10 Questions Your GLP-1 Doctor Should Ask You
And red flags if they don't.
A GLP-1 prescription isn't a pair of shoes — it's a medication that affects your metabolism, your hormones, and potentially your mental health. The doctor prescribing it should be asking questions. Specific, uncomfortable, medically necessary questions.
If your provider hands you a prescription after a five-question intake form, you haven't received a clinical consultation. You've received a transaction. Here are the ten questions a competent GLP-1 provider should be asking — and why each one matters for your safety.
Compare this list against the questions you were actually asked during your consultation. If more than two or three are missing, consider whether your provider is doing adequate screening.
"Do you have any personal or family history of thyroid cancer?"
Why it matters: All GLP-1 receptor agonists carry a Black Box warning — the FDA's most serious label — regarding medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). This warning comes from rodent studies showing thyroid C-cell tumors. Any personal or family history of MTC, or of the genetic condition Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN2), is an absolute contraindication.
"Have you ever had pancreatitis?"
Why it matters: GLP-1 medications stimulate the pancreas. If you've had pancreatitis — inflammation of the pancreas — these drugs can re-aggravate the condition, potentially leading to life-threatening complications. A history of pancreatitis is a major risk factor that should be discussed in detail, not buried in a checkbox.
"What medications are you currently taking?"
Why it matters: Several common medications interact with GLP-1s in clinically significant ways. Insulin and sulfonylureas (like glipizide) combined with a GLP-1 can cause dangerously low blood sugar. Oral contraceptives may be less effective with tirzepatide because slowed gastric emptying affects absorption. Blood thinners, diabetes medications, and certain antibiotics all need review.
"Are you pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant?"
Why it matters: GLP-1 medications are not safe during pregnancy. Animal studies have shown fetal harm and toxicity. The standard recommendation is a washout period of at least two months after stopping the medication before attempting conception. Breastfeeding patients are also disqualified because it's unknown whether the drug passes into breast milk.
"What have you tried before for weight management?"
Why it matters: Understanding your weight loss history helps the provider assess whether GLP-1 medication is the right next step — or whether other interventions should be tried first. It also provides context for setting realistic expectations. Someone who has tried multiple approaches over years is a different clinical picture than someone looking for a shortcut.
"Do you have a history of gallbladder problems or gallstones?"
Why it matters: GLP-1 medications can alter gallbladder motility, and rapid weight loss in general increases the risk of gallstones. Patients with existing gallbladder issues may face a higher risk of complications. This doesn't automatically disqualify you, but it should be documented and monitored.
"Do you have any history of gastroparesis or severe GI conditions?"
Why it matters: GLP-1 medications work partly by slowing gastric emptying — that's how they reduce appetite. If you already have gastroparesis (delayed stomach emptying) or severe gastrointestinal disease, the medication's mechanism can make these conditions significantly worse. Patients with gastroparesis are generally disqualified from GLP-1 therapy.
"Have you experienced depression, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts?"
Why it matters: Some regulatory bodies, including the European Medicines Agency, have flagged potential associations between anti-obesity medications and mood changes. While the research is not conclusive, screening for mental health history is becoming standard practice. Rapid weight loss itself can also trigger emotional and psychological responses that are important to monitor.
"Do you have Type 1 diabetes?"
Why it matters: GLP-1 medications are used in Type 2 diabetes management, but Type 1 diabetes is a different clinical situation entirely. The risk of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and the complexity of managing concurrent insulin therapy make remote prescribing risky for Type 1 patients. Most telehealth providers appropriately decline to treat Type 1 diabetics with GLP-1s, referring them instead to in-person endocrinology care.
"What's your long-term plan? What happens when you stop?"
Why it matters: GLP-1 medications are not a one-time fix. Clinical data shows that most patients regain a significant portion of lost weight within a year of stopping the medication. A responsible provider should discuss the long-term strategy: Will you stay on the medication indefinitely? Transition to a lower maintenance dose? Develop lifestyle habits during treatment that support weight maintenance after? If your provider has no answer to this question, they're selling you a prescription, not treating a chronic condition.
The Scorecard
Count the questions from this list that your provider actually asked — through their intake form, the consultation, or both. Here's what your count might tell you:
These providers offer genuine medical evaluations — not rubber-stamp prescriptions.
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The Bottom Line
You deserve a provider who asks hard questions — because the hard questions are the ones that keep you safe. A quick prescription might feel convenient, but convenience isn't care. If your provider didn't cover the screenings on this list, it's worth asking yourself whether they're truly evaluating your case or just processing your payment.