal recommended asking your provider about lifestyle counseling. Even with medication, healthy nutrition habits, physical activity, and stress management are important. Discussing other treatments like weight loss surgery or dietary changes should also be part of the conversation. Here are some more questions to consider asking during the appointment:
- How much weight do I need to lose?
- Are any of my current medications affecting my weight?
- How long can I expect to be on weight loss medication?
- What lifestyle changes would be most helpful while taking medication?
- What are your recommendations for a weight loss specialist or program?
- Do I need a referral to a dietitian?
How long should you be on weight loss medication?
Dr. Erogul described weight loss medication as a “lifetime commitment” and is an aspect of treatment you should discuss with your HCP.
“When you take these medications, you lose fat, which is good, but you also lose muscle,” Erogul explained. “And when you stop taking the weight loss medication, you can regain the fat you lost, unless you’re committed to regular strength training.”
The problem is, according to Mittal and Erogul, that most people regain weight after stopping weight loss medications. For example, 2025 research shows that after stopping the GLP-1 medication semaglutide, people gained back an average of about 21 pounds within a year. Lifestyle changes alone didn’t prevent this weight gain, which highlights the need for long-term use of these medications.
“For any patient, if they are able to make sustainable lifestyle modifications, it can be possible to slowly wean medication off and observe for weight regain,” Mittal said.
Pros and cons of weight loss medications
The main benefit of weight-loss medications is, of course, weight loss. You can expect to lose between 3% and 12% of your body weight over the span of a year (more than with lifestyle changes alone). Still, even just a 5% weight loss can give you other health benefits, such as:
- Lower blood sugar
- Lower blood pressure
- Lower triglyceride levels
- Improved joint pain
- Improved fatty liver disease
- Reduced sleep apnea symptoms
Side effects of weight loss medication
Gastrointestinal side effects, such as nausea and vomiting, are typical for both weight loss pills and injectable GLP-1 medications, according to Dr. Erogul. GLP-1 medications may raise the risk of pancreatitis, or inflammation of the pancreas. It doesn’t happen often, but it’s more common if you’re taking this class of medication. Gallstones are another side effect that can happen with weight loss in general but seem to happen more to people taking GLP-1s.
Bottom line: How to ask your doctor about weight loss medication
Talking with your doctor about weight loss medication can feel uncomfortable, especially if you’ve struggled with your weight for a long time. You might feel nervous, embarrassed or unsure of what to expect. Understanding your reasons for wanting to lose weight, what medications are available and how to clearly communicate with your provider will make the conversation easier and more productive.
Make sure you understand the potential side effects of each medication and have a plan for managing them. Talk with your provider about whether medication, surgery or lifestyle changes are the right path forward.
FAQ
Is it safe to take weight loss medications?
Yes, weight loss pills can be safe to take under a doctor's supervision. You should never take a weight loss prescription without talking with your provider and never use someone else’s medication.
Are weight loss medications worth it?
Yes, weight loss medications can be worth it, depending on their cost, accessibility and effectiveness. When considering if you should take weight loss medication, talk with your primary care provider or an obesity medicine provider who can walk you through your options.
» MORE: How do weight loss pills work?
Why should I consult a doctor before taking weight loss medications?
Your doctor has expertise in choosing the medication and dosage that’s right for you. They can also help monitor for side effects and any concerns that arise.
What are the side effects of weight loss medications?
The most common side effects for both weight loss pills and GLP-1 drugs are gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea and vomiting. Rarely, concerns such as pancreatitis and gallstones can happen.
Article sources
ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from other reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this article include:
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, “Prescription Medications to Treat Overweight & Obesity.” Accessed April 11, 2025.
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. “Body Fat.” Accessed April 11, 2025.
- Journal of Clinical Densitometry, “Relative Importance of Central and Peripheral Adiposities on Cardiometabolic Variables in Females.” Accessed April 11, 2025.
- World Health Organization, “Waist Circumference and Waist-Hip Ratio: Report of a WHO Expert Consultation.” Accessed April 11, 2025.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Healthy Weight.” Accessed April 11, 2025.
- Current Obesity Reports, “Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Obesity Treatment.” Accessed April 11, 2025.
- JAMA, “Risk of Gastrointestinal Adverse Events Associated With Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists for Weight Loss.” Accessed April 11, 2025.
- JAMA, “Association of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonist Use With Risk of Gallbladder and Biliary Diseases.” Accessed April 11, 2025.
- Obesity Reviews, “Discontinuing glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and body habitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis.” Accessed April 11, 2025.