Questions to Ask Your Doctor About GLP-1 Medication — A Patient's Guide

Walking into a GLP-1 consultation — whether in-person or through a telehealth screen — prepared with the right questions changes the dynamic. You go from passively receiving a prescription to actively participating in your treatment plan. The quality of questions you ask directly shapes the quality of care you receive.

Here are the questions that help you evaluate whether a provider is thorough, whether the medication is right for you, and whether the treatment plan sets you up for long-term success.

Before You Start: Eligibility and Safety

• "Based on my health history, am I a good candidate for GLP-1 therapy?" — This forces your provider to articulate their clinical reasoning, not just confirm eligibility based on BMI alone.
• "Are there any contraindications in my medical history that concern you?" — A good provider should have already checked, but asking confirms they've reviewed your history thoroughly.
• "Do I need any lab work before starting, and if so, what specifically?" — Identifies whether your provider follows evidence-based baseline assessment protocols.
• "Will this medication interact with anything else I'm taking?" — Essential if you're on blood thinners, diabetes medications, thyroid drugs, or psychiatric medications.
• "What's the difference between semaglutide and tirzepatide for my situation?" — If your provider can't articulate why they're recommending one over the other based on your specific profile, that's concerning.

About the Medication: Dosing and Expectations

• "What dose will I start on, and what's the titration schedule?" — Starting at a therapeutic dose without titration is a red flag.
• "What kind of weight loss can I realistically expect?" — Clinical trials show averages of 15–22%, but individual results vary widely. Providers promising specific numbers (e.g., "you'll lose 50 pounds in 3 months") are selling, not prescribing.
• "How long does it typically take to see results?" — Meaningful weight loss usually begins by weeks 8–12. Setting this expectation prevents premature discouragement.
• "Am I getting compounded or brand-name medication, and what's the difference?" — You deserve to know exactly what's being prescribed and why.
• "What happens if I can't tolerate the side effects?" — The answer should involve dose adjustment options, not just "push through it."

About Side Effects: What to Expect and When to Worry

• "What are the most common side effects, and how long do they typically last?" — GI effects (nausea, constipation) are expected during titration and usually resolve within 4–8 weeks.
• "What symptoms should prompt me to contact you immediately?" — Severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, signs of dehydration, or allergic reactions warrant urgent contact.
• "Do you prescribe anything to manage nausea during titration?" — Ondansetron (Zofran) is commonly used. Providers who know this have experience managing GLP-1 patients.

About Your Treatment Plan: Beyond the Prescription

• "How often will we check in after I start?" — Follow-up at 4–6 weeks is standard practice. "We'll check in if you have problems" isn't a follow-up plan.
• "What should my protein intake look like?" — This question tests whether your provider addresses muscle preservation, not just weight loss.
• "What happens when I reach my goal weight?" — Maintenance dosing, dose reduction protocols, and long-term planning should be part of the conversation from the start.
• "What's your approach if the medication stops working or I plateau?" — Good providers have a protocol: investigate causes, adjust dosing, consider alternatives.

About Cost and Logistics

• "What's the total monthly cost, including medication, consultations, and shipping?" — Hidden fees are common. Get the all-in number.
• "Will my dose increases change my cost?" — Some providers charge more at higher doses; others maintain flat pricing.
• "What's your cancellation or pause policy?" — Life happens. Know whether you can pause treatment without penalty.