Who can prescribe weight loss medication?

Primary care physicians

Primary care physicians (PCPs) serve as frontline providers for weight management treatment. “In some states, nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs) [may prescribe] weight loss medication [as well],” said Dr. Myra Ahmad, CEO of Mochi Health.

The process for getting weight loss medication through your PCP follows these general steps:

1. Schedule an initial consultation to discuss your weight loss goals.
2. Complete a medical evaluation including body mass index (BMI) measurement and health history review.
3. Discuss treatment options that match your needs.
4. If approved, receive a prescription for appropriate medication (e.g., Ozempic, Wegovy).
5. Attend regular follow-up appointments to track progress and adjust your treatment as needed.

PCPs may face administrative challenges that complicate treatment. “The medication often requires pre-authorization and/or appeals and peer-to-peer conversations with insurance providers,” Dr. Evan Nadler, the founder of Obesity Explained, said. These hurdles, alongside busy schedules, can limit PCPs’ involvement.

Beyond prescribing medication, PCPs can help you create a well-rounded weight management plan. “(Effective treatment) must consider factors [including] nutrition, mental [health] and emotional well-being,” emphasized Ahmad. Many PCPs coordinate with nutritionists and specialists to provide this holistic approach for long-term success.

Pros and cons of working with PCPs

When weighing your options for weight loss medication, consider these advantages and limitations of working with PCPs.

Specialists in weight management

A diverse range of medical specialists offer unique expertise for obesity treatment. “Endocrinologists, bariatricians, obesity specialists and psychiatrists can prescribe weight loss medication,” Ahmad explained. Some OB/GYNs and plastic surgeons now offer it as well.

Certain specialists focus on specific patient needs. Endocrinologists, for example, treat patients with hormone-related conditions. “[They] usually don’t get involved unless Type 2 Diabetes is present in conjunction with obesity, but some will see patients with obesity alone,” Nadler said. Bariatricians specialize in weight management, making them well-suited for complex cases.

You can expect the following by going the specialist route:

• Detailed initial assessment beyond BMI measurements
• Customized treatment plans based on your health profile
• Access to other resources, such as nutritionists and mental health providers
• More experience managing medication side effects and adjusting dosages
• Better familiarity with navigating insurance requirements for coverage

Pros and cons of weight management specialists

Here’s a breakdown of the benefits and drawbacks of working with weight management specialists.

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Specialists often provide more comprehensive care than primary care physicians when it comes to obesity treatment. “Multi-disciplinary weight management clinics are the state-of-the-art option,” Nadler noted. These employ American Board of Obesity Medicine (ABOM) certified physicians and offer extensive support services.

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Online providers

Online platforms also offer weight loss medication through virtual consultations. The rise of these providers has made these treatments more accessible to patients nationwide, especially for those without local specialists. Major telehealth companies like Hims & Hers and Ro now offer weight management programs.

Here’s a rough idea of what the online prescription process looks like:

1. Complete a digital health questionnaire about your medical history.
2. Schedule a virtual consultation with a licensed provider.
3. Discuss your weight management goals and treatment options.
4. If approved, receive a prescription delivered to your door.
5. Show up for virtual follow-up appointments to track your progress.

“Telemedicine for obesity can be as effective as in-person care if [you’re also getting] mental health and lifestyle services remotely,” Nadler explained. However, quality differs between providers, with some offering extensive support while others focus mainly on medication.

Cost considerations often drive patients to telehealth services. “Insurance [may not] cover the price of brand-name prescriptions,” Ahmad said. So, many choose compounded medications, which cost less but come with risks. “[These drugs] often [have] impurities and may not contain [enough] medication since compounding pharmacies aren’t FDA-regulated,” cautioned Nadler.

Pros and cons of online weight loss medication 

At a glance, here are the key pros and cons of getting weight loss medication online:

Qualifications for prescribing weight loss medication

The minimum requirement for prescribing weight loss medication is a medical license with a prescribing authority. In other words, healthcare providers don’t need specialized obesity training or certification to prescribe it. This standard ensures millions of Americans can access weight management medication through various qualified healthcare professionals.

When evaluating potential providers, look for professionals who demonstrate the following:

• Regular work with weight management patients
• Knowledge of the latest FDA-approved medications
• Understanding of medication interactions and side effects
• Ability to create comprehensive treatment plans

“[The best providers] stay on top of the constant changes and updates, from FDA regulations to patient trends,” Ahmad highlighted. They’ll combine medical expertise with individualized plans that address your unique health needs and weight management goals.

Questions to ask

To find the right provider, ask these key questions during your consultation:

• How many patients have you treated with weight loss medication?
• What side effects might I experience, and how will you help me manage them?
• Do you offer support beyond medication (e.g., nutrition counseling, behavioral therapy, sleep apnea assessments)?
• How will you track my progress and adjust treatment if needed?

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