Managing weight can be challenging. Genetics, hormones, medical conditions, medications, nutrition, sleep, stress, physical activity, and other factors can all influence body weight. For eligible patients, prescription weight-management treatment may provide additional support when healthy lifestyle changes alone have not produced the desired results.
GetMDRx provides convenient access to licensed healthcare providers who evaluate your health history, weight-management goals, current medications, and possible treatment options. When medically appropriate, a provider may prescribe medication as part of a personalized weight-management plan.
Prescription medications are not a substitute for healthy eating and regular physical activity. They are generally most effective when combined with sustainable nutrition, movement, sleep, and behavioral changes.
• Semaglutide
Semaglutide is a GLP-1 medication that may be prescribed to eligible patients as part of a medical weight-management program. It works with pathways involved in appetite, fullness, and food intake. A licensed healthcare provider determines whether semaglutide is appropriate based on your medical history and treatment goals.
• Tirzepatide
Tirzepatide is a medication that acts on GIP and GLP-1 pathways involved in appetite and food intake. It may be considered for eligible adults who need additional support managing overweight or obesity. Treatment requires medical supervision and may not be appropriate for every patient.
• Oral Weight-Management Medications
Some patients may qualify for an oral prescription medication instead of an injectable treatment. Available options work in different ways, such as helping reduce appetite, increasing feelings of fullness, or decreasing the absorption of dietary fat.
The medication selected for you will depend on your health history, current medications, treatment preferences, potential risks, and the provider’s medical judgment.
Prescription weight-management treatment may be considered for adults with obesity or for adults who are overweight and have a related health concern. Healthcare providers commonly use body mass index, or BMI, as one part of the evaluation.
Adults may be considered for treatment when they have:
BMI is only one screening tool. A healthcare provider must also consider your overall health, medications, medical history, previous weight-management efforts, and potential treatment risks.
Genetics and Metabolism
Genetics can influence appetite, body composition, fat storage, metabolism, and how the body responds to changes in nutrition and physical activity. People from the same household may respond differently to the same weight-management plan.
Hormonal and Medical Conditions
Certain hormonal or medical conditions may contribute to weight gain or make weight loss more difficult. These can include thyroid disorders, insulin resistance, polycystic ovary syndrome, sleep disorders, and other health concerns.
Medications
Certain prescription medications may affect appetite, metabolism, fluid retention, or body weight. Do not stop taking a medication without speaking with the healthcare provider who prescribed it.
Sleep and Stress
Insufficient sleep and ongoing stress may affect hunger, eating patterns, energy levels, and the ability to maintain healthy routines. Addressing sleep and stress may be an important part of a long-term weight-management plan.
Overweight and obesity may increase the likelihood of developing certain health problems. The level of risk varies based on weight, body composition, family history, lifestyle, and existing medical conditions.
Weight-related health concerns may include:
Weight management may support improvements in certain health markers, but individual outcomes vary. Regular medical monitoring is important, especially if you have an existing health condition.
Before prescribing treatment, a licensed healthcare provider reviews information about your height, weight, BMI, health conditions, allergies, current medications, previous weight-loss efforts, and treatment goals.
The provider may also ask about your blood pressure, blood sugar, family medical history, pregnancy status, and history of certain gastrointestinal, endocrine, pancreatic, gallbladder, or thyroid conditions.
Additional medical records, laboratory testing, or an in-person evaluation may be required when the provider needs more information to make a safe treatment decision.
Prescription weight-management medications work in different ways. Some treatments may help reduce hunger, increase feelings of fullness, influence appetite-regulating pathways, or reduce the absorption of dietary fat.
GLP-1 and GIP/GLP-1 Treatments
GLP-1 and GIP/GLP-1 medications interact with hormone pathways involved in appetite, fullness, food intake, and digestion. Depending on the medication and treatment plan, doses may be gradually increased to help the patient adjust to treatment.
Oral Prescription Treatments
Oral medications may be considered for patients who prefer a pill or who are not candidates for injectable treatment. Each medication has different directions, warnings, possible interactions, and eligibility requirements.
Common side effects vary by medication and may include nausea, digestive discomfort, constipation, diarrhea, headache, or changes in appetite. More serious reactions are possible. Your provider will review important risks and instructions before prescribing treatment.
Medication is only one part of a comprehensive weight-management program. Long-term success generally requires realistic changes that can be maintained over time.
A personalized plan may include:
Bariatric or metabolic surgery may be considered for certain patients with obesity, especially when other treatment approaches have not been successful or when serious weight-related medical conditions are present.
Surgical options may include procedures that reduce stomach capacity or change how the digestive system processes food. Surgery requires a detailed medical evaluation and includes potential risks, recovery time, nutritional requirements, and long-term follow-up.
A healthcare provider can help determine whether medication, lifestyle treatment, specialist care, or surgical evaluation may be appropriate for your situation.
GetMDRx makes it easier for eligible patients to request medical weight-management treatment without visiting a traditional doctor’s office. Complete your confidential online evaluation from home and have your information reviewed by a licensed healthcare provider.
If treatment is medically appropriate, your provider will recommend a personalized plan and prescribe an available medication based on your health history, needs, preferences, and treatment goals.
Results vary by patient and medication. Prescription weight-management treatments are not appropriate for everyone and should only be used under the supervision of a licensed healthcare provider.
Weight-management medications should not be used during pregnancy. Tell your provider if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, breastfeeding, taking other medications, or have a significant medical history before beginning treatment.
