Certain GLP-1 medications have a
Highlights
- GLP-1 medications mimic glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which is how they can reduce appetite, lower cravings, regulate blood sugar, and promote weight loss.
- GLP-1 injectable medications, such as Ozempic and Wegovy, are only available by prescription.
- Some insurance companies cover GLP-1 agonists, but they often require prior authorization to guarantee the medication is a medical necessity. Without insurance, you can still get these medications if prescribed, but you will have to pay for them out-of-pocket.
- It is possible to get a prescription for GLP-1 online, such as through MEDvidi, but you must first attend a virtual appointment to discuss your health status and medical history.
GLP-1 medications such as Wegovy and Ozempic have emerged as treatment options for those with a long history of weight loss attempts, yet no long-term success in this area. These medications can help people who
Today, telehealth offers a more convenient way to discuss treatment options for obesity, including the possibility of medication if you meet certain eligibility requirements. Read on to learn what these criteria are and what’s involved in this process.
What Are GLP-1 Medications?
GLP-1 receptor agonists function similarly to glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which is a natural hormone produced by your body. This hormone helps to control blood sugar and regulate hunger signals, and its receptors are found in the brain and pancreas. When you take a GLP-1 agonist, it stimulates these receptors in the same way the hormone does and produces the same effects: reduced appetite, lower blood sugar levels, and diminished cravings.
Thus far, three GLP-1 agonists are FDA-approved to treat obesity: Wegovy, Zepbound, and Saxenda. All other GLP-1s with FDA approval, such as Ozempic and Mounjaro, are approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. However, these diabetes drugs may be used off-label for weight loss.
|
Brand name |
Generic name |
Use for weight loss |
|
Wegovy |
Semaglutide injection |
FDA-approved |
|
Ozempic |
Semaglutide injection |
Off-label |
|
Rybelsus |
Semaglutide oral tablets |
Off-label |
|
Zepbound |
Tirzepatide injection |
FDA-approved |
|
Mounjaro |
Tirzepatide injection |
Off-label |
|
Saxenda |
Liraglutide injection |
FDA-approved |
|
Victoza |
Liraglutide injection |
Off-label |
|
Trulicity |
Dulaglutide injection |
Off-label |
How to Get Prescribed GLP-1 for Weight Management
Getting prescribed a GLP-1 medication depends on your health status and whether you meet certain eligibility requirements. To learn if medication is the right option for you, follow these steps:
- Step 1: Create an account on the MEDvidi portal, fill in the basic forms, and provide necessary lab work.
- Step 2: Schedule an online appointment with a healthcare provider by choosing a date and time slot that works best with your schedule.
- Step 3: Attend your online consultation. At this time, a healthcare professional will conduct a detailed assessment of your weight loss attempts, lifestyle, goals, medical history, and preferences regarding weight management.
- Step 4: Following the thorough evaluation, the online medical provider can prescribe a GLP-1 medication if it is deemed necessary and determined to be the best choice for your goals.
- Step 5: Fill your prescription by visiting your local pharmacy.
- Step 6: Follow your doctor’s instructions regarding your prescribed dose and report any serious side effects to your healthcare provider.
Preparing for Your Weight Loss Appointment
Since all GLP-1 agonists require a prescription, the appointment with your healthcare provider is crucial to ensure you are steered toward your optimal treatment path. The following steps can help you prepare for your appointment.
Analyze Your Past Weight Loss Efforts
Begin preparing for your appointment by making a note of your prior weight loss attempts, how long you tried them for, and why they did or did not work.
Reviewing your weight loss attempts with your healthcare provider allows them to determine if medication is necessary or if other interventions can be attempted first. If you have tried many interventions already, sharing this information with your healthcare provider can make it possible to advocate on your behalf to an insurance provider to prove that other attempts have been unsuccessful.
Additionally, GLP-1s, while they aid weight loss, are not a permanent solution—you are not going to be on them for the rest of your life. Because of this, combining them with exercise and healthy eating is crucial to ensure you do not experience weight gain when you come off the weight loss medication. By discussing what exercises and diets you have tried in the past, your healthcare provider can help you find the most suitable healthy lifestyle changes to implement.
Compile Your Health History
Some people may not be a good fit for certain GLP-1s—for example, those with a personal or family history of Medullary Thyroid Cancer (MTC) or those who take other blood-sugar regulating medications—combining the two can result in low blood sugar levels.
As a part of creating your online account with MEDvidi, you will be prompted to share your medical history. Take the time to include all information and bring this up with your doctor so that they can select the most appropriate intervention given your medical status.
Define Your Weight Loss Goal
Having a clear goal in mind makes success more possible. Your healthcare provider will also consider your goals when creating a treatment plan, so having it laid out before your appointment can ensure your treatment is designed in a way that will help you achieve these goals.
What If My Insurance Doesn’t Cover GLP-1s?
If your insurance company denies you coverage, you can still save on the medication.
The first step is to check your local pharmacies to determine who offers the medication at the cheapest price. Don’t forget to check their promotion or coupons—these may help to lower the cost.
Also, those with commercial insurance plans and a Wegovy prescription may be eligible for the Wegovy Savings Offers, which offers up to $225 in savings for a one-month supply of Wegovy, for up to 13 fills.
If the cost remains too high, there are alternative options that you can discuss with your doctor, such as making lifestyle changes. Even if medication is not currently a viable option, whether because of cost or conflicting factors, you can continue your weight loss journey.
In Conclusion
GLP-1 agonists aid weight loss by reducing your appetite, lowering blood sugar, and limiting the number of calories you consume each day. These medications require a prescription, and you can book an online weight loss consultation with a MEDvidi practitioner to discuss your weight loss options, including the possibility of pharmacological support with GLP-1.
FAQ
Who can prescribe GLP-1 medications?
Is there an over-the-counter GLP-1?
Do you need a prescription for GLP-1?
How do you get GLP-1 approved?
Does insurance cover GLP-1 receptor agonists?
Insurance companies may cover weight loss medications, but they are not required to cover them, so this is not always the case. When they offer coverage, it often comes with the stipulation of prior authorization—MEDvidi will help you through this part of the approval process.
