In a world where wellness takes center stage, it’s no surprise that people are constantly seeking new and effective ways to manage their weight. For those with a BMI of 30 or higher, traditional weight loss methods alone aren’t always enough.
One name that’s been making waves in the realm of weight management is semaglutide.
Semaglutide, in recent years, has emerged as a promising solution for those looking to shed those stubborn pounds. This medication is an FDA-approved prescription drug primarily designed to manage type 2 diabetes, but it’s been increasingly prescribed off-label for weight loss. Or, in the case of Wegovy, FDA-approved for weight loss.
Embarking on a semaglutide journey isn’t as simple as picking up a bottle at your local pharmacy. This isn’t an over-the-counter supplement, it’s a prescription medication that requires guidance and monitoring from a healthcare provider.
We’ll walk you through the necessary steps, from the research stage to the initial consultation with your healthcare provider to receiving your semaglutide prescription, following the prescribed plan and monitoring your progress.
Understanding A Semaglutide Prescription for Weight Loss
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has classified semaglutide—and all GLP-1 receptor agonists—as a prescription-only medication. This isn’t just another weight loss supplement you can pick up at the store. This is a powerful medication designed to mimic the naturally occurring GLP hormone.
It actively influences physiological processes that help control blood sugar levels and even help you manage your weight. It helps stimulate the pancreas to release insulin, inhibits the release of glucagon, and slows gastric emptying.
Whether you’re treating diabetes or obtaining a semaglutide prescription for weight loss, it is important that you consult with a healthcare provider and strictly follow the plan they lay out for you.
Finding The Right Healthcare Provider
The first step to obtaining a semaglutide prescription is finding the right healthcare provider. There are several doctors and specialists who are able to accurately assess your health and your weight loss goals and provide a semaglutide prescription for weight loss:
- Primary Care Physicians (PCP). Sometimes referred to as a family physician, your primary care physician provides and coordinates healthcare services. They treat everyday ailments and act as a point of contact for any specialized needs a patient may have.
- Endocrinologists. Endocrinologists are specialists who treat diabetes, obesity, and other hormonal and metabolic disorders. They provide diagnoses and formulate treatment plans for their patients.
- Bariatric Specialists. Sometimes referred to as weight loss specialists, bariatricians specialize in treating obesity and other weight-related health conditions and disorders.
Thanks to the digital transformation of the healthcare industry, virtual care is more accessible than ever. Telehealth platforms like Heally connect you with licensed physicians who specialize in the exact care you need, making it even easier to obtain a semaglutide prescription for weight loss.
Find a semaglutide doctor online through Heally and get your semaglutide prescription online at your convenience.
Steps to Getting a Semaglutide Prescription
Getting a semaglutide prescription is relatively simple. You need to meet the criteria: a BMI of 30 or higher, or a BMI of 27 and at least one weight-related condition. If you meet the criteria and you and your doctor simply need to determine a semaglutide prescription for weight loss is right for you.
Step 1: Research and Self-Education
Semaglutide is an excellent choice for weight management, but it is not the only choice — and it may not be the best choice for you. It’s important that you do your research and understand how semaglutide works, the potential side effects, and the expected results. You will also want to look into the expected cost of a semaglutide prescription.
When you meet with your semaglutide doctor, you’ll want to bring with you a list of questions to ensure that a semaglutide prescription for weight loss is right for you.
Step 2: Schedule a Consultation
Once you’ve chosen a semaglutide doctor or a telehealth platform that can connect you to a semaglutide doctor, it’s time to schedule a consultation. This can be done online or in person at your convenience.
It’s important that you are open and honest with your doctor, so go to the consultation prepared with your medical history, current medications, weight loss goals, and any questions you may have.
Step 3: Discussing Semaglutide with Your Healthcare Provider
In order to determine if a semaglutide prescription is right for you, you’ll need to:
- Be clear about your weight loss goals
- Share your medical history
- Explain previous weight loss attempts
- Ask questions
- Discuss expectations and commitment
- Clarify concerns and fears
- Explore alternatives
- Collaborate and set realistic goals
- Discuss follow-up and monitoring
- Document the discussion
You’ll want to make sure your doctor has a clear picture and that you are addressing any and all concerns you may have. Here are some sample questions you could ask during your consultation:
- Is a semaglutide prescription an appropriate option for my weight loss goals?
- Are there potential interactions with any other medications or supplements I’m currently taking?
- What are the expected outcomes, and how soon can I see results?
- What are the potential side effects, and how can they be managed?
- What kind of monitoring and follow-up will be involved?
Step 4: Follow the Prescribed Plan
If you and your doctor determine that a semaglutide prescription is right for you, then you will work together to come up with a treatment plan.
Typically, you won’t start with the highest dose of semaglutide. Instead, you’ll follow a semaglutide weight loss dosing schedule which begins at 0.25 mg and increases every four weeks until you hit the maximum dose of 2.4 mg.
This dosing schedule and the regular follow-ups with your doctor are there to keep you safe. Semaglutide has side effects—some potentially serious—and this slow escalation can help you and your doctor monitor your reactions.
It is very important that you follow the prescribed plan and do not adjust the dosing or the schedule on your own. If you do encounter any side effects, you should make sure your doctor is aware.
Ready to Lose Weight with a Semaglutide Prescription?
While semaglutide was originally designed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, it has shown incredible promise as a weight management solution. Thanks to virtual care, it is pretty simple to procure a semaglutide prescription online or in person.
Schedule a consultation with a certified semaglutide doctor and start your weight loss journey today.
Remember to do your research, prepare questions, and communicate openly to ensure you are getting the best treatment plan for you. Good luck!
